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ATAK 4.7 Available Now

August 2nd, 2022

Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK-CIV) is an open source app providing mission planning, geospatial, Full Motion Video (FMV), and system administrator tools that reduces the operational footprint from a tactical laptop, to a commercial mobile device. The geospatial engine and communications component support Department of Defense (DoD) and commercial sector standards. Extensibility of the core platform is supported by the Software Development Kit (https://takmaps.com/), which enables any partner to develop mission-specific capability or contribute to the advancement of the baseline. Data can be pre-loaded into ATAK or downloaded from the network when available.

Civil use capabilities of ATAK-CIV include:

• Online and offline mapping (most standard formats), with a blazing fast rendering engine

• Support for very high-resolution imagery (sub 1 cm resolution)

• Collaborative mapping, including points, drawings, locations of interest

• Extensive and customizable set of Icons

• Overlay Manager which allows the Import and display of KML, KMZ, GPX overlays, maps and imagery including both online and offline sources with adjustable transparency. These overlays can be treated as Gridded Refrence Gaphics.

• Location marking, sharing, history

• Chat, file sharing, photo sharing, video sharing, streaming

• Navigation-walking/hiking, driving, also useful flying and air-ground coordination

• Elevation Tools, heat maps, computed contour maps, viewsheds, routes w/DTED, SRTM, including dynamic profiling

• Hashtags and Sticky tags

• Center on Self, Center on other objects (e.g. another person in the network)

• Range, bearing, and other measurement tools

• Network-aware geofences with triggers

• “Bloodhound” destination tracking, including on moving objects

• Team Emergency Beacons

• Customizable Toolbar

• Radio controls and Integration

• Photo to map capability (aka Rubber Sheeting)

• Casualty evacuation tool

• Icon support for a wide variety of First Responder missions with further extensible Icons

• 3D perspective and ability to display 3D geospatial models

• Useful for First Responders, Hunting, fishing, ornithology, wildlife site survey

Get it here.?

Posted in Tac Apps, TAK | 1 Comment »

Persistent Systems Delivering Thousands of Networking Radios to QinetiQ US in Support of US Army’s Robot Program

August 2nd, 2022

July 27, 2022

Persistent Systems, QinetiQ US collaborate on ongoing Common Robotic System – Individual, or CRS(I), program

Persistent Systems, QinetiQ US also renew Wave Relay® Ecosystem industry partnership for another five years

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”) a leader in mobile ad hoc networking (MANET), announced that it has received additional orders from QinetiQ US to provide thousands of Wave Relay networking devices in support of the U.S. Army’s Common Robotic System – Individual, or CRS (I), program.

CRS (I) is the Army’s continuing effort to provide dismounted troops with a lightweight, highly mobile unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) to conduct reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition. In 2019, QinetiQ was selected to provide its SPUR platform for CRS(I). Persistent Systems, in turn, supplies the communications and command-and-control element of the UGV.

“The MPU5’s robust, low-latency networking capability allows the operator of the SPUR platform to send commands to the UGV as well as receive video and other sensor data back, which can also be shared with everyone else on the network,” said Nick Naioti, VP for Business Development for Persistent. “To date, Persistent Systems has supplied hundreds of radios for CRS(I) and we are just entering full-rate production for the program.”

The company’s new, state-of-the-art production facilities will meet the increased demand as well as those of other programs, he added.

QinetiQ US renews partnership with Persistent Systems

In addition to the CRS(I) orders, QinetiQ US is renewing for another five years its partnership in the Wave Relay® Ecosystem, an industry alliance of sensor, UGV, and unmanned aircraft contractors all using Persistent’s MANET as their default network. Ecosystem partners enjoy such benefits as competitive pricing, on-site expert training, product integration support, and access to the Persistent technology roadmap.

During last the five years, Persistent Systems collaborated closely with QinetiQ US. Besides supporting QinetiQ US in its early CRS(I) deliveries, Persistent has helped its Ecosystem partner on the Tactical Adaptable Light Ordnance Neutralization (TALON) family of robotic systems for the U.S. Army, providing an upgraded communications package for the UGVs.

The two companies have, as Ecosystem collaborators, won some $500 million worth of business. “We are excited to extend our partnership with QinetiQ US,” Naioti said, “and look forward to backing the company on future initiatives.”

Posted in Comms, Industry, Press Release, Robotics | Comments Off on Persistent Systems Delivering Thousands of Networking Radios to QinetiQ US in Support of US Army’s Robot Program

Sneak Peek – Kitanica Scorpion Pack Coming to Kickstarter

August 2nd, 2022

Kitanica’s lumbar pack, the Scorpion, is coming August 9th to Kickstarter. Lots of features.

But if you really want to get a jump on this, and a chance at winning one for free, visit preorder.kitanica.com/contest. You’ll have an opportunity to get 40% off on launch and entered for a chance to win a free pack.

Posted in Advertiser, Load Carrying | 4 Comments »

US Army Awards MATBOCK, LLC of Virginia Beach, VA, $6.9M pOTA to Develop a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Hybrid Electric Vehicle (JLTV HEV)

August 2nd, 2022

Virginia Beach, VA: MATBOCK is an industry leader in bringing paradigm shifting technologies to the market and is excited to announce this partnership with the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) to develop a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Hybrid Electric Vehicle (JLTV HEV) prototype that will utilize a M1278A1 Heavy Gun Carrier JLTV as the base platform.

In March 2022, the RCCTO awarded MATBOCK a $6.9M, including options, pOTA (Prototype Other Transaction Authority) to develop and deliver a JLTV HEV. The primary purpose of this project is to validate or negate the feasibility of prototyping a tactical Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV). The goals of the project are to increase the overall automotive performance and operational range, increase the availability of on-board and off platform power, and increase the vehicle’s overall operational effectiveness by adding additional capabilities.

In addition to being able to generate additional power, the JLTV HEV will have a new capability over the non-hybrid JLTV variants by being able to operate in a ‘silent mobility mode’ that only utilizes the battery pack, increasing the silent watch capability over the non-hybrid JLTV variant.

MATBOCK has set up a new 4,000 sq-ft space directly attached to their existing space dedicated to military hybrid-electric vehicle efforts to include the JLTV HEV. MATBOCK has nearly 30 people dedicated to making this project successful. At the helm from the MATBOCK side is Mike Pilotte. Mike is an Armor Officer in the North Carolina National Guard and an experienced Project Manager having most recently completed a successful Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II with the Special Operations Command (SOCOM).

MATBOCK will be pushing past current limits of battery and automotive technology integration and engineering results with these performance enhancements, but MATBOCK is known for tackling tough challenges like this. “Without a doubt this will be the most complex project MATBOCK has faced in our 12 years in business, but we have the right team and core technologies to produce a successful outcome.” said MATBOCK’s Co-Founder & President Zach Steinbock.

To learn more about MATBOCK and our extensive product line, check out matbock.com or email us at admin@matbock.com

Posted in Contracts, Mobility, Power, Press Release, SOF | Comments Off on US Army Awards MATBOCK, LLC of Virginia Beach, VA, $6.9M pOTA to Develop a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Hybrid Electric Vehicle (JLTV HEV)

USSOCOM Selects L3 Communications Integrated Systems AT-802U Sky Warden for Armed Overwatch Aircraft

August 2nd, 2022

USSOCOM has made a decision for it’s Armed Overwatch program which will add 75 aircraft to provide dedicated Close Air Support, precision strike, and airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) from austere locations in a permissive environment.

It’s the Sky Warden from the L3 / Air Tractor team.

DoD made this announcement on 1 August:

L3 Communications Integrated Systems, Greenville, Texas, was awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (FA8637-22-D-B001) in the amount of $3,000,000,000 (maximum ceiling value) in support of Armed Overwatch. Research, development, test, and evaluation; and procurement funds in the amount of $170,000,000 were obligated at time of the award. Armed Overwatch will provide Special Operations Forces deployable, affordable, and sustainable crewed aircraft systems fulfilling close air support, precision strike, and armed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, requirements in austere and permissive environments for use in irregular warfare operations in support of the National Defense Strategy. The contract will be a mixture of firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, time and materials, and cost reimbursement no-fee for the procurement of up to 75 aircraft, training systems, mission planning systems, support equipment, spares, and logistics support, with a period of performance from July 2022 to July 2029, including all options. The majority of the work will be done in Greenville, Texas. This action is a follow-on production contract in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 4022(f) authorized or required by statute. U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity. (Awarded July 31, 2022)

Here is the L3 Harris Press Release:

L3HARRIS AND AIR TRACTOR SKY WARDEN TEAM SELECTED FOR USSOCOM ARMED OVERWATCH CONTRACT

Highlights:

• Sky Warden™ system to expand SOCOM’s irregular warfare capabilities

• SOCOM weapon system testing begins in 2022

• Six new aircraft will be delivered under the low-rate initial production Lot 1

MELBOURNE, Fla. — U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has selected L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) and Air Tractor, Inc.’s AT-802U Sky Warden™ system for its Armed Overwatch program. Award of the Indefinite Quantity, Indefinite Delivery contract includes a cost ceiling of $3 billion. The program includes delivery of up to 75 manned, fixed wing aircraft, with an initial program contract award of $170 million.

The fleet of modern multi-mission aircraft will address SOCOM’s need for a deployable, sustainable single-engine fixed-wing, crewed and affordable aircraft system. It will provide close air support, precision strike, armed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), strike coordination and forward air controller requirements for use in austere and permissive environments. The aircraft will be used in irregular warfare operations.

“An important part of our Trusted Disruptor strategy is listening closely to combatant commanders’ needs, and responding faster than the evolving threats,” said Christopher E. Kubasik, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, L3Harris. “We want to deliver game-changing, modular solutions to U.S. special operators for their hardest missions, and Sky Warden does just that.”

L3Harris expects to rapidly modify last summer’s Armed Overwatch prototype demonstrator into the production configuration and provide for customer weapon system testing in approximately six months. Production of new, fully-modified, Armed Overwatch mission-configured aircraft will begin in 2023 at L3Harris’ Tulsa, Okla. modification center, following initial production at Air Tractor’s Olney, Texas aircraft manufacturing facility. Six new aircraft will be delivered under the low-rate initial production Lot 1.

“Sky Warden will bring powerful and affordable close air support, precision strike, armed ISR, and command and control capabilities directly to special operations forces in the battlefield,” said Sean Stackley, President, Integrated Mission Systems, L3Harris. “We are ready now to begin work on this modern, multi-mission system for the SOCOM Armed Overwatch program.”

The production-ready Sky Warden system is tailorable for a variety of mission requirements to meet U.S. mission needs.

“The Sky Warden design reflects our commitment to America’s national security and the AT-802U will be equipped with everything we’ve learned manufacturing aircraft over the past 46 years,” said Jim Hirsch, President, Air Tractor, Inc. “The L3Harris team is an excellent partner, and our production and engineering staff are ready to immediately deliver this world-class product to our nation’s special forces.”

Learn more about Sky Warden at www.L3Harris.com/SkyWarden.

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Contracts, ISR, SOF | 21 Comments »

ERDC, Transatlantic Division Team Recognized with USACE Innovation Award

August 2nd, 2022

VICKSBURG, Miss. – A team from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s (ERDC) Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Transatlantic Division and the USACE Protective Design Center was recently recognized with the 2022 USACE Innovation of the Year Award.

The team developed simple and effective bunker enclosure door designs for the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) to help reduce risk for traumatic brain injury (TBI) to bunker occupants. The new designs sought to reduce the peak pressures experienced by an individual seeking shelter in a bunker by more than 90 percent.

CENTCOM’s area of responsibility encompasses more than 4 million square miles and stretches from Kazakhstan to Yemen.

“The ERDC team, in coordination with the Transatlantic Division, developed modifications to existing bunker designs to reduce TBI vulnerability and provide design recommendations to the Army to address force protection challenges concerning current personnel bunkers,” said Bart Durst, ERDC-GSL director.

Throughout the research and design process, team members leveraged the Department of Defense’s High Performance Computing systems at ERDC to conduct more than 120 high-fidelity simulations of door designs and configurations.

The innovative solution was developed within a very short timeline using the survivability knowledge maintained through ERDC’s Expedient Passive Protection program and their computational capabilities. The team was able to deliver the project in six months.

“I am extremely proud of ERDC-GSL’s contribution to this team and this project,” Durst said. “These innovations will tremendously benefit warfighters across the globe in the execution of their mission. These retrofits provided rapid solutions to address an urgent need for expeditionary force protection to reduce TBI vulnerabilities.”

ERDC Public Affairs

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

Steadicopter Reports Winning Yet Another Significant Tender With Its Black Eagle Electric systems, For The Israeli Navy

August 1st, 2022

The Black Eagle Electric are the first unmanned helicopters to be powered by an electric motor and have a MTOW of up to 50 kg, adapted for use in advanced maritime missions, and many other applications.

27 July, 2022. Steadicopter – a leader in the Rotary Unmanned Aerial Systems (RUAS) industry – announces another win in a significant tender, this time for the Israeli Navy, for its Black Eagle Electric systems. The Black Eagle Electric family is the first family of unmanned helicopters that are powered by an electric motor, are capable of carrying several payloads and sensors, and can be adapted to diverse applications, including complex maritime missions. Just recently, the company announced the signing of a contract to supply the systems to another Naval customer.

The Black Eagle 5O Electric helicopter has a maximum take-off weight of 50 kg, a useful load weight of 30 kg – including payload and batteries, and a flight time of two hours. These capabilities enable high performance as well as maximum operational flexibility for military applications such as intelligence, coastal security, search & rescue, and advanced maritime missions.

The electrically-powered engine significantly reduces the weight of the platform, thereby enabling the installation of additional payloads that are required for a variety of missions. Weighing just 20kg as a platform, the helicopter can carry additional batteries for longer flights, heavier mission payloads, and more. As such, the system enables the widest variety of missions, including covert operations.

The dual-electric propulsion helicopter is economical, simple to operate, easy to maintain, and needs no fuel storage, making it environmentally friendly and safe. It is based on the proven capabilities of the gasoline-powered Black Eagle, including vertical take-off and land, long hover durations, and advanced mission sensors for any mission scenario, whether day or night. In addition, like other Steadicopter platforms, it is adapted to high-altitude flights.

“In the past year, we have expanded the Black Eagle family with the addition of a hybrid and electric system of up to 50kg,” says Noam Lidor, VP Sales, Marketing & Business Development at Steadicopter. “We are proud that just one year after the launch, we have already announced the winning of several significant contracts, for both systems, the latest of which is for the Israeli Navy – considered one of the most advanced forces in the world. There is a growing global need for unmanned systems with vertical landing and takeoff capabilities. The Black Eagle family meets this need with a unique low-weight technology, which enables it to carry several payloads, for flexibility and mission success. We expect that the company will be reporting further deals in the near future.”

www.steadicopter.com

Posted in Contracts, International, Navy, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Steadicopter Reports Winning Yet Another Significant Tender With Its Black Eagle Electric systems, For The Israeli Navy

DroneShield to Partner with Australian Missile Corporation

August 1st, 2022

DroneShield is pleased to announce that it has signed a collaboration agreement with The Australian Missile Corporation (AMC), as the $1bn Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) enterprise enters the next phase.

The AMC was one of the Australian-based GWEO enterprise panel partners invited by the Commonwealth Government in April to work with global missile manufacturing giants Lockheed Martin and Raytheon in establishing a local industry.

Considered areas of cooperation between AMC and DroneShield include counterdrone security, prevalent in current battlefield as seen with the Ukraine war, as well as Electronic Warfare and associated Artificial Intelligence work.

Rear Admiral Lee Goddard (Ret.), AMC’s CEO, commented “We are pleased to cooperate with DroneShield, with its Australian sovereign capability, as we progress our GWEO program. Its world-leading technologies combined with its expertise in engineering and physics would be critical to the development of guided weapons in Australia.”

DroneShield CEO, Oleg Vornik, added, “We are thrilled to work with AMC and its network of partners, to assist in delivering of this iconic Australian defence program.”

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on DroneShield to Partner with Australian Missile Corporation