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Milrem Robotics and MSI-Defence Systems Limited Present Unmanned Kinetic C-UAV Capabilities

September 14th, 2021

MSI-Defence Systems Limited (MSI-DSL), the developer of leading-edge weapon and underwater systems and the European leading robotics and autonomous system developer Milrem Robotics jointly present highly mobile, unmanned kinetic C-UAV capabilities at DSEI 2021.

Utilising Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) integrated with MSI-DSL’ Remote Weapon Systems (RWS) and Electrical Optical Sensor Systems the companies are offering a step change in countering mini-UAV, loitering munitions or other small difficult to detect airborne targets.

The highly mobile, unmanned C-UAS systems will be capable of carrying payloads from 7.62 to 30 mm including the Northrop Grumman M230 cannon and Thales LMM missiles. It will also be able to find and engage larger air threats as well as ground targets, even if armoured. All without the operator being exposed to the threats.

“MSI-DSL and Milrem are committed to providing ‘cutting edge’ capabilities to the operator providing a highly deployable system with unique lethality and survivability. The autonomous nature of the system enables the operator to Sense, Identify, Decide and Effect over a wide area without placing the operator in areas of undue risk,” said Russell Gregory, Head of Strategy, Industrial Relations and Market Development at MSI-DSL.

“In recent conflicts there has been an increase in the usage of drones and loitering munition against various military targets. The employment of this type of equipment has made low-level conflicts more lethal. Utilizing unmanned ground systems with intelligent functions to counter these new threats helps increase force protection, provide flexibility to tactical units to engage aerial and/or land targets, and ultimately reduce loss of life,” said Captain (res) Jüri Pajuste, Defence Research and Development Director at Milrem Robotics.

The unmanned C-UAS platforms provide highly effective protection for both tactical and static sites for deployed assets and critical infrastructure.

The first jointly developed system is on display at DSEI 2021 in London 13-14 September in Milrem Robotics’ stand no H4-122.

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Small, Mighty Robots Mimic the Powerful Punch of Mantis Shrimp

September 14th, 2021

Robot models the mechanics of the strongest punch in the animal kingdom

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — Modeling the mechanics of the strongest punch in the animal kingdom, researchers with U.S. Army funding built a robot that mimics the movement of the mantis shrimp. These pugnacious crustaceans could pave the way for small, but mighty robotic devices for the military.

Researchers at Harvard University and Duke University, published their work in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. They shed light on the biology of mantis shrimp, whose club-like appendages accelerate faster than a bullet out of a gun. Just one strike can knock the arm off a crab or break through a snail shell. These crustaceans have even taken on an octopus and won.

“The idea of a loaded spring released by a latch is a staple in mechanical design, but the research team cleverly observed that engineers have yet to achieve the same performance out of a Latch-Mediated Spring Actuator that we find in nature,” said Dr. Dean Culver program manager, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory. “By more closely mimicking the geometry of a mantis shrimp’s physiology, the team was able to exceed accelerations produced by limbs in other robotic devices by more than tenfold.”

How mantis shrimp produce these deadly, ultra-fast movements has long fascinated biologists. Recent advancements in high-speed imaging make it possible to see and measure these strikes, but some of the mechanics have not been well understood.

Many small organisms, including frogs, chameleons, and even some kinds of plants, produce ultra-fast movements by storing elastic energy and rapidly releasing it through a latching mechanism, like a mouse trap. In mantis shrimp, two small structures embedded in the tendons of the muscles called sclerites act as the appendage’s latch. In a typical spring-loaded mechanism, once the physical latch is removed, the spring would immediately release the stored energy, but when the sclerites unlatch in a mantis shrimp appendage, there is a short but noticeable delay.

“When you look at the striking process on an ultra-high-speed camera, there is a time delay between when the sclerites release and the appendage fires,” said Nak-seung Hyun, a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and co-first author of the paper. “It is as if a mouse triggered a mouse trap, but instead of it snapping right away, there was a noticeable delay before it snapped. There is obviously another mechanism holding the appendage in place, but no one has been able to analytically understand how the other mechanism works.”

Biologists have hypothesized that while the sclerites initiate unlatching, the geometry of the appendage itself acts as a secondary latch, controlling the movement of the arm while it continues to store energy. But this theory had not yet been tested.

The research team tested this hypothesis first by studying the linkage mechanics of the system, then building a physical, robotic model. Once they had the robot, the team was able to develop a mathematical model of the movement. The researchers mapped four distinct phases of the mantis strike, starting with the latched sclerites and ending with the actual strike of the appendage. They found that, indeed, after the sclerites unlatch, geometry of the mechanism takes over, holding the appendage in place until it reaches an over-centering point and then the latch releases.

“This process controls the release of stored elastic energy and actually enhances the mechanical output of the system,” said Emma Steinhardt, a graduate student at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and first author of the paper. “The geometric latching process reveals how organisms generate extremely high acceleration in these short duration movements, like punches.”

The device is faster than any similar devices at the same scale to date.

“This study exemplifies how interdisciplinary collaborations can yield discoveries for multiple fields,” said co-author Dr. Sheila Patek, professor of biology at Duke University. “The process of building a physical model and developing the mathematical model led us to revisit our understanding of mantis shrimp strike mechanics and, more broadly, to discover how organisms and synthetic systems can use geometry to control extreme energy flow during ultra-fast, repeated-use, movements.”

This approach of combining physical and analytical models could help biologists understand and roboticists mimic some of nature’s other extraordinary feats, such as how trap jaw ants snap their jaws so quickly or how frogs propel themselves so high.

“Actuator architecture like this offers impressive capabilities to small and lightweight mechanisms that need to deliver impulsive forces for the Army,” Culver said. “But I think there’s a broader takeaway here – something the engineering community and defense research can keep in mind. We’re not done learning about mechanical performance from nature and biological systems. Things we take for granted, like a simple sprung actuator, are still ripe for further investigation at many scales.”

By U.S. Army DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory Public Affairs

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Research | 1 Comment »

Nicomatic Launches New DBMM Series Micro Connectors and Showcases Extensive Aerospace and Defence Portfolio at DSEI

September 13th, 2021

New space-saving DBMM Range with integrated backshells; Optimus EN4165 aero rectangular series; modular & configurable micro interconnects plus custom designs

Sep 2021, Bon-en-Chablais, France: Nicomatic, the leading manufacturer of high performance interconnect systems, is showcasing its extensive portfolio of modular, highly-configurable and custom interconnects on Stand H2-872 at DSEI 2021. Specialising in micro connectors for civil and military aerospace applications, Nicomatic has an impressive track record of innovation and customer problem-solving spanning over 40 years, resulting in its products being selected for multiple aerospace and military applications worldwide.

Nicomatic has invested substantially in R & D over the past two years, typically reinvesting over 15% of total revenue into new product development. Launching at DSEI 2021 is the new DBMM Series – Nicomatic’s DMM 2mm connectors now with fully integrated backshells. DBMM connectors save space, measuring only 15mm front to back, are easy to handle and offer excellent EMI protection. Qualified to MIL-DTL-83513, two models are available: DBMM220 (4 to 32 contacts) and DBMM320 (6 to 48 contacts). They suit high power and high frequency applications such as missile systems, military aircraft and radar systems.

Nicomatic will be also be showcasing its aero modular EN4165 Optimus connector, a versatile low-profile, user-configurable rectangular I/O connector series offering high density and space-saving compared to circular connectors. Designers can specify the layout they require, including signal and power contacts. Able to withstand 500 mating and de-mating cycles, high shock and vibration and extreme temperatures, Optimus interconnects provide excellent protection against EMI and are waterproof. Fully interchangeable with existing EN4165 solutions, Optimus connectors are a space-saving and stackable solution designed for equipment interface connection to a harness or in rack & panel installations.

Easily customizable thanks to Nicomatic’s modular manufacturing capabilities, the company’s miniature, hi-rel connectors deliver excellent performance and can be stacked closely together to minimize PCB space. Also showing at DSEI are the 1mm pitch nano density AMM Series, rated for 15G vibration, 100G shock and operating temperatures between -65degC to 200degC, plus the 1.27mm pitch EMM Series, which meets the performance requirements of MIL 83513 and is 20% smaller than standard Micro D connectors. Featuring integrated 90° back protection and reversed contacts, EMM connectors suit board-to-board and board-to-wire configurations in any pin selection from 4 to 60 signal contacts.

Nicomatic will also demonstrate its capabilities in cabling solutions, including the Microflex Hi-Rel Flexible Harness for high vibration environments.

www.nicomatic.com

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Spectra Group Receives Another SlingShot Order from Major European Customer

September 13th, 2021

Spectra Group, the specialist provider of secure voice, data and satellite communications systems, has received an order for their SlingShot satellite communications system from an undisclosed European ministry of defence. The order is for specialist use by troops currently deployed on remote operations globally. This announcement coincides with DSEI taking place in London 14-17 September where Spectra Group will be exhibiting on stand H6-107.

Spectra Group’s SlingShot system is unique in that it can be integrated with in-service UHF and VHF tactical communications radios to extend the range from 30km to 1000(+) km on the move, in all conditions. By integrating SlingShot and Inmarsat’s L-TAC satellite service with in-service radios, the deployed troops have immediately gained communications capability that would otherwise not be available. In addition to Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) voice, SlingShot includes a data capability supporting critical applications such as situational awareness tools; GPS tracking; reporting and other data messaging without the requirement for ground-based line-of-sight rebroadcasting infrastructure. Enabling an extension of the in-service radios with the robust SlingShot system also means that troops do not need to carry both VHF radios (for line-of-sight) and UHF TACSAT radios (for strategic rear link). With SlingShot, a single radio can carry-out both functions. Finally, the small omni-directional antennas utilised with SlingShot provide manpack, land, sea and air platforms, with real-time Comms on the Move (COTM) rather than Comms on the Pause, as experienced with traditional TACSAT systems.

In March 2021, the British Armed Forces announced that they had equipped regular Army units with Spectra Group’s SlingShot system, as they deploy on Operations and Exercises, to enable tactical satellite communications across the area of operations. At the time, Major General Jonathan Cole, Director of Information and CIO of the British Army, said: “SlingShot is a fantastic addition to our communications inventory, delivering vital capability to deployed troops. Of particular note is the fact that the training burden is minimal as the system is effectively a ‘bolt-on’ to our current BOWMAN radios. SlingShot is a game-changer in allowing our troops to operate at reach without the additional requirement to deploy more troops to provide rebroadcast capability when operating at Battle Group level and below. I am delighted to be working with Spectra on the fielding of such an important capability”.

Simon Davies, CEO of Spectra Group, said: “We are very pleased to receive yet another order from a European specialist user group. We have seen SlingShot become a battle-winning capability used by Special Forces across the globe, but we’re delighted to see our SlingShot system now being procured for use on operations by this new customer for the first time”. He added: “The beauty of SlingShot is that it can be “plugged into” any in-service tactical radio system. Numerous Armed Forces, including the British Army, are leading the way with this kind of approach to the integration of SlingShot but we’re now seeing other global forces, including the USA, adopt a similar strategy to meet every Beyond Line Of Sight communications scenario”.

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Arnold Defense Announces Next Generation FLETCHER Development Program

September 13th, 2021

Arnold Defense, the St. Louis based manufacturer of 2.75-inch rocket launchers, is announcing the launch of a capability development program for their unique FLETCHER Land Based, Laser Guided Rocket Launcher that aims to deliver a future ‘next generation’ suite of systems. The FLETCHER precision guided 2.75-inch/70mm weapon system was first unveiled in 2017 at DSEi in London and a number of major orders were announced in October 2020. This announcement coincides with DSEi 2021 that is taking place 14-17 September. At the show, Arnold Defense FLETCHER launchers can be seen displayed on the Level Peaks Associates (H4-648) and ISTEC (H2-702) stands.

Following the receipt of some direct operational feedback from current users of the FLETCHER system, Arnold Defense is launching this capability development program to investigate the potential to take the next generation of FLETCHER systems in a number of key directions. Specifically, the program will include the development, integration and testing of optical pointing, for use when laser designation is not an option and digital fire control systems to increase the operability, functionality and operational capability. As well, the program includes the development of a system to enable multiple “clustered” launcher configurations and notably, man-pack portable units for use by dismounted troops. Once developed and successfully tested, this will allow FLETCHER to be used by small teams working on foot giving the dismounted user the ability to accurately engage targets from the ground at a range of over 5km. Running concurrently with this future development program, Arnold Defense are already working on some other revolutionary development projects for FLETCHER including a boat-mounted marine variant and further development of their 23-round MLHS ground-based system, first unveiled at DSEi in 2019.

With FLETCHER, Arnold Defense has made a bold departure from the traditional concept of use for 2.75-inch rocket systems; that of an area suppression weapon delivered by aviation assets. Arnold’s innovative approach to FLETCHER using advanced rocket-guidance technology to utilize ground-based launch platforms, meets the demands of modern, vehicle-mounted and dismounted asymmetric warfare.

FLETCHER’s unique design allows for ease of operation, maintenance and sustainment. It employs an existing suite of guidance modules, rockets and warheads, already used in well-known programs and readily available to global forces. As a result, the FLETCHER system is ‘rocket agnostic’ allowing the user to fire their existing in-service 2.75-inch rockets of choice with rockets from both BAe and Thales having been tested and certified for use.

Doug Wallace, President at Arnold Defense said, “We’ve listened very carefully to the feedback we’ve received from the operational use of the first generation FLETCHER system and we’re now developing a suite of possible future solutions to improve the operational capability and flexibility.” He added, “Arnold Defense is committed to protecting the warfighter. FLETCHER has generated huge interest globally with its unique capability to deliver organic, long-range precision firepower to even the smallest unsupported tactical element. What we’re now developing will add even more to the firepower toolset on offer to the users.”

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MATBOCK Recognized in the 2021 Inc 5000 List of Fastest Growing Companies

September 13th, 2021

MATBOCK was included in the 2021 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies, marking its inaugural entry on the list at #1033. Despite wide-spread manufacturing challenges associated with COVID-19, MATBOCK grew exponentially in its 11th year of business.

The ranking followed a year of significant change and rapid growth at MATBOCK. The manufacturing team expanded from 19 highly skilled employees to 32. Additionally, MATBOCK moved into a state-of-the art 12,400 square foot manufacturing facility in Virginia Beach with an additional laser cutting machine and several programmable sewing machines. Applying manufacturing best practices from other industries, the MATBOCK team slashed average production lead times by half while reducing past due orders and increasing on time delivery.

This past year also marked the introduction of several new and innovative products to meet the demands of our military, law enforcement, and civilian customers. One of MATBOCK’s most innovative and successful product launches was the HIVE communication bag. Designed to hold radios, a hub, and batteries, the HIVE transfers heat quickly, keeping equipment cool while maintaining water resistance. In 2021, MATBOCK manufactured and sold 1,751 HIVES in less than six months, highlighting the company’s growth and improved manufacturing efficiencies.

MATBOCK is honored to be included in the 2021 Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies and we look forward to continued growth in 2022!

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Newest Light Tactical Military Vehicle to Debut at DSEI

September 13th, 2021

The Polaris MRZR Alpha extends capabilities for global armed forces

Minneapolis – September 13, 2021 – Polaris Government and Defense, the premier provider of ultralight tactical vehicles to global military forces, will debut its revolutionary mobility platform at DSEI in stand #H8-302 in London Sept. 14-17. The MRZR Alpha is the highest performing MRZR ever developed, providing superior off-road maneuverability and performance to global forces. The advanced platform supports requirements of U.S. Special Operations Command and the U.S. Marine Corps for a longer life-cycle while increasing performance and payload and maintaining internal, tactical air transportability. Polaris will also display its DAGOR and MRZR D4 light tactical vehicles and highlight its global training, engineering and integration capabilities.

“The Polaris Government and Defense team here in the U.K. serves Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) customers, handling all configuration management to deliver a complete capability,” said Steve Canner, manager of EMEA, Polaris Government and Defense. “The MRZR platform is widely used by global forces and we’re honored the global debut of the MRZR Alpha is here at DSEI. After the show, the vehicle will remain in the U.K. so we can schedule more in-depth briefings and MRZR Alpha demonstrations.”

First introduced in 2012, Polaris has continued to enhance the MRZR platform to meet the mission demands of the U.S. military, and over 50 allied forces worldwide – and the MRZR Alpha ups the ante once again. A new chassis provides a larger and more durable foundation for the latest MRZR, which is powered by a high-performance, yet quiet, 118 hp turbo-diesel engine and off-road tuned automotive 8-speed transmission. This provides 220 ft-lbs of efficient torque that, when combined with a selectable locker for the 2WD/4WD drive system, delivers superior off-road maneuverability and handling in the most demanding environments, including deep sand. In the cab, there is increased exportable power, more cab space and a greater configurability.

Dedication to European Requirements and Global Support

Multiple European Special Operations and conventional forces have Polaris DAGOR and MRZR platforms and receive localized support from Polaris. Support includes custom-engineered accessories and upfit modifications to meet specific capabilities, complete equipment integration, program management, training, long-term parts supply and service. The delivery of a complete capability will be featured on the stand with the inclusion of the Polaris DAGOR equipped with a SurRon® e-bike, which Polaris purchases and mounts for a European special operations forces customer.

Recent vehicle deliveries to the German Army demonstrate the localized support Polaris provides internationally and how leveraging the company’s existing network benefits military customers worldwide. Polaris has delivered 65 MRZR D4s to special units of the Bundeswehr providing integration of specialized on-board equipment, training, spare parts, tool kits and documentation. The light airborne utility terrain vehicles (LL-UTV) contract has been executed by Germany’s Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Use (BAAINBw) with Rainer Diederich GmbH from Wiehl-Bomig. Rainer Diederich is the sole distributor of Polaris military vehicles in Germany.

Polaris is a major original equipment manufacturer (OEM) with 20 manufacturing facilities in six countries – including Poland and France as well as the U.S. The MRZR Alpha is produced in Minnesota at the birthplace of Polaris on a state-of-the-art, dedicated defense production line. It’s here that the company combines new technologies with the legacy of workmanship and quality that’s carried on in each employee that helps to build a Polaris vehicle.

Polaris employs dedicated military field service representatives (FSRs) to teach operator and maintainer training courses to the U.S. and its allies. Polaris also provides world-class parts distribution with an established inventory management system that allows for proactive management of parts inventory, minimizes lead time for parts and reduces the logistics for supply chain planning and management. Worldwide logistics are strengthened by the global footprint of Polaris, which has over 3,600 dealers and products sold to 120 countries.

More about the All-New MRZR Alpha

The Polaris MRZR Alpha represents the insertion of cutting-edge off-road vehicle technology for ultimate tactical mobility – derived from research and development investments that keep Polaris in front of the highly competitive off-road vehicle market. At the Polaris Product Development Center in Wyoming, Minn., engineers take the lead, improving technology and advancing vehicles through innovation.

“The Polaris portfolio of light tactical vehicles provides unmatched off-road capability. Like all Polaris military platforms, the new MRZR Alpha continues a tradition of light tactical military vehicles that are intuitive to operate, easy to maintain, and easy to globally support within an existing worldwide infrastructure of parts distribution and dealer service networks which is ideal for expeditionary forces,” said Jed Leonard, vice president, Polaris Government and Defense.

The MRZR Alpha retains a 1500 lb (680 kg) towing capacity common in the MRZR family, as well as blackout mode and a two-litter capacity. The MRZR Alpha comes in a two and four-seat option, like its predecessors, and increased payload to 1400 and 2000 lbs (635 and 907.2 kg), respectively. The range at gross-vehicle weight (GVW) increases to 225 miles (362.1 km) for expanded mission flexibility and it is heavy-fuel compatible – including DF1, DF2, JP8 and F24. The top speed of over 60 mph (96.5 kmh) supports convoy operations. An expanded off-road profile is made possible with 12 inches (30.48 cm) of ground clearance at full GVW, high clearance dual A-arm front and rear suspension with payload leveling, and 32-inch (81.28 cm), high mobility run-flat tires with bead-lock rims.

The MRZR Alpha can be internally transported by V-22, H-47 and larger aircraft by leveraging toolless ROPS and spare tire stowage. External transportation includes H-60 and larger rotary wing lift assets. Robust tie down and lifting provisions also allow for LVAD, JPADS and HSL certifications.

With the MRZR Alpha, maintenance is simplified through an On-Board Diagnostics interface (OBD-II) for real-time feedback on the status of the vehicle subsystems and a pinpoint diagnostics manual. On board vehicle systems support future condition-based maintenance and guided diagnostics.

Posted in DSEi, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on Newest Light Tactical Military Vehicle to Debut at DSEI