Sponsored by Control Solutions LLC.
http://www.controls.com/product-cat/systems/
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12 Feb 19. Remote Fire Option™ (RFO) system at: IDEX 2019 Abu Dhabi Feb 17 – 21, 2019. Visit Control Solutions at IDEX 2019 Stand 03-A09, and take our RFO system for a spin. The Remote Fire Option™ (RFO) system, provides a vehicle gunner with the flexibility to operate a turret weapon station either from inside the gunner station or operate it remotely while protected inside the vehicle as mission requires. The RFO system gives the gunner the ability to reduce exposure to sniper fire, indirect fire, and enemy assaults from elevated positions. The Remote Fire Option (RFO) utilizes an intuitive user interface that incorporates a built-in high-definition display. Joystick and trigger controls are straight forward, allowing for a quick training and qualification period. It provides the option of manual turret operation, or remote operation when needed. Retaining all functionality in remote mode, engagement accuracy is improved while the ability to target threats at greater distances increases. Crew survivability is also enhanced through operations within the hull of the vehicle.
RFO is a modular upgrade to existing ITDS turrets and other platforms. It does not interfere with current armor configurations. Existing fleets can be incrementally upgraded at the Field Depot Level or Theater Storage Area (TSA) in less than 1 day. The RFO improves lethality while maximizing vehicle mission time.
- Provides the option of either traditional manned turret operation or remote turret operation, based on the threat environment.
- Allows threat engagement with greater accuracy and maximum protection.
- Remote target engagement via RFO user interface.
- View the threat environment on hi-res video display.
- Major Improvement in crew survivability and system effectiveness.
14 Feb 19. Lebanon receives first APKWS rockets. Lebanon has received its first consignment of BAE Systems’ Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS) air-to-surface rockets for use on its ground attack aircraft and helicopters. The delivery, which was announced by the US Embassy in Beirut on 13 February, was flown to the country aboard a US Air Force Boeing C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifter. The rockets will arm the Lebanese Air Force’s (LAF’s) Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC)-Embraer A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft and MD Helicopters Inc MD 530G light attack helicopters.
The APKWS laser-guided rocket is a low-cost, precision munition system that adapts a standard 70mm (2.75 inch) unguided rocket into a laser-guided weapon capable of engaging unarmoured and lightly armoured targets. To use it the mid-body guidance section is simply screwed between the rocket motor and the warhead. The rocket is then loaded into a conventional 70mm rocket launcher.
Originally designed for use for helicopters and later adapted for fixed-wing aircraft, the AKPWS has a small warhead and increased accuracy for reduced collateral damage. It is also smaller and cheaper than most other precision rockets in the US inventory.
A total of 2,000 APKWS rockets were sold to Lebanon as part of a wider deal for six Super Tucano turboprops that was signed in October 2015. Besides the rockets, the aircraft are equipped with two 12.7mm (.50 calibre) machine guns and are being supplied with AN/AAR-60(V)2 missile launch detection systems and AN/ALE-47 countermeasure dispensers. The Super Tucano is also qualified to carry AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and GBU-12 and GBU-58 Paveway II laser guided bombs, but no mention has been made of sales of these particular weapons to Lebanon. All six aircraft were delivered to Lebanon by May 2018. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
11 Feb 19. This multi-caliber rifle from Accuracy International could be a game-changer for snipers worldwide. Accuracy International is no stranger to the sniper rifle market, having produced top-notch bolt-action rifles for military and law enforcement customers for years. The company, co-founded by an Olympian sharpshooter, hopes its AXMC rifle might just be the game-changer military and police snipers across the world are looking for. Thanks to the good folks at AI, GearScout got the chance to take a closer look at the AXMC at SHOT Show 2019 in Las Vegas.
While multi-caliber weapons may be something more commonly talked about among preppers and hobbyists, there is a real-world benefit to such guns, especially in a military context. The ability to swap calibers and cartridges gives battlefield commanders at the small unit level a huge advantage in “customizing” their force appropriately for whatever mission they’re faced with.
As such, customization is exactly what AI promotes with the AXMC rifle platform, a derivative of the company’s Arctic Warfare gun, which has been around since the early 1980s.
The AXMC comes with 3-position safety an adjustable two-stage trigger, a configurable pistol grip and folding stock, as well as plenty of rail space for optics round off the features list for this rifle. (Photo by Ian D’Costa)
Part of the AX series of Arctic Warfare-type rifles, the AXMC can be modified to fire one of three different cartridges: .338 Lapua Magnum, .300 Winchester Magnum, 7.62×51mm NATO/.308 Winchester.
The caliber change can be done at the operator-level in a matter of minutes using a fairly simple conversion kit.
An Allen key stored in the cheek rest can activate or deactivate the rifle’s Quickloc barrel release. Once the Quickloc has been disengaged, the user can remove and replace the barrel, add a new bolt specific to the caliber he plans on shooting, and (in the event that he chooses 7.62 NATO/.308 Win) a magazine insert.
AI offers a total of 8 stainless steel barrel options for the three different calibers:
- .338 LM: 20”/ 27” 1 in 9.35” twist
- .300 Win Mag: 20”/ 24”/ 26” 1 in 11” twist
- .308 Win: 20”/ 24”/ 26” 1 in 12” twist
All factory barrels come standard with threading for a muzzle brake or a suppressor.
The entire rifle weighs around 15 lbs, and comes with a proofed steel action with the built-in Quickloc barrel swapping system, both of which are bolted and bonded to aluminum chassis for a tighter action and better accuracy.
The AXMC comes with 3-position safety an adjustable two-stage trigger, a configurable pistol grip and folding stock, as well as plenty of rail space for optics round off the features list for this rifle.
According to AI’s reps at SHOT Show, the AXMC has been steadily gaining traction with a growing number of customers and end-users outside the United Kingdom (its home market).
Everyone from law enforcement tactical and SWAT teams to elite special operations forces from both NATO and non-NATO countries have either expressed interest or have already put cash down on the AXMC. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Military Times)
11 Feb 19. Arnold Defense to display FLETCHER Laser Guided Rocket Launcher at IDEX 2019. Arnold Defense, the St Louis based manufacturer of 2.75-inch rocket launchers, will be at this year’s International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX 2019) to showcase the FLETCHER Laser Guided Rocket Launcher. IDEX 2019 will take place 17-21 February 2019 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) and the FLETCHER 2.75-inch/70mm weapon system will be mounted on NIMR’s AJBAN Long Range Special Operations Vehicle (LRSOV) on Stand Number 05-A05.
Arnold Defense’s FLETCHER weapon system, first unveiled in 2017 at London’s DSEi Exhibition, has completed rigorous test-firing protocols, with laser target designation from both ground and air platforms, and is now in initial production. With FLETCHER, Arnold Defense has made a bold departure from the traditional concept of use for 2.75-inch rocket systems; that of an area suppression weapon ordinarily delivered by aviation assets. Arnold’s evolution has FLETCHER using advanced rocket-guidance technology to utilize ground-based launch platforms, meeting the demands of modern, vehicle-mounted and dismounted asymmetric warfare.
FLETCHER’s unique design allows for ease of operation, maintenance and sustainment. It employs an existing suite of guidance modules, rockets and warheads, already used in well-known programs and readily available to global forces. FLETCHER recently successfully completed a four-round live firing using multiple airborne laser platforms, confirming the ability to use laser designation from ground and air from various angles and offsets to a distance nearly 6km.
Following exceptional levels of interest expressed in FLETCHER, Arnold Defense is also developing a number of supplementary ground and maritime-based concepts. These exciting new concepts will expand FLETCHER’s utility into the arena of Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV), naval and littoral platforms. It his anticipated that the first of these integrated systems will be unveiled within months.
FLETCHER is supported by a team of global defense industry companies, collaborating under Arnold Defense’s leadership to combine their complimentary expertise. The team is able to provide a full-system approach to FLETCHER; incorporating design, validation, testing, manufacture and full-system integration within a wide range of ground-to-ground engagement scenarios.
Jim Hager, President and CEO of Arnold Defense said “Since launching FLETCHER, Arnold Defense has exhibited the system widely on the international market, where it has garnered significant interest, especially from military special operations units. Our rocket launchers are already well-established internationally on airborne platforms, so transitioning into the land and marine environments with FLETCHER has been a natural progression and will provide these forces with a completely new capability.”
He added: “Exhibiting FLETCHER in partnership with NIMR Automotive demonstrates the wide scope and utility of our concept and we look forward to maximizing the opportunities that IDEX 2019 will offer to establish and deepen relationships with regional government departments, defense and security agencies and international businesses.”
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Control Solutions LLC is a turnkey design and manufacturing corporation with over 20 years experience solving tough military motion control problems. We focus on improving the safety, survivability, and mission effectiveness for personnel in tactical vehicles. We will be showcasing our CS5100 Lightweight Motorized Turret System as well as new JLTV-ready gun turrets. We have fielded over 60,000 ITDS and BPMTU motorized turret systems for the HMMWV, MRAP, and other tactical vehicle programs. We will present a family of accessories including weapon-mounted actuators, turret power and spotlight kits, and novel soldier power solutions. Control Solutions is on a mission to help solve your toughest motion control challenges.
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