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04 Oct 10. DSM Dyneema has been awarded the contract for the development of new UHMWPE based Dyneema® material solutions for the next generation improved combat helmet, DSM Dyneema has been focusing on research and development of new series of materials to substantially lighten the load for military and law enforcement. DSM Dyneema’s development proposal was selected after a full and open solicitation. The award is aimed at the development of new unidirectional (UD) materials that can help in the design of an improved combat helmet with superior ballistic performance. “DSM Dyneema is proud to receive the development contract. We are committed to innovation and to deliver highest levels of protection against new and ever-emerging threats“ said Ken Dooley, Sr. Vice President for DSM Dyneema Life Protection Americas. DSM Dyneema has a strong focus on innovation and Dyneema® UD materials have been used in several combat proven applications. In June 2009, DSM Dyneema launched Dyneema® HB80, a UD composite –that meets the joint US Army and Marine Corps challenge to increase the ballistic performance of current advanced combat helmet without increasing the weight. Just over a year later, the product has proven to be the ballistic UD material of choice for both body and vehicle armor applications where ultra-light weight and enhanced performance are required.
01 Oct 10. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Sept. 29 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Finland for the upgrade of (24) M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems and associated parts, equipment, and logistical support for a complete package worth approximately $100m. The Government of Finland has requested the sale for the upgrade of (24) M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) to the Universal Fire Control System configuration, (1) M31 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System Unitary, (1) Army Tactical Missile System T2K, (36) Ruggedized Memory Units, (25) Interface devices, (8) M68 to M68A2 trainers, tools, support and test equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated cost is $100m. (Source: ASD Network)
Sep 10. Marshall Aerospace delivers essential Medevac Conversion kits to Norwegian Armed Forces. Marshall Aerospace has delivered and installed its first set of vital Medevac Role Change modification equipment to the Norwegian Armed Forces, and this is the first time internationally that certification has been issued for a role change modification of this kind to be operated by a commercial airline. The equipment was designed to change a civil aircraft into a new class of ‘air ambulance’ / mobile intensive care unit, and it was installed and demonstrated for the first time in the presence of the Norwegian Defence Minister and European Aviation Safety Authorities at Gardermoen Airport, Oslo on the 21st September.
01 Oct 10. Northrop Grumman Corporation’s Europe-based air traffic management systems subsidiary, Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems, has been awarded a contract by the UK MoD to provide a ground-to-air voice radio system for air traffic control operations at the MoD’s Camp Bastion airfield in Helmand Province, the main handling airfield for UK operations in Afghanistan. The complete radio system, which will include the T6 VHF /UHF transmitter and receiver equipment, will be fitted into deployable mobile cabins designed to be air-lifted into theatre. The cabins will be fitted out at Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems’ facility in Market Deeping, UK. This approach will ensure rapid insertion into current air traffic operations with a delivery target of late 2010.
An emergency radio system will also be provided in the new air traffic control tower being built at the Camp Bastion Airfield