24 May 13. The US Navy successfully completed tests of the Rolling Airframe Block 2 missile at the Navy’s Pacific Missile Test Range, May 10. The missiles were launched from a Self Defense Test Ship operated by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme and intercepted turbojet-powered targets emulating enemy anti-ship cruise missiles. Testing continued with another successful firing, using two RAM Block 2 missiles, meeting all test objectives May 12. Scheduled over the next several months, these were the first of a series of planned tests to demonstrate RAM Block 2 performance against anti-ship cruise missile threats at sea. The Block 2 missile will now have flight tests from an operational ship. The Block 2 missile is the latest RAM configuration. The missile provides improvements in sensitivity, maneuverability, and range over the existing Block 0 and Block 1A variants currently deployed. RAM Block 2 missile is in Low Rate Initial Production with an approved U.S. inventory objective of 2,093 missiles. (Source: ASD Network)
28 May 13. L-3 WESCAM unveiled its new Land Vehicle Surveillance System, the MX™-LVSS, at CANSEC, Canada’s largest defence and security trade show, in the outside display area, booth 2019. Based on L-3 WESCAM’s industry-leading MX-Series of multi-spectral, highly stabilized imaging systems, the MX-LVSS is a modular and rugged solution consisting of low-risk, battle-proven, commercial-off-the-shelf subsystems currently operating in the world’s harshest terrains and climates. L-3’s MX-LVSS consists of mast-mounted and remote-mounted surveillance suites with an integrated vehicle operator control station. The rugged system, adaptable to a wide range of platforms, obtains timely and accurate surveillance data on surrounding terrain and adversaries, day or night, while the host vehicle is stationary or on-the-move, mast-mounted or dismounted, in all weather conditions.
29 May 13. UK military aircrews receive advanced personal equipment. The UK MoD has taken delivery of new personal equipment from Level Peaks Associates and ASE Corporate Eyewear, to address flying requirements of military aircrews. Supplied as part of contracts with a combined value of £11m, the new body armour, combat boots and eyewear will be used by all pilots and aircrew on operations throughout the British Army, Navy, and RAF. UK defence equipment, support and technology minister Philip Dunne said the latest contracts reaffirmed the MoD’s ongoing commitment to delivering the best possible equipment to the service personnel. Manufactured by Level Peaks Associates, the body armour is designed to enable aircrews to easily manoeuvre around the cockpit, while offering armoured protection. As well as allowing personnel to carry all essential kit, including radios, pistols and ammunition, the lightweight jacket also supports integration of a lifejacket and a winch hook for emergency rescue missions. Puma crewman flight sergeant Baz Reynolds, who evaluated the body armour, said the equipment provides an enhanced level of ballistic protection, and fitting and adjusting the jacket is a simple process. Under a separate £3.25m contract, ASE Corporate has delivered specialist lightweight eyewear and contact lenses to the pilots and crew members, who prefer wearing lenses to glasses. The glasses feature flexible, polymer arms and lighter lenses to fully integrate with helmets and oxygen masks. Other equipment include a flexible soled boots that provides pilots with greater sensitivity and contact with control pedals in aircraft. (Source: army-technology.com)
29 May 13. Army explores futuristic uniform for SOCOM. Army researchers are responding to a request from the U.S. Special Operations Command for technologies to help develop a revolutionary Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit. The Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit, or TALOS, is an advanced infantry uniform that promises to provide superhuman strength with greater ballistic protectio