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DEFEA: RT and CopterPIX Launch the Sky-High DI System, a Combined Tactical Aerostat and Mini Quad Rotor Drone

May 4th, 2023

The combined investigating system provides a comprehensive detection solution

DEFEA, May 9-11, Metropolitan Expo, Athens, Greece, Hall 2, Stand A2

May 3rd, 2023. RT LTA Systems Ltd. – a world-class designer, developer, and manufacturer of the SkyStar™ family of aerostats for use in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and communications applications – will launch, together with CopterPIX, the Sky-High DI system, a combined tactical aerostat and mini quad rotor drone. Providing a comprehensive detection solution, the investigating system combines the SkyStar™ 180/330 aerostat and the ERE-95 mini quadcopter.

SkyStarTM is an aerostat family of combat-proven, compact and mobile, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems based on lighter-than-air platforms. Designed for extended surveillance and reconnaissance missions for force protection and intelligence gathering, they operate day and night, with a minimal crew at an altitude of up to 1,500 ft, and carry high-performance payloads.

The ERE-95 Mini quad-rotor drone, designed for long-range inspection missions, has a dual day/thermal camera and an 80-100 minute flight time – providing at least 30% longer endurance time than any other commercial platform. These drones consistently outperform the competition in both military and non-military testing, performing complex missions in fully operational and challenging conditions, and are used worldwide by leading government, defense and commercial organizations.

Rami Shmueli, CEO of RT, says, “The integrated system can respond to an extensive range of scenarios. Until today, our system has enabled 24/7 observation and the collection of intelligence information through the wide range of payloads the system can carry. Now, thanks to the integration with the ERE-95 Mini, it also enables target tracking, and provides an active response to every scenario.”

Posted in International, Tradeshow, UAS | Comments Off on DEFEA: RT and CopterPIX Launch the Sky-High DI System, a Combined Tactical Aerostat and Mini Quad Rotor Drone

U.S. Army Awards TRX Systems $402 Million Production Contract for DAPS GEN II

May 4th, 2023

The DAPS GEN II systems developed and delivered by TRX will provide Assured PNT to warfighters, enabling seamless dismounted operations in GPS-denied environments.

GREENBELT, MD. MAY 04, 2023

TRX Systems has been awarded a $402 Million, seven-year, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract by the U.S. Army for the procurement of Dismounted Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing System Generation II systems and services (DAPS GEN II). The award to TRX is a Program of Record contract from the U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors (PEO IEW&S) for delivery of systems that provide Assured PNT to Soldiers operating in GPS denied or contested environments.

The TRX Systems solution to be provided under the contract, known as TRX DAPS II, enables dismounted maneuver operations with speed, surprise, and agility, even where GPS is compromised or denied. TRX DAPS II provides Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) to dismounted users by disseminating assured position and time to dependent devices in GPS challenged environments. Reliable PNT is essential to the positioning of forces, navigation, communication networks, situational awareness applications, and systems related to protection, surveillance, and targeting; it is critical for Army Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) in contested areas and for the Brigade Combat Team (BCT) and their supporting units.

Designed to replace the Defense Advanced GPS Receiver (DAGR) for Dismounted Soldiers with Nett Warrior (NW), TRX DAPS II fuses inputs from M-code GPS, inertial sensors, and complementary PNT sources to determine the integrity of positioning, navigation, and timing sources and deliver assured PNT. It is a small, lightweight PNT device that supports both standalone operation and integration with the NW ensemble, and it can distribute PNT information to a customized tactical watch. The TRX DAPS II solution employs a modular architecture and adheres to Army PNT interface standards, facilitating the addition of new PNT sensors as threats evolve.

In 2021, TRX was selected by the U.S. Army to deliver a DAPS GEN 1.2 solution via a Quick Reaction Capability (QRC) and began shipping devices in volume in 2022 – less than 8 months after the award. Building on the success of the QRC program, after thousands of hours of field testing and incorporation of hundreds of additional Project Manager, Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PM PNT) requirements, the next generation of dismounted Soldier navigational tools, TRX DAPS II, will be in production for the Army later this year.

“Warfighters can be subjected to enemy electronic attacks that degrade their access to reliable position and time, putting their operation and safety at risk,” said Carol Politi, President of TRX Systems. “The Assured PNT information provided by TRX DAPS II will secure dismounted Army forces’ ability to shoot, move, and communicate in GPS challenged environments.”

Posted in Army, Comms, Contracts, Press Release | 2 Comments »

Freedom Atlantic Awarded Contract for Radio Cables

May 4th, 2023

Austin, TX – Freedom Atlantic, Inc. a Defense Communications company, announced today that it has been awarded a $1.2M contract for its specialty cable which connects a Program of Record Tactical Radio directly to the End User Device (Samsung Galaxy S20 Tactical Edition). After thorough evaluation and testing, Freedom Atlantic’s approach was selected to solve the end user requirement of ensuring robust connectivity between these two mission-critical devices. Freedom Atlantic’s products are engineered to provide the highest level of reliability for end users’ communication equipment in harsh and demanding environments where they serve and protect our freedom.

“In today’s changing landscape, it is imperative that we continue to move quickly in developing seamless solutions that plug in and just work.” said David Martschinske, Freedom Atlantic’s VP of Product Development. “We are singularly focused on delivering reliable and cost-effective solutions to ensure that the end user maintains their situational awareness and dominance at the tactical edge.”

Posted in Comms, Contracts, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Guardian Warrior Solutions – Raptor Adaptor Series

May 4th, 2023

I have been remiss about mentioning the Raptor Adaptor line of Tegris gear mounts from Guardian Warrior Solutions.

Raptor Adaptors serve as an interface between PALS compatible pouches and plastic belt clips like the BladeTech TEK-LOK, in any orientation. Likewise, they can be used to attach a plastic mount to a PALS compatible platform like an armor vest.

They are sized, so use this guide to determine which adaptor you need.

www.guardianwarriorsolutions.com

Posted in Load Carrying, PALS | Comments Off on Guardian Warrior Solutions – Raptor Adaptor Series

FN Announces $18 Million Expansion Project at Columbia, South Carolina Production Facility

May 4th, 2023

(McLean, VA – May 03, 2023) Following the announcement of the company’s plans to construct a second facility in Liberty, South Carolina, FN America, LLC, U.S. subsidiary of FN Herstal, S.A., a global firearms manufacturer, is pleased to share that an $18 million expansion of its Columbia, South Carolina facility will occur later this year with an expected completion in the first half of 2024.

This plan will add more than 40,000-square-feet of manufacturing capacity and office space as well as create a Design Center of Excellence geared toward enhancing the company’s research and development for new products. The expansion will add 102 new positions to the company’s existing workforce and will allow the company to meet the ever-increasing demand for FN products.

“The record growth that our company has had these last several years has enabled us to invest in our South Carolina manufacturing footprint with our soon-to-be new facility in Liberty and now the expansion of our Columbia facility,” said Mark Cherpes, President and CEO for FN America, LLC. “We were established in Richland County more than 40 years ago to manufacture small arms for the U.S. Army, and we are proud to expand our capacity to support that sector of our business.”

For more than 40 years, FN’s production facility has been located in Richland County, South Carolina and has produced more than 1 million small arms under contract to the U.S. Department of Defense. The company was originally established in the United States in 1979 and opened its doors in 1981 to produce the M240 medium machine gun, a variant of the FN MAG-58, under contract to the U.S. Army.

Currently, FN America employs more than 600 individuals to produce firearms, accessories and other adjacent products for the U.S. military, law enforcement agencies as well as consumers. The company has produced the M4A1, M16A4, M249 light machine gun, M240 medium machine gun and FN SCAR under contract for the U.S. military as well as the FN 509 striker-fired pistol line used by U.S. law enforcement agencies like the Los Angeles Police Department and individual officers nationwide.

To learn more about FN America and its products, please visit www.fnamerica.com. To view or apply to any open positions, please visit FN America’s careers site at careers.fnamerica.com.

Posted in Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on FN Announces $18 Million Expansion Project at Columbia, South Carolina Production Facility

Mission First Tactical Unveils Star Wars Beskar Extreme Duty Magazine

May 4th, 2023

Horsham, PA – (May 4th, 2023) – Mission First Tactical (MFT) manufacturers of state-of-the-art, USA made rifle/carbine accessories and holsters, is pleased to offer the Star Wars Beskar Extreme Duty (EXD) polymer magazine “CLICK HERE”. May the fourth be with you!

The special edition Beskar EXD Magazine is manufactured with long glass fiber technology for a more robust design that exceeds the strength and durability of other polymer magazine bodies offered today. Utilizing a 50% stronger and 3x more impact resistant design compared to traditional glass filled nylon, the Beskar EXD meets the demands of military and law enforcement. MFT added a flared floor plate and kept the slim bottom design, allowing excellent draw protection and ease of handling, all while allowing for fit in double and triple magazine pouches. Well defined front and rear ribbed finger impressions creates easy handing, even with gloves on. Toolless disassembly and double safety releases prevent accidental ammo dumps and makes cleaning a snap. “CLICK HERE” for product in use video.

The MFT Extreme Duty Magazine was designed for the AR15/M4 but allows for use with a wide range of non-AR15/M4 platforms including HK 416 variants, British SA-80, FN-Scar16 and more.

Features Include:

– 50% stronger
– 3x more impact resistant than traditional nylons
– Next generation long glass fiber polymer
– Enhanced strength & durability
– Ribbed front and rear gripping surface
– Long-life USGI-spec stainless steel spring
– Four-way anti-tilt self-lubricating follower
– Flared floor plate
– Oversized bolt catch
– Paint pen dot matrix
– Toolless disassembly with double floor plate safety release tabs
– Retail: $24.99

To learn more about the MFT Extreme Duty Magazine and complete product offerings from Mission First Tactical, please visit: www.missionfirsttactical.com

Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories | 1 Comment »

AFSOC Implements Wing-Level A-staffs, Breaks Down Bureaucratic Barriers and Increases Readiness

May 4th, 2023

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

Five wings assigned to the Air Force Special Operations Command implemented the new wing air staff (A-staff) structure on March 30, 2023.

This change has been in the works since the 2021 CORONA Conference when Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown Jr. approved a redesign of the wing headquarters that adds a functional staff to an existing wing headquarter staff. The A-staff is designed to break down bureaucratic barriers, improve speed and quality of decision making, allow better alignment with higher headquarters and grow leaders needed for Great Power Competition.

“By reorganizing wing staffs, we streamline authoritative actions and processes throughout the chain of command,” said Col. Jocelyn Schermerhorn, AFSOC Director of Operations (A3). “This new structure alleviates the administrative burden at the squadron level allowing them to focus on the mission.”

Each wing within AFSOC is organized with an A-staff that best suits their mission set, which includes:

A1 – Manpower, Personnel, and Services

A2 – Intelligence

A3 – Operations

A4 – Logistics, Engineering & Force Protection

A5 – Plans & Requirements

A6 – Communications

Wing Staff Agencies – such as Public Affairs, History, Chaplain, JAG Corps, Inspector General, etc., transition to Special Staff in the A-staff model.

Ultimately, Airmen are exposed to the wing A-staff and their processes earlier in their careers, making them better prepared for operating within joint organizations.

“Prior to this change, Airmen were arriving to headquarters assignments and joint deployments without a good or even general understanding of how a numbered staff functions,” said Col. Christopher Busque, AFSOC Director of Manpower, Personnel and Services (A1). “This new structure addresses that concern by allowing Airmen to gain exposure to the A-staff construct earlier on in their careers.”

The transitioning AFSOC wings are expected to meet full operational capability of the A-staff implementation by early FY24.

By 2nd Lt Cassandra Saphore

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Profession of Arms, SOF | 3 Comments »

HENSOLDT modernizes COBRA artillery location radars

May 3rd, 2023

Test equipment enables optimum deployment and system performance

Taufkirchen/Germany, 2 May 2023 – Sensor specialist HENSOLDT has successfully concluded the modernization of core test systems of the artillery location radar COBRA which is in service with several NATO armies. Under a contract worth several million euros awarded by the Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement, OCCAR) on behalf of Germany and France, HENSOLDT has replaced the Radar Target Generator (RTG) and the COBRA Radar Environment Simulator (CRES), key elements of the test environment of COBRA indispensable for determining optimum deployment and testing system performance.

The RTG is designed to generate primary radar returns and can be placed in the radar’s far field in order to simulate target trajectories. The new RTG takes into account changes of the user nations’ operational requirements such as long-term deployments in stationary locations, simultaneous operation of several systems and 24/7 surveillance missions.

The CRES is the key element to test and verify the COBRA radar performance in a laboratory environment with reproducible target trajectories. It generates artificial radar returns allowing to simulate all kinds of ballistic projectiles (missiles, mortar grenades, howitzer or gun projectiles) without the necessity of real transmissions.

COBRA is a mobile radar system for locating hostile artillery and missile positions and for calculating in advance the flight path of projectiles in order to give early warning and enable protective and, if required, defensive action. Its first configuration was developed by the Euro-Art International EWIV consortium comprising HENSOLDT, then Airbus Defence and Space, Thales and Lockheed Martin around the turn of the century for the German, French and British armed forces. Today, a total of more than 40 systems of various configurations have been deployed by NATO and other armed forces within and outside Europe.

Posted in International, ISR, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on HENSOLDT modernizes COBRA artillery location radars