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Aitech’s NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin-based Supercomputer Increases Rugged AI Processing in Military Applications

October 2nd, 2024

New AI SFF system provides up to 50% more bandwidth, 6x AI performance increase and 2x CPU performance improvement over previous GPGPU-based systems

Technology Highlights:
NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin SoM increases performance across all metrics: AI, GPU, CPU, memory
SWaP-optimized, powerful processing for autonomous, surveillance, and advanced weapons systems
Multiple connector options for design flexibility in naval, ground, avionics, and mobile applications
Chatsworth, Calif. September 2024 – Aitech now offers a rugged AI supercomputer that uses the most powerful NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin System-on-Module (SoM) currently available for high-performance military systems. With its compact size, the A230 Vortex is the most advanced embedded computer for AI, deep learning, and video and signal processing in distributed systems that need to reliably operate in remote, harsh conditions.

Optimizing the full performance of the Ampere GPU, the new rugged HPEC system provides up to 2048 CUDA cores and 64 Tensor cores that reach up to 275 TOPS at a remarkable level of energy efficiency. The system also features two scalable, highly configurable, dedicated NVDLA (NVIDIA Deep-Learning Accelerator) engines that simplify integration and portability as well as promote a standard way to design deep learning inference accelerators.

Dan Mor, director, products and solutions at Aitech, commented, “Military systems keep integrating more information inputs at the edge, meaning remote systems need high-powered processing to manage this data and provide actionable intelligence. The A230 sets a new standard for advanced, rugged AI that enables deep learning as well as video and signal processing in next generation autonomous vehicles, surveillance systems, and advanced weapons systems.”

In addition to providing AI-based local processing right where it is needed, the A230 features high-speed interfaces and a variety of data and video I/O to enable easy adaptation to specific system requirements. This includes four SDI (SD/HD) and eight composites (RS-170 [NTSC]/PAL) that are simultaneously available as well as Gigabit Ethernet, discrete, USB, DVI/HDMI out, and UART Serial ports. Optional NVMe SSD and a microSD card slot helps extend memory resources for the robust 64 GB of LPDDR5 RAM that comes standard. More interfaces are available upon customer request.

The new system offers cold-plate cooling, weighs less than 8 lbs and has low power consumption, while meeting MIL-STD-810H for vibration, shock, acceleration, altitude, humidity, dust and salt fog.
For more information, please call 888-Aitech-8 (888-248-3248), visit bit.ly/A230Product or e-mail sales@aitechsystems.com.

Get our updates: www.linkedin.com/company/Aitech

Posted in AI / ML, C5ISR, Press Release | Comments Off on Aitech’s NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin-based Supercomputer Increases Rugged AI Processing in Military Applications

AUSA: SMARTSHOOTER Combat-Proven SMASH Fire Control Systems Turn Dismounted Soldiers into Effective Drone Eliminator

October 2nd, 2024

The company will present its SMASH Hopper LRCWS mounted on Polaris’ MRZR, a tactical mobile solution that can effectively take down drone swarms

AUSA 2024, Washington DC, Halls DE, Booth #7947

SMARTSHOOTER, a leading designer, developer, and manufacturer of innovative fire control systems that significantly increase the accuracy and lethality of individual and crew-served weapons, is excited to announce its participation in the AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition 2024. SMARTSHOOTER will showcase its combat-proven SMASH family of fire control systems, including the SMASH Hopper LRCWS mounted on Polaris’ MRZR Military vehicle.

The SMASH system is already deployed and combat-proven by various military forces worldwide, including the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). It was chosen by the U.S. Joint Counter-UAS (JCO) as the only kinetic solution for counter-sUAS missions at the squad level.

Equipped with an onboard computer that delivers advanced targeting solutions, the SMASH Fire Control System (FCS) transforms any standard weapon into a precise, smart-shooting platform. Once the operator identifies a target manually or via integration with external detection systems, SMASH seamlessly locks onto it, tracks its movement in real-time, and automatically coordinates the shot release for rapid, highly accurate engagements. This capability ensures maximum hit probability, even against fast-moving targets and drones, and dramatically enhances operational effectiveness on the battlefield.

The SMASH technology represents a significant advancement in modern warfare, making it a vital asset for military operations worldwide. With its combat-proven capabilities, the SMASH family enhances hit probability against various threats, including drones and drone swarms, while reducing collateral damage and ensuring the safety of friendly forces.

“SMARTSHOOTER is revolutionizing modern combat by ensuring that every dismounted soldier becomes a highly effective drone eliminator,” said Michal Mor, SMARTSHOOTER CEO. “Our SMASH technology empowers individual soldiers to not only defend themselves and their squads from threats like armed drones and drone swarms but also to safeguard other critical air defense assets. The SMASH systems continue to redefine counter-UAS capabilities, proving that precise kinetic elimination of drones and small UASs at the squad level is essential.”

At AUSA 2024, attendees will have the opportunity to see the SMASH Hopper Light Remotely Controlled Weapon Station (LRCWS) mounted on Polaris’ MRZR Military vehicle. This ultra-light turbo diesel combat vehicle, combined with the Hopper LRCWS, allows maneuvering forces to engage threats from a safe distance, providing a mobile and effective hard-kill solution against drones, drone swarms, and ground threats.

SMARTSHOOTER will also present the SMASH 2000L, the lightest handheld-operated fire control system currently in use against ground and aerial targets, including in the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Leveraging AI, computer vision, and advanced algorithms, the SMASH 2000L maximizes force lethality and situational awareness, ensuring precise target elimination day or night.

SMARTSHOOTER’s US Operations is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. For further information, please contact Scott Thompson at scott@smart-shooter.com or visit www.SMART-SHOOTER.com

Posted in AUSA, Press Release, UAS, weapons | Comments Off on AUSA: SMARTSHOOTER Combat-Proven SMASH Fire Control Systems Turn Dismounted Soldiers into Effective Drone Eliminator

Mission First Tactical Introduces MFT Mag Coupler for AR/M4 Platforms

October 2nd, 2024

Horsham, PA – (October 1st, 2024) – Mission First Tactical (MFT), manufacturers of state-of-the-art holsters, firearm accessories and EDC bags, is proud to announce the new MFT Mag Coupler. Designed for AR/M4, it’s the perfect accessory for practicing quick reloads at the range and a secondary option if you have a magazine failure without reaching into your chest pack, pocket, or vest for another magazine.

“Our new MFT Mag Coupler allows users to attach two magazines together for more efficient and quicker reloads,” said David Edelman, Vice President, Mission First Tactical. “Conveniently it also keeps additional ammunition accessible on the weapon at all times and in any situation.”

The MFT Extreme Duty Magazine Coupler expands ammunition capacity and makes reloading for speed more efficient by securely joining two magazines for the AR15/M16. Made ofhigh-impact, superior-grade, lightweight polymer, it will not scratch or deform magazines. An easy to assemble two-bolt design keeps your mags in place even through the toughest conditions. The MFT Mag Coupler easily fits all 5.56×45 aluminum and steel magazines, all MFT magazines, 30 and 40 rd. AR/M4 GEN M2 MOE® and AR/M4 GEN M3™ magazines

Features include:

• Size of coupler is compatible with all popular magazines
• Fast and efficient ammunition reloads
• Two-bolt design secures the magazines in an easy-to-change assembly
• Advanced yet simple design utilizes ribbing for added strength

MSRP: $19.99

To learn more about the MFT Mag Coupler and the complete product lineup from Mission First Tactical, please visit www.missionfirsttactical.com. Stay connected with the latest updates by following MFT on Facebook and Instagram.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Mission First Tactical Introduces MFT Mag Coupler for AR/M4 Platforms

Update from Watershed Drybags After Hurricane Helene

October 2nd, 2024

As many of you know, Watershed Drybags is headquartered in Asheville, NC, right in the heart of the massive flooding which struck the area last week in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Understandably, many are concerned about those who live in the region as well as Watershed.

I got the chance to briefly speak with founder Eric Revels as he worked to recover the factory.

First and foremost Eric told me that his concern is with his employees. Not everyone has been accounted for yet, with no power, fuel, or potable running water and many roads washed completely away, communication has been difficult.

Eric shared a couple of photos of the devastation in the factory’s vicinity and told me that Watershed would be back as soon as possible. Most of the equipment is salvageable and water levels are down considerably. One critical piece of equipment had to be ordered and it will be delivered soon. Once he can get everything cleaned up and reconstitute the employees, they will be right back at churning out the world class waterproof bags they are known for.

Eric wanted to close with a pledge to his customers that Watershed was knocked down but they are already back on their feet. The priorities are people, followed quickly by resuming production and delivery.

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Wilcox Industries – US Army’s Grenadier Sighting System

October 2nd, 2024

The Grenadier Sighting System for the M320A1 Grenade Launcher Module is one of the most successful programs of the past few years and one of the least publicized.

Assigned NSN: 1010-01-686-8798, GSS provides the capability to accurately engage targets day and night with the M320 GLM. The GSS features include a reflex optical sight with integral back up iron sights, near infrared (NIR) aiming laser engagement for night engagements, NIR illuminator for increased detection and recognition at night, user selectable ballistic solution for up to 16 ammunition types, including quick selector for two pre-programmed ballistic solutions, atmospheric temperature and pressure sensors for ballistic compensation, and a cant indicator for increased accuracy when firing. Wilcox makes similar commercial version alternatives designated by the company as the Rapid Acquisition Aiming Module Grenadier Sighting System (RAAM GSS). The Wilcox RAAM GSS is an exportable version of the US Army selected and current production Grenadier Sighting System.

Manufacturer Wilcox Industries has created a three part series on the GSS. In Part 1 & Part 2, Wilcox covered the US Army’s search for a new 40mm M320 GL in 2009, their decision to choose theWilcox GSS as the single production awardee in June 2019 and the GSS’s initial production and discriminating features.

“The GSS is a significant improvement to the M320 and tremendously increases the Grenadier’s capability in all environments.”

– COL Jason Bohanon

Program Manager, Soldier Lethality

Next week, Wilcox publishes the final part to the GSS story. Learn more about the Development of the Wilcox Grenadier Sighting System or download the GSS Case Study.

Be sure to check it out in person at the AUSA Annual Meeting, October 14-16 at the Walter Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC in booth #3607.

Posted in Advertiser, Army, Optics, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Wilcox Industries – US Army’s Grenadier Sighting System

Victorian Government Grants to Support Hanwha Defence Australia’s Local Supply Chain

October 2nd, 2024

Minister for Jobs and Industry Natalie Hutchins visited the Hanwha Defence Australia stand at the 2024 Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition to announce the successful recipients of rounds 3 and 4 of the Supply Chain Uplift Program (SCUP).

Funding of $827,000 has been awarded to 13* Victorian businesses to help them better compete for and win projects as part of the supply chain for Hanwha Defence Australia (HDA) and other major defence businesses – creating new jobs, export opportunities, and attracting investment to Victoria.

The successful companies in these two rounds includes:

1. Amiga Engineering P/L

2. Anywise Consulting

3. Brockman Engineering

4. Copamate

5. Corvus Technology Solutions

6. Diamond Defence

7. Electric Motor Power

8. NanoCube

9. Parish Engineering

10. Secure Bits

11. Sutton Tools

12. Tickford Racing

“The Supply Chain Uplift Program is giving our local manufacturers the best shot at securing new contracts – creating new jobs for Victorians and boosting our economy,” Minister Hutchins said.

The matched co-funded grants of up to $100,000 will support manufacturers to undertake business improvement projects, such as systems or facility upgrades, obtaining necessary industry accreditations, and further research and product development programs.

“Working with the Victorian Government to support our two key defence programs means that these SMEs are able to work with us and also on other defence programs, truly uplifting the capabilities and capacities of the sector to complete both here and in Australia,” HDA Acting Managing Director Dean Michie said.

Since 2021, the Victorian Government’s $10 million Victorian Land Systems Fund and Supply Chain Uplift Program have funded business improvement projects at 22 small and medium sized Victorian businesses.

“The support provided by the Victorian Government through SCUP has enabled Diamond Defence to establish a world leading capability in Australia for the Australian defence industry,” Dr Steven Trpkovski Managing Director, Diamond Defence, said.

So far, over $1.3 million has been awarded to enable companies to engage in activities such as modernising manufacturing processes, purchasing equipment and gaining certifications and accreditations to work in the defence sector.

Victoria’s capabilities in advanced manufacturing, workforce talent and defence-related research and development contributes around $8.4 billion annually to the Victorian economy and employs over 24,300 workers.

“The support from the Victorian Government to help uplift its Defence industry has been a massive help to our efforts here in Australia,” Mr Michie said. “The opening of the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) in August this year demonstrates our commitment to Victoria, the Department of Defence and our supply chain partners.”

For more information on the SCUP grant program, head to business.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/victorian-land-systems-fund-supply-chain-uplift-program.

* one company has requested not to be named.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Victorian Government Grants to Support Hanwha Defence Australia’s Local Supply Chain

Thyrm Introduces AA Inserts for Popular CellVault-5M

October 2nd, 2024

Thyrm has responded to customer requests for a AA battery insert for their customizable CellVault-5M which is both PALS compatible and waterproof.

The new insert joins those available for AAA, CR123/16650, 18350, 18650, and 1632 batteries.

Get yours at thyrm.com/product/cv5m-insert-pak.

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Meprolight Unveils the MMX3/MMX4 – Micro Magnifiers for Assault Rifles, Providing Target Magnification of up to 4 Times for Any Red Dot Sight

October 1st, 2024

Enhancing Precision: The MEPRO MMX3/MMX4 Provides Soldiers with Improved Long-Range Capabilities and Short-Range Precision

Israel, October 01, 2024 – Meprolight (1990) Ltd., a member of the SK Group and a leading manufacturer of electro-optical systems, thermal and night vision equipment, as well as self-illuminated sights for military, law enforcement, and civilian applications, unveils the MMX3/MMX4 micro magnifiers for assault rifles. These compact and lightweight magnifiers provide up to 4x magnification for any red dot sight, significantly enhancing soldiers’ accuracy, range, and observation capabilities, thereby equipping them with marksman-like abilities.

In today’s conflict scenarios, the perception of assault rifles has shifted. Military forces, police forces, fast-response teams, and other security agencies use assault rifles equipped with red-dotsights. Meprolight’s magnifiers enable those users to achieve faster target identification and extremely high shooting precision at a lower cost compared with constant or variable magnification optical sights.

The MMX3/MMX4 micro magnifiers provide versatility for different setups and enhance operational flexibility. With no need for zeroing, they allow users to quickly attach them to the Picatinny rail only when needed and benefit from enhanced magnification without time-consuming adjustments.

With a quick-release Picatinny adapter and a side flip mechanismwhere agility and speed are of the utmost importance, it enables users rapid target acquisition with both eyes open maintaining afull field-of-view; only when mission requires the magnifier can be quickly engaged.

Compact and weighing less than 200g they reduce the footprint, saving rail space and weight for the user. Elevation and windage adjusters provide precise alignment of FOV with sight’s reticle.

The Mepro MMX3 and Mepro MMX4 micro magnifiers attach to any MIL-STD-1913 rail directly behind the optic.

“The Mepro MMX3/MMX4 were developed to meet the growing need for improved shooting capabilities in the field,” says Golan Kalimi, SVP Marketing at Meprolight. “We are proud that these magnifiers have already been operationally proven and are being used by the IDF, Israel Police, and other forces around the world. By enhancing long-range target acquisition and short-range precision all at a reasonable cost, capabilities that were previously reserved for specialized marksmen are now available for every soldier and user, significantly contributing to force mission success.”

Posted in International, Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on Meprolight Unveils the MMX3/MMX4 – Micro Magnifiers for Assault Rifles, Providing Target Magnification of up to 4 Times for Any Red Dot Sight