It was BATTLESPACE’s first visit to SOFIC and what a good decision we made to visit the show! Our readers may have spotted a somewhat repetitive coverage of the recent AUSA meetings where there was much of the same, nothing to enthral the brain cells. Where did all this new technology go we thought? Well, I seems that industry is using SOFIC as its technology showcase.
BATTLESPACE used the three days of the exhibition to good use and met up with many old contacts and made new ones and saw a proliferation of new technologies. In addition the Editor met up with UKTI and industry to discuss the next Owning the Night Event which will be held in association with UKTI at Larkhill Ranges from November 8-9 2016. Given the host of new night vison technologies on display at SOFIC the response from industry to demonstrate these systems in the correct environment was very positive.
Polaris Vehicles
Our first stop was Polaris Defense to get an update on the range of products from PR guru Katie Paulson.
“Polaris Defense has submitted a response for the U.S. Army’s request for information regarding the ULCV program. The market questionnaire had a deadline of today and is designed to help program management better understand the capabilities of manufacturers and availability of commercial products, like DAGOR™.”
“Our tested and proven DAGOR vehicle is in the hands of U.S. and allied Special Forces and the feedback has been extremely positive,” said Rich Haddad, general manager of Polaris Defense. “It was designed for requirements very similar to what we are seeing materialize for the ULCV, and as a result DAGOR already represents the optimum balance of payload, off-road mobility and tactical air transportability. If we were designing a vehicle specifically for ULCV, the result would be DAGOR with a short list of accessories, which we detailed in our RFI response to the U.S. Army.”
DAGOR made its public debut at AUSA last October with contracts from U.S. and allied Special Forces. Since its expedited deliveries started in November, U.S. and international government testing has been rigorous – and positive.
“We’ve heard from our Special Forces customers that DAGOR gets them places they have not gone in a vehicle before,” said Haddad. “It makes us very proud that the vehicle we worked hard to produce truly fills a mobility gap, and that DAGOR was – and still is – a needed capability.”
DAGOR was designed for a mobility gap for light infantry and special operations forces. The gap could be filled with a vehicle that is easily transported by tactical air, carries enough payload to be mission effective and carries its full payload in extreme off-road terrain. DAGOR meets those requirements in a robust and flexible off-road vehicle platform that can be configured for up to 9 Warfighters.
“DAGOR looks to be a great natural fit for the ULCV requirements as they are provided today,” said Haddad. “Bottom line, DAGOR allows the Warfighter to go faster with more people and payload while enhancing their mobility and combat effectiveness over difficult terrain.”
Polaris Defense brings game-changing resources to the military in the area of off-road mobility as part of a larger, commercial company. Polaris provides a wealth of engineering, production and sustainability resources that come with being a recognized leader in the off-road vehicle industry. Polaris maintains a robust global network of dealers, distributors, and subsidiaries, providing dedicated full life-cycle support for these vehicles throughout the world. And with a proven and well-established Defense team, the company works closely with military customers to gain a thorough understanding of their off-road mobility needs.
BATTLESPACE was also briefed on the Polaris UK offering of the Dagor for the UK’s Project Westley.
The Dagor on display at SOFIC mounted a Dillon min-gun on a Control Solutions CS5200 S Lightweight Motorized Gun Turret (LMGT).
The Lightweight Motorized Gun Turret (LMGT) provides a new one-piece system that can be easily mounted on almost any vehicle. Reducing the vehicle weight will continue to be a key requirement of military and police forces worldwide.
The LMGT is powered through a built-in rotary slip ring that connects to the vehicle’s power source. The slip ring allows the gun turret to rotate a continuous 360 degrees without wires getting in the way of the gunner.
The LMGT’s motor-drive spins the turret and can hold in position with any gun and on any slope. The motor-drive can be disabled for manual use.
With it’s simple one-piece design, the turret can be easily mounted on the roof of most vehicles with almost no space taken-up inside the vehicle. It’s light weight does not impact the vehicle’s center-of-gravity or overall stability.
BATTLESPACE hopes to drive the Dagor in the near future and we hope to have the vehicle with the above systems on display at OTN 2016.
FLIR Systems
The second stop was FLIR Systems to meet up with brief from Andrew Saxton on new developments.
BATTLESPACE was given an update on the FLIR LTV, an All-Terrain Self-Contained Mobile Surveillance System, using the Polaris ATV as a carrying platform.
Cerberus LTV is a lightweight all terrain reconnaissance and surveillance system that gives operators the ability to go almost anywhere and conduct fully self-contained surveillance missions using advanced radar, electro-optical and thermal imaging systems. Complex long range, world class sensors are seamlessly woven together on a mobile platform to maximize detection, reliability and scalability while minimizing nuisance and false alarms. Payloads can be changed depending on the mission and networked with other sensors, FLIR vehicles and command and control nodes, yielding an unparalleled capability. LTV is perfect for guarding borders and critical infrastructure.
“Since your last brief we have sold a number of LTVs to SOCOM and a Middle east customer. We have significantly developed the vehicle’s systems and software and all our vehicles now have the ability to be network LTVs to enable exchange of targets and information across a wide spectrum of targets. In addition the software, developed by FLIR also has a slew-to-cue application enabling targets to be sent back to HQ. Another development of the LTV is the mounting of the AV Switchblade UAV to allow UAV missions form the LTV which extends the surveillance range of the vehicle. The radar mounted on the LTV at the show is a FLIR (formerly IC-X) ground surveillance radar.” Saxton said.
LTV APPLICATIONS
- Force Protection
- Border Surveillance
- Tactical Reconnaissance
- Pipeline Security
- Mobile Security
- Target Tracking
- Long Range Surveillance
KEY FEATURES
* Radar and visible/thermal camera payloads ranging from 700m to 30km (18.6 miles), with slew-to-cue of cameras to radar tracks
- Optional Payloads cover up to four spectral bands including visible, near-IR (NIR), short-wave IR (SWIR) and mid-wave IR (MWIR) bands
- Option for All-digital, High Definition 1080P/720P for all video channels
- Track over 500 targets at the same time
- Laser Designator, Laser Rangefinder, Laser Pointer and Illuminator options
- Wirelessly provides other personnel, vehicles and C2 systems with target bearing and geo-referenced coordinates, identifying the precise location and direction of the target
“FLIR has made a considerable investment in dual-mode, white phosphorus and SWIR technologies over the past years and we now have a complete range of products incorporating these technologies. We now produce SWIR detectors at out Colorado facility” Saxton said.
The Editor then visited the optics portion of the FLIR booth where we were shown a variety of new thermal sights with new technology particularly dual-mode, white phosphorus and SWIR. The Editor saw a number of products including:
ThermoSight HISS Long Range Thermal Weapon Sights
The ThermoSight HISS S100 & S150, detachable thermal sights mount in-line with standard optical scopes (up to 15X), which serve as the eyepiece. These long range thermal sights can be detached and reattached without affecting the boresight of the day scope; significantly improving operator performance and tactical flexibility.
The ThermoSight S100 and S150 HISS weigh less than four pounds and will operate for over seven hours using standard CR-123A batteries. HISS has been successfully tested on weapons up to and including .50 caliber rifles.
ThermoSight HISS Features
* High sensitivity mid-wave thermal imaging
* 150 or 240 mm long range optics
* Operates on standard CR-123A batteries
* Lightweight
* Rugged and field-tested
* Video output
* Compatible with standard scopes up to 15x
The HISS has been demonstrated to the UK MoD for sniping reqirements
MilSight T130-D / T130-D
Advanced Dual-Band Universal Night Sights (ADUNS)
The MilSight S140-D ADUNS is an advanced dual-band universal night sight that is compatible with standard sights. The sight uses adjustable blending of thermal image and intensified night vision to produce a high-quality image. Its multi-use design, small and lightweight size, and simple operation make the MilSight S140-D ADUNS an ideal vision enhancement system for night time close combat missions.
The MilSight T130-D ADUNS is an advanced dual-band universal night sight that is compatible with standard sights. The sight uses adjustable blending of thermal image and intensified night vision to produce a high-quality image. Its multi-use design, small and lightweight size, and simple operation make the MilSight T130-D ADUNS an ideal vision enhancement system for night time close combat missions.
The clarity exhibited by D ADUNS in both modes was excellent and it had easy to use controls to switch modes.
Navistar International
BATTLESPACE moved on to Navistar International Corporation where we met up with Kevin Thomas the recently appointed president of Navistar Defense LLC, taking over from Bob Walsh. Thomas, 51, most recently performed dual roles as director of engineering for Navistar Defense and managing director for the certification and compliance group for Navistar, Inc. Working with the defense group during the last eight years, Thomas led both the defense program management and engineering teams. He played an integral role in the Navistar defense segment’s success in delivering quality products to the U.S. and its allies, enabling them to complete their mission and return home safely.
“From a national security standpoint, the uncertainties in the world necessitate our military be prepared for a wide spectrum of contingencies,” said Thomas. “In a time of declining defense budgets, we must be selective and aggressive about what we do so that we are ready to support when called. I look forward to leading this great team of qualified and energetic people into the next phase of our defense business.”
Thomas began his career with Navistar in 1999. He worked in several positions managing engineering groups between the truck and engine businesses as well as leading a joint venture between Navistar and Ford Motor Company.
Kevin took the Editor round the Booth where we saw the Special Operations Tactical Vehicle (SOTV). Navistar’s SOTV-B (Blended) variant is on display in booth 2040. It is a low-profile, purpose-built armored vehicle designed for counter-insurgency operations.
“While it may look like a typical small truck seen throughout the Middle East and around the world, it’s anything but,” said Kevin Thomas. “The SOTV is a purpose-built vehicle designed specifically to provide the highest levels of protection and performance, while ‘hiding in plain view.’”
Everything in the SOTV—from the powerful engine, to the dynamic suspension and drive train, to the armor system, to the modular electronics capability—is designed for the highest level of mission performance and protection. As a purpose-built vehicle with a robust design and components, it provides a significantly longer life cycle than an up-armored light truck.
The SOTV-B shares significant commonality with the SOTV-A, which is Navistar Defense’s tactical variant for covert operations. Highly modular, the SOTV can be configured with a variety of weapons and C4ISR packages for a wide range of missions.
“The SOTV-B vehicle provides significantly greater protection and performance than traditional up-armored commercial light trucks,” Thomas added. “It can be skinned to look like any truck of choice—flexible, but designed from the inside out for special operations.”
Textron Systems
Moving on to Textron Systems Advanced Information Solutions we were briefed on the latest release of its Integrated Command (iCommand®) suite. The new thin client version of iCommand, known as iCommand 2.0, expands user access to a wide range of valuable command and control capabilities (C2) that deliver real-time situational understanding and mission-centric collaboration. Textron Systems is displaying the new product during the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC) in Tampa, Fla., May 19-21, at booth 520/526.
iCommand thin client provides ubiquitous access to real time C4ISR information from anywhere a web browser is available. No software needs to be installed, and no custom plug-ins are required. iCommand 2.0 streams synchronized information from multiple data sources and locations onto one 3-D multi-touch geospatial display in a single web page. It also includes new capabilities for managing critical information in the cloud and delivering it seamlessly across an enterprise and “to the edge” of a user’s operations. In addition to its thin client attributes, iCommand 2.0 provides enhanced geospatial data management and document management capabilities, collaborative workspaces and multiple simultaneous viewpoints. It also is modular and scalable based on available IT infrastructure. A single iCommand node delivers dynamic operational information to 50 concurrent users with ingestion of up to 50 full motion video feeds, and 30,000 sustained individual tracks including 48-hour retention and recall of all tracks and video data.
“iCommand 2.0 enhances interactions and collaboration between mission commanders and tactical edge users for greater C2, operations intelligence data convergence and sensor/platform integration,” said Steve Overly, Textron Systems Advanced Information Solutions senior vice president and general manager. “It takes the capabilities of our previous iCommand solution to the next level and expands its application to a wider range of environments. With increased information access, users are able to maintain a tactical advantage like never before.”
iCommand 2.0 maintains all of the best features of iCommand 1.0. It is deployed as a cloud-enabled service in which data is integrated into a common platform where context is built and maintained over time. Information is displayed in a unified manner, removing the need to cross reference multiple displays and documents and reducing the time it takes to make decisions.
Taking disparate data and systems and integrating them onto common displays allows users to add mission critical contextual information to raw data. iCommand’s ease of use and configuration enables common operating picture (COP) managers to visualize real-time data from remote platforms, including unmanned aircraft, manned strike aircraft and a variety of intelligence and operations feeds/data sources. Using its intuitive web-based interface, COP managers can dynamically manage critical aspects of the data, such as name, symbology, attribution, layering and attachments. This COP management capability turns this data into powerful decision-making enablers for the end users. Once tactical decisions are made, iCommand’s platform integration services enable operations center users to manage and task platforms under their command. Drag-and-drop tasking operations are translated into specific tactical messages, which are then sent to the appropriate radio or device. This closes the loop on situational understanding, decision making and platform management to provide an end-to-end operations / intelligence convergence capability. The iCommand 2.0 suite also eliminates the need for constant cross referencing of multiple documents. Users view, manage and interpret information regarding mission plans and platform synchronization for tactical assets using a map-centric view of the battlespace. This brings traditionally separate mission documents directly into geospatial context. The new thin client iCommand 2.0 product is available now.
L-3
Moving on, we visited the L-3 Booth where we saw the Long-Range Sniper System (LSS) is designed to give the warfighter a decisive tactical advantage for long-range precision firing on selected targets from concealed positions. The LSS augments the warfighter’s ability to prosecute targets day or night up to two km. Our LSS integrates a variable-power day optic, laser rangefinder, projected reticle display, ballistic computer, digital compass, meteorological sensors, and incline and cant sensors. The LSS is designed for rapid engagement. The warfighter lases the target to measure the range, and the system automatically generates a ballistic solution crosshair for aiming.
The LSS is compatible with standard military clip-on night-vision devices.
Features
Continuous zoom day optical (4 to 22x) • Wide field-of-view providing superior situational awareness • Target ID and engagement up to 2 km
- Field-proven ballistic algorithm for M24, M110, M40, M2010, Precision Sniper Rifle, and M107 50 caliber • Available memory for > 30 more ammo/weapon types
UKTI
BATTLESPACE moved on to the UK Booth which was hosted by UKTI DSO, the UK’s defence export organisation. After an OTN discussion, laying out the parameters for the forthcoming show, we had a tour of the booth and met up with the exhibitors.
20 KTS+ Ltd
20 KTS+ Ltd is the global leader in managing risk and enhancing performance & safety in fast craft operations.
“In the field of fast craft operations, the issue of risk is of life and death importance. Our aim, in supporting organisations to manage this risk, is in achieving an As Low As Reasonably Practicable – ALARP – status. This is achieved by a combination of world leading education and training, boat design and the use of Personal Protective Equipment [PPE]. This novel, holistic approach is only available through 20KTS+. This approach allows organisations to simultaneously reduce risk to ALARP, whilst increasing performance.” Dr Trevor Dobbins told BATTLESPACE
ABBS
ABBS, the UK ballistic systems Company has set up a new US operation to take its unique Active Mine Protection Systems technology to the North American markets and help save lives and prevent injuries to people in vehicles that are hit by mines or IED’s.
ABBS.USA LLC is based in Sterling Heights, Detroit, close to such as General Dynamics Land Systems, TARDEC, TACOM and British Aerospace Land Systems, and is therefore ideally located to get its technology evaluated and inserted into both upgrades and new vehicle designs.
Key employees are Dr. Richard Lane (President) who was previously Business Development Director at Ricardo, and Patrick Caplis (Vice President Operations) who is an ex-Marine who has suffered from several IED attacks and who understands the benefits that the ABBS technology can bring.
Alt-Berg Ltd.
* Altberg have developed a range of tour boots in the new MTP compatible military brown colour. These boots are now available – Click here to view and purchase.
* Altberg are introducing a new MTP compatible colour to their suede desert boot, The Microlite. The new colour will supercede during the period Dec 2011 to March 2012. Click here to preview.
* Altberg have a new range of ladies specific military boots for female military personnel. The new range used a new last – CMB8 which has a specially shaped forefoot and a narrow heel. The boots are lightweight and made from supple flexible leather. Click here to view.
* Following work Altberg have been doing at the military rehabilitation unit at Headley court, Altberg are developing a new lightweight boot specially designed to lessen impact on the foot and reduce muscle fatigue. Click here to preview prototype.
* Altberg are continuing to work with Imperial College London to research materials and boot sole construction to reduce impact.
Alt-Berg supplies the British Army with its Brown Boot range.
BCB Innovations
BCB designs and manufacture a wide range of equipment including:
* Light engineering – hand tools, M.O.E. etc
* Innovative clothing
* Creams, powders and liquid formulations
* Body armour
* Food and nutritional products
* Webbing and load carrying
The Company also packs many types of rations, first aid kits and survival packs. BCB’s Continuous and Never Ending Innovation policy, (CANEI for short), has resulted in hundreds of quality innovative products, many of which were, and continue to be developed in partnership with the world’s elite forces.
During the past four decades, BCB has designed and manufactured specialised equipment to enhance the Special Forces soldiers “Survivability” and “Sustainability”. These products are now available to Land and Air forces, under Future Soldier Programmes.
Another vital requirement of the Future Soldier is C4i for dismounted infantry. The TACCS Situational Awareness system, (see TACCS C4i), effectively brings C4i to the front-line. It is robust, proven and available now. It will have a major impact in improving battlefield effectiveness and reducing “Blue-on-Blue” casualties. It is easy for the infantry to use as an aid in the planning, training for and execution of combat missions. It was designed by soldiers for soldiers.
Chemring Technology Solutions
Chemring Technology Solutions is an advanced science and technology company trusted by government, national security and commercial Customers to provide military, intelligence and commercial advantage.
From two sites in the UK, world-class scientists and engineers rapidly solve complex Customer problems and create innovative technology solutions that protect and enhance lives.
Roke Manor Research Ltd is a world-class electronics engineering company that provides contract research, product development and manufacturing for a wide range of UK and international customers.
* Defence – delivering adaptable military capability
* Security – delivering intelligence insight
* Innovation – delivering commercial advantage
For more information visit – www.roke.co.uk
Chemring EOD is a global provider of EOD, Counter-IED, and security systems. With over four decades supporting government agencies, armed forces, and civilian security teams it has an established track record in making life safer by countering explosive and other threats.
* Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) – world leading equipment
* Security – site access security
Chemring showed the Editor details of its new Breach MC, WASP lightweight disruptor and PED initiator.
Clyde Space
Clyde Space is a world leading provider of nanosatellites.
Clyde Space took on the role as “platform prime” for the build and development of UKube-1. It was therefore our responsibility to deliver the complete mission for the UK Space Agency from concept to delivery to the launch site. The majority of the design and system integration took place at our high-tech facility in the West of Scotland Science Park.
The experience has developed our skills in many areas and resulted in further development of our own products as well as the innovation of new ones. UKube-1 consists of a combination of standard off the shelf subsystems from our CubeSat Lab, modifications to standard subsystems and new products.
Crucially, we have proven our ability to build and integrate subsystems into a complete satellite. We have a highly skilled team at Clyde Space including engineers who have worked on tens of spacecraft over decades of small satellite experience, and as everyone in the space industry knows, experience in building a successful space mission is worth its weight in gold.
“The lessons learned from this project have had an impact on many of the things we do with benefits that will be passed on to our customers. Working with our own products has enabled us to further improve them – making them easier to integrate and test by our many customers. We had the unique experience of being in the position of our customers – integrating our own off-the-shelf subsystems with other hardware and software. We realised that this sometimes requires workarounds that we were previously unaware of and have updated our systems to ensure this process is easier. This improves the support we can provide our customers with, as we have greater awareness of issues that can arise when integrating off-the-shelf CubeSat systems. We have the experience to better assess risk which means we can also advise customers on timing and tasks.” Robin Sampson told the Editor.
All aspects of the design had to allow rapid development which resulted in an improvement in our processes as well as product development. In order to de-risk integration issues with the multiple payloads and to ensure that any schedule delays were mitigated, Clyde Space provided an interface emulator to all payload teams at the start of the programme. This allowed the rapid parallel development of subsystems – payloads could be developed and tested without the need to interface to the spacecraft platform. Both the payload and the platform could therefore be developed simultaneously.
Evidence Talks
Evidence Talks developed the SPEKTOR Forensic Triage forensic triage tool.
SPEKTOR Forensic Triage is the most comprehensive digital forensic triage tool available. Used worldwide by police, military, government and commercial customers, it enables users with minimal skills to safely, quickly and forensically review the contents of computers, removable media and cellphones, reducing lab workload, lowering costs and improving efficiency. All this in a single lightweight, rugged device. Designed on a modular and expandable framework, SPEKTOR forensic triage delivers all the power and functionality required in the field or the lab while enforcing a solid, forensically acceptable methodology with full logging and audit built in. Using an intuitive, process driven touch screen interface, the operator can quickly and easily configure reusable storage devices to extract evidence or intelligence from target devices, automatically analysing the results and presenting the information on screen and allowing the user to export encrypted reports.
Regardless of the operating system on the target, SPEKTOR forensic triage recovers live and deleted data (including a copy of the RAM, from a running Windows computer) and can also create complete forensic images in the common formats used by leading forensic tools.
Analysis is fully automatic and fast. SPEKTOR forensic triage identifies, categories, extracts and allows the user to quickly review pictures, movies, documents, browser activity, chat, email and many more file types without the user needing any technical knowledge.
Powerful keyword searching and hash matching features can highlight material of interest in seconds while the encryption detection module comprehensively identifies PGP, Bestcrypt, Truecrypt, Steganography, and Camouflaged data.
LGC Forensics
LGC is an international life sciences measurement and testing company, building leading positions in sustainably growing markets. Our offering is underpinned by our heritage and expertise in regulation, accreditation and standard setting. We provide reference materials, genomics solutions and analytical testing products and services, based on our innovations and our own intellectual property. We work with customers in the pharmaceuticals, agricultural biotechnology, food, environment, government, academic, security and sports sectors to achieve excellence in investigative, diagnostic and measurement science.
Our comprehensive quality system supports and enhances business excellence and ensures we provide our customers with the level of service and the quality of products they expect. Our operations are extensively accredited to international quality standards such as ISO/IEC 17025.
With a history dating back to 1842, we have been home to the UKGovernment Chemist for more than 100 years. We are the designated UK National Measurement Institute for chemical and bioanalytical measurement, providing metrology research, calibration and testing. We were privatised in 1996 and are now majority-owned by funds managed by Bridgepoint.
RolaTube
We have material technology for your own design and engineering innovation.
We have been applying this technology since 1997 and have completed work to the most rigorous technical specifications for some of the world’s leading engineering companies.
Patented as Bi-stable Reeled Composites, our technology is known more commonly as rolatubes.
Our website shows you the scope of our technology, which has enabled designers and engineers in many sectors to pack large objects into small spaces and provide a means of precisely manipulating their movements.
Its simplicity is its strength, allowing great versatility and therefore application, unique for each client and every assignment.
Its essence is Extending Technology, in itself and in its use, and with such an approach in all areas of our business, our successes are diverse and extensive.
Operational commanders always need more information about what is happening at the tactical level and our range of masts and antennas deliver immediate communication benefits.
For the individual soldier, tasked to carry this equipment, these masts are lightweight, easy and quick to deploy in all weather conditions and with a low heat signature they do not stand out.
Also at the tactical level, with a detailed understanding of movement challenges that soldiers face on the battlefield, we have created a truly innovative multipurpose set of equipment to work with our rolatubes, giving demonstrable new and immediate ways to overcome the numerous and frequent obstacles that arise.
Where more permanent, but instantly available structures are required, our ability to deliver quick and stabile structures offers a role for our technology as a substitute for traditional methods of extension and retraction often employed in shelters or light bridges.
Above the ground rolatubes offer benefits to any form of aerial technology, from hot-air balloons to strike fighters, from drones carrying out aerial surveys to the latest generation of wide body passenger aircraft, where reliability, low weight and small size are critical to every part of the mechanism. Compact, lightweight rolatube actuators are being developed for the many forms of aerial technology, from ultra-compact undercarriages for lightweight drones to the automatic release and presentation of oxygen masks, as we can make these items smaller and more robust than almost any current alternative.
In space, whether in satellites or payload carrying vehicles, saving space is utterly critical. We have developed both actuators and long extending arms for use in space and are currently taking part in an EU funded project, alongside NASA, EADS Astrium, Surrey Satellite Technology, the University of Cambridge and other leading players in the business of producing space hardware.
The problem of packing very large structures into very small spaces is one of the most difficult tasks in the design and manufacture of Satellites and other space vehicles. Working with the leading companies and academic institutions in the field, we are designing long arms for the extension of solar arrays for power generation, deployment systems for solar sails that will provide propulsion that is free and consumes no fuel and highly compact actuators that can both deploy mechanisms within spacecraft and provide a simple, reliable means to couple structures together in orbit.Will Pike, CEO of Rolatube showed the Editor the new mortar system which combines mortar range markers with a built in barrel cleaning system.
SealSkinz Tactical
“Necessity – the mother of invention.” Sealskinz is a creation of necessity, it’s about the need to be first out and last in, the need to defy the outdoors, the need to defy the cold and the wet, the need to perform, the need to protect.
If you think about it, in the outdoors the “Achilles heel” is in fact an Achilles; foot, head, ear, finger, or toe and this is where we are vulnerable, this is where we need protection.
This necessity created Sealskinz, the first laminated sock, keeping wet out and warmth in, Sealskinz three-layer patented sock broke the mould, Hats and gloves followed using the same technology.
An Endurance Accessories brand was born and Britain welcomed a new combatant into its obsessive war with the weather. More than a company, Sealskinz is a collection of talents bound by a single obsession. “Whatever the weather, whatever the activity, our purpose is to enable you to go further, go longer, leave first and return last.”
At Sealskinz® we have over thirty years’ experience in developing and manufacturing endurance accessories. From our conception we’ve worked in partnership with some of the world’s greatest athletes including mountaineers, explorers, cyclists, skiers, runners, sailors, horse riders & all forms of mad ultra-event teams and individuals, to ensure our products deliver the very best in comfort and performance, to enable you (and all the other Sealskinz wearers) to defy the great outdoors.
At the end of Sofic, Sealskinz were selling accessories for charity so the Editor took the chance to buy a pair of socks and gloves for riding to avoid the onset of hypothermia he experienced many years ago!
Summit Oxygen
Summit Oxygen specialises in the design, development and manufacture of supplementary oxygen systems for use at high altitude. During the past 10 years Summit Oxygen have developed a wide range of different demand valves, pulse demand valves, regulators and flow control devices for civilian and military applications. Our established network of suppliers coupled with our detailed understanding of modern prototyping and production methods give us the ability to meet our customers exacting requirements in a much reduced timescale.
Worldwide language Resources Inc.
Worldwide language Resources provides U.S. and allied governments with vetted, high skilled linguists.
After a much needed lunch, BATTLESPACE continued its tour of SOFIC.
Qioptiq
Qioptiq offers some of the world’s leading night vision and thermal weapon aiming and target acquisition sights for a wide variety of platforms, including individual assault weapons, light support weapons, crew-served weapons, anti-tank/anti-materiel weapons and specialized sniper applications. The weapon sights include the best-selling KITE and MAXIKITE family, Dragon, Merlin and Vipir-2S. Qioptiq is developing a dual mode sight a version of which was shown on the display.
“We offer a range of surveillance equipment utilizing both visible image intensifying and uncooled thermal imaging technology. Monocular and Binocular eyepiece variants are available providing maximum flexibility for surveillance applications.” Steve Rickard told the Editor.
While we were talking about the Editor’s time as PR Consultant at what was then Pilkington Optronics the Editor happened to mention Jackie Berger who took over the PR job at Pilkington from the Editor in 1992.
“What a coincidence, she’s over there on the next door Stand artel,” Drew Jones said.
Artel
Jackie Berger gave the Editor an outline of Artel and its products and the Editor was then given an in-depth brief of the company’s cyber capabilities.
“Since 1986, Artel has delivered a full portfolio of satellite and terrestrial network communications and infrastructure, cyber security, risk management and IT solutions. We partner with government and industry leaders to enable customers all over the world to maintain privacy while operating effectively, affordably and without interruption. We are a privately owned company funded by a number of Venture capital funds.” Jackie Berger said.
For decades, Artel has provided and integrated trusted IT solutions for evolving computing and communications environments, developing deep expertise in all aspects of cyber security and risk management. We use advanced methodologies and proven processes to integrate our robust cyber defense solutions with a wide range of IT infrastructures and applications.
Cyber security and risk management
Artel solutions assure security, availability, integrity, authentication, confidentiality and non-repudiation across diverse systems and platforms on a global scale. We incorporate protection, detection, reaction and recovery capabilities to ensure consistent operational integrity, security and performance. Additionally, our solutions meet required cyber security/risk management and certification and accreditation standards, including:
- NIST, DIACAP, HIPAA, SOX Sarbanes-Oxley compliance
- Security policy and technical compliance
- Enterprise security architecture, design and engineering
- Security-as-a-Service (SaaS) capabilities
Artel is a subcontractor to General Dynamics on the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), Omnibus Network Enterprise (ONE) contract.
* Prime contract number: HC1047-12-D-4004
* Government Wide Acquisition (GWAC) Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract vehicle
* $476 Million potential value to provide enterprise-wide information technology services – this is the total potential value for the program
* Period of performance: 1 base year plus 4 option years; January 14, 2013 to January 13, 2018
* Provide a range of engineering and communications services to federal agencies
* Individual task orders to deliver support services in areas such as systems engineering, information assurance, security, test and evaluation, enterprise architecture and program management
* Supports the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, USMC, DoD, Joint, other U.S. Government Agencies, U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Park Services
General Dynamics
The Editor was shown the Flyer-60 Advanced Light Strike Vehicle which was recently selected for the US Army’s GMV 1.1 Requirement as is now an entrant for the ULCV Requirement
The Flyer-60 Advanced Light Strike Vehicle was developed to fill operational gaps in fixed and rotary wing ground mobility deployment requiring a lightweight, mobile, air transportable vehicle capable of being rapidly reconfigured for a variety of mission needs. The Flyer-60 is a mature, highly mobile platform, with a payload capacity of up to 3,500 pounds and meets all internal transport requirements for the V-22 Osprey. Capable of being either internally and externally transportable in the V-22, CH-53, C-130 and C-5 aircraft. The Flyer-60 can move to and from the event location with a higher payload capacity and increased range over traditional transport capabilities.
As a reliable and high performance vehicle, the Flyer-60 offers safe and fast operating speeds with superior levels of mobility and maneuverability. It’s highly adaptable to severe, rugged and restrictive terrains while providing off-road, cross-country mobility in all types of weather conditions.
The Flyer vehicle’s modular approach provides the warfighter with a rapid mission reconfiguration capability. The vehicle can quickly be reconfigure in the field, to perform multiple missions such as light strike assault, rescue and evacuation, command and control, and reconnaissance, either armored or unarmored. The vehicle can easily incorporate a 360º weapon ring or carry up to a five patient litter.
VARIANTS:
- Light Strike Armored or Unarmored
- Rescue and Personnel Recovery
- Reconnaissance
- C4ISR (Sensor, UAV, SOWT, RSTA)
- Communication
The Flyer-60 is a Non-Developmental Item (NDI) containing 80% COTS and HWMVV platforms. The Flyer has a state of the art diesel 1.9L 150 Hp six-speed power train, cooling, brake and fuel systems with a low fuel consumption rate of 24mpg when traveling at 40mph.
The Flyer maximizes the use of HWMVV NSN parts such as: differentials, steering rod ends, tie down rings, light system, alternator, batteries, suspension ball joints, air compressor and tires.
The Editor hopes to drive the Flyer in the near future, we invited GDUK to display the Flyer at OTN 2016.
The Editor was also shown the Next generation Fire Control system mounted on a Singapore Technologies 40mm Mortar System.
The system comprises of a Colour video display, ballistics processor with day and night optics and a laser range finder. The system considerably enhances the range and capability of the 4omm mortar system.
UTC Sensors Unlimited
It was UTC’s Julie Mears who extolled the SOFIC show last year at RIAT, so we visited their stand to find out the newest SWIR products.
We met up with UTC’s Chuck Holbrook who said that the best new product, Warrior C2S, was so good that we could only look at it not through it!
Warrior C2S is a SWIR Clip On System converts SLR camera to SWIR device for 24/7 reconnaissance. The compact Warrior C2S is a lightweight field ready Short Wave Infrared (SWIR) module and covert laser illuminator (optional) that converts a standard Canon 5D* camera into a day/night SWIR imager.
McQ Inc.
Karen Lindsay Director of Marketing showed the Editor their range of advanced products already in service with SOCOM, these included:
rScene®
The rScene® micro radar is designed to detect, classify, and track multiple people and vehicles.
McQ uses a phased array antenna to determine the target range and azimuth. Wireless communications convey the detections and metadata back to the user’s network. Multiple people and vehicle targets are then displayed on the user’s display.
This small, rugged sensor can be deployed anywhere. Its unique capabilities allow it to work in locations where traditional UGS are limited. This includes busy urban areas, marine environments, and beyond border fences.
The rScene® sensor provides target direction and speed allowing for precise camera control and multisensor integration.
iScout®
McQ has developed an exciting new remote sensor called iScout®
This product is uniquely designed for low cost, small size, and simple wireless networking using a point to point radio while retaining advanced detection performance. iScout® is also easy to use. It is about the size of a deck of playing cards which makes it simple to deploy and conceal. The user simply has to turn the sensor on and it begins operations. iScout® is the first production surveillance sensor to incorporate all these features into a single unit.
OmniWatch®
Portable ISR Video Kit
OmniWatch® transports you into remote areas giving your eyes a high resolution view.
OmniWatch® technology combines wireless communications, advanced image processing, remote camera control, automated activity detection, and IP connectivity to bring you live video on map based Situation Awareness Display (SAD).
OmniWatch® is easy to set up anywhere to detect activities of interest and watch what is happening. Day and night video cameras bring you excellent quality imagery. Low power consumption along with automated camera cueing provides long term persistent surveillance.
The small physical size means it can be deployed by one person and easily camouflaged in a target area of interest. The kit provides the information to immediately identify hostile or illegal activities for up to 30 days on one small battery.
Long operational life is provided by using McQ iScout® sensors to trigger an Image Processing Node (IPN). The IPN remains in a low power state while listening for iScout® target detection events. When a target is detected the video cameras and image processing are turned on.
OmniWatch® is an integral part of the OmniSense® Family of intelligent sensors. Sensors can be placed to detect activities, classify the type of activity, then intelligently turn on the high definition imager.
Users can be great distances away from the area under surveillance and gain a full understanding of any activity. Remote camera pan, tilt, and zoom can be provided as part of the full command and control available to the operator.
The IP connectivity of OmniWatch® allows many users to have access and the information can be sent real time via a network to any location in the world. The system is compact, lightweight, battery powered, and can be carried into inaccessible areas.
DRS Technologies
The Editor ended our tour with DRS Technologies. DRS said that they had been part of the recent contract award for and a Release would be on its way to the Editor
As an outline Bill Guyan and Carrie Robinson told the Editor that the U.S. Army has awarded BAE Systems and DRS Technologies a five-year contract worth up to $434 million for integrated night vision and thermal targeting solutions, which improves the speed and accuracy of targeting by dismounted soldiers. The new offering helps troops to rapidly and covertly acquire targets in all weather and lighting conditions.
Currently, U.S. troops use two different devices — night vision goggles for situational awareness and a weapon-mounted thermal sight for targeting. These existing tools require a soldier to identify and acquire the target through the goggle system and then raise the weapon sight into his field of view to engage. On today’s battlefield, this slower approach, which is often further hampered by heavy smoke or bad weather, compromises soldiers’ safety and can reduce mission effectiveness. By integrating night vision and thermal targeting capabilities into one sight displayed on the soldiers’ goggles, DRS’s new solution allows troops to more easily acquire targets and engage faster.
We hope to have the DRS system on show at OTN 2016
We then moved on to see DRS’s Mobile Mapping of Air and Ground Intelligence Communications (MAGIC).
DRS’s Mobile Mapping of Air and Ground Intelligence Communications (MAGIC) is a modifiable avionics mission system designed for air crew situational awareness. It is a scalable, open architecture avionics mission system that provides near real-time geo-located intelligence and sensor data on a moving map display to furnish aircrews increased navigational and situational awareness. MAGIC’s open architecture is optimized for integration of virtually any desired subsystem, including:
* Intelligence Broadcast Receiver (IBR)
* Situational Awareness Data Link (SADL)
* MIDS/Link-16
* PRC-117G/F
* Full Motion Video (FMV) Links
* Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) data sets
MAGIC can be configured with any number of cockpit/cabin displays to meet any mission or aircrew configuration. MAGIC provides an integrated moving map capability obtaining the 3-D present position data from the aircraft’s avionics bus. The avionics bus is interfaced in a monitor mode, not requiring costly and timely modification of the aircraft’s operational flight program.
The open architecture of MAGIC also provides connections for carry-on systems (BAO Kit, JPADS, PRC-117, Rover, etc.) to the MAGIC bus. Once connected, the remote system user (Airborne Mission Commander, Direct Support Operator, team member, etc.) has access to all of the data, either selectively or fused.
The MAGIC architecture has been optimized for Government-developed/owned software application sets (Cursor On Target (COT), PFPS, etc.) but can host any Windows®-based application. Various state-of-the-art rugged airborne servers are available for users who require data storage (up to 8 terabytes solid state) and remote hosting of processing intensive applications. The MAGIC system can either be installed in a temporary (T1/T2) roll-on/roll-off configuration or permanently installed on the host aircraft.
MAGIC variants have been integrated on MC-130W, MC-130H, MC-130P, KC-130J, and CV-22B.
MAGIC is powered by Widow a mission systems software developed by Force X
Widow™, a robust fourth-generation mission-execution software application ideally suited for military, commercial and civil aviation users. Widow combines real-time surveillance technologies with integrated and diverse data products to create a synergistic Surveillance Information System (SIS). Learn more about FORCEX solutions at www.forcexinc.com/what we do
SCALABILITY
Widow was specifically designed with modularity and scalability in mind, allowing customers to tailor their user interface to suit various types of missions and systems architectures. Widow provides up to eight independent media panes each capable of displaying moving maps and video, and a simple, intuitive user interface.
DIVERSE FEATURE SET
With features such as live video overlays of streets, addresses and terrain features, Widow is ideal for law-enforcement, search and rescue, firefighting and even real estate applications. Widow combines video feeds from multiple sources, moving maps, and intuitive tools to allows users to maintain mission focus while displaying information where it is needed most.
SENSOR INTEGRATION
Through an open-interface xml menu structure, Widow allows operators to seamlessly integrate with various sensors such as FLIR Systems Star SAFIRE 380-HD™, or the L-3 WESCAM MX™ series turrets. Widow is capable of importing points, drawing files, routes and other data sets in industry standard formats as well as commercial formats such as KML and KMZ, and can export mission data to be viewed in Google Earth™. Customers can create any number of sensor modules and insert menus to suit their mission needs. This open-interface also allows users to customize shortcut keys from various sources including USB gaming style joysticks, bezel keys, or even platform stick and throttle to control moving maps, sensors and other Widow™ functions. Scalability Widow was specifically designed with modularity and scalability in mind, allowing customers to tailor their user interface to suit various types of missions and systems architectures. With up to eight independent media panes each capable of displaying moving maps and video, and a simple, intuitive user interface.
Sensor Integration Through an open-interface xml menu structure, Widow allows operators to seamlessly integrate with various sensors such as FLIR Systems Star SAFIRE 380-HD™, or the L-3 WESCAM MX™ series turrets. Diverse Feature Set With Features such as live video overlays of streets, addresses and terrain features, Widow is ideal for law-enforcement, search and rescue, firefighting and even real estate applications. Widow is capable of importing points, drawing files, routes and other data sets in industry standard formats as well as commercial formats such as KML and KMZ, and can export mission data to be viewed in Google Earth™. User Efficiency Widow’ features increase situational awareness while improving task efficiency and speed, resulting in decreased operator workload.
Conclusion
Having listened to a number of briefings in the Ballroom which we will cover in another feature, the Editor came to the conclusion that every piece of the technology we saw at Sofic and some we didn’t see were all vital to enable the West to ‘Win in a Complex World.’
How our armed forces put themselves at risk every day to protect our shores was brought home by the fact that 22 US Veterans commit suicide every day add UK and other forces and the number is staggering and also too high.