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Second Call-Off from Rheinmetall Framework Contract: Bundeswehr Orders Artillery Ammunition

October 10th, 2023

Rheinmetall has booked a major order for 155mm artillery ammunition following a second call-off under an existing framework order with the German government. The latter has contracted with the Düsseldorf-based tech group to supply the Ukrainian armed forces with tens of thousands of L15 rounds as well as conventional 155mm Assegai shells for the German military. The order is worth a figure in the lower three-digit million-euro range. Delivery is scheduled to take place in 2024.

As recently as July 2023, Rheinmetall announced the signing of a new framework agreement for artillery ammunition with the Bundeswehr and the expansion of an existing agreement. The contracts encompass the delivery of several hundred thousand shells, fuses and propelling charges.

The war in Ukraine has compelled the armed forces of numerous nations to replenish their ammunition stocks. In this context, Rheinmetall has already booked several large orders for artillery ammunition.

The recently concluded framework agreement for 155mm artillery ammunition runs until 2029 and represents gross potential order volume of around €1.2 billion. The first orders of service and practice ammunition came directly after the contract was signed.

Among other products, Rheinmetall’s family of artillery ammunition includes the high-explosive DM121 shell, the DM125 smoke/obscurant projectile and (jointly developed with Diehl) the DM702 SMArt sensor fuse munition, plus the RH68 practice round and the range-optimized RH1901 an RH1902 smoke/obscurant projectiles.

The Group’s portfolio also includes the versatile 155mm Assegai family from Rheinmetall Denel Munition, which encompasses insensitive ammunition and conventional HE shells as well as smoke/obscurant, illumination, infrared illumination and other projectiles. All Assegai artillery ammunition types have a maximum range of approximately 40 kilometres. Under the latest framework agreement, the tried-and-tested Assegai ammunition family will now be entering service with the Bundeswehr.

TrueTimber Camo to Serve as Primary Sponsor on Jack Wood’s No. 51 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Ride at Talladega

October 9th, 2023

INMAN, S.C. – TrueTimber is proud to announce a partnership with Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) naming TrueTimber as the primary sponsor on Jack Wood’s No. 51 Silverado for Saturday’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Talladega Superspeedway. Wood’s Chevrolet will also carry associate sponsorship from Bass Pro Shops, North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company, and Zariz, a fast-growing intermodal drayage company specializing in transporting containers form the ports, for the event. 

“We are really excited to partner with KBM and Jack for this race,” said TrueTimber CEO Rusty Sellars. “Talladega is such an iconic track, and it will be awesome to see the number 51 truck sporting TrueTimber camo. We had Jack over to the warehouse last week and it was great to meet and spend some time with him to show him all about what we do here at TrueTimber. We wish him and the entire KBM team the best of luck this weekend.”

Saturday will mark Wood’s 11th Truck Series start of his debut season with KBM. The California native has qualified inside the top 10 in half of his starts in 2023 and has produced two top-10 finishes, include a career-best ninth place result at Texas Motor Speedway in April. In addition to his part-time schedule for KBM, he has produced two top-five, and six top-10 finishes across eight ARCA Menards Series starts for Rev Racing this season, including a sixth-place finish at Talladega in April.

“It’s exciting to have TrueTimber on the truck as well as our associate sponsors Bass Pro Shops and Zariz Transport,” said Wood. “It’s great having everyone come together to help us get out to the track. This is probably one of my favorite paint schemes I’ve ever had on a race car—it turned out pretty sweet. Thankful to Rusty and all the people at TrueTimber that helped back this. I had the opportunity to go down to their plant near Spartanburg, South Carolina and had the opportunity to meet a lot of the people and check out what they do there. It will be fun to have them at the racetrack, especially at a cool place like Talladega.” 

To learn more about the entire TrueTimber product line and see all available patterns, visit TrueTimber.com.

EAA/Girsan Now Shipping Witness2311

October 9th, 2023

(Cocoa, Florida) – European American Amory Corporation (EAA Corp) is proud to announce that the Witness2311® by Girsan is now shipping to distributors for dealers nationwide.

The new Witness2311® is a double-stacked 1911 built to compete with the highest quality double-stack 1911s on the market while keeping an affordable price. This state-of-the-art semi-automatic pistol boasts a sleek design with ergonomic space age grips, optic ready slide, accessory rail, multiple barrel lengths, calibers, and model configurations. In an industry where quality often comes at a premium, the Witness2311® stands out as a true game-changer. EAA and Girsan understand the importance of providing high-quality firearms accessible to a wider audience, and that’s why the Witness2311® is priced competitively without compromising on its quality.

The EAA/Girsan Witness2311® will come in seven different variations, with more to follow. The first 3,000 units will ship with a free EAA FAR-DOT optic as an added value.

Keith Bernkrant, President of EAA, stated: “We do not rush our products to market like some of our competition. I am proud to say the Witness2311® is one of the finest products we have ever distributed. Many have said we must be “out of our minds!” at the retail price of $999 including optics for the first 3,000 optic ready units.”

4.25” Commander Optic Ready, 9MM |SKU: 395030| SRP: $999

5” Government Optic Ready, 9MM |SKU: 395020| SRP: $999

4.25” Commander Optic Ready, 10MM |SKU: 395010| SRP: $1,029

5” Government Optic Ready, 10MM|SKU: 395000| SRP: $1,029

6” Hunter, Supersight, 10MM |SKU: 395070| SRP: $1,029

4.25” Commander Optic Ready, 45ACP |SKU: 395050| SRP: $999

5” Government Optic Ready, 45ACP |SKU: 395040| SRP: $999

EAA and Girsan earning your respect, one gun at a time.

For more information on the Witness2311®, please visit: EAACorp.com/Witness2311

Spectra Group’s Award-Winning SlingShot Satcom System Selected for Project Capstone 4

October 9th, 2023

Spectra Group, a specialist provider of secure voice, data and satellite communications systems, in partnership with Inmarsat, has been selected to support Project Capstone 4 (Army Futures Command’s premier integration and experimentation exercise in 2024) with their award-winning SlingShot satellite communications system. Spectra Group has a strong pedigree of successfully supporting previous command and control innovation and integration demonstrations for the USDOD and USSOCOM, the Army Maneuver Battle Lab (AEWE 2019) and the Fires Battle Lab (MFIX 2022).

SlingShot is a compact and user-friendly tactical radio range extension system designed to enhance Beyond Line Of Sight (BLOS) Communications On The Move (COTM) C2 (Command and Control) communications. This innovative system effortlessly enables in-service Ultra High Frequency (UHF) and Very High Frequency (VHF) radios to utilise L-Band satellite frequencies, extending their reach over thousands of kilometers. A standout feature of SlingShot is its intuitive plug-and-play capability, making it a reliable choice for both stationary and mobile setups. It serves as a direct augmentation to existing tactical radios. When paired with the Inmarsat L-TAC service, SlingShot significantly expands its user base and coverage, enabling the immediate transmission of voice, data and specialized military applications, such as artillery coordination and situational awareness, across vast distances.

Project Capstone leads the integration of all the domains that the US Army is dependent on — air, land, sea, space, cyberspace adopting a truly multi-domain/multi-national approach, while at the same time looking at concepts for the future. The Network Cross Functional Team (N-CFT) acknowledges that as national armies operate in multinational coalitions during future expeditionary operations, integration and interoperability of communications is paramount to ensuring battlefield success. Therefore, the N-CFT hosts foreign liaison officers from the armies of two close allies, the U.K. and Australia, to help shepherd information interoperability initiatives, concepts and goals and Spectra Group from the UK has been selected to support this project.

SlingShot plays a pivotal role in advancing interoperability among forces. By bridging communication gaps and ensuring seamless integration between different communication systems and networks, SlingShot fosters collaboration and coordination among diverse military units and allies. For broader connectivity, SlingShot can adeptly link the L-TAC networks to major, distant headquarters worldwide using cutting-edge digital RF-Over-IP technology. With a commendable track record, marked by over 7,000 units actively utilised by both specialised and regular forces globally, SlingShot has proven its mettle in the most challenging environments and diverse locales.

Pat Gallagher, General Manager Spectra Group (US) said: “SlingShot has a fantastic operational record with USSOCOM and is the perfect system to support AFC’s communication innovation and integration experiments as it can be added to any existing or future capability. When combined with the Inmarsat L-TAC service, SlingShot delivers the ultimate interoperability for secure voice, data and applications at scale for operations anywhere in the world.”

NDIA Future Forces Conference 23 Poster #12 – Acoustic & Visual Stealth for Robotic Snipers

October 9th, 2023

Robotics and in particular developing weapons for unmanned systems has become a focus of DoD. This poster was presented during NDIA’s recent Future Forces Capabilities Conference in Huntsville.

Contact info is on the poster for those interested.

Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic All-Electric Utility Vehicle on Display at AUSA

October 9th, 2023

With Executive Order 14057 requiring the Department of Defense to transition its non-tactical vehicles to a 100% zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) fleet, including 100% of light-duty acquisitions by 2027 and 100% of medium- and heavy-duty acquisitions by 2035, there’s an increased interest in Commercial Off The Shelf electric vehicles.

Polaris will be showing their Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic All-Electric Utility Vehicle at AUSA in booth

The RANGER XP Kinetic is an electric version of the Polaris RANGERs already in the motor pool which are primarily used for off-road, on-base transportation, hauling and towing.

It offers 110 horsepower, 140lb-ft of torque and the ability to tow 2,500 pounds and haul 1,250 pounds with three drive modes, Eco+, Standard and Sport.

Offered in two models, the RANGER XP Kinetic’s drivetrain features fewer moving parts for lower maintenance costs and more uptime for increased productivity. Plus, the quiet electric powertrain means easier radio and face-to-face conversations as well as greater situational awareness. The RANGER XP Kinetic also boasts a rigid one-piece chassis, full-body skid plate and large front bumper to deliver maximum protection to the operator and vehicle. Ground clearance of 14 inches, 10 inches of suspension travel and 29-inch Pro Armor X-Terrain tires further increase durability of the RANGER XP Kinetic in even the roughest terrain.

RANGER XP Kinetic Premium – 14.9kWh battery (Li-Ion technology) delivering up to ~45-mile range

XP Kinetic Ultimate – 29.8kWh battery (Li-Ion technology) delivering up to ~80-mile range

RANGER XP Kinetic Features:

– All-electric powertrain gives customers a sustainable option for off-road work

– The RANGER XP Kinetic has the ability to decrease total cost of ownership, reduce CO2 emissions and operate quietly

– Polaris UTVs have been replacing full-size trucks and vans for decades

– A full-size EV averages $66,000

– A budget-friendly alternative to full-sized vehicles, Polaris UTVs are less expensive to purchase, operate and maintain.

– This all-new, all-electric RANGER XP Kinetic is a significant offering for our government customers that need to incorporate more electric vehicles into their fleet without sacrificing utility, performance or durability

– Meets mandates for customers with limitations on combustion fleet expansion

– Provides full accessories of gas-powered, e.g. winch, cabs, cargo, etc.

– Class-leading 110 horsepower

– 140lb-ft of torque

– 2,500 lbs towing

– 1,250 lbs payload in the rear cargo box – 25% more than any other side-by-side

– 14” ground clearance

See the Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic All-Electric Utility Vehicle in booth #2917.

Join TenCate Protective Fabrics for Happy Hour at AUSA 2023

October 9th, 2023

Heading to AUSA? Join TenCate Protective Fabrics for Happy Hour at their booth (#2333) beginning at 3pm on Monday, October 9th for an afternoon of good drinks and great friends. During that time, TenCate Protective Fabrics will be giving out Free Anchor Lite T-Shirts (Booth #2333 *while supplies last).

Checkout TenCate Protective Fabrics at booth #2333 to see their full lineup of innovative fabrics designed to keep you comfortable and protected in the field and on the job.

Rheinmetall Showcases Innovative Defense Solutions for the U.S. Army at AUSA 2023: One Partner for All Missions

October 9th, 2023

The AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition takes place in Washington, DC from 9-11 October, with this year’s motto set as “Be All You Can Be”. The American Rheinmetall family of companies along with key partners from Rheinmetall’s global enterprise will be on-site (booth #1603) showcasing some of their most recent activities, achievements and innovative solutions aimed at providing the U.S. Army with the critical, next-generation technologies it needs and deserves.

The “M109-52” Self Propelled Howitzer Prototype Featuring Rheinmetall’s L52 Howitzer Cannon System and Enhanced by Advanced Artillery Technologies

Rheinmetall’s world class, combat proven L52 155mm Cannon Armament integrated on the M109 Self-Propelled Howitzer System is the optimal solution for the Army’s requirement to upgrade the M109 fleet. The exceptional L52 armament currently in service in Ukraine and with eight global allied users delivers a significant increase in range, precision and lethality. Rheinmetall will further display its operationally proven suite of propellants and munitions on site at AUSA this year. These products and capabilities are closely aligned with the Army’s Long-Range Precision Fires modernization priorities. The Rheinmetall-BAE team will perform a series of live fire demonstrations of the upgraded M109-52 in 2023 and 2024. Rheinmetall will feature the systems solutions for platform, cannon, projectile and propellant technology across the artillery “eco-system” on its booth. A full-sized M109-52 prototype system will be featured on the BAE Systems booth (#925) for attendees to view throughout the show.

Autonomous Vehicle Capabilities – Unmanned and Unmatched

Rheinmetall’s PATH Autonomous Kit (A-Kit) is a navigation system that enables full autonomous movement of vehicles. It can be rapidly integrated on existing vehicles or the latest next-generation platforms. It is a core element of Rheinmetall’s exceptional Mission Master family of autonomous unmanned ground vehicles (UGV); combining advanced sensors, technology leading algorithms, and real-time data analysis to allow vehicle platforms to operate autonomously in a wide range of operating environments. Fielded and tested on a variety of platforms, the PATH A-Kit is a mature, proven technology that stands out from the competition. At AUSA, American Rheinmetall will demonstrate the system’s platform agnostic design through display on multiple different platforms. Rheinmetall’s PATH A-kit can also be seen on display at industry partner booths including Tomahawk Robotics (#4049) and L3Harris Technologies (#1725).

Additionally, Rheinmetall and partner blackned will be onsite to discuss the features and benefits of blackned’s TacticalCore solution when coupled with the Mission Master UGV, to augment domain awareness by delivering resilient communications across a disparate network of unmanned and autonomous platforms in a contested communications battlefield. Seamless. Networked. At the Edge.

The Skyranger 30mm c-UAS Turret with Airburst Munition on the M5 Ripsaw RCV

Skyranger is a highly mobile, lethal and precise air defense system, capable of engaging modern battlefield threats, particularly highly agile or swarming small unmanned aerial targets. The M5 Ripsaw, with active (3D AESA radar) and passive IR sensors along with the high rate-of-fire 30x173mm Revolver Cannon® KCE-ABM with ground-to-air missiles offers a superior, autonomous firepower solution for Soldier protection in the most austere operating environments. The modular system, shown with Rheinmetall’s Path A-Kit provides best-in-class air defense in line with the Army’s Air and Missile Defense modernization priority.

The HX3 CTT – The Next-Gen Tactical Truck that Delivers 

Rheinmetall MAN’s new HX3 8×8 tactical truck with pallet load handling system is redesigned from the ground up for improved protection, increased mobility, greater comfort and easy integration of future applications for increased performance due to its open systems architecture. Using a derivative of the HX3, the HX3 CTT, Rheinmetall and its teammate GM Defense are executing an Army rapid prototyping award for the Common Tactical Truck (CTT) Program. Accordingly, Rheinmetall, as a leading global developer and producer of tactical trucks, will remain closely aligned with the Army’s Contested Logistics Cross Functional Team’s priorities. See the truck in person at the GM Defense booth (#661) as well as scale models on the Rheinmetall booth.

American Rheinmetall’s XM30 Offering

Appropriately cleared personnel can engage with Rheinmetall’s XM30 Team, led by American Rheinmetall Vehicles, regarding XM30 technologies and program performance. The Team is an elite U.S. defense industry group, including Textron Systems, Raytheon, L3Harris Technologies, Allison Transmission and Anduril Industries, that is participating in the XM30 program. The American Rheinmetall XM30 features a new, lethal, unmanned 50mm turret with 3GEN FLIR, a highly maneuverable and more compact chassis, advanced on-board protection systems integrating active protection and an open systems architecture ensuring overmatch today and tomorrow. An augmented reality technology demonstrator will be available to cleared DoD personnel at the Rheinmetall booth.

Altruity – Bringing Vision to Provisioning

Unveiled for the first time at this year’s AUSA Exhibition – Altruity is a revolutionary, real-time digital information ecosystem that brings sustainment to the forefront of the acquisition process to influence design utilizing the system’s authoritative source of truth. Building and transferring data at lightning speed, without error and synchronizing digital information between engineering, manufacturing, supply chain and logistics, Altruity provides more time to plan and execute successful fielding and lifecycle support. On-site demos are available upon request.

Airburst Lethality – Fight. Survive. Win.

Visitors will see a range of world-class, medium caliber airburst munitions, a field of technology in which Rheinmetall specializes. The airburst munitions produce lethal effects against personnel in open and defilade positions, defeat unarmored/lightly armored vehicles and provide layered c-UAS defense. Rheinmetall is also leveraging its extensive systems expertise to provide high performance programmers that increase first round hit probability for airburst systems. Also on display will be the 40mm Squad Support Weapon (SSW40), the world’s first automatic, magazine-loaded, shoulder-fire grenade launcher.

Electronic Mission Systems Including Unmatched EO/IR 360° Vehicle Situational Awareness Technologies

Rheinmetall’s U.S. electronics division, American Rheinmetall Systems, will display its broadened product portfolio. In addition to Soldier lethality systems such as laser aiming, pointing and illuminating devices and fire control systems, the company offers world-class vehicle electronic mission systems. On display at AUSA will be an interactive commander’s and gunner’s display of a TRL 9, fully integrated, modular and scalable combat vehicle system for EO/IR 360° Situational Awareness and Driver’s Vision Enhancement.

StrikeShield Active Protection System: Modular Protection with Lower Risk of Detection

Rheinmetall will demonstrate its expertise in vehicle survivability with an exhibit of StrikeShield – a hybrid active protection solution that combines active and passive protection to achieve optimal performance while minimizing the vehicle’s electronic signature, system weight and power consumption.

Rheinmetall welcomes visitors to AUSA booth #1603 to experience the Group’s offerings fitted for the Army’s future fighting force.

www.rheinmetall-us.com