Check out the all-new 2021 Black Diamond Trail Run catalog. Featuring a curated collection of their latest trail running equipment and apparel, this catalog is packed with stunning photography and details on the gear you need to run the distance.
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RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — With the addition of sensors and enhanced communication tools, providing lightweight, portable power has become even more challenging. Army-funded research demonstrated a new approach to turning thermal energy into electricity that could provide compact and efficient power for Soldiers on future battlefields.
Hot objects radiate light in the form of photons into their surroundings. The emitted photons can be captured by a photovoltaic cell and converted to useful electric energy. This approach to energy conversion is called far-field thermophotovoltaics, or FF-TPVs, and has been under development for many years; however, it suffers from low power density and therefore requires high operating temperatures of the emitter.
The research, conducted at the University of Michigan and published in Nature Communications, demonstrates a new approach, where the separation between the emitter and the photovoltaic cell is reduced to the nanoscale, enabling much greater power output than what is possible with FF-TPVs for the same emitter temperature.
This approach, which enables capture of energy that is otherwise trapped in the near-field of the emitter is called near-field thermophotovoltaics or NF-TPV and uses custom-built photovoltaic cells and emitter designs ideal for near-field operating conditions.
This technique exhibited a power density almost an order of magnitude higher than that for the best-reported near-field-TPV systems, while also operating at six-times higher efficiency, paving the way for future near-field-TPV applications, according to Dr. Edgar Meyhofer, professor of mechanical engineering, University of Michigan.
“The Army uses large amounts of power during deployments and battlefield operations and must be carried by the Soldier or a weight constrained system,” said Dr. Mike Waits, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command’s Army Research Laboratory. “If successful, in the future near-field-TPVs could serve as more compact and higher efficiency power sources for Soldiers as these devices can function at lower operating temperatures than conventional TPVs.”
The efficiency of a TPV device is characterized by how much of the total energy transfer between the emitter and the photovoltaic cell is used to excite the electron-hole pairs in the photovoltaic cell. While increasing the temperature of the emitter increases the number of photons above the band-gap of the cell, the number of sub band-gap photons that can heat up the photovoltaic cell need to be minimized.
“This was achieved by fabricating thin-film TPV cells with ultra-flat surfaces, and with a metal back reflector,” said Dr. Stephen Forrest, professor of electrical and computer engineering, University of Michigan. “The photons above the band-gap of the cell are efficiently absorbed in the micron-thick semiconductor, while those below the band-gap are reflected back to the silicon emitter and recycled.”
The team grew thin-film indium gallium arsenide photovoltaic cells on thick semiconductor substrates, and then peeled off the very thin semiconductor active region of the cell and transferred it to a silicon substrate.
All these innovations in device design and experimental approach resulted in a novel near-field TPV system.
“The team has achieved a record ~5 kW/m2 power output, which is an order of magnitude larger than systems previously reported in the literature,” said Dr. Pramod Reddy, professor of mechanical engineering, University of Michigan.
Researchers also performed state-of-the-art theoretical calculations to estimate the performance of the photovoltaic cell at each temperature and gap size and showed good agreement between the experiments and computational predictions.
“This current demonstration meets theoretical predictions of radiative heat transfer at the nanoscale, and directly shows the potential for developing future near-field TPV devices for Army applications in power and energy, communication and sensors,” said Dr. Pani Varanasi, program manager, DEVCOM ARL that funded this work.
By U.S. Army DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory Public Affairs
WESTFIELD, Massachusetts – August 23, 2021 – Savage Arms is proud to announce a the latest installment of its Savage Journeys project: Growing Up on 3-Gun. This profile features Logan Toland, a promising young 3-Gun competitor and the network of family support required for a commitment to shooting sports.
Savage Arms Marketing Director Beth Shimanski met Toland at a Generation III Gun match in 2018. His determination and cooperative spirit inspired Shimanski. She recognized his potential and admired his focus and attention to detail. “The passion he showed for new disciplines was astounding,” Shimanski noted. “He dove in to learn as much as he could and reached out to others to create long-term relationships with other competitors.”
“Finding someone you can lean on for input and who will tell it to you straight is so important,” Toland’s mentor and Savage ambassador Josh Froelich added. “It’s our job to help new shooters and new sportsmen in the community and show them how to be professional, quality additions to the sport.”
“Take the competitive side of Logan away, and you find a young man who simply wants to help bring more people into the shooting space,” Shimanski said. “The shooting sports are full of passionate people who just want to share their passion with others and Logan is one of those people.”
Toland’s Savage Journey is live at savagearms.com/blog.
For more Savage Journeys, visit savagearms.com.
DIXON, CA
KUIU, the leading manufacturer of ultralight performance hunting gear, is teaming up with the Recon & Sniper Foundation to raise funds for fallen soldiers’ families and the families of the injured soldiers after the recent bombing in Afghanistan. The brand is asking the public to support the cause and Kuiu has pledged and since contributed a $25,000 match to the Kabul Fallen Fund.
“The tragedies unfolding in Kabul serve as a sobering reminder of the sacrifices our brave military men and women, as well as their families, make.” Comments Philip McGinty, Vice President of the Recon & Sniper Foundation, “The Recon & Sniper Foundation has partnered with KUIU to launch the Kabul Fallen Fund. The mission is to provide immediate and ongoing support to the families of the fallen warriors and wounded. The lives of these patriots and their families are forever changed, the least we can do is stand shoulder to shoulder to share their burden.”
So far $129,000 has been donated towards the families through the Recon & Sniper Foundation which works to enhance the quality of life for service members, veterans, and their families.
“KUIU is humbled at the opportunity to step up and partner with such a great organization to help support the Kabul Fallen Fund,” says Justin Shaffer, Sr. Program Director of Guide and Outfitter at KUIU. “We were heartbroken to hear of the incredibly sad loss of our 13 service members and the 18 that were wounded in this senseless attack. We recognize that it’s a long road ahead as these families of the fallen and wounded continue their healing and grieving process, we want them to know they are not forgotten.”
To make a donation to the Kabul Fallen Soldiers fund, click here. To learn more about how you can help the Recon & Sniper Foundation and how they help service members, veterans, and their families, visit their website at reconsniperfoundation.org.
QUANTICO, VA —
The Marine Corps continues to leverage additive manufacturing to benefit the warfighter.
This summer, the Program Manager for Ammunition at Marine Corps Systems Command 3D printed a headcap for a rocket motor used to detonate a M58 Mine Clearing Line Charge. The MICLIC is a rocket-projected explosive line charge that provides a demining capability for Marines.
“The process of 3D printing allows Marines to create a physical object from a digital design,” said CWO2 Justin Trejo, a project officer with PM Ammo at MCSC. “We essentially created a 3D-printed product and incorporated it into a highly explosive system.”
Marines use the MICLIC to clear paths through minefields and other obstacles on the battlefield. However, traditional manufacturing methods for creating the headcap can be both timely and costly, said Trejo. MCSC wanted to identify a more efficient method for producing the part.
PM Ammo found the answer to this dilemma in additive manufacturing.
In 2019, PM Ammo began exploring alternative solutions for manufacturing the headcap. After many hours of research as well as developing and testing a prototype headcap, the team collaborated with Naval Surface Warfare Center Corona Division to produce a 3D-printed version.
Earlier this year, NSWC Corona produced the 3D-printed, stainless steel solution. The next month, PM Ammo representatives assessed the 3D product during a test event at Yuma Proving Ground in Yuma, Arizona. The evaluation involved launching the rocket motor to detonate the mine-clearing line charge.
Trejo said the event went flawlessly.
“The rocket motor fired off just as intended and the line charge detonated as it is supposed to, which was a significant moment for us.”
-CWO2 Justin Trejo, Project officer with PM Ammo at MCSC
“In the future, we’d like to attempt to 3D print the headcap with its nozzles attached,” said Trejo.
He stressed the significance of the successful test event because it further confirmed the effectiveness of 3D printing, which has been growing in popularity within the Department of Defense.
Additive manufacturing provides Marines with a streamlined solution to meet their needs. In 2019, MCSC established its Advanced Manufacturing Operations Cell to serve as a 24/7 help desk for Marines who need assistance with 3D printing, and other sustainment and manufacturing solutions.
AMOC is available to answer questions, field requests for prints and fully vet any part that requires fabrication by a Marine organization. The team of skilled Marines and civilians has employed additive manufacturing to develop everything from innovative maintenance tools to a reinforced concrete bridge.
Caleb Hughes, an engineer with MCSC’s PM Ammo who supported the Yuma testing event, said 3D printing saves the Marine Corps time and money.
“The previous process of traditional manufacturing is outdated, while 3D printing is a more modern manufacturing technique,” said Hughes. “I truly believe 3D printing is the next generation of the Marine Corps.”
Trejo believes additive manufacturing aligns with Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. David Berger’s vision in that 3D printing helps increase Marines’ battlefield efficiency. Trejo said the manufacturing method enables the warfighter to be “lighter and faster,” critical attributes when supporting various missions.
“We’re able to create equipment parts and other assets for whatever particular mission we’re engaged in,” said Trejo. “This 3D-printed headcap represents the Marine Corps going above and beyond to support our Marines.”
By Matt Gonzales, Marine Corps Systems Command
London, 31 August 2021 – Elbit Systems UK will be returning to Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) this year on stand H6-230, showcasing much of their advanced technology now in service with the British Armed Forces.
Since DSEI in 2019, Elbit Systems UK has enjoyed considerable success with a range of contract awards from the UK MOD. These include the Royal Navy’s “Selborne” future naval training programme, the Dismounted Joint Fires Integrators “D-JFI” programme, the Joint Fires Synthetic Training “JFST” and Night Vision Goggles for the British Army.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID pandemic, the company participated in trials and demonstrations taking place with the UK Government and its agencies. These ranged from successful Search and Rescue trials with its Hermes 900 UAS for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to demonstrating its C4I systems in the British Army’s Warfighting Experiment on Salisbury Plain. Elbit Systems UK also recently participated in NATO’s Coalition Warrior Interoperability Exercise with its TORCH-X based Battle Management Application system, to support UK Higher Headquarters preparedness activities for Five Eyes and NATO operations.
Showcasing some of these technologies, Elbit Systems UK’s stand will have a full C4I suite on display, including the equipment demonstrated at AWE2020 and the systems being integrated into the British Army’s MORPHEUS programme.
Martin Fausset, CEO of Elbit Systems UK said: “We are delighted to return to DSEI this year. Since we last exhibited in 2019 we have enjoyed considerable successes with the British Armed Forces, and we are looking forward to reconnecting with stakeholders and industry in person, as we explore the exciting opportunities ahead.”
The full list of what will be on display at DSEI is below:
ISTAR solutions:
Skylark 3 is an ISTAR tactical mini-UAV based on the Skylark I-Lex. It can take on several ISTAR roles with its high resolution gimbaled and stabilised EO/IR payload.
Skylark I-LEX is used in over 30 countries, including various NATO nations, offering discrete ISR UAV capabilities up to the battalion level.
THOR (VTOL) is a Small uncrewed quadcopter with a high-definition data link and control software.
MAGNI (MINI- VTOL) is a micro autonomous uncrewed quadcopter for intelligence gathering.
MTGR (robot) is a micro tracked ground robot suited for explosive ordinance disposal and intelligence gathering.
Self-Protection systems:
Mini Music protection system mounted on turboprop planes and helicopters, which uses powerful infrared lasers to defeat the sensors of incoming missiles.
Redrone is a complete counter-UAV suite which provides and end-to-end solution from detecting (with radar and IR cameras), jamming, and overriding small UAVs.
Iron Fist is an active protection system mounted on vehicles designed to shoot and detonate projectiles mid-flight before impacting the vehicle and causing damage.
Airborne solutions:
SkyTouch is an aerial C4I Solution that provides end-to-end multifunctional planning and C2, gathering and analysing large amounts of data from a number of sources to create an aerial Common Operational Picture.
Brightnite is a night vision system mounted on the nose of helicopters which allows a multispectral night vision using a number of different cameras which offer 200 degrees of multispectral night vision transmitted directly to the pilot’s personal goggles.
Naval solutions:
Naval EW is a modular maritime EW suite that uses command and control, surveillance and radar and EW countermeasures, attack and effectors to tailor a solution to a force’s need.
Seagull is an unmanned surface vessel (USV) system designed to counter enemy mines at sea. It detects, classifies, locates, identifies, and neutralizes mines.
Soldier systems:
E-lynx HH multi-band, multi-waveform single-fit tactical handheld software defined radio.
E-Lynx VA dual-channel, multi-band, multi-waveform vehicular software defined radio based on manpack transceiver.
E-Lynx AR is a multi-channel software defined radio designed for airborne platforms and mission airborne radio computer applications.
E-Lynx MP Soldier Radio multi-band, multi-waveform single-fit tactical manpack software defined radio.
Dominator “soldier” is a wearable soldier load carrying protection vest system divided into three levels. Light uses a PNR-1000 radio. Basic adds a RAPTOR computer for situational awareness. Advanced further adds command and control capabilities.
XACT TH is an uncooled thermal sight that is mounted on top of a rifle.
XACT SE is a heads-up colour display for day/night operations mixed with augmented reality. The system is mounted on the war fighter’s helmet.
NIGHT VISION goggles for an individual soldier.
Rattler H is a handheld coded laser designator/marker with built-in LRF provides positive and accurate targeting for incoming munitions for close air support missions.
SUPERVISIR an easy-to-use infrared wide area persistent surveillance system, enabling 24/7 ISTAR activities. It can be mounted on a tripod and accessed remotely.
HATTORIX + AION UC: HattoriX is a dismounted ISTAR next-generation fire support and intelligence solution designed to shorten the sensor to shooter cycle in high effectiveness and accuracy. AION UC is a lightweight, high-performance uncooled thermal handheld observation system that can also be paired with the HattoriX system.
RATTLER GX/XR is a dismounted coded designator/marker with built-in LRF and DMC designed to work with air-launched and ground precision-guided munitions.
Electronic Warfare:
ELINT – LAND EW is based on an electronic signals intelligence gathering suite that scans and identifies enemy electromagnetic frequencies.
COMINT – LAND EW is based on electronic warfare systems that monitor communications.
DSEI, the world’s largest gathering of the defense and security community, connects governments, national armed forces, industry thought leaders and the entire defense and security supply chain on a global scale. With a range of valuable opportunities for networking, a platform for business, access to relevant content and live-action demonstrations, the DSEI community can strengthen relationships, share knowledge and engage in the latest capabilities across the exhibition’s Aerospace, Land, Naval, Security and Joint Zones.
SKYDEX will send Scott Osborn, Director of Business Development, Defense; Collin Metzer, Director, Blast & Ballistics; and Rowland Wright, Business Development Manager, International, on behalf of the team to demo the company’s newest innovative solutions for protection. They will attend the event in person, connect with leaders of the international defense and security market and discuss their needs as it relates to armored vehicle protection, personal protection equipment and solutions for tactical helmets. Additional highlights include the new, state-of-the-art SKYDEX IsoFit Helmet Protection System and the company’s participation in the Make UK Defence Pavilion.
“We’re thrilled to showcase our latest innovations for protection and attend DSEI as our first in-person international tradeshow in 2021,” said Alvaro Vaselli, President and CEO, SKYDEX. “This is a significant industry event and opportunity to meet with defense and security industry leaders to see how SKYDEX can help address their needs on a global scale.”
For more information about SKYDEX, please visit www.skydex.com or contact the team via email at info@skydex.com to set up a meeting.
Coming 1 October is a pistol format .22 LR version of the popular H&K MP5. Produced by Umarex there is also a rifle variant which incorporates a barrel shroud and collapsible stock.
