20 Jan 23. IAI to Develop and Deliver Hand-Launched Electro-Optical Guided Missile for US.
IAI has unveiled its POINT BLANK electro-optically guided missile, that can be carried in a soldier’s backpack. The system answers the battlefield requirement to provide tactical units ranging in size from small tactical teams to battalion level, with an independent and organic capability to increase their lethality.
POINT BLANK allows these units to attack a variety of targets in real time with great precision and high lethality, without the need for support. The missile is hand-launched, operated by a single soldier, and can take off from and land vertically back to, the soldier’s hand.
IAI, as prime contractor, has been competitively awarded a multi-million-dollar contract by the Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD) of the US Department of Defense (DoD) to rapidly develop and deliver “ROC-X” a version of the POINT BLANK system that meets specific US DoD requirements for the purpose of increasing the organic precision strike lethality and survivability of small tactical teams. IAI will provide the first prototypes and training to DoD for Operational Testing & Evaluation in FY 23.
POINT BLANK weighs about 15 lbs and is about 3 ft long. The missile can fly at altitudes above 1,500 ft, at a maximum speed of 178 mph (186 kph) and can hover or loiter in the air while the target’s nature and exact position is confirmed prior to attack. Thanks to IAI’s advanced manufacturing technologies, the missile can carry electro-optical systems to validate and collect surveillance information in real time, and it is also being developed to be equipped with a warhead to destroy the target.
IAI’s Executive VP Systems, Missiles & Space Group, Mr. Guy Bar Lev said: “POINT BLANK joins Israel Aerospace Industries’ family of missiles, to provide ground-based tactical forces with more precise capabilities to undertake offensive operations especially against short-lived targets. We wish to thank the IWTSD for its support and cooperation in the field of precision munitions, confirming, yet again, the importance of tactical missiles to the modern army. IAI continues to develop and improve a wide range of offensive systems which provide precision operational solutions, and stands firmly to support our US customers.”
(Source: UAS VISION)
19 Jan 23. Missile defence agreement with British industry updated.
A Ministry of Defence agreement with British industry has been refreshed to formalise important work taking place regarding missile defence.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is being updated to formally recognise Fluid Gravity Engineering Ltd and Airbus Defence and Space Ltd as industry partners to the UK Missile Defence Centre (MDC).
The MDC was established in 2003 as a government-industry partnership to deliver science and technology research across all areas of Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD). More recently, their remit has expanded to include advanced missile threats, including hypersonics. The unique relationship enshrined in the MOU enables the MDC to respond rapidly to technology and geopolitical developments, with clear benefits for MOD and UK industry.
The partnership supports closer working relations and open communication between and within MOD and industry to enhance planning, increase understanding of threats and defensive architectures, and develop defensive technologies for the UK and our allies.
MOD Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Dame Angela McLean, said:
These organisations bring unique expertise to the table, helping strengthen the UK’s missile defence supplier base at a time when threats are developing more rapidly than ever.
The new partners will ensure the MDC remains at the cutting-edge of missile defence science and technology as it seeks to deliver robust capability options for our Armed Forces.
This agreement is intended to promote and support interaction between the MOD and industry organisations to ensure the MDC is the centre of excellence for missile defence within the UK. By drawing upon the most relevant expertise, the MOD will further enhance its understanding of missile defence and be well-positioned to support current or future procurement programmes.
The activities of the MDC, supported by an underpinning research programme, ensure the provision of evidence to decision makers, collaboration on projects of mutual interest with international partners, and sustainment of elements of national expertise.
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
19 Jan 23. Airbus joins MoD’s Missile Defence Centre as key partner. UK Missile Defence Centre leads government-industry partnership for ballistic missile defence. Airbus Defence and Space has become a partner in the UK Ministry of Defence’s Missile Defence Centre (MDC), the UK’s Centre of Excellence for Missile Defence. The MDC, part of the MoD’s Defence Science and Technology (DST) directorate, is a British government-industry partnership designed to enhance opportunities relating to Ballistic Missile Defence. Since being established in 2003, the MDC’s remit has expanded from considering the threat from traditional ballistic missiles to advanced missiles, including hypersonic threats.
Markos Trichas, Head of UK Military Space Future Programmes at Airbus Defence and Space, said: “Airbus is the UK’s leading space company, involved in multiple projects and studies, developing invaluable knowledge and insight into the missile-defence domain.
“Airbus has been working closely with DSTL and Space Command on various intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance ‘Protect and Defend’ projects that could significantly enhance the UK’s capabilities in ballistic defence, making Airbus an invaluable space partner in the MoD’s Missile Defence Centre partnership.”
MoD Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Dame Angela McLean, said: “Airbus in the UK brings unique expertise to the table, helping strengthen the UK’s missile defence supplier base at a time when threats are developing more rapidly than ever.
“Airbus and our other industrial partners will ensure the MDC remains at the cutting-edge of missile defence science and technology as it seeks to deliver robust capability options for our Armed Forces.”
18 Jan 23. Gentex Corporation Settles Lawsuit with Galvion. On May 17, 2019, Gentex Corporation filed a lawsuit against Galvion in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, Civil Action No. 1:19-cv-00921-MN involving helmet systems with integrated or standalone mounting rails.
Gentex asserted infringement of U.S. Patent No. 7,849,517, titled “Mounting System for Accessories on a Safety Helmet” and issued on December 14, 2010 (“the ’517 Patent”); U.S. Patent No. 7,908,667, titled “Mounting System for Accessories on a Safety Helmet” and issued on March 22, 2011 (“the ’667 Patent”); U.S. Patent No. 9,717,294, titled “Hinged Attachment of Headgear to a Helmet” and issued on August 1, 2017 (“the ’294 Patent”); U.S. Patent No. 10,638,807, titled “Helmet Cover Assembly Having at Least One Mounting Device” and issued on May 5, 2020 (“the ’807 Patent”); U.S. Design Patent No. D750,846, titled “Helmet Mounted Rail” and issued on March 1, 2016 (“the ’846 Patent”); U.S. Design Patent No. D750,847, titled “Helmet Mount” and issued on March 1, 2016 (“the ’847 Patent”).
On June 24, 2022, Gentex and Galvion settled this lawsuit. Among other terms, Galvion obtained a royalty-bearing license to certain Gentex patents for past and future Galvion helmet systems with integrated or standalone mounting rails. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
18 Jan 23. DASA seeks deployable anti-submarine warfare technologies.
DASA is seeking systems and technologies relevant to uncrewed, persistent, deployable anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability, to provide surveillance of underwater hostiles.
- DASA has launched a new Market Exploration: Project CHARYBDIS
- Launched on behalf of the Royal Navy
- This Market Exploration is seeking technical solutions to deliver persistent, deployable uncrewed maritime assets
- The deadline to submit proposals has extended to midday 3 February 2023
The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is pleased to launch a new Market Exploration as a workstream of Project CHARYBDIS, which seeks systems and technologies that could deliver persistent, deployable uncrewed maritime assets.
This is one workstream of Project CHARYBDIS, which is being delivered by DASA & the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) on behalf of the Royal Navy.
This Market Exploration is run on behalf of the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA), and project CHARYBDIS is part of Navy Command’s ASW Spearhead Programme. In support of this the SDA have commissioned DASA to search for related innovative technologies and sub-systems. The SDA are separately commissioning concept studies from suppliers with expertise in overall integrated ASW systems, which is being advertised through the Defence Sourcing Portal.
If you don’t have a login you can still access this from the homepage:
- on the DSP homepage select ‘View DSP Opportunities’
- select the drop down arrow on ‘Enter Filter’
- select ‘Project Info’
- insert 705492450 into ‘Value’ section
- search
Suppliers are welcome to participate in either or both workstreams.
Do you have an innovative solution? Read the full Market Exploration now and submit your idea.
Exploring underwater security systems and their capabilities
Our Market Exploration aims to identify, prototype, trial and deliver technologies that could support persistent deployable uncrewed capabilities to detect, classify, localise, and report underwater hostiles with a focus on wide areas of ocean.
We are looking for innovations (covering related technologies and systems) that could credibly result in an improvement to uncrewed anti-submarine warfare capability, focusing on the following areas:
- Sensors for underwater hostile threats, or their signature.
E.g. active acoustic, passive acoustic and non-acoustic.
- Platforms including uncrewed seabed, underwater, surface and air.
E.g. Overall structures, mobility options, tethering.
- Analysis including on-board uncrewed platforms, and off-board.
E.g. Data management, structuring and processing.
- Communication including in-water, above-water, through surface and tethered.
E.g. associated software, firmware, hardware and integration (e.g. standards).
- Launch & Recovery solutions across all domains and locations
E.g. Crewed and uncrewed options to deploy and recover systems
- Power sources spanning generation, storage and transfer.
E.g. Renewables and Non-renewables.
- Station-keeping and Propulsion, spanning related platforms
E.g. Tethering, Anchoring, Traditional rotary propulsion, Buoyancy systems, Biomimetics.
- Navigation, including internal and external.
- Data, including collection, processing, storage, management and wiping.
- Maintenance and sustainment options.
- Training, options including relevant simulations.
- Validation, options including test-targets.
Key dates
This market exploration is currently open. The deadline to submit proposals is midday 3 February 2023.
Submit your innovation
Your innovative solution could help support the Royal Navy in their endeavours to maximise their operational advantage over adversaries. Innovations with a particular focus on leveraging advances in autonomy, and exploring new solutions beyond the current mixture of fixed infrastructure, short-term sonobuoys and high-value crewed platforms, will ensure the Royal Navy maintains their battle-winning edge.
Read the full Market Exploration document and submit your innovative solution.: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/market-exploration-project-charybdis
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
17 Jan 23. US Army Special Forces are testing this rapid-fire mortar system. The 3rd Special Forces Group is testing a new mortar systems platform that could be used by special operation forces across the globe, according to a December news release.
“The current research and development project has lasted two years and will soon modernize firepower capabilities on the battlefield,” the release states.
The 3rd Special Forces Group is developing and testing the system through a partnership with Elbit Systems of America, which produces 120mm mortar weapon systems in Fort Worth, Texas.
Elbit announced a five-year $49 m contract with the Army in September.
Company officials announced at the time that the contract was awarded following the successful completion of a previous contract of this type that was awarded to the company in 2016.
The system tested by the Fort Bragg-based Special Forces soldiers is being called “Sling” and is in the final stages of development, according to the release.
The soldiers have tested the system “in applicable scenarios and environments,” the release said.
According to Elbit, Sling is an adaptable 120 mm mortar system that can be used on small 4×4 wheeled vehicles within 30 to 60 seconds.
The system can fire 16 rounds per minute with a range of about 4.3 miles, according to Elbit.
“The system will allow for more mobile and versatile capabilities on the battlefield for combatant commanders and other leaders to consider when planning both defensive and offensive operations,” the 3rd Special Forces Group release stated. (Source: Army Times)
17 Jan 23. UK defense chief announces jump-start for new field artillery weapons. Britain is accelerating a program to update Army artillery capabilities in response to lessons learned from the conflict in Ukraine.
The move is meant to field a new 155-millimeter howitzer in the British Army’s Mobile Fires Platform program during this decade rather than in the 2030s, Defense Secretary Ben Wallace told lawmakers on Jan. 16. It also involves buying a gap-filler weapon until such time, he said.
Under the existing program schedule a new artillery capability to replace the British AS-90 weapon was scheduled to be available in 2029, with a full operating capability in 2032.
New target dates for the weapon have yet to be made public. And officials here did not say how the government will go about urgently acquiring an interim solution.
The MoD declined to comment beyond repeating Wallace’s comments to Parliament.
Donation of Army’s AS-90 artillery, along with Challenger 2 main battle tanks, are at the center of a new military aid package for Ukraine, described by Wallace as Britain’s biggest donation yet.
Pressure to rethink the timetable for introduction of new artillery capability has been mounting for a while.
Even before Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine land warfare analyst Ben Barry of the International Institute for Strategic Studies produced studies detailing how the British would be heavily outgunned in any fight with the Russian army.
Wallace admitted to the parliamentary Defence Committee last June that a lack of deep-strike artillery was a big problem.
Now the Army is left scrambling to acquire an interim solution until a longer term answer can be found quickly.
“My main concern is our lack of deep fire. We are pretty much over-ranged in our heavy artillery by everyone. Our AS-90 range is about 23 or 24 kilometers. France and everyone else are in 55 kilometer ranges,” Wallace said.
Swedish, German, French, South Korean defense companies are among those who have previously expressed an interest in the Mobile Fires Platform program once the competition formally gets underway.
The deep-fires update is part of a wider modernization of British artillery and fires assets, including recapitalization of the M270 multiple launch rocket system (MLRS).
At least six of the Royal Artillery-operated M270 systems, similar to HIMARS, have been gifted to Ukraine.
Modern artillery isn’t the only capability in the spotlight this week.
Over the weekend Prime Minister Rishi Sunak formally announced Britain was donating 14 Challenger 2 main battle tanks plus support vehicles to Ukraine.
Wallace went further in his Jan. 16 statement, outlining a substantial program of new weapon deliveries to the Ukrainian military.
The defense secretary also revealed that ministry officials are rethinking whether planned tank force cuts announced in 2021 were still credible.
“Even as we gift Challenger 2 tanks, I shall, at the same time, be reviewing the number of Challenger 3 conversions to consider whether the lessons of Ukraine suggest that we need a larger tank fleet,” Wallace said.
MoD officials told the Defence Committee last week they were “uncomfortable” with some capability gaps and were looking at what they could do to accelerate several programs.
Capability gaps in areas like ground-based air defense, weapon stockpiles, drones, deep fires and logistics were mentioned by the officials.
The British are currently in the early stages of substantially upgrading their Challenger 2 fleet to the Challenger 3 standard via a 2021 deal with Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land.
The integrated review of 2021, though, downgraded the importance of the main battle tank in modern warfare, mandating that the British Challenger 2 fleet would be cut to just 148 vehicles from the present level of 227 – minus the 14 tanks now destined for Ukraine.
The decision sparked controversy with analysts and lawmakers who argued that that such a small number of vehicles meant Britain was effectively giving up on having a viable main battle tank force.
The Challenger 3 upgrade will breath new life into a vehicle that has been neglected by the British in terms of upgrades since it entered service in the late 1990s.
The most visible modification on the Challenger 3 will be the introduction of a 120-millimeter smoothbore gun replacing the Challenger 2′s unique, rifled weapon.
Defense procurement chief Alex Chalk told lawmakers last week that the first 18 Challenger 3s would be handed over by the Rheinmetall/BAE joint venture in 2027. Full operating capability is scheduled for 2030, he said.
Fourteen British main battle tanks for Ukraine by themselves may not change the battlefield balance much, but they send a political signal to allies prevaricating over doing something similar.
Poland and Finland have said they will donate German-built Leopard 2 tanks, but the transfers are subject to the approval of the German government.
Britain’s tanks should not be seen in isolation but as part of a broader Western capability package, according to Wallace.
“The Challengers should be viewed alongside the 50 Bradleys from the United States. Those are effectively the ingredients for a battlegroup with divisional level fires of either AS-90s or other 155mm howitzers. The 14 tanks represent a squadron, and the 50 Bradleys would roughly form an armored infantry battlegroup,” Wallace told lawmakers.
The latest British weapons package bound for Ukraine includes:
- A squadron of Challenger 2 tanks with armored recovery and repair vehicles.
- A battery of eight AS-90 guns at high readiness and two further batteries at varying states of readiness.
- Hundreds of armored and protected vehicles including Bulldog tracked armored personnel carriers.
- A maneuver support package, including minefield breaching and bridging capabilities.
- Dozens of drones to support Ukrainian artillery.
- 100,000 artillery rounds.
- Hundreds of missiles including GMLRS rockets, Starstreak air defense missiles, and medium range air defense missiles.
- An equipment support package of spares to refurbish up to a hundred Ukrainian tanks and infantry fighting vehicles.
(Source: Defense News)
BATTLESPACE Comment: The interim solution is believed to be between a refurbished/upgraded AS90 and a K9A1 which would be upgrade to K2 status. Given the spares problems related to AS90, the later solution may be preferable. The other key to the success of the Hanwa K9 bid is the presentation of key industrial benefits strategy to boost UK presence.
17 Jan 23. AMTAC Suppressors Launches Rebrand and Introduces New Over-Barrel Suppressor Series. AMTAC, one of the most respected firearm suppressor manufacturers in the world, today announced a new brand identity that reflects the innovation and strength of its products and tunes into one’s “Inner Warrior.” AMTAC’s new look and feel is inspired by Polynesian symbology and traditions. The company is also announcing a new over-barrel CQC rifle suppressor, which is ideal for law enforcement and hunting.
“There is wonderful and powerful symbolism that runs throughout Polynesia,” said Brady MacKay, COO of USDGI, parent company of AMTAC. “Many of us here have deep connections to that area of the world and we wanted to shine light on and honor this history and tradition. Not only do the tribal-inspired designs work beautifully with our product lines, but the names are easy to pronounce and remember and the concepts behind them align with our mission to deliver the highest quality safety equipment on the market today. For example, our 9MM pistol caliber carbine suppressor is named Ku, after the Hawaiian god of war, but that term also means ‘stability,’ which speaks to the solid design, performance and balance inherent to our entire line of suppressors.”
The AMTAC product lines are as follows:
KAHA 300 BLACK OUT SUPPRESSORS: Meaning “strong” or “great.”
AMTAC is proud to introduce this new state-of-the-art suppressor. The KAHA CQC suppressor offers the ideal balance between length, weight, and sound performance. With this suppressor, the added overall length is only 3.7 inches, which delivers better balance and makes it possible to store in police cruisers and be much easier to wield while hunting. KAHA is rated for magnum calibers and designed for 300 Blackout rifles. Noise reduction: up to 28dB.
TAO .22LR RIMFIRE SUPPRESSOR: Meaning “spear.”
The TAO suppressor is a premium rimfire suppressor capable of handling multiple calibers. It is impressive with .22LR but can also be used up to 5.7×28 on a 16″ barrel. Noise reduction: up to 37dB.
KU 9MM PISTOL CALIBER CARBINE SUPPRESSOR: Meaning “god of war” and “stability.”
Designed specifically for Pistol Caliber Carbines, the KU features a unique over-barrel design that adds only 3.7” to the carbine’s length while drastically reducing both sound and recoil. It fits under most handguards for an integrated look and balanced feel. Noise reduction: Up to 30dB.
KOA 5.56 NATO SUPPRESSOR: Meaning “warrior” or “brave one.”
AMTAC’s flagship over-barrel suppressor, the KOA is designed around a 16” barrel with a carbine-length gas system. The shortest version adds only 3.7” to a rifle’s overall length. The KOA series is available in three variations, KOA CQC, over-barrel; KOA E, end mount; and KOA S (Sporting) over-barrel. Noise reduction: Up to 28dB.
RONGO .30 CAL: Meaning “peace (after war).”
Rated for magnum calibers, the RONGO series suppressors deliver versatility. For larger barrels, the RONGO precision will accommodate up to 0.95” in diameter. Available in End-Mount (RONGO-E) and Over-Barrel (RONGO-S, RONGO-P) versions. Noise reduction: (S and E) up to 28dB, (P) up to 26dB.
TAIAHA 6.5 PRECISION SUPPRESSOR: Meaning “traditional long spear, shows authority.”
TAIAHA suppressor provides the ideal balance between length, weight and sound performance. The single-piece CNC-machined baffle structure threads directly to a rifle’s barrel, which delivers uncompromising accuracy at long ranges and adds durability for shooters who practice regularly. Noise reduction: up to 28dB.
About AMTAC Suppressors
AMTAC is a division of USDGI and is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, which is focused on making a positive global impact by providing mission-specific resources, leading technology, equipment and practical and tactical training to those who are first on scene, in combat or gathering intelligence. These resources, products and services result in safeguarding lives, enabling justice and improving communities. AMTAC has built mission-critical components for aerospace, medical, and defense industries for over 35 years. At AMTAC, we approach suppressor design the same way we approached projects for the Department of Defense. We look at things from a higher level—leaving behind preconceptions of how things are usually done, born of habit and convention. Instead, we figure out how things can be done to give you a better tool for the job. It’s this unique approach that led to our Quick Thread over-barrel design, our single-piece baffle structure and the other innovative projects currently in the research-and-development process. For more, please visit https://amtacsuppressors.com/ (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
17 Jan 23. UK Team Thunder moves forward with plans for British variant of K9 Self-Propelled Gun. Representatives of Team Thunder partner firms from the U.K. visit Hanwha’s K9 Self- Propelled Howitzer facility in Korea. Business leaders and engineers from five defence companies in the U.K. visited the manufacturing facility of the world’s most proven K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH) in South Korea to progress plans to compete for the U.K. Mobile Fires Platform (MFP) programme.
The companies include Lockheed Martin U.K.; Leonardo U.K.; Pearson Engineering; Horstman Defence; and Soucy Defense. Hanwha is leading the team to bid for the MFP programme aimed at procuring up to 116 self-propelled guns for the British Army.
Representatives of Team Thunder comprising of Hanwha and UK partner firms pose at the manufacturing facility of Hanwha’s K9 self-propelled howitzer in Changwon, about 300 kilometers south of Seoul, on January 17. The delegates are visiting South Korea to progress plans to compete for the U.K. Mobile Fires Platform programme to procure up to 116 advanced self-propelled guns for the British Army.
During the visit, the delegates took a tour of the K9 production line in Changwon, about 300 kilometers south of Seoul, to learn the manufacturing details, indicating the potential fora K9 facility in the U.K.
The K9 is a 155mm/52-calibre tracked artillery platform is in service with seven countries around the world, including NATO countries such as Poland, Norway and Estonia. The platform offers genuine, sustained 360-degree firing solutions, delivering consistent, accurate, rapid effects at +40km range with high rates and volumes of fire, including Multiple Round Simultaneous Impact.
Sun Wi, Director of MFP programme at Hanwha Aerospace Land Systems Business Group, said: “This is a very meaningful and exciting opportunity for Team Thunder partners to gather in Korea and learn the manufacturing capability of the K9, the world’s most favoured self-propelled gun. Together as Team Thunder, we are establishing ways of manufacturing K9s in the U.K. in support of the MFP programme.”
Aerosapce in Changwon, about 300 kilometers south of Seoul, on January 17. Hanwha Aerospace is leading the team including Lockheed Martin U.K.; Leonardo U.K.; Pearson Engineering; Horstman Defence; and Soucy Defense./ Courtesy of Hanwha Aerospace
Team Thunder is offering the latest version of K9A2 to the Royal Artillery. The K9A2 is equipped with a fully automatic ammunition handling system and is capable of firing nine to 10 rounds per minute, with just three crewmembers. The British variant of the K9A2 is expected to be fitted with the Composite Rubber Track, enabling faster moving for shoot and scoot operations, and lower noise and vibration levels to enhance survivability and ride quality for the crew while extending battlefield coverage.
Pasi Pasivirta, Director of Business Development Europe for Hanwha Aerospace Land Systems Business Group, said: “The K9A2 is the most advanced and credible artillery platform for the U.K.’s MFP programme, offering a ‘tried, tested and trusted’ solution. The need to outpace and outfight adversaries has been reinforced by recent geopolitical events.”
There are over 1,700 units already in service with seven NATO and allied nations, including Turkey, Poland, Norway and Estonia. More recently, Australia and Egypt have joined the K9 User Club, bringing the number of K9 customer countries to nine, while Poland signed a framework agreement in July 2022 to procure over 600 more of K9s.
(Source: Google/http://www.koreaittimes.com/)
16 Jan 23. ULBRICHTS Protection presents the boltless OPTIO helmet with protection beyond NIJ IIIA at the Shot Show 2023.
ULBRICHTS Protection will be joining an incredible list of more than 2,000 exhibits at the 2023 SHOT Show® at The Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum in Las Vegas to make this year’s show a BIG DEAL.
THE BRAND NEW OPTIO – BOLTLESS & BETTER BALANCE with PROTECTION beyond NIJ IIIA
ULBRICHTS Protection will be featuring its BRAND NEW OPTIO HELMET.
This new ballistic helmet is BOLTLESS Handgun protection beyond NIJ IIIA with a better balance on your head in 3 different cuts.
With heavy body armor, you protect your heart but why don’t you protect your brain with a helmet weighing only 2.63 lbs (1.2 kg)?
The common head protection of army unit soldiers and police officers using NIJ IIIA helmet size lacking in ballistic protection, as they only focus on the mandatory stopping of handgun projectiles, but not on the trauma / BFS / BFD prevention coming from the lethal backface deformation leading to death.
The dramatic lesson taught by several tests is that most or nearly all NIJ IIIA helmets commonly issued to the army and police units efficiently protect against shrapnel but not against any of the most widely spread ammunition fired in current armed conflicts:
When hit by 9×19 handgun ammunition they cause deadly trauma and when hit by rifle ammo like 7.62x36mm MSC fired by Kalashnikov variants or .223 fired by M4A1 variants, or the .308 fired by sniper rifles they are even fully penetrated.
The ULBRICHTS OPTIO offers true protection beyond NIJ IIIA starting at 2.63 lbs (1.2 kg), whilst standard military NIJ IIIA helmets have a deadly backface deformation when hit by a handgun and a hole when hit by rifle ammunition.
The new material, POLYTANIUM (a special combination of polyethylene and titanium) increases the currently unrivaled efficiency of ULBRICHTS helmets.
The answer to rifle threats – ULBRICHTS FORTIS forehead shield – RIFLE UPGRADE
The FORTIS forehead shield from ULBRICHTS Protection features an add-on module that can be used to upgrade the OPTIO to rifle protection.
This represents the protection level of VPAM 6 (VPAM 6 = Kalashnikov 7.62 mm x 39 steel core, analog to the European HVN 2009 guideline, residual energy values below 25 joules). The additional module weighs just 1,08 lbs (490 grams) and can reliably reduce a Kalashnikov assault rifle’s enormous firepower of over 2000 joules and a projectile speed of around 2362 feet/second (720 m/s) to well below 25 joules while it also stops NATO caliber 7,62x52mm (.308 / M80 / NIJ III).
About ULBRICHTS Protection
ULBRICHTS Protection is one of the pioneers in the field of ballistic head protection and regularly sets new technical standards in terms of protection, comfort, and design. For more information, see http://www.ulbrichts.com/protection.
(Source: PR Newswire)
16 Jan 23. India’s DRDO “to test 100kW directed energy weapon this year.”
According to India’s Financial Express, the country’s Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) will test its 100 kW directed energy weapon during 2023.
“DRDO is focussing on new-age tech in the Directed-Energy Weapon (DEW) space. DRDO has initiated a project – Directionally Unrestricted Ray-Gun Array (DURGA) II, which is a 100-kilowatt lightweight DEW,” said the press report. “The DEW is based on energy from lasers, microwaves or particle beams which transmit lethal force at the speed of light (about 300,000 kilometres per second). These are high-precision weapons that can defy gravitational and atmospheric forces…. Scientists say this weapon system is set to be integrated with sea, air and land-based platforms. Project DURGA will be a key asset to the Indian armed forces in achieving air defence capabilities.
“The most challenging part of the project is the complexity of energy generation on such a high scale within that system. While DRDO has tested a 1KW laser weapon which hit a target 250m away, the full prototype of DURGA will be one of the most crucial projects to watch out for in 2023.”
For more information: https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/indias-top-military-projects-to-look-out-for-in-2023nbsp/2938487/ (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
13 Jan 23. A record year for CAESAR orders ~ the French DGA has ordered 18 CAESAR 6×6 MkI and the Czech Republic has acquired 10 CAESAR 8×8.
- On December 15, the French and Lithuanian Defense ministers signed a technical arrangement for cooperation in the artillery field, including an order for 18 CAESAR 6×6 MkII for the Lithuanian Armed Forces;
- The Czech Republic ordered 10 CAESAR 8×8 to complete the 52 systems ordered in 2021;
- These contracts bring to 55 the number of CAESAR in all versions ordered in 2022 by 4 Nexter customers;
- The CAESAR 6×6 MkII is a new version of the truck equipped with a 155mm artillery system. The development of this version was ordered in 2021 by the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) for the needs of the French Army. It combines a new chassis designed by Arquus, a better protected cabin and the artillery system of the version already in service.
CAESAR achieves commercial success in 2022.
In 2022, the artillery system designed and manufactured by Nexter has gone through several successes: the DGA has ordered 18 CAESAR 6×6 MkI, which will replenish the French Army’s fleet following the transfers to the Ukrainian Army; the Czech Republic has acquired 10 CAESAR 8×8 to complement its 2021 order for 52 systems.
Nexter has contracted in 2022 with two new user countries.
Belgium and Lithuania have ordered 9 and 18 CAESAR 6×6 MkII respectively. The development of this new version was launched in December 2021 by France. Its entry into service is planned for 2026. For its national configuration, Lithuania will actively participate in the development phase of its 18 systems.
A new chassis for more mobility and protection.
The main improvements of the CAESAR 6×6 MkII concern crew protection and mobility. Mobility has been greatly enhanced by a more powerful engine (460hp compared to 215hp previously), a new automatic gearbox and a new generation chassis. This chassis is coupled with a STANAG level 2 armoured cabin against ballistic projectiles and mines and IEDs. Finally, the CAESAR MkII benefits from the same strategic mobility as the CAESAR MkI as it is air transportable in an A400 M transport aircraft.
Combat-proven artillery.
The CAESAR MkII is equipped with the same 155mm / 52 calibre gun as the CAESAR MkI, combined with new fire control software. Combat proven in multiple theatres of operation, the CAESAR allows a rate of fire of 6 rounds per minute and accurate fire at over 40km. Its reliability and efficiency make it the ideal tool for high-intensity warfare. (Source: www.joint-forces.com)