Industrie Militaire

[tchpako]

Klinge Corp Completes Prototype for Swedish Armed Forces and Prepares for Testing
Friday, September 21, 2012 by Klinge



n August last month representatives from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (Försvarets materielverk) visited York, Pennsylvania to review the Refrigerated Container system designed by Klinge Corporation.

The company was awarded a multi-year contract at the end of 2011 to design and produce a minimum of sixty Refrigerated Containers based on a standard 20' ISO-container with a hook frame for HEMTT or PLS lift trucks.

The Refrigerated Container features integrated hydraulic rollers allowing for easy loading/unloading as well as a manually operated hydraulic pump. The pump enables the rollers to be lowered when loading or unloading and raised when the container is stationary.

The primary purpose of the 20' Refrigerated Container is to store and transport of frozen food, refrigerated food, and dry groceries. The interior of the container is outfitted with shelving system for food storage and a fire extinguisher in case of emergency. The 20' container has double doors as well as a wicket door that provides access to the interior without having to open the larger doors.

The Refrigerated Container prototype is scheduled for testing at the U.S. Department Aberdeen Test Center in September 2012. The equipment will undergo mobility testing in accordance with AECTP 400 to ensure the system can withstand transportation on roads of poor quality.

The Refrigerated Container will also undergo Radiated Emission testing in accordance with MIL-STD-461F, RE102 as well as Radiated Susceptibility testing in accordance with MIL-STD-461F, RS103.

"Klinge Corp was able to apply its experience in designing and qualifying transport refrigeration equipment to military standards to the Refrigerated Containers for the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration," said Sales Manager, Jason Flynn.

"The equipment plays a critical role in the Swedish Armed Forces provisioning system and, as such, our Refrigerated Containers will ensure food is kept at the required temperature."

http://www.army-technology.com/contract ... orces.html

[tchpako]

BAE-EADS Deal Faces Questions From Investors
Sep. 24, 2012 - 09:19AM

Despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding the massive deal being discussed by Britain’s BAE Systems and EADS, shareholders of both companies’ stock have not hesitated to act, with sharp adjustments to share prices occurring as news of negotiations broke.

EADS’ stock closed at 29.67 euros ($38.52) on Sept. 11, the day before news of the deal broke. Reflecting fears that BAE and its defense-heavy portfolio might drag down margins, the price had dropped to 25.74 euros at the close of the markets one week later, a 13.2 percent dip.

That dip is largely because of the composition of EADS shareholders, who invested in the European aerospace giant because of its booming commercial aviation business, said Byron Callan, a defense market analyst at Capital Alpha Partners.

“The current shareholder base owns EADS because of Airbus, not because of EADS’ defense businesses,” he said. “By merging with BAE, that cyclic exposure is diluted.”

BAE, on the other hand, saw a healthy spike in its price on the London Stock Exchange, from 328.7 pence Sept. 11 to 340 one week later, a 3.4 percent increase.

In the vacuum of notable progress on the deal, market analysts are stepping back and considering the broader strategy behind a potential merger.

“I see this as a big game of chess,” said Joseph Schneider, president of the consulting firm JSA Partners. “Everything that’s going on right now is short-term thinking, looking at what’s on the table.”

Schneider said the proposal is a tactic to allow prime contractor defense consolidation.

“This is a Trojan horse proposed deal designed to put big company mergers on the table and then enable BAE to merge with a U.S. company like Northrop Grumman or General Dynamics,” he said. “Without the BAE-EADS threat in the background, [the Defense Department] would unlikely approve a prime merger involving BAE.

“They played this game before when they were discussing merging with Aerospatiale [of France] in the late ’90s, only to get the U.K. government to sanction their takeover of GEC,” Schneider said. “Aerospatiale then merged with DASA [of Germany] to form EADS, which was their second choice.”

Others doubt the possibility of an alternative deal. Sash Tusa, a partner at London research house Echelon, said in a report that a counter-bid from a U.S. prime is difficult to see happening.

Tusa said all the uncertainty is around the politics of the situation. “If they [the companies] can square the three governments,” the deal “will probably happen, but it could be prolonged and therefore messy,” he said.

Hurdles remain for a potential merger, and successful clearance by regulatory authorities is not certain, given the massive size of the new combined company.

Even though EADS’ footprint in the U.S. is small enough to keep the potential combination roughly the same size as other prime contractors, investment bank Espirito Santo said in a market report that it thought the deal is unlikely to proceed.

“First, we believe there is a big risk of political obstruction from the U.S.,” the bank said. “Second is the fact that we don’t feel the offer is sufficiently compelling for BAE’s shareholders”

Titling its report “Grand Theft Aero,” the bank said that on current terms, the merger proposals outlined by BAE would represent a “steal” for EADS.

In Europe, where the two companies represent the lion’s share of defense contracting, the potential for monopoly poses a greater threat to approval.

“It makes sense for BAE and EADS to get together, but the question has to be asked whether it is a good thing to have such a large group for the defense ministries, which are the main clients,” said François Lureau of consulting firm EuroFLconsult.

While a consolidation of combat aircraft makes sense, the defense ministries will likely wish to avoid a “verticalization” of activities, as the proposed new company would also make the radar and missiles for the fighter jet.

That would lead to asset sales to obtain government approval, leading to a second wave of defense consolidation, Lureau said.

For instance, France’s Thales could be a buyer if BAE and EADS were forced to sell their respective 37.5 percent stakes in MBDA, the European missile company.

A consolidation of Europe’s fighter jet business raises the question as to whether France’s Dassault will put its military aviation activities into the merged group, as there will likely be only one European combat aircraft in 2040, Lureau said. Dassault builds the Rafale fighter jet and previously built the Mirage.

Owner Serge Dassault will have to consider the future, as will the French government. EADS holds 44 percent of Dassault, widely seen as a holding operation for the state.

An industry executive, however, said European governments have accepted and lived with an effective verticalization of the missile market, as BAE and EADS own 75 percent of MBDA and hold two-thirds of the votes.

Finmeccanica owns 25 percent but holds a third of the votes.

Possible changes to the ownership stakes held by European countries involved in BAE and EADS also concern investors, as key company officials desire to change the power dynamics in the potential new company.

But French defense consultant Bruno L.G. Carré said state control of defense is in the French DNA. “If the deal brings a significant political signal in favor of l’Europe de la défense, I would think that the French would accept a compromise and be comfortable with ‘just’ a super golden share.

“Without that, would the French abandon any control? I doubt it,” he said. “Complete privatization? Certainly not. Neither will they let the Germans control the group.

“Let’s not forget that EADS is a Dassault shareholder, which in turn is a shareholder of Thales and DCNS,” the French shipbuilder, Carré said. “So could it mean a global restructuring? That would require Dassault and EADS to get on together … unlikely.”

http://www.defensenews.com/article/2012 ... |FRONTPAGE

[tchpako]

Advanced situational awareness – the next step for AIDEWS
24 September 2012

The Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suite (AIDEWS) provides new and legacy fighter aircraft with advanced radar warning and radio frequency countermeasures. Julian Turner talks to Stuart Altman, ITT Exelis Electronic Systems AIDEWS business area lead, about the company's mission to equip allied forces with increased situational awareness and survivability.

http://www.airforce-technology.com/feat ... are-3.html

[tchpako]

BAE Systems Hits Grand Slam with Four Marine Corps Contract Wins

The Marine Personnel Carrier offers a true no-compromise 8x8 amphibious platform. (Photo: BAE Systems)

14:52 GMT, September 24, 2012 The U.S. Marine Corps has awarded BAE Systems four different contracts to design, build and test various amphibious vehicles, solidifying the company’s position as a leader in marine vehicle engineering.

Over the next year and a half, the company will complete a trade study around the current Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV); build and test a prototype of its Marine Personnel Carrier (MPC); and work on two different contracts related to the design of the Corps’ proposed Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV).

“Our team has worked very hard on each RFP, and we’re beyond thrilled that all of our proposals resulted in awards to BAE Systems,” said Ann Hoholick, vice president and deputy general manager for Vehicle Systems. “These awards are truly a grand slam for our team. We’re proud to have supported the U.S. Marines for over 70 years, and these programs will continue to build upon this relationship.”

The first contract is an AAV upgrade trade study, which will help the Corps’ AAV Program Office determine an optimal design for the AAV RAM/RS vehicle upgrade. This ship-to-shore vehicle has been in service since 1972, but BAE Systems continues to upgrade the vehicle and extend its life. This work will also support a validation that the capability upgrades can be produced at the targeted average procurement unit cost.

The MPC demonstration and study effort allows BAE Systems, partnered with teammate IVECO, to showcase its optimized 8x8 wheeled vehicle to the U.S. Marine Corps and demonstrate its superior balance of sea-keeping capability and force protection. The vehicle provides a new hallmark to expeditionary combat vehicle relevance.

The final two contracts, focused on design work for the ACV, will provide a leap forward in amphibious vehicle survivability by delivering the U.S. Marine Corps a blast test demonstrator based on the ACV requirements. Included trade studies will confirm the vehicle’s land and water mobility can still be achieved at higher survivability levels. One contract is related to a new, ACV-specific design concept; the second is for a design that is based off of the existing AAV. The purpose for both awards is to allow the U.S. Marine Corps the opportunity to evaluate design concepts based on a new design or an upgrade to current vehicles.

Taken as a whole, BAE Systems’ overall goal under these four contracts is to help the U.S. Marine Corps design a “Family of Systems” that incorporates low risk, mature technologies that are scalable to pace the threat and align to emerging requirements and funding. Leveraging shared designs and systems within the vehicles will decrease infrastructure, training, maintenance and support costs.

http://www.defpro.com/news/details/39612/

[tchpako]

Boeing Awards Final CH-147F In-Service Support Contract to General Dynamics Canada

Artist's impression of a CH-147F (Image: Boeing)

Awards support Canada’s Industrial and Regional Benefits

14:21 GMT, September 24, 2012 OTTAWA, Ontario | Boeing has completed its selection of in-country providers to support Canadian Forces CH-147F helicopters by awarding an Engineering Support Services contract to General Dynamics Canada.

The In-Service Support program contracts -- five others were announced in January and July -- are an integral part of Boeing's support of Canada's Industrial and Regional Benefits policy for the CH-147F Chinook. The six contracts are tied to Boeing's CH-147F Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) program, which will generate benefits of approximately US$2 billion for Canada over a 20-year period.

"Boeing and its Canadian partners are committed to providing superior service to our customers while advancing the country's aerospace industry," said Peri Widener, vice president, Rotorcraft Support Programs. "We look forward to building on more than 90 years of creating long-term, high-value opportunities with Canadian industry."

Under the CH-147F Engineering Support Services program, Ottawa-based General Dynamics Canada will work with Boeing on projects that include reliability, availability and maintainability support; systems and support engineering; integrated logistics; and structural integrity engineering services. The company received a CH-147F maintenance training suite/contractor maintenance support contract from Boeing in July.

"We are pleased to have been selected once again by Boeing for in-service support to the Canadian CH-147F Chinook," said David Ibbetson, vice president and general manager, General Dynamics Canada. "This program will add to our current experience in supporting Canadian military platforms and provide value to our customer through the introduction and sustainment of the Chinook fleet."

Life-cycle support of the CH-147F will be delivered through a long-term PBL program that includes full system logistics and training services. Boeing is an industry leader in performance-incentivized, integrated logistics solutions, with numerous PBL contracts with customers around the world and across multiple platforms.

http://www.defpro.com/news/details/39602/

[tchpako]

M-ELROB 2012: RUAG Presents Two Unmanned Vehicle Projects

14:38 GMT, September 24, 2012 Unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) – also known as land robots – are used for protection or rescue duties in hazardous environments, or for the performance of frequently reoccurring, repetitive tasks. The context can be military as well as a civilian. UGVs are typically deployed for reconnaissance work, monitoring buildings and infrastructures, border surveillance, search and rescue missions and goods transport, as well as explosive ordnance disposal and mine clearance. UGVs can be compared to unmanned airborne systems, except that ground deployment presents scientists and technicians with challenges that are several orders more complex and difficult.

RUAG Defence CEO Urs Breitmeier comments: "UGVs are a highly promising technology of the future, and one that RUAG is actively pursuing. RUAG is researching, developing and investing in this area with the aim of gradually becoming a UGV competence centre for the Swiss Army and other security forces."

RUAG is attending this year's M-ELROB, which is taking place in Switzerland for the first time, with two projects:

ARTOR RESEARCH PROJECT

ARTOR (Autonomous Rough-Terrain Outdoor Robot) is a research project involving a group of specialists from the Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ), from technical departments at armasuisse, and RUAG. The objective of this project is to improve the autonomy of a ground vehicle. The point of the UGV research programme as a whole is the setting up of a UGV competence centre in Switzerland. The programme is primarily driven by Switzerland's public safety and security requirements, not by the marketing possibilities presented by the technology.

ARTOR is already capable of navigating autonomously: rather than use GPS, it relies on data captured by sensors mounted on the vehicle. ARTOR is able to negotiate static and moving obstacles as its picks out the quickest way to its target via a number of via predetermined waypoints. It is also able to follow vehicles or people and can search for a route or area autonomously.

Two vehicular devices have been developed, both featuring electric propulsion: one is a wheeled vehicle approximately 100 cm long and 80 cm wide weighing 250 kg with a payload capability of 100 kg. The other is a tracked vehicle approximately 170 cm long and 80 cm wide weighing 425 kg with a payload capability of around 200 kg. Maximum speed for both exceeds 15 km/h. The average deployment time on a single battery charge is in the order of four hours. Depending on what is required of them, the vehicles can rapidly be equipped with a range of standard payloads.

TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATOR BASED ON AN EAGLE 4X4 FEATURING THE RUAG VEHICLE ROBOTIC KIT

This project is a joint venture involving RUAG and General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS), and is aimed at developing a UGV technology demonstrator based on a standard military vehicle that is otherwise normally manned. In the partnership, GDELS is delivering the Eagle 4x4 vehicle with an all-important vehicle assistance system, while RUAG is responsible for integrating the additional equipment required for UGV operation, such as sensors, control computers (hardware and software), actuators, the broadband radio system and the control and command equipment for the control console. The vehicle is currently teleoperated, i.e. operated under remote control, but its autonomy will improve as development work progresses.

RUAG is developing and delivering most of the UGV component groups in kit form. The kit is designed in such a way that it can be used with almost any vehicle. In addition, the control console can be installed in a container or another vehicle. The vehicle can be operated in a manned or manned mode. It measures 5.5 m in length, 2.3 m in width and 2.4 m in height. Its maximum weight is 10,000 kg and it can carry a payload of around 3000 kg.

http://www.defpro.com/news/details/39606/

[dil@w]

Armements: attirer des investissements privés (Rogozine)

Les capitaux privés investis dans le complexe militaro-industriel russe ont permis au pays de réaliser une "véritable percée" dans le développement d'armes d'infanterie, a déclaré le vice-premier ministre russe Dmitri Rogozine lors d'une rencontre avec le président Vladimir Poutine.
Après avoir rappelé la décision d'attirer les investissements privés dans l'industrie de l'armement, annoncée par le chef de l'Etat en mai dernier lors d'une visite à Nijni Taguil (Oural), M. Rogozine a fait savoir que cette politique portait déjà ses fruits.
"Les seules choses constituant une véritable percée sont celles conçues dans le domaine des armes d'infanterie. Il s'agit d'un nouveau pistolet et de deux modèles de fusils de précision. Ces armes sont le résultat des activités d'entreprises privées", a indiqué le vice-premier ministre.
M. Rogozine informe régulièrement le public de l'apparition de nouveaux systèmes d'armes à feu. En juin dernier, il a notamment fait savoir que le nouveau pistolet Strij (Martinet), conçu à l'usine Ijmach (Ijevsk), serait prochainement mis en service dans l'armée russe pour remplacer le célèbre Makarov.

http://bit.ly/PBQQUO

[tchpako]

Kratos Awarded Training Data Products Contract by Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division

Contract has $780 Million Ceiling Value

06:42 GMT, September 25, 2012 SAN DIEGO | Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., a leading National Security Solutions provider, announced that it has been awarded a contract for the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division's (NAWCTSD) Training Data Products Contract (TDPC), a Multiple Award Contract (MAC). The TDPC, inclusive of all awarded contracts and ordering periods, has a total value of $780 million and an eight-year ordering period.

This multiple award contract was designed to provide the Naval Air Systems Command Team with a streamlined, quick reaction vehicle for the acquisition and life cycle support of Training Data Products (TDP) for its many customers across the U.S. Navy, Department of Homeland Security and Foreign Military Sales. Based on application of the formal Instructional Systems Development (ISD) process, the TDPC scope supports multiple functional areas aligned to all phases of the ISD process.

Kratos' award supports competing for task orders across all TDPC functional areas, including (1) Analysis, Design and Evaluation; (2) Development, Production and Implementation; and (3) Sustainment. The TDPC will accommodate self-paced training, group-paced training, dual-purpose training, blended training, learner assessments, and performance support systems. The scope of the TDPC MAC is intended to support training system ISD requirements of Naval Air Systems Command's Aviation Training Systems Program Office, as well as the four NAWCTSD Program Directorates: Aviation, Surface, Undersea, and Cross-Warfare/International.

"Kratos brings a highly experienced team with proven knowledge and demonstrated execution ability across the full spectrum of training development," said Dan Dunaway, Senior Vice President of Kratos Training Solutions. "Kratos has an extensive track record of providing advanced training solutions to the U.S. Navy as well as the other uniformed services. We look forward to applying this knowledge and experience to developing the next generation of training solutions to enhance the readiness and performance of our nation's Warfighters."

"This is a key contract vehicle for the Navy and other armed services and provides new opportunity for our training solutions across the Navy's aviation, surface, undersea, and cross-warfare domains," said Phil Carrai, President of Kratos Technology and Training Solutions. "This award builds on our other recent training-focused IDIQ awards, including NTPS and TSC III, placing Kratos in a dynamic position both to reach new customers and better serve our existing clients."

http://www.defpro.com/news/details/39624/

[tchpako]

Lockheed Martin Delivers Propulsion Core for the First GPS III Satellite

Spacecraft on Schedule for 2014 Launch Availability

06:36 GMT, September 25, 2012 DENVER | The Lockheed Martin team developing the U.S. Air Force's next generation Global Positioning System III satellites has delivered the first spacecraft's propulsion core module to the company's Denver-area GPS Processing Facility (GPF). The milestone represents the program's first major hardware delivery for GPS III Space Vehicle 1 and highlights the satellite's initial Assembly, Integration and Test activities in the GPF.

The propulsion core contains the integrated propulsion system and serves as the structural backbone of the satellite. Developed and tested at Lockheed Martin's Mississippi Space & Technology Center, the propulsion subsystem is essential for maneuvering the GPS III satellite during transfer orbit to its final location as well as conducting on-orbit repositioning maneuvers throughout its mission life.

"The delivery of the propulsion core demonstrates that this program is on firm footing and poised to deliver on its commitments," said Lt Col Todd Caldwell, the U.S. Air Force's GPS III program manager. "In this challenging budget environment, we are focused on efficient program execution to deliver critical new capabilities to GPS users worldwide."

The propulsion system benefits from a Lockheed Martin initiative to improve the manufacturability of GPS III. The activity simplified plumbing routing and reduced welds by 25 percent compared to similar spacecraft, which results in significantly reduced cycle time and cost for all GPS III production satellites.

To reduce risk and overall program costs for the government, the team is first fielding a full-sized satellite prototype, known as the GPS III Non-Flight Satellite Testbed (GNST). The approach is used to identify and solve development issues prior to integration and test of the first GPS III satellite.

"Building on the lessons learned from our GNST pathfinder, we expect to execute a very smooth and efficient assembly, integration and test phase for the first GPS III satellite," said Keoki Jackson, vice president of Lockheed Martin's Navigation Systems mission area. "We are on track to deliver the first satellite for launch availability in 2014, and as we complete production pathfinding on the GNST and move into full scale satellite production, we expect to streamline our processes further, reduce risk, lower per unit costs and ensure mission success."

The GPS III program will affordably replace aging GPS satellites while improving capability to meet the evolving demands of military, commercial and civilian users. GPS III satellites will deliver better accuracy and improved anti-jamming power while enhancing the spacecraft's design life and adding a new civil signal designed to be interoperable with international global navigation satellite systems.

In 2008, Lockheed Martin was awarded the contract for the design, development and production of the GNST and the first two GPS III satellites, with priced options for up to 10 additional satellites. In early 2012, the Air Force exercised a $238 million option for production of the next two satellites, GPS III space vehicles three and four. The Air Force plans to purchase up to 32 GPS III satellites.

The GPS III team is led by the Global Positioning Systems Directorate at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. Lockheed Martin is the GPS III prime contractor with teammates ITT Exelis, General Dynamics, Infinity Systems Engineering, Honeywell, ATK and other subcontractors. Air Force Space Command's 2nd Space Operations Squadron (2SOPS), based at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., manages and operates the GPS constellation for both civil and military users.

http://www.defpro.com/news/details/39622/

[dil@w]

BAE Systems continue d'engranger des contrats: l'USS Milius va avoir des réparations et modernisations


le chantier naval de San Diego de BAE Systems ne désemplie pas, il a obtenu un nouveau contrat de 39.5 millions $ pour les réparations et modernisations de l'USS Milius revenu de déploiement le 10 septembre, les travaux devraient durer jusqu'en juillet 2013.
5 navires de l'US Navy sont actuellement en réparations avec ce chantier naval: les destroyers Howard et John Paul Jones, le croiseur Chancellorsville, le navire amphibie New Orleans, le navire de lutte anti-mines Chief.
http://bit.ly/PDIgVz

[tchpako]

Ukrainian/South African joint effort to upgrade former Soviet radars in Africa



Written by Chris Szabo Wednesday, 26 September 2012 12:39
altA new company based in Ukraine but also operating out of Johannesburg, AMC Engineering and Trade (PTY) LTD, plans to upgrade Soviet-designed radar systems throughout Africa, such as the one exhibited at last week’s Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition, the P-18OU, a modernised and upgraded version of the old analogue P-18 ground radar.

The P-18 was a large but mobile ground-based early warning radar developed in 1970. The system was known to NATO as the “Spoon Rest D” and was part of a series of so-called “Knife Rest, Spoon Rest” systems designated P-8 to P-18, and thought to have been called “Laura” in Russian, the project name being “Terek”.

The P-18 is a VHS-band system used widely in the Cold War and naturally found its way to African countries, and was known as a highly effective C3 command and control system, part of the so-called “Warsaw Pact interlocking radar” air defence system.

The P-18 comprised two trucks, one for the generators and one for the radar control, which could be linked to an air control headquarters, fighter control station or rocket battery. The P-18 systems used in Africa today are getting quite long in the tooth and the AMC upgrade promises a new lease on life for cash-strapped countries.

The P-18OU operates out to 400 kilometres from base and the example shown to defenceWeb included the Zimbabwe border in the north, Aliwal North in the West, Lesotho in the South and Swaziland/Mozambican coast in the East. It can track 150 targets simultaneously.

AMC’s main idea is to leave most of the parts in the system intact, changing the servo-motors in the transmitter-receiver antenna assembly and adding a new generator capable of running the system unaided for 48 hours.

In the radar guidance truck, two screens show transmission and reception. All analogue components have been replaced by solid state digital equipment and modular components to allow swift servicing. This is important as by 2015, aviation authorities have indicated all radar stations must meet digital requirements.

According to AMC Director John Turner, conversion training can be carried out in four weeks, two of which are in Ukraine and two in Africa.

The P-18OU records all playback on the monitor and the system can be operated in active or passive mode, with good anti-jamming capabilities. Reports state that P-18 systems were believed to be used by Russia and the former Yugoslavia in cancelling out stealth capabilities, reportedly contributing to the shooting down of a US Air Force F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter over the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s.

Turner is confident AMC can upgrade former Soviet radar systems used in African countries and indicated interest from as far away as Egypt.

Published accounts say both Egypt and Libya used P-18 systems along with other radars.

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?o ... Itemid=105

[tchpako]

The Fabled Polymer Cobra Buckle Appears

Posted by Rob Curtis | September 25th, 2012



ITW Military Products gave us a look at their new Nexus GT Cobra stab design buckle, coming soon in 3 sizes and three adjustment systems. ITW tells me they will have development samples available at SHOT Show 2013.

http://blogs.defensenews.com/modern-day ... e-appears/

[tchpako]

New 40mm Taser Grenade Zaps Enemy

Posted by James Sanborn | September 26th, 2012

After hitting a target, the rear portion of Taser's 40mm HEMI round detaches, but stays tethered the nose by a cord. The nose digs into a target's clothing or skin and delivers an incapacitating shock provided by the power source contained in the rear of the munition. (Mike Morones/Marine Corps Times)

Taser has a new way to put bad guys in the dirt called the 40mm HEMI or Human Electro-Muscular Incapacitation round.

The company had a working prototype on display at this years Modern Day Marine aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., that could be tweaked to reliably drop targets 50 to 60 meters out, according to George Fenton, the company’s vice president for federal and military programs.

At first glance, the round looks similar to a 40mm high explosive round fired out of standard grenade launchers. But on closer inspection it is a marvel of plastic and wiring that could deliver up to 40,000 volts and 2.1 milliapms to immediately incapacitate threats.

Taser's 40mm HEMI round can be fired from conventional grenade launchers. (Mike Morones/Marine Corps Times)

“It has the same end state as a bullet without the consequences,” Fenton said.

The advantage is that targets shouldn’t suffer any ill effects different than those felt when zapped by Tasers commonly used by police in the United States. As soon as the delivery of electricity ceases, the target should be unharmed and recover quickly.

It allows Marines to maintain offensive momentum without worrying too much about collateral damage or civilian casualties in uncertain situations, Fenton said.

Is a man with his hands up moving into a building going to inform insurgents or just feeling to safety? Is a guy getting out of his car wearing a suicide vest or just an irate driver. Is the kid in a wheel chair who doesn’t heed universal signs to stop mentally handicapped or a bad guy in disguise? Those are all real scenarios Fenton said troops have recounted to him — scenarios where they were in real danger, but because of uncertainty didn’t feel right using lethal force.

The 40mm HEMI could give them the ability to protect themselves without mistakenly killing or wounding an innocent civilian.

Now, the company is just waiting for a request from the Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Program that details exactly what the services require on the battlefield. Then, the company could put the final touches on the device and it could be zapping bad guys in no time.

The product is currently at technology readiness level 7, Fenton said, meaning the prototype is nearly ready for the finishing touches. TRL 9 is the highest level achieved when the system is finally ready for field operations. For now, Taser is in a holding pattern.

http://blogs.defensenews.com/modern-day ... aps-enemy/

[tchpako]

Warfighting Lab Shows Off Beast of Burden

Posted by Bethany Crudele | September 25th, 2012

A new four-legged, rugged terrain robot, dubbed “Robo-mule,” is a must-see piece of equipment at this week’s Modern Day Marine.

The Legged Squad Support System (LS3) can currently reach speeds of 5 mph and accelerate to 8 mph during "burst" periods. Developers hope to increase operating speeds to 20 mph and get the robot to respond to basic verbal commands. (Mike Morones/Marine Corps Times)

The Legged Squad Support System (LS3) is an autonomous vehicle designed to lighten the load for small infantry units. LS3 can carry up to 400 pounds of equipment, including ammunition, batteries and water. It can reach speeds of 5 mph and accelerate to 8 mph during “burst” periods. Developers hope to increase speeds to 20 mph and get the robot to respond to basic verbal commands.

Earlier this month, the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and Boston Dynamics unveiled the vehicle for Commandant Gen. Jim Amos.

Maj. James Richardson, head of the Logistics Combat Element Branch within the lab’s technology division, said the Warfighting Lab has received positive feedback on the autonomous vehicle, which is larger and quieter than its predecessor, BigDog.

“To have something that can go on rough terrain and carry cargo for you is exciting because we don’t have anything that can do that right now,” Richardson said. “I’m excited to see it get pushed through the different paces and hopefully at the end once we actually bring in Marines for the final experiment, that’s when we’ll see the real impact [and when] we’ll get feedback from Marines.”

LS3 will undergo additional testing later this year at Fort Pickett, Va., and the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at

http://blogs.defensenews.com/modern-day ... of-burden/

[tchpako]

New Heat-Resistant 60mm Mortar Sling

Posted by Bethany Crudele | September 26th, 2012

The no-melt heat shielded slings can withstand temperatures of 800 degrees Fahrenheit and will provide increased body support for Marines.

The Marine Corps will begin testing the final prototype of a new heat-resistant 60mm mortar sling within the next few months. The no-melt, heat shielded slings, made by Tactical Assault Gear, can withstand temperatures of 800 degrees Fahrenheit and will provide increased body support for Marines.

“What [the Marine Corps] has, hasn’t been working,” said Julie Kammerer, TAG account manager. “This sling makes it so the mortarman can carry [a 60mm mortar] upside down or right side up with the base plate. It has the heat shield on top so he can touch it with his hand.”

The new design will also prevent dust and debris from getting inside.

Kammerer said the final prototype provides additional support for a mortarman’s legs and back and will make it easier for Marines to carry the heavy artillery weapon on the move.

“We’re trying to make it easier on the war fighter to do his job effectively and maybe save him some pain in the long run on his knees and back,” said Kammerer.

Earlier this year, Marines from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. and Camp Lejeune, N.C., had an opportunity to test the sling during live-fire demonstrations and provide feedback about the overall design. The first 50 prototypes will be sent to the Marine Corps for additional testing over the next several months.

“This is the final prototype. [The Marine Corps is] really happy with how [the sling] turned out. It’s been tested by numerous Marines and they’re ready to start with these 50,” Kammerer said.

http://blogs.defensenews.com/modern-day ... tar-sling/