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A New HUSAR in the Sky: Rheinmetall Wins Bundeswehr Order to Supply LUNA NG Air-Supported Reconnaissance System

October 3rd, 2023

The German Bundeswehr has contracted with Rheinmetall to supply the new LUNA NG air-supported reconnaissance drone. The amendment contract signed on 28 September 2023 by the President of Germany’s Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support, or BAAINBw, Annette Lehnigk-Emden, serves to continue the project with the new contractor Rheinmetall following the insolvency of the original system manufacturer. The amendment contract concretises the measures resulting from the takeover of the procurement contract by Rheinmetall. The takeover contract was already concluded in 2022.

The LUNA NG, a German acronym standing for “Air-supported Unmanned Short-range Reconnaissance Equipment, Next Generation”, will be known in the German armed forces as HUSAR. In all, twelve production systems have been ordered as well as a pilot system. The order is worth around €200 million (without value added tax). The first production system is due to be delivered in the second quarter of 2025. Also included in the order are a spare parts package and training support.

The HUSAR – as the name suggests – will be assigned to the German Army’s reconnaissance branch and also to the artillery. Another German acronym, HUSAR stands for “High-Efficiency Unmanned System for Medium-Range Reconnaissance”. Each system consists of five reconnaissance drones, two ground control systems, two launcher vehicles, two antenna masts, a repair shop and three transport platforms.

Experience gained in the war in Ukraine shows the decisive importance of real-time reconnaissance results at operational level. The LUNA NG was developed precisely for this purpose. It is one of the world’s newest systems for unmanned air-supported reconnaissance, classification and recognition of objects in real time.

Along with its outstanding performance parameters and type certification by Germany’s Federal Aviation Office, the LUNA NG is unique in its weight class, with a maximum take-off weight of 110 kilograms. Thanks to its aerodynamic, ultralight, high-stability design, the LUNA NG can remain aloft for over 12 hours.

Now official, the new order marks another important milestone for the UAV as well for Rheinmetall’s digitalization strategy. LUNA NG is a state-of-the-art sensor component for network-enabled operations which significantly enhances the effectiveness of the sensor-to-shooter chain. At the same time, the LUNA NG offers a basis for future development of the Rheinmetall product portfolio, including a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability and new tactical possibilities thanks to a payload capacity of over 30 kilograms.

Posted in International, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on A New HUSAR in the Sky: Rheinmetall Wins Bundeswehr Order to Supply LUNA NG Air-Supported Reconnaissance System

Continuing to Support the Warfighter: Juggernaut.Case Introduces Four New Models to Expand OPRTR Product Line

October 3rd, 2023

Scottsdale, AZ, 14 August 2023 – Juggernaut.Case, a leading innovator in rugged protection, mounting, and cable solutions for military and first responder smartphone devices, proudly announces the pending release of four new models to complete its OPRTR line of products, reaffirming its mission to supporting the warfighter. With a focus on combat-proven gear for smartdevices, Juggernaut.Case introduces a full suite of rugged smartphone cases to meet the unique needs of tactical field communications.

The most recent innovation in enhanced EUD (end user device) protection and functionality launched with the Samsung Galaxy S22 OPRTR, marking a design upgrade from the legacy SLEEV case that was fielded by tactical units worldwide. Building on the increased demand for EUDs on the battlefield, especially the Samsung Tactical Edition models, Juggernaut.Case is excited to unveil the much- anticipated additions to the lineup: the Galaxy S22 Ultra, S23, XCover6 Pro, and the reintroduction of the S20 model.

Key Features and Benefits:

• Support for Tactical Edition (TE) Smartdevices: Juggernaut.Case extends its support to all Samsung TE devices, ensuring ongoing support for the models most commonly fielded by the warfighter.

• Complete Ecosystem of Secure Mounts: The new models seamlessly integrate with Juggernaut.Case’s comprehensive ecosystem of secure mounts, providing versatile on-body or vehicle mounting solutions for various operational scenarios.

• Connectivity to Tactical Peripherals: The Juggernaut.Case MIL-SPEC sealed cables facilitate connectivity to tactical hubs and radios, enhancing full communication systems integration and expanding operational potential.

• Future-Ready VELOX Compatibility: Juggernaut.Case OPRTR cases are engineered with future compatibility in mind, aligning with the upcoming VELOX ecosystem for sustained readiness.

The integration of smartphones and tablets into Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) systems continues to evolve for U.S. and Global Coalition Forces. The new models are poised to support this evolution by protecting, mounting, and connecting smartdevices, ensuring they withstand the rigors of mission-critical tasks.

Target Release Dates:

• Galaxy S22 Ultra: Late August 2023

• Galaxy S20 & S23: Late September 2023

• XCover6 Pro: Mid November 2023

Juggernaut.Case is now accepting bulk pre-orders for the U.S. government’s end of fiscal year 2023. This strategic timing ensures that military and first responder personnel can equip themselves with the latest cutting-edge technology for upcoming missions.

“We remain steadfast in our mission to support the warfighter with the most advanced and reliable solutions,” said Chris Stalzer, Co-Founder & Subject Matter Expert at Juggernaut.Case. “These new additions to our OPRTR line represent a significant step forward to enhance device functionality, durability, and overall performance.”

For inquiries, please contact:

Jennifer Ortiz, Head of Sales & Marketing, ortiz@juggdef.com, 480.248.7103

www.juggernautcase.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/juggernautcase

Facebook: www.facebook.com/JuggCase

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/juggernaut.case

Posted in Advertiser, Comms, Press Release | 2 Comments »

NDIA Future Forces Conference 23 Poster #7 – The 510 Grizzly No 2 Cartridge

October 3rd, 2023

This seventh poster was presented during last week’s NDIA Future Forces Conference.

Contact info is at the bottom of the poster for thise interested in more info on this capability.

Posted in Ammo, NDIA, weapons | 3 Comments »

FibroTex to Launch Snow-Alpine Camouflage System at AUSA

October 3rd, 2023

Winter is coming? Winter is already here, and so are we!(AUSA 2023, Fibrotex’ booth #245).

Fibrotex’ new Snow-Alpine (“winter-winter net”) and Woodland-Alpine (“summer-winter net”) has overcome the long-lasting challenge by defeating both UV and SWIR sensors in the Snow environment at the same time and providing, alongside our other combinations, two (2) different battlefields in one (1) single layered system. These new systems join our family of camouflage environments to create a full and complete “global” spectrum suite of solutions (wood/wood, wood/urban, wood/desert and desert/urban).

While the global warming affects every aspect of our lives with uncontrolled, unexpected, and certainly unwelcome weather, we must understand that as challenging as this could be for civilians, it makes it even harder and certainly more dangerous for our warfighters out there. As extreme as this summer was (or still is in some parts of the world), we should anticipate the same or worse for this coming winter and prepare for it already today.

FibroTex capabilities, through the ULCANS program (the US Army & Marine Corps Program of Record) provide the full suite of solutions: Visual and Nir-IR through Shortwave-IR, Thermal (both middle and long wave) and RADAR imbedded in ONE, single layered, Reversible (double-sided), Multispectral system. The Program includes a variety of applications from the individual level and all the way up to combatant vehicles, CPs, and anything else that would need to be or stay undetected.

With the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and in other highly volatile regions in the world, signature management was deemed a vital part of today’s battlefield. With those lessons learned It is now a known fact that we need to make sure all our assets wherever vehicles, command posts or even individuals, Static and mobile, are given the ability to be concealed & protected against detecting sensors as such. Fibrotex’ ULCANS POR grants access to those readily available (all with NSN), tested & approved solutions.

As we move into winter warfighting and with a greater temperature difference between the human body/operating platforms and the surrounding temperature than in the summer wherever in Ukraine, Alaska or any other snow environment, this ability to conceal assets in Snow, Alpine and Arctic (SAA) environments is both harder due to the extreme temperature difference between the asset (individual or platform) and the surrounding environment and includes another sensor that the world has long forgotten about – Ultraviolet sensors (UV). Since providing all of the aforementioned sensors into one solution is already ‘not easy’ (apologies for our Engineering and R&DT teams for the use of this light term), adding the UV capability is not only very tricky but was also impossible to date. Not for nothing, the last Snow system was developed in 1972…. Needless to say, every sensor has improved since. Combining high UV reflectance, white colors in the Visual, high Reflectance in the Near-IR BUT low reflectance in the Shortwave-IR (SWIR) and still providing RADAR concealment (with the ability to keep communications on… as with our current systems already in service), the future of winter warfighting is now Finally here!

Come visit our stand at AUSA and see our new ‘winter collection’, our new Thermal Uniforms (yes…more to follow) and our full-spectrum Mobile solutions. Join us in our stand, Fibrotex stand #245 for happy hour on Tuesday, Oct 10th at 3pm.

Posted in AUSA, Camo, Press Release | 4 Comments »

30th Anniversary of the Battle of Mogadishu

October 3rd, 2023

Today marks the 30th anniversary of 1993’s Battle of Mogadishu, a watershed event in the history of special operations.

The battle pitted elements of a joint SOF element named “Task Force Ranger” against the Aideed militia, with many in the city of Mogadishu joining in the battle.

Members of the unit had conducted an operation on that city’s Olympic Hotel in order to capture key leaders of the Aidid Militia. Unfortunately, during the exfil portion of the raid, a battle ensued which claimed the lives of 18 Americans and wounded another 73. Additionally, CW3 Michael Durant was captured by the militia. Fortunately, Durant was later repatriated and went on to retire from the 160th.

Of the men killed that day, two would be awarded the Medal of Honor, Delta Operators Gary Gordon and Randy Shughart for their selfless efforts to protect Durant after his aircraft, callsign Super 64 was shot down.

For those of you unfamiliar, one of the best accounts of the battle is contained in the book, “Blackhawk Down” by author Mark Bowden. Much of the information was serialized prior to the book’s publication in the Philadelphia Enquirer. Later this was made into a movie bearing the same name.

For an insider account, watch SOF Veteran MSG Paul Howe (USA, Ret) discuss “The Battle Of The Black Sea” on Makeready.TV.

Please take a moment to remember these men and their sacrifice.

Posted in History, SOF | 2 Comments »

Emerging Technologies Integrated Test Force Takes Delivery of First eVTOL aircraft

October 3rd, 2023

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) —

Joby Aviation, Inc. officially delivered its first experimental electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft to the Air Force during a ceremony held at Edwards Air Force Base, Sept. 25. The ceremony showcased the unique multi-party collaboration between private industry, AFWERX, the 412th Test Wing and NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center.

The Emerging Technologies Integrated Test Force, part of the recently structured Airpower Foundations Combined Test Force, is the lead element tasked with testing and evaluating the technology for future national defense applications. The ET-ITF will work alongside a team from Joby Aviation as part of a unique collaboration between private industry and the Air Force.

“This partnership between AFWERX, Agility Prime and the ITF is a new, direct, agile path to progress technology through the Acquisition Valley of Death,” said Maj. Phillip Woodhull, ET-ITF director.

The test campaign is part of a larger program known as Agility Prime, an AFWERX led initiative that seeks to harness commercial offerings with military applications through investment in emerging technologies such as transformative vertical lift, distributed electric propulsion, electric, hybrid-electric, hydrogen, and other novel power generation sources, increased autonomy, advanced manufacturing, and agile combat employment support.

The Agility Prime Program was stood up because we believe that there is a future with vehicles like the one you see behind me here. There’s a transformative vertical lift industry that’s emerging and we need to be partners in it.

-Col. Elliott Leigh, AFWERX director

Edwards AFB presents an ideal location to conduct developmental flight testing of experimental aircraft due to an abundance of space and consistent ideal weather conditions. The ET ITF will utilize the 412th Test Wing’s world-renowned risk management process to ensure both manned and remotely piloted operations of the eVTOL aircraft are conducted safely.

Ahead of the first delivery, ET-ITF test pilots spent time with the eVTOL aircraft and systems at Joby’s Marina, California facility. This has allowed for a swift transition into developmental flight test operations at Edwards AFB. Test sorties are anticipated to begin eminently.

“As we forge forward and embrace the future of advanced air mobility, our legacy is a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration,” said Col. Douglas Wickert, 412th Test Wing commander. “Through the work of this test team, the electric dreams of today are going to become the aviation realities of tomorrow.”

By Harlan Huntington

412th Test Wing Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Press Release | Comments Off on Emerging Technologies Integrated Test Force Takes Delivery of First eVTOL aircraft

German Federal Cartel Office Gives Go-Ahead to Joint Venture between Rheinmetall and Ukrainian Defence Industry

October 2nd, 2023

Launched in May 2023, strategic cooperation between Rheinmetall and Ukraine’s state-owned Ukrainian Defence Industry group (UDI), the former Ukroboronprom, has taken another step forward. On 28 September Germany’s Federal Cartel Office, Bundeskartellamt, cleared the way for establishing a joint venture between Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH and UDI in Kyiv. Authorization from other relevant agencies has already been applied for and is expected to come shortly.

“The joint venture is to be based in Kyiv and engage in service and maintenance as well as the assembly, production and development of military vehicles,” the German Federal Cartel Office said in its press release of 28 September 2023. “It will initially operate exclusively in Ukraine. There will be no competitive overlaps in Germany, nor are there any indications of competition concerns. The Bundeskartellamt cleared the transaction within one month.”

Cooperation between Rheinmetall and the Ukrainian defence industry is designed to strengthen Ukraine’s defence sector and ultimately the country’s national security by gradually building joint capabilities in defence technology in Ukraine.

Under the agreement, Ukraine will benefit from comprehensive technology transfers; from the creation of defence technology capabilities at home; from additional local value added; and from the prompt delivery of military equipment from Germany.

As a first step, cooperation will focus on the maintenance and repair of vehicles transferred to Ukraine under the German government’s multilateral “Ringtausch” equipment exchange programme as well as those directly supplied to Ukraine by Germany.

In later phases, based on a comprehensive transfer of technology, the cooperation partners intend to jointly produce selected Rheinmetall products in Ukraine. Looking ahead, cooperation between Rheinmetall and UDI could also involve the joint development of military systems by teams of Ukrainian and German specialists, including for subsequent export by Ukraine.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on German Federal Cartel Office Gives Go-Ahead to Joint Venture between Rheinmetall and Ukrainian Defence Industry

Introducing the Next-Gen Girsan High Power MCP35 PI Light-Weight (LW)

October 2nd, 2023

Cocoa, FL- EAA Corp and Girsan Firearms are excited to unveil the latest innovation in the world of firearms – the EAA/Girsan High Power™ MCP35 PI LW. This cutting-edge pistol redefines the standards of concealed carry firearms with its exceptional lightweight design and versatility, all while retaining a traditional lightweight metal frame and single-action trigger.

But that’s not all – with the help of our partners, you can experience the MCP35 PI LW for yourself through our exclusive dealer range event. This groundbreaking pistol features an alloy metal frame, making it up to 1/2lb lighter than the traditional steel frame Girsan High Power™. This enhancement not only ensures superior comfort but also facilitates effortless carrying for extended periods, a feature showcased during test firing sessions at participating ranges. Don’t miss out on the chance to test fire and truly appreciate the MCP35 PI LW’s performance at a range near you. To find a list of participating ranges, please visit our website at eaacorp.com/dealer-range-list.

Key Features of the EAA/Girsan High Power™ MCP35 PI LW include:

1. Multiple Configurations: The MCP35 PI LW is available in four distinctive variants, ensuring that every shooter can find the perfect fit for their needs. Choose from a Two-Tone Tungsten or all Black finish, with or without a rail (OPS or MATCH), to suit your preferences.

2. Optic Ready: All variants of the MCP35 PI LW come optic-ready, accommodating RMS and RMSc footprint optics, providing enhanced accuracy and target acquisition for shooters of all skill levels.

4. 9mm Chambering: Chambered in the widely popular 9mm caliber, the MCP35 PI LW combines manageable recoil with a substantial 15+1 rounds capacity magazine, making it an ideal choice for self-defense and target shooting.

5. Perfect for Concealed Carry: With a compact 3.88″ barrel and an overall lighter weight of 1.34 lbs., the MCP35 PI LW model is optimized for concealed carry, ensuring both comfort and discretion for everyday carry.

6. Additional Features: The MCP35 PI LW (OPS or MATCH) continues to offer shooters a generous number of features to include: G10 grips, ambidextrous safeties, an extended beavertail, straight trigger, fiber optic front sight and no magazine disconnect.

Girsan High Power™ 3.88” 9mm Black OPS | SKU: 390434 | SRP: $749

Girsan High Power™ 3.88” 9mm Two-Tone OPS | SKU: 390436 | SRP: $772

Girsan High Power™ 3.88” 9mm Black MATCH | SKU: 390430 | SRP: $749

Girsan High Power™ 3.88” 9mm Two-Tone MATCH | SKU: 390432 | SRP: $772

“EAA Corp and Girsan have come together to create a pistol that offers unmatched performance, versatility, and comfort for concealed carry,” said Chase Duffey, National Sales and Imports Manager at EAA Corp. “The MCP35 PI LW is a game-changer, and we are excited to introduce it to firearms enthusiasts who demand the best. I think if John Browning was around today he would give us a Thumbs Up for the MCP35 PI LW”

For more information about the EAA/Girsan High Power™ MCP35 PI LW and to stay updated on all of EAA’s current products, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, or visit our website at eaacorp.com.

Posted in Firearms, Press Release | 1 Comment »