Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Boston Dynamics Joins Persistent Systems Wave Relay Ecosystem

January 18th, 2023

• Persistent Systems networking devices to be sold with robots intended for defense, public safety applications

• Spot® quadruped robot equipped with the Persistent Systems MPU5 is well suited to keep responding teams out of harm’s way during a wide range of potentially hazardous environments and situations

NEW YORK, Jan. 17, 2023 — Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”), a leader in mobile ad hoc networking (MANET) technology, announced today that mobile robotics company Boston Dynamics has joined Persistent’s Wave Relay® Ecosystem.

The Ecosystem is an industry alliance of unmanned system and sensor producers all using the Wave Relay® MANET as their preferred network for command-and-control and communications. As part of its agreement with Boston Dynamics, Persistent will supply the MANET devices used on robots sold to defense, public safety, law enforcement and U.S. federal government customers.

“We are excited to have Boston Dynamics join our Ecosystem,” said Jeremy Hickman, Director of Business Development for Persistent Systems. “We believe that our MANET technology will provide their robots with a high-performance solution that is robust, reliable and scalable—and also enables interoperability with third-party unmanned and sensor platforms.”

Boston Dynamics officials noted that they see the new Ecosystem agreement with Persistent Systems as a way of better positioning the company’s robotic quadruped Spot for industries requiring dedicated, secure communications networks in remote environments.

“We see Spot, operating on a Persistent Systems MANET, being used in many different applications, including subterranean or confined space exploration, unexploded ordnance inspection, suspicious package investigation, hazardous gas detection, search and rescue, and structural inspection,” said Kimberly Chamblin, Director of Partnerships, Public Sector, at Boston Dynamics.

In addition to MANET hardware being physically integrated with Boston Dynamics robots, robotic command-and-control software will be loaded onto Persistent Systems devices so that users can control them via the Persistent Systems Remote Display and Controller (RDC).

“So, not only will you be able to stream sensor data collected by Spot, but you will also be able to control its movement with the RDC,” Hickman said. “This configuration both empowers the users and reduces the need for each unmanned system to have its own unique controller.”

For more information about Persistent’s MANET solutions, visit our website: www.persistentsystems.com.

Posted in Comms, Industry, Press Release, Robotics | Comments Off on Boston Dynamics Joins Persistent Systems Wave Relay Ecosystem

Milliken & Company Partners with MMI Textiles to Offer Tegris Thermoplastic Composites

January 18th, 2023

BROOKLYN, OH – January 13, 2023 – MMI Textiles and Milliken & Company announced today a commercial market partnership that allows MMI to supply Milliken Tegris® Thermoplastic Composite fabric. MMI will be able to offer Tegris® at less than case quantities, effective immediately.

Milliken Tegris® Thermoplastic Composite fabric is designed for heavy-duty, often dangerous work. A breakthrough material that provides excellent protection against fragment, projectile or blast threats, it is engineered specifically for applications that need high stiffness, like plate carriers and belts. The fabric features a lighter total weight than traditional thermoplastics and composites without sacrificing protection.

“We are thrilled to partner with an iconic, global, textile supplier in Milliken and offer their proven Tegris® product line to our vast customer base. Our team looks forward to a growing partnership with Milliken to provide the very best solutions to our warfighters and many other markets that we serve.” Amy Bircher, CEO & Founder of MMI Textiles.

“Being able to offer Tegris® and partner with a leader in the textile industry like Milliken further illustrates MMI’s commitment to provide innovative products to the end customer, especially those that protect our warfighters. We continue to focus and expand our range of products to support customer needs and participate in new market segments.” said Director of Business Development of MMI Textiles, Joey Smith.

Milliken worked closely with MMI to provide a comprehensive education on the product that positions the distributor as an expert on Tegris®. The partnership is uniquely designed to improve customer experience and provide an opportunity for partners to access Tegris® at quantities that were not previously offered.

“Our commitment to the military industry means that we’re always on the lookout for ways to better serve and bring opportunities to advance the market,” said David Smith, president of Milliken’s Textile Business.

“We’re excited to partner with MMI and know they’re an ideal partner to help us ensure that anyone looking to develop the next generation of performance protection has the best materials, like Tegris®, at their disposal,” Bruce LaFlam, vice president of sales and marketing for Government Defense at Milliken.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Materials, Press Release | Comments Off on Milliken & Company Partners with MMI Textiles to Offer Tegris Thermoplastic Composites

Capacity Building for Ammunition Production: Foundation Stone Laid at New Rheinmetall Ammunition Factory in Várpalota, Hungary

January 18th, 2023

The foundation stone has been laid for the new Rheinmetall plant in Várpalota, Hungary, where ammunition for various systems will be produced by the joint venture Rheinmetall Hungary Munitions in cooperation with the Hungarian state. Production of 33mm-medium-calibre ammunition for the Lynx infantry fighting vehicle now being manufactured at the Rheinmetall plant in Zalaegerszeg is scheduled to start in 2024.

In a second phase, production capacity will be expanded and the product range widened to include other ammunition types.

A longstanding strategic partner of Hungary, Rhein¬metall AG will then be able to produce ammunition for the Leopard 2 tank and PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer at the Várpalota plant. Both of these systems are used by the Hungarian Army. Part of the production is earmarked for the Hungarian armed forces, with some products destined for export.

Full production capacity will be reached in 2025. In addition, Rheinmetall also plans to conduct R&D in Várpalota.

The Group is thus systematically expanding its ammunition production capacity. It recently announced the acquisition of Spanish ammunition maker Expal, which will double its manufacturing capacity in this domain.

Rheinmetall also produces ammunition in Germany, Italy, Switzerland, South Africa, and Australia.

Rheinmetall is an important partner of Hungary, helping the country to achieve its strategic goals and develop its national defence industry. With this plant, Rheinmetall will be able to meet Hungary’s future ammunition needs as well as the growing demand for ammunition from Germany’s other partner countries. In addition to capital expenditure in Várpalota, Rheinmetall has been investing in extra production capacity and a development centre in Zalaegerszeg, where vehicle systems like the Lynx infantry fighting vehicle are being developed and produced, as well as in Szeged.

Furthermore, Rheinmetall announced in May 2022 that it would set up a joint venture with the 4iG Plc and the Hungarian state-owned company HM Electronics, Logistics and Property Management Plc (HM EI Zrt.) to drive forward the digitalisation of the Hungarian armed forces and selected NATO member states. Rheinmetall thus continues to expand its position in Hungary as a capable partner of the Hungarian armed forces. The core objective of the cooperation is to promote digitalisation of the Hungarian armed forces and other NATO countries in Central and Eastern Europe and to develop and supply the necessary digital equipment.

When it is complete, the factory in Várpalota will employ about 200 people. More workers will be needed as the plant grows.

“We need employees in our team with experience in production, quality assurance, purchasing, warehousing and logistics, plant maintenance and administration. We are also specifically looking for professionals who are trained and experienced in handling explosives and ammunition”, declares plant CEO Michael Krebs.

Posted in Advertiser, Ammo, Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Capacity Building for Ammunition Production: Foundation Stone Laid at New Rheinmetall Ammunition Factory in Várpalota, Hungary

SHOT Show 23 – SOTech

January 17th, 2023

Coming soon from SOTech is this updated M-1941 Haversack in both summer and winter Frog Skin Camo.

Posted in Advertiser, Camo, Packs, SHOT Show | 1 Comment »

SHOT Show 23 – Spiritus Systems

January 17th, 2023

This as-yet-unnamed pistol magazine pouch is lined with Tegris, offering flexibility additionally, it’s lined with HANK for retention.

In addition to double stack and single stack magazines, it will also accept Multitools and other similar shaped items.

PALS compatible, it can be adapted to belts as well. Coming shoonish.

SpiritusSystems.com

Posted in Advertiser, Load Carrying, SHOT Show | Comments Off on SHOT Show 23 – Spiritus Systems

SHOT Show 23 – SureFire WarComp-Sport

January 17th, 2023

Like SureFire’s ProComp and Eliminator muzzle devices the new WarComp-Sport is non-suppressor bearing. However, you still get the same WarComp styling and performance, but at a lower price.

www.SureFire.com

Posted in Advertiser, SHOT Show, Weapon Accessories | 2 Comments »

SHOT Show 23 – Crye Precision

January 17th, 2023

The items showcased in the Crye Precision booth are “coming soon” which means we should see then during this calendar year.

ATO High Loft Parka & Pants

The ATO ALPINE TERRAIN OPERATIONS High Loft Parka is a static insulation layer for cold weather environments. The Climashield Apex insulation is thermally mapped with three different weights that deliver optimized warmth while minimizing overheating. The unique reversible design provides both alpine and woodland concealment as needed. It is constructed with a durable nylon outer fabric that is wind resistant and packable. The ATO High Loft Parka features an expandable front zipper that allows the flexibility to layer up or down and even provides coverage for fully loaded plate carriers and vests. Hand pockets are lined in fleece for warmth and interior mesh pockets accommodate cold weather gear like goggles.

ATO HD Overwhites

The ATO Overwhites provide alpine concealment in a robust combat feature design. Built from a durable ripstop nylon shell, it utilizes water resistant reinforcement in areas of high wear like the shoulders, seat, and lower arms. You’ll see some M1951 Fishtail Parka DNA in there. Shoulder and cargo pockets stow essential cold weather items and pit zipper pass-throughs.

G4 Aviation Uniform

Developed in conjunction with a SOF aviation element, the G4 Aviation Uniform is offered in both male and female fit. It utilizes the same fabric as G4, the FR Commando Twill. There are also both Field and Combat models.

You’ll find some aviation unique features like dual entry shoulder pockets, center front zipper and loop placement to accommodate ID. The pants also have double seats, oversized patch pocket on calf, vertical zippered entry on thigh pockets, and a multi-tool pocket.

Offered in MultiCam m, Black, and Ranger Green.

LVS Female Fit

Crye’s proprietary 3 dimensional forming technology allows them to shape the vest to directly match the contours of the human body. Now they’ve applied it to the female form. Because it is molded, the armor will not crumple and fold up in the bottom of the carrier. Infact, the LVS Base Vest requires no external carrier at all.

FB/40mm Pouch

The FB/40MM POUCH is designed to accommodate flashbang and 40mm grenades. It is constructed from laser-cut AIRLITE and features a welded attachment strap with a unique tab geometry. Heavy-duty elastic provides a secure fit while the flap is tucked into the pouch. The dual security closure allows for extra security of your flashbang. Available in single, double and triple pouch.

SMOC

Coming this year! Purpose built for multi-day recce missions, the SMOC (Special Missions Operations Coat) is designed to provide combat-specific weather protection and allow storage of critical gear. Constructed from a durable water repellent ripstop nylon shell and fully lined to provide warmth and wind protection, while the mesh venting at the chest pockets and underarm help to avoid overheating during movement. Designed with thumb loop cuffs, an elastic crotch strap and a shock cord cinchable waist to ensure proper fit and security.

See the 2023 Crye Precision catalog here.

Posted in Advertiser, Armor, Clothing, For the Ladies, Load Carrying, SHOT Show | 15 Comments »