XC3 Weaponlight

SPEE3D Introduces XSPEE3D: Fastest All-In-One Containerised Metal 3D Printer

October 4th, 2022

XSPEE3D is Highly Mobile, Easy to Use, and Prints Metal 3D Parts from Anywhere in Minutes

Land Forces, Brisbane, Australia – October 4, 2022 – SPEE3D, makers of the world’s fastest metal 3D printers, today unveiled its XSPEE3D printer – a containerised, ruggedized, and deployable cold-spray metal 3D printer that provides all of the necessary functions to print metal parts from anywhere in just minutes. XSPEE3D was designed based on extensive field work and collaboration with the Australian Army.

XSPEE3D is fully transportable as a standard shipping container with the printer and all auxiliary equipment in one box. The printer is easy to use and deploy, requiring only a connection to electrical power. Once the printer is live, anyone can begin fabricating parts immediately. XSPEE3D is 1,000 times faster than other additive manufacturing options and can print one or multiple parts simultaneously. The printer can be deployed to remote locations and helps maximise productivity, strengthen inventory, and bring rigour to the world’s weakening supply chain.

“One of the most significant issues the military faces today is the ability to resolve critical spare part requirements in the field, a challenge that worsens in the face of global supply chain issues,” said Byron Kennedy, CEO of SPEE3D. With the introduction of the XSPEE3D, we’re solving this issue with the ability to make reliable and affordable metal parts from anywhere, including in harsh, remote military field conditions. We understand the operational, economic, and supply chain issues Defence faces and look forward to continuing to work with them to help solve these challenges.“

The UK’s Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), an independent research and technology organisation that works with the military and the world’s top companies, is partnering with SPEE3D to be the first organisation to utilise the XSPEE3D printer.  

“Our goal at the MTC is to bridge the gap between industry and academia to showcase the world’s foremost technologies to our wide-ranging clients, including those in Defence, and metal 3D printing is crucial for us to understand and teach them,” said Dr. Ken Young, Director of Technology at the MTC. “We chose the XSPEE3D for its unique capability to be deployed in harsh environments, which makes it ideal for military use or for creation of spare parts in remote locations. This opens up a new area of application for additive manufacturing that until now has been unachievable.”

Unlike other printers, XSPEE3D can print quality 3D metal parts from over 12 metal alloys, including copper, stainless steel, titanium, high-strength aluminium, and nickel-based carbides, and can withstand extreme heat and rough terrain in the field. Uniquely, SPEE3D harnesses the power of kinetic energy rather than relying on high-power lasers and expensive gasses, allowing printing at affordable production costs.

SPEE3D is no stranger to partnering with the military.The company recently announced that its WarpSPEE3D printer was the first in the world to successfully print parts from a naval ship as part of the NCMS (National Center for Manufacturing Sciences) REPTX exercise. SPEE3D has been involved in field testing of their deployable technology with the Australian Army and Australian Navy since 2019.

spee3d.com

Agilite Buddystrap-The Extraordinary Rescue Device

October 4th, 2022

This is something you don’t see every day: 

Agilite has released the Buddystrap™, a life saving medevac device made for small teams who work deep into enemy territory. It requires just one person to evacuate a downed operator and unlike the Fireman’s Carry, the carrier can maintain both hands on their rifle. The latest incarnation of a previous Agilite device, the Buddystrap includes a built-in bucket seat and its own self-containing hanger pouch and it weights just 0.7lbs. It is available in a Berry Compliant Version for US Forces.

See more about the Buddystrap™ at www.AgiliteGear.com

Land Forces 22 – Thales 6.8 x 51mm Prototypes

October 4th, 2022

Thales provides the EF88 bullpup rifle in 5.56 NATO to the Australian Defence Force. In preparation for LAND 159 Tranche 2 which will look for a new rifle and machine gun capability, Thales has developed a new cartridge in 6.8x51mm along with weapon prototypes to perform similarly to the US Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapons program.

Although they didn’t have an example of the cartridge on hand, I’m told it’s a conventional case design, producing high chamber pressures in order to achieve similar terminal effects to NGSW’s goals.

They produced two different rifle designs, a Bullpup and a Stoner pattern weapon. It also appears that they’ve developed a common magazine between the two variants.

Land Forces 22 – Buzzworks x Platatac

October 4th, 2022

Designed by Buzzworks and manufactured by Platatac, the Light To Fight (LTF) Multi-Rig takes modularity to a whole new level.

Consisting of the patented Lightweight Adaptable Multi-role Panel System (LAMPS), it is made from laser ULTRAcomp (meaning it’s 35% lighter than traditional rigs) and laser cut in Melbourne. It is scalable to fit the need and size of any user by adding or subtracting panels and is currently under evaluation under Land 125 Phase 4.

Land Forces 22 – Sea To Summit

October 4th, 2022

Australia’s Sea To Summit manages the Land 125 contract for individual equipment as well as offering specialized equipment for the military like this Freestanding Bivy with Meeting Hub.

Up to four bivies can be attached to the hub, offering a common workspace for planning or other meetings. Additionally, the bivy can be used alone, with or without the hoop frame which keeps it freestanding. The frame is designed to support a cam net off the side of the bivy and the openings have mosquito netting. The tent fabric is a waterproof breathable laminate.

Land Forces 22 – Diggerworks

October 4th, 2022

The Australian Defence Force’s Diggerworks is involved in numerous lines of effort with one of them being Fit to Perform (F2P) which creates individual clothing and equipment to better fit female service members.

In conjunction with Aquaterro and Team Wendy, they have introduced a size 0 Tiered Combat Helmet which is a smaller shell based on the Exfil Ballistic to better fit smaller heads as the 5-95th percentile Soldier sizing grades shifted a bit as females were introduced into close combat forces.

Additionally, there is a new version of the chin strap called the H-Back Retention System which will accommodate hair buns and pony tails.

Land Forces 22 – Tulmar Safety Systems

October 4th, 2022

Exhibiting in the Danger Solutions booth, Tulmar Safety Systems is showcasing their Next Generation Tactical Life Preserver.

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• Streamlined low profile shooter’s cut allows unimpeded weapons handling, climbing, rappelling, fast roping, and confined space movement. 

• Lightweight and highly compact, yet durable; built to withstand the rigors of tactical training and operational environment use. 

• Provides 40+ lbs of self-righting buoyancy. 

• Easily attaches and integrates with most MOLLE/PALS tactical armor systems.

• Re-arm and re-pack in less than 5 minutes under operational conditions with no tools required.

Land Forces 22 – DefendTex Banshee

October 4th, 2022

Billed as an Land Autonomous Munition Platform, the Banshee from Australia’s DefendTex boasts a top speed of 100 km/hr and a range of 70 km.

This thermal seeking system is designed to look for tanks, drive under them and destroy the tank or anything else it’s set after.

It can also be used to deliver their line of unmanned aerial systems like the D40 via their multibarrel
launch system.

www.defendtex.com