Sponsored by Galvion
www.galvion.com
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20 Jan 25. Galvion unveils two additions to their innovative Batlskin® head systems portfolio. Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems, is excited to officially preview two additions to their head systems portfolio at SHOT Show 2025. The additions include the introduction of the commercial Batlskin Hellbender™ TE (Tactical Edition) helmet, as well as the new Batlskin Caiman® SAR (Search and Rescue) helmet. The new helmets, alongside Galvion’s wider range of head system and power and data solutions, are being exhibited at booth 32003 at SHOT Show 2025, taking place in Las Vegas, 21-24 January 2025.
Batlskin Hellbender™ is the commercial name for Galvion’s successful PDxT™ helmet platform. In its military PDxT guise, the helmet system has been fielded across multiple international programs to meet a variety of requirements, and is being assessed by many more, including the United States Marine Corps (USMC). The proprietary geometry features an ACH-front with smooth ear transition and a ridged back, offering structural rigidity, increased rear ballistic protection and improved impact protection. The new Batlskin Hellbender™ TE helmet features hybridized layer construction with Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) ballistic core and is available in hi-cut or a unique mid/full cut that provides the ideal balance between full coverage and easy communications integration. Configurable to meet a variety of mission needs with a suite of modular accessories, and compatible with our best-in-class APEX™ liner system, the Hellbender TE can be tailored for military and law enforcement applications and will be available for purchase in mid-2025.
Additionally, Galvion is unveiling the Batlskin Caiman® SAR, a new Search and Rescue helmet that expands its flagship Caiman suite of head systems. The ultra lightweight high-impact polymer helmet features Galvion’s new 3-hole shroud and its best-in-class APEX™ liner system. Like Galvion’s other Caiman helmets, the SAR comes in five (5) sizes, ensuring users are wearing the lightest, most comfortable, and most stable helmet possible. The new Caiman SAR will be available for order in late 2025 in both vented and ventless options, across a variety of colors, including red, yellow, orange.
Todd Stirtzinger, CEO at Galvion, said: “We are excited to unveil these new head systems to our First Responder network of users. We have over 100,000 of our PDxT head systems in use globally, and each program fielded brings new feedback, customizations and insights that result in a better product for end-users. The time was right to add this thoughtfully designed platform to our commercial range, and we expect to expand the Batlskin Hellbender suite of products over the coming years to serve a variety of operator needs.” He added: “The development of the Caiman SAR stems directly from operator feedback and introduces our new Galvion 3-hole shroud to the market. The global adoption of the Caiman platform is spreading, and the SAR helmet offers a new range of specialist operators the opportunity to experience the unrivalled comfort and performance of this mission-proven platform.”
24 Jan 25. Indonesia and India will discuss boosting defence ties, including a potential deal to sell Russian-Indian supersonic cruise missiles to Jakarta, during the Indonesian president’s visit to New Delhi this week, according to people familiar with the discussions. Indonesia has been in protracted talks with BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between India and Russia, to procure a shore-based version of the mid-range missiles and a version that can be mounted on warships. BrahMos told Reuters in 2023 that it was in advanced discussions with Jakarta on a deal worth $200m to $350m . Two people familiar with the matter said a deal has not yet been finalised and talks are continuing. President Prabowo Subianto, who arrived in New Delhi on Thursday and will attend Republic Day celebrations on Sunday, said ahead of the trip that his visit would focus on strengthening ties in security, maritime, and digital technology sectors. (Source: Google/Reuters)
23 Jan 25. German plan for 160 Boxer-based artillery reveals UK’s RCH 155 order. Germany and the UK are co-developing the RCH 155 artillery, which is based on the Boxer vehicle, with a combined order of up to 400 units. As part of a build up of long-range fires capabilities the German Bundeswehr is seeking to expand its current four-unit structure up to a nine-strong force, newly revealed to comprise 160 mobile 155mm artillery, 110 tracked PzH 2000 155mm howitzers, and around 100 multiple launch rocket systems. Key to this is the long-range fires, with the stated preference for a Boxer-based solution for the mobile artillery requirement virtually confirming the RCH 155 system. In 2024, Germany and the UK signed an agreement to co-develop the RCH 155 mobile artillery, which integrates a 155mm artillery module onto the Boxer chassis. Boxer is widely operated by the German military, and the UK is also beginning to integrate the platform into the British Army, with the first UK-built unit on display at the IAV event. In practice, the RCH 155 is already far along its development path, with the UK likely looking to add specific command and control systems, as well as a significant financial contribution. Ukraine recently received its first RCH 155 artillery system, the only other customer for the platform, out of a planned 54-unit buy. The disclosure of Bundeswehr plans also provides details as to the number of RCH 155 the British Army could be looking for, following the UK-German agreement specifically stating a joint procurement of up to 400 units. This means a UK buy is likely to be for around 240 units of the RCH 155 artillery. Earlier analysis by Army Technology indicated that any UK acquisition could be for around 200 units of the RCH 155 artillery system. Detailing the intention to acquire the RCH 155 platform in April 2024, senior UK officials from the then Conservative government subsequently said that the joint UK-Germany programme was “potentially worth upwards of £3bn” and marked “a step change towards a deeper industrial and wider defence relationship between the UK and Germany”. (Source: army-technology.com)
23 Jan 25. DRDO conducts Scramjet Engine Ground Test. Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), a Hyderabad-based laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has taken the initiative in developing a long-duration Supersonic Combustion Ramjet or Scramjet powered Hypersonic technology. DRDL recently developed these technologies and demonstrated a cutting-edge Active Cooled Scramjet Combustor ground test for 120 seconds for the first time in India. The successful ground test marks a crucial milestone in developing next-generation hypersonic missiles. Hypersonic missiles are a class of advanced weaponry that travel at speeds greater than Mach 5 i.e., five times the speed of sound or more than 5,400 km/hr. These advanced weapons have the potential to bypass existing Air Defence Systems and deliver rapid and high-impact strikes. Several nations including USA, Russia, India and China are actively pursuing Hypersonic technology. The key to hypersonic vehicles is Scramjets, which are air breathing engines capable of sustaining combustion at supersonic speeds without using any moving parts. The ground test of scramjet combustor showcased several notable achievements, demonstrating its potential for operational use in Hypersonic vehicles, like successful ignition and stable combustion. Ignition in a scramjet engine is like ‘keeping a candle lit in a hurricane’. Scramjet combustor incorporates an innovative flame stabilisation technique that holds continuous flame inside the combustor with air speed in excess of 1.5 km/s. Many novel and promising ignition & flame holding techniques were studied through many ground tests in arriving at Scramjet Engine configuration. Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation tools were used for their evaluation & performance prediction. The indigenous development of endothermic scramjet fuel, the first time in India, jointly by DRDL and Industry is central to this breakthrough. The fuel offers dual benefits of significant cooling improvement and ease of ignition. The team developed a special manufacturing process to achieve stringent fuel requirements of DRDL at Industrial scale. Another key achievement is the development of state-of-art Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC) which is designed to withstand extreme temperatures encountered during hypersonic flight. A new advanced ceramic TBC having high thermal resistance & capable of operating beyond melting point of steel has been jointly developed by DRDL and Department of Science & Technology (DST) Laboratory. The coating is applied inside the Scramjet engine using special deposition methods that enhance their performance and longevity. With demonstrated capabilities in stable combustion, enhanced performance and advanced thermal management, this breakthrough sets the stage for next generation Hypersonic missiles.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has complimented DRDO and the Industry for the successful Scramjet Engine Ground Test. “The achievement marks a crucial milestone in the development of next-generation hypersonic missiles,” he said.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat congratulated DRDL team and industry for demonstrating capabilities in stable combustion, enhanced performance, and advanced thermal management test. (Source: ASD Network)
21 Jan 25. Gentex Corporation Introduces 4 New Products at SHOT Show 2025. Gentex Corporation, a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, emergency responders, and industrial personnel, announced the launch of several new products. These include the Ops-Core® Mk2 Ballistic Eyewear, Ops-Core RAILINK® power and data system in black, new high-visibility color options for the Ops-Core FAST® Bump helmet, and the Gentex® LX9™ Liner System.
“We’re proud to bring these advancements to market, reflecting our expertise and commitment to supporting those who rely on our products in the field.”
Introducing the Ops-Core Mk2 Ballistic Eyewear
The Ops-Core Mk2 sets a new standard for high performance optics. Designed for elite defense and law enforcement, it features a robust aluminum frame, integrates seamlessly with helmets and headsets, and features an interchangeable lens system. Specialized lenses—LEP Eclipse and Eclipse NIR—provide adaptability for mission specific needs while clear, tint and high contrast options are also available.
Launch of Ops-Core RAILINK in Black
RAILINK, the only production, US DOD fielded power and data system, is now available in black, designed to meet the needs of elite law enforcement. The system’s streamlined versatility is supported by cutting edge accessories from SureFire, Princeton Tec, and Core Survival with many more under development. Available Q1 2025, more information can be found here.
Two New Color Options for Ops-Core FAST Bump Search and Rescue
Ops-Core is expanding its FAST Bump helmet line with high-visibility options—orange and red—for search and rescue operations. These high-visibility colors offer maximum visibility for search and rescue missions without sacrificing weight or the proven reliability and performance of the FAST Bump helmet.
Introducing the Gentex LX9 Liner System
Gentex’s LX9 Liner System is a lightweight, modular solution for the most common ground combat helmets. It delivers enhanced comfort, breathability, and military specification impact protection while allowing quick, one size fits all installation and best in class communication systems compatibility.
“These product launches highlight our ability to design innovative solutions while staying closely connected to the needs of our end users,” said Rafe Bennett, Vice President of Product Management at Gentex Corporation. “We’re proud to bring these advancements to market, reflecting our expertise and commitment to supporting those who rely on our products in the field.” (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
21 Jan 25. Avon Protection introduced the newest addition to its portfolio of market-leading personal protective equipment, the MITR-M1 Half Mask, for Special Operations, military and first responder personnel operating in low- to mid-level threat environments. MITR-M1 is now available for pre-order. MITR-M1 has been designed to fill a critical capability gap between lower protection/single-use masks and traditional full-face respirators. With a lightweight (0.55lbs/250g) and low-profile design, MITR-M1 can be carried in cargo pockets or gear pouches. It gives operators a low burden, ever-ready solution that can be quickly donned in tactical and fast-evolving situations where respiratory threats may be present.
22 Jan 25. Australia boosts investment in air defence capabilities. The Australian government is providing a financial boost to two local companies to support the rapid development of technology to degrade integrated air and missile defence systems (IAMD) of potential adversaries. The Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator’s (ASCA) Mission 1 has now moved to delivery phase which will see two local companies, based in Adelaide and Brisbane, continue to develop their IAMD technology to give the Australian Defence Force (ADF) a capability edge. The ability to degrade IAMD systems of potential adversaries at long ranges is a capability priority for the ADF in line with the National Defence Strategy.
The next phase of ASCA Mission 1 – named Black Thorn – is also a pivotal milestone for ASCA. After 18 months of learning, ASCA is refining its operating model and delivering a new, agile approach to rapidly deliver the next generation of technology for Defence. This initial investment of $61.5m underscores the government’s commitment to keeping Australians safe but also ensures a future made in Australia by igniting innovation and supporting high-skilled, local jobs.
The awarding of these contracts followed an open approach to market which resulted in funding of nine companies to undertake a co-design effort. ASCA has now entered 12-month contracts with two of the companies to further develop and demonstrate the capability.
Due to security sensitivities, the identity of the companies and details about the technologies will not be publicly disclosed at this stage.
ASCA was established to accelerate delivery of capabilities to the ADF including by supporting and investing in emerging and disruptive technologies and nurturing innovations that address priority capability needs.
Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy said: “This investment demonstrates the Albanese Government’s commitment to supporting and accelerating the development of innovative technologies that meet the ADF’s capability priorities. We are proud to work with innovative Australian companies that play a critical role in developing technology that can give the ADF a capability edge over a much bigger and more powerful adversary. With this announcement today, the Albanese Government is not only backing local innovation but also supporting local jobs and building Australia’s Future.” (Source: Google/ADPR)
22 Jan 25. South Korea formally starts LAMD development. South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has announced the official start of its programme to develop its Low Altitude Missile Defence (LAMD) system to defend the country from North Korean artillery attack. DAPA said on 20 January that it held a meeting to formally start LAMD development, with the work to be undertaken by its subsidiary – the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) – in partnership with local firms LIG Nex1, Hanwha Aerospace, and Hanwha Systems. DAPA said the development programme will receive funding worth KRW479.8 bn (USD331 m ) through 2028, but did not elaborate. ADD and LIG Nex1 started initial development of LAMD in early 2022. One year later DAPA announced it had finalised the development of core LAMD technologies and in 2024 DAPA revealed an accelerated timeline to conclude the LAMD development programme by 2028. LAMD is envisaged as a system to engage with multiple artillery targets. It is expected to be capable of intercepting targets at an altitude of 5 km and has a forecast range of 15 km. The LAMD missile is 165 mm in diameter and features an active radar seeker for terminal guidance. An LAMD battery consists of a radar, an engagement control centre, a launcher, and an interceptor missile. Neither DAPA, LIG Nex1, or Hanwha had responded to Janes at the time of publication. (Source: Janes)
20 Jan 25. Dyneema®, owned by Avient Corporation (NYSE: AVNT), an innovator of materials solutions, unveils its most advanced ballistic materials to date with the launch of Dyneema® HB330 and Dyneema® HB332. Engineered with third-generation Dyneema® fiber technology, these groundbreaking unidirectional (UD) materials set a new standard for ballistic performance and weight reduction, enhancing protection in hard armor applications such as inserts, helmets, and vehicle armor.
Following the successful launch of Dyneema® SB301 in 2023, the first soft ballistic material made with third-generation Dyneema® fiber, the introduction of Dyneema® HB330 and Dyneema® HB332 hard ballistic materials provides a comprehensive solution for advanced personal protection.
When combined into a complete body armor system, which typically pairs a soft armor vest with hard inserts for protection against handgun and rifle threats, third-generation Dyneema® materials enable a high-performance system 45% lighter than a system made from first-generation Dyneema® solutions – further lightening the load on law enforcement and military personnel while simultaneously maintaining the highest levels of ballistic protection and comfort.
“The new products in our third-generation fiber portfolio represent our biggest advancement in personal protection in the last decade,” says Marcelo van de Kamp, Global Business Director for Dyneema®, Avient. “The ultra-light weight of Dyneema® UD has long enabled ballistic solutions that support user comfort in high-pressure situations. With our latest soft and hard ballistic products designed to work together in a single body armor system, we’re enabling further improvements in agility and survivability for officers and operators in demanding environments.”
Dyneema® HB330 and Dyneema® HB332 offer a balanced approach on mechanical stiffness, temperature stability, and superior V50 performance – allowing body armor manufacturers to develop the lightest weight armor in the industry.
As the only manufacturer of ballistic materials to make both its fiber and UD material in the United States of America, the Dyneema® brand is trusted by elite state and federal forces and fully compliant with the Berry Amendment. Dyneema® also provides the same level of consistency, quality, and traceability for European customers through its manufacturing facility in Heerlen, The Netherlands.
Like other Dyneema® UD material, Dyneema® HB330 and Dyneema® HB332 are made without intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) for personal protective solutions that can deliver unrivaled protection.
17 Jan 25. Iran displays another new SHORAD system. A new short-range air defence (SHORAD) system called the Tondar was unveiled during an exercise held by the Iranian Air Defence Force on 13 January. Photographs showed the system has four missile canisters fitted to a swivel launcher mounted on the back of an Aras 4×4 pick-up. A missile seen in a canister had a silver nose cone, which is usually associated with an imaging infrared guidance (IIR) system. The photographs did not show the target tracking sensor that is likely mounted on the launcher between the missile cannisters, although an antenna could be seen protruding from that area, possibly for a datalink to steer a missile towards the target until its IIR seeker is close enough to lock on. The missile canister used with the Tondar may have been seen before on an unidentified SHORAD system that a social media photograph showed was deployed in Tehran for the funeral of assassinated Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on 1 August 2024, although the launcher was different. No performance figures for the Tondar were released, although Iranian media reported that a Shahid Jalilvand radar detected targets for Tondar and Majid SHORAD systems during the exercise. Also mounted on an Aras vehicle, the Shahid Jalilvand was unveiled in September 2023. Stated to have a range of 15 km, the Majid was unveiled in 2021 and has a rotating electro-optical system for detecting and tracking targets. It has been shown mounted on an Aras and on what appeared to be a flatbed Iveco Daily 4×4 van. The latter configuration appears to have been used in the exercise, although the system’s cab was concealed by a camouflage net. (Source: Janes)
17 Jan 25. PLARF likely taking delivery of DF-26 launchers. Umbra synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery acquired at 2206L on 14 December 2024 shows 26 probable DF-26 intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) transporter-erector-launchers (TELs) remaining at the Beijing Xinghang Electromechanical Equipment Factory staging area. The declining TEL numbers and the lack of activity at the factory’s other assembly locations suggest that the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF) has likely taken delivery of the launchers since September 2024 when Umbra SAR showed 59 TELs parked in the area. The US Department of Defense (DoD)’s 2024 China Military Power Report , which was published in December covering developments to early 2024, reiterated that the PLA continues to increase its DF-26 inventory and phase out DF-21 equipment, and has stopped fielding dedicated brigades of the DF-21Cs. The Pentagon also maintained the same DF-26 launcher numbers as the 2023 report at 250. This supports Janes assessment that the DoD’s estimate reflects launchers likely to be assigned to the seven identified DF-26 brigades, which at full strength are likely to be 36 TELs per brigade. It also suggests that additional DF-26 launchers assembled in 2023–24 will bring existing brigades to full strength. A clear indicator of climbing brigade numbers has been identified with the DF-26-equipped 611 Brigade (MUCD 96711), 61 Base, at Chizhou. After Chinese President Xi Jinping inspected the brigade’s 25 TELs in October 2024, Janes acquired Umbra high-resolution SAR of the brigade’s facility confirming additional construction activity. (Source: Janes)
17 Jan 25. SIATT details export ambitions. Brazilian defence firm SIATT – Engenharia, Indústria e Comércio aims to become a key player in the global missile market, the company’s CEO, Rogério Salvador, told Janes in December 2024. These ambitions are supported by investments from EDGE Group of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Salvador added. EDGE Group bought a 50% position in SIATT in 2023. SIATT currently has around 160 employees, Salvador told Janes, with plans to progressively grow to more than 200 personnel. The company’s missile portfolio consists of the MANSUP (Míssil Antinavio Nacional de Superfície) and MANSUP-ER (Extended Range) anti-ship missile systems and the MAX 1.2AC medium-range anti-tank guided missile system. Other SIATT products include the recently unveiled SICS (Sistema Integrado para Comunicações Seguras) secure communications system, developed in partnership with KATIM in the UAE and Indústria de Material Bélico do Brasil (IMBEL), as well as the SGM-120 120 mm guided mortar round, SGH70 70 mm rocket guidance kit, and GSBM small guided bomb. Simultaneously, SIATT is expanding its facilities in São Paulo state, building a production facility in Caçapava for integrating mechanical and electronic equipment, and a new head office in São José dos Campos. Development of the sea-skimming, all-weather MANSUP missile is scheduled to be completed in 2025, the Brazilian Navy told Janes . It is intended to arm the four Tamandaré-class frigates slated for commissioning between 2025 and 2029. (Source: Janes)
17 Jan 25. RDM ready to integrate latest generation ammunition with SANDF howitzers. Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) is ready and willing to integrate its latest generation 155 mm Assegai artillery ammunition with the South African National Defence Force’s (SANDF’s) G5 and G6 howitzers. The G5 towed howitzer and G6 self-propelled howitzer use 45 calibre barrels, able to fire Extended Range Full Bore (ERFB) projectiles in two main versions: standard boat-tail (ERFB-BT) and base bleed (ERFB-BB). Maximum range from a 45-calibre barrelled howitzer is 31 and 41 km respectively for the boat-tail and base bleed projectiles. RDM has upgraded the older version M1 ERFB to the M9 ERFB shell, with changes including new base bleed technology, new driving bands, better dynamic imbalance, etc. However, the ERFB-projectile series is not JBMoU (NATO Joint Ballistics Memorandum of Understanding) compliant, mainly because of the nubs used as the bore riding surface and the heavier mass when compared to the JBMoU-compliant Assegai series. Both Assegai and M9 shells are compatible with existing 45 calibre weapons and are offered in High Explosive (HE) and Carrier versions. When combining the shell with the charge, there are implications, RDM told defenceWeb. Due to the mass difference in shells, the M64 charge is optimized for the ERFB-shell and the M92 charge is optimized for the lighter Assegai shell. RDM said the company is ready to integrate any of the abovementioned charge projectile combinations with the SANDF’s G5 weapons. RDM would have to carry out limited firings from G5 weapons to characterize ballistic conditions for range table purposes as part of the integration process. Introduced in the early 1970s, the 155 mm ERFB shell was a radical departure from earlier designs, using a variety of novel aerodynamic features developed by Dr Gerald Bull to achieve nearly twice the range of conventional 155 mm shells. Besides offering ballistic similitude within the Assegai family, also a key attribute for the M1 ERFB family of shells is range domination, with extended range V-LAP projectiles being part of the offering. RDM pointed out that the Assegai range is optimised for 52 calibre howitzers – Denel’s T5-52 truck-mounted howitzer is equipped with a 52 calibre barrel, making it an ideal candidate for Assegai ammunition. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
11 Jan 25. Armscor reports significant progress on G5 and G6 upgrades. State defence material agency Armscor has reported significant progress made on the upgrade of the SA Army’s G5 and G6 155 mm howitzers under Projects Muhali and Topstar, and emphasised that without these upgrades, the SA Army will not have any functional artillery. Project Muhali addresses obsolescence of the Army’s G6 self-propelled howitzers and covers the replacement of obsolete items while Project Topstar covers a gun laying and navigation system upgrades for the South African Army’s G5 and G6 artillery systems and 127 mm multiple rocket launchers (MRLs). In a presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans (PCDMV) late last year, Armscor noted that Muhali was contracted in May 2019 and was originally due to be completed in June 2021 at a cost of R178m (R144m plus VAT, escalation and ROE). Due to delays caused by challenges at Denel (tasked with the upgrade), the new delivery date is 15 March 2024. Armscor revealed that to date, R81m has been spent on Muhali, including R27m to Denel Land Systems subcontractor Leonardo. Fifteen vehicles are being upgraded. Although the project is moving forward, Armscor said the financial difficulties of Denel remain a risk as they have a direct impact on the project’s progress, but the situation has slightly improved since the placement of orders. Project funds were ring fenced by Denel Land Systems to keep the project funds within the project, and orders were amended to pay suppliers directly.
“There is a significant progress on the project,” Armscor concluded, with three units 100% complete and the remaining 12 90% complete.
Topstar
Denel was in June 2019 contracted to carry out the Project Topstar upgrade, worth R239m, with contract completion scheduled for the end of March 2021. However, the new delivery date is 15 March 2024. Project funds have been ring fenced by Denel Land Systems to keep the project on track, and suppliers are being paid directly.
Armscor stated that R54m has been spent to date, and four MRLs have been completed, with the balance to be completed by October 2023. Three G5s were completed for training in September and the remaining guns are on track as required for crew training in 2024.
“There is significant progress on the project,” Armscor concluded, stating that locally procured hardware is 100% complete, and Denel is just awaiting inertial navigation units (INUs) from Scotland. Production of Leonardo FIN 3120 INUs is behind schedule. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
17 Jan 25. Missile Defense Agency conducts successful hypersonic test flight. The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has successfully completed a second flight test of its Hypersonic Test Bed (HTB) at Wallops Island, Virginia. This recent milestone, known as HTB-2, involved launching a glide vehicle into hypersonic flight using a sounding rocket.
Lieutenant General Heath Collins, Director of the MDA, described HTB-2 as a significant step in advancing hypersonic defence capabilities. “HTB-2 demonstrates our ability to affordably replicate hypersonic capabilities to enable testing of future hypersonic defence systems,” he stated.
The HTB serves as a versatile platform for evaluating hypersonic technologies and accelerating their development for military purposes. Tuesday’s test follows the inaugural flight of the test bed in June, where the agency gathered data on the Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor.
According to Collins, data from the latest test will guide the development of hypersonic technologies capable of operating in challenging flight environments. This progress is seen as a crucial part of paving the way for advanced hypersonic missile defence systems.
The MDA’s HTB programme continues to play a vital role in enhancing national security by addressing emerging hypersonic threats.
(Source: Google/Missile Defense Agency (MDA)/ https://defence-industry.eu/)
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About Galvion:
Galvion designs, develops, and delivers mission critical head, face, and torso protective solutions as well as intelligent power and data management systems for the world’s most demanding military and tactical teams. Founded in 2002 as Revision Military, a foundational belief in calculated investment and capability expansion led to a strategic refocus, resulting in the divestiture of the protective eyewear business, along with the Revision name, in 2019. Rebranded as Galvion, the company’s products and technology continue to evolve beyond purely passive protection, focusing instead on active systems that enhance performance and survivability, with an eye to the ever-changing demands of the modern battlefield. Through advanced design, keen end-user insight and intelligent integration, Galvion engineers uniquely customized solutions that go beyond what was once thought possible.
Privately owned with ISO 9001:2015 certified facilities in Vermont, Massachusetts and New Hampshire in the US, Montreal in Canada and Bristol in the UK, Galvion’s team of 400+ employees work proactively to solve the problems left unsolved by others.
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