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25 Aug 21. InVeris Training Solutions Acquires SURVIVR, Enhancing Virtual Reality Expertise. InVeris Training Solutions, the leading provider of integrated virtual and live-fire training systems and services for domestic and international law enforcement customers, announced today that it has acquired SURVIVR, a privately held, Dallas-based Public Benefit Corporation devoted to public safety. With the addition of SURVIVR to its industry-leading readiness training solutions portfolio, InVeris continues to build on its long-standing commitment to deliver effective, reliable, and innovative products and services for when split-second decisions matter.
“SURVIVR’s premier virtual reality police training system and patented technology complements recent research and development by InVeris. It will be incorporated into our VR-DT solution to expand future capabilities,” said InVeris CEO Al Weggeman. “All police forces – large and small, urban and rural – need and deserve the most realistic, effective training. This acquisition by InVeris strengthens our product offering to better prepare law enforcement officers for real-life situations in their community.”
“SURVIVR’s virtual reality technology has been chosen by various law enforcement departments and the U.S. Air Force Security Forces,” noted Brian Hoang, the company’s co-founder who will now serve as InVeris’ director of VR/AR strategy. “Joining InVeris enables us to combine the best aspects of both systems, providing an unrivaled solution for existing and future customers.”
Simulation training, which provides trainees with real-to-life experiences, has been an important component of law enforcement and defense training for decades. Combining InVeris’ BlueFire® simulated weapons technology with SURVIVR and InVeris’ VR-DT virtual reality de-escalation and safety training solutions will form a new generation of immersive, 3D, scenario-based training. Similarly, instructors can use dynamic branching for a wide range of responses based upon the trainee’s verbal statements and physical actions. The objective for these solutions is simple but critical to all concerned: Good training saves lives.
About InVeris Training Solutions
InVeris Training Solutions combines an agile approach with unmatched expertise in training technology to design and deliver customized, cutting-edge, first-rate training solutions that keep law enforcement, private and commercial range clients safe, as well as military prepared and ready to serve. With a portfolio of technology-enabled training solutions, and a team of 400 employees driven to innovate, InVeris Training Solutions is the global leader in integrated live-fire and virtual weapons training solutions. With its legacy companies, FATS® and Caswell, InVeris Training Solutions has fielded over 15,500 live-fire ranges and 7,500 virtual systems globally during its 95-year history. The company is headquartered in Suwanee, Georgia and partners with clients in the U.S. and around the world from facilities on five continents.
26 Aug 21. SitaWare paints the Joint picture at Talisman Sabre 2021. The software delivered enhanced situational awareness and C2 capabilities to commanders at the multinational exercise. Systematic’s SitaWare Headquarters software was widely employed at the recent Talisman Sabre 21 exercise in Australia, with the software providing cross-domain awareness of the ‘battlespace’ and filling a range of command-and-control (C2) functions. Talisman Sabre is the largest bilateral exercise between the Australian Defence Force and the US military, with training across the land, air, and sea domains. Along with regular participants from the UK, Canadian, and New Zealand armed forces, this year’s event saw elements from Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Taiwan taking part. During the exercise, SitaWare Headquarters provided commanders at the Deployed Joint Force Headquarters with a rich Joint Common Operating Picture. Although primarily an Army asset, the software incorporated air and maritime pictures, and was used by both Naval and Air Force staff offices in both headquarters. In addition, SitaWare was trialled at the Headquarters Joint Operations Centre to fuse multiple COP source feeds into a single view of the strategic domain.
“SitaWare gave commanders a detailed understanding of the battlespace and demonstrated its ability to operate across domains,” explains Alastair George, Senior Business Architect at Systematic, “The software’s architecture enables it to ingest multiple data sources and feeds from across a coalition. SitaWare doesn’t limit users to information from within their own force structure alone. Its ability to interoperate with other C2 and track management systems, and act as an enabler for Joint operations is a real force multiplier.”
At Talisman Sabre, SitaWare Headquarters provided chat capabilities horizontally and vertically and was used extensively as a planning and briefing tool. “Users found the ability to quickly create ‘bookmarks’ meant they no longer had to manually create static presentations, they could brief directly from the live situation in SitaWare,” says George.
Furthermore, the software integrated effectively with role-specific C2 systems, “SitaWare connected with a number of systems, including the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System. In that instance the software could bring in data such as Fire Support Coordination Measure information,” notes George.
SitaWare Headquarters has been in service with Australia as the interim Track Management Capability since 2019. Most recently, SitaWare’s scope was expanded to provide the Army’s interim Battle Management System.
25 Aug 21. RAAF Growlers arrive for Exercises Red Flag Alaska. The electronic attack aircraft has flown across the Pacific to join US allies for air combat training. Royal Australian Air Force EA-18G Growlers from No. 6 Squadron have arrived in Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, following an 11,400-kilometre journey across the Pacific Ocean. The aircraft will take part in Red Flag Alaska 21-3 — a multi-domain, multi-platform coordinated, combat operations exercise led by the US Air Force. En route to Alaska, RAAF Growlers were helped by USAF KC-10 Extender and KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, which provided air-to-air refuelling during the second leg of the journey between Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. The US KC-135 provided additional fuel to the KC-10, which then transferred a total of 164,000-pounds of fuel to the EA-18G Growlers. No. 6 Squadron Electronic Warfare Officer Flight Lieutenant Antonia lauded the efficiency of the exchange, which he said demonstrated the “flexible integration” between Australia and United States.
“We re-joined with the two United States Air Force tankers immediately after take-off from Guam and took approximately 50,000-pounds of fuel over the first two refuelling brackets from the KC-10,” FLTLT Antonia said.
“The KC-10 then accepted an additional 100,000-pounds of fuel from the KC-135 through force extension, which then enabled it to provide more fuel to the Growlers.
“The Growlers and KC-10 continued for another six hours to Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, conducting a total of five refuelling brackets.”
The nations conducted unit-specific training at Eielson Air Force Base between 26 July and 6 August as part of Exercise Distant Frontier — the forerunner to Red Flag Alaska 21-3.
Australian and US forces engaged in offensive counter air and electronic warfare training scenarios.
FLTLT Antonia noted the importance of the exercises in support of bilateral engagement and Indo-Pacific interoperability.
“International exercises enable us to access complex airspaces and facilities that are not available in Australia,” FLTLT Antonia said.
“… We conduct a lot of exercises with the United States and it is important that we continue to train together. It is critical to our lethality as an Air Force that we are able to operate effectively with their platforms.”
These air combat exercises coincide with multinational naval exercises set to take place over the coming weeks.
The Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac Class frigate HMAS Warramunga is currently gearing up for Exercise Malabar 21 — a high-end multinational exercise involving the US, Japan and India.
Held off the coast of Guam, the exercise is expected to involve a range of maritime operations, including live firings and anti-submarine warfare training. This will mark the second consecutive year of Australian involvement in the trilateral exercise. (Source: Defence Connect)
23 Aug 21. UK CSG 21 and USS AMA ESG Join Together for LSGE 21 Operations. United Kingdom (U.K.) Carrier Strike Group (CSG 21) and USS America Expeditionary Strike Group (AMA ESG) with embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, begin multinational advanced aviation operations in support of Large Scale Global Exercise (LSGE) 21, Aug. 20.
“These events allow us to work with an unmatched network of partners and allies in a complex environment, supporting the common goal of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Chris Engdahl, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7. “Continued and combined operations in this region allow us to improve shared understanding, trust, and interoperability on challenges that have global impacts.”
LSGE 21 is global command and control exercise, with a regional focus, to enhance integration of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific. With many operations, activities, and investments nested under the LSGE 21 umbrella, these operations are part of the larger initiative.
While sailing together, the strike groups will conduct large-formation steaming maneuvers, anti-submarine and surface warfare exercises, and aviation integration events to enhance their capability and proficiency throughout all domains.
“The ability for the United States and the United Kingdom to be ‘interoperable’ and operate their fifth generation jets from the same deck at the same time is testament to the special relationship between our two countries,” said Commodore Steve Moorhouse, OBE, Commander of the U.K.’s Carrier Strike Group.
HMS Queen Elizabeth leads the U.K.’s Carrier Strike Group and is operating a mixed air group of F-35Bs, with a squadron of U.K. jets and a squadron from the U.S. Marine Corps. Additionally, USS The Sullivans from the U.S. Navy as well as several other Royal Navy ships comprise the U.K.’s Carrier Strike Group.
“The U.K. Carrier Strike Group offers the largest fifth generation air wing afloat today and working with our close allies to develop operating procedures and capabilities while concurrently showcasing the agility of land and carrier-based aviation in the Indo-Pacific demonstrates our commitment to the region,” added Moorhouse.
Integrating Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211’s F-35Bs into the carrier air wing provides the opportunity to share experiences, tactics, and procedures, highlighting common interests and strong bilateral relationship, between the U.S. and the U.K.
The Lightning (F-35B) is a next generation multi-role combat aircraft equipped with advanced sensors, mission systems and stealth technology employed from both the AMA ESG and the CSG 21.
Together, the forward-deployed ships of ESG 7 and elements of the 31st MEU are operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
(Source: ASD Network)
20 Aug 21. General Dynamics to Establish Centre of Excellence for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Technologies in Québec. General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada announced today the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Sherbrooke for remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) technologies, leveraging the $9m contribution of the Government of Québec, through Investissement Québec.
In addition to Investissement Québec’s contribution, this $9.7m investment by General Dynamics Mission Systems merges the world-class engineering, commercialization and export expertise of General Dynamics, together with the imagination and technological prowess of Laflamme Aero Inc., one of Québec’s emerging aerospace innovators. Leveraging forward-thinking academia, and the critical support of government, these investments will all serve to further develop the aerospace industry.
General Dynamics has also made a strategic investment in Laflamme Aero to support the development and maturation of its LX300 tandem rotor RPAS platform. Investissement Québec, also a shareholder of Laflamme Aero, is contributing a further close to $1.9m to industrialize and commercialize the LX300, demonstrating a firm commitment to further position Québec at the forefront of aerospace technology and innovation.
“The Centre of Excellence will position the province of Québec at the leading edge of emerging RPAS technology and advanced autonomous airborne mission systems integration,” said David Ibbetson, vice president and general manager of General Dynamics Mission Systems–International. “Remotely Piloted Aircrafts are the future of aerospace and our investment will generate Québec and Canadian intellectual property, create and enhance domestic capacity, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics jobs – while developing world-leading RPAS technologies to address the growing needs of Canada and countries across the globe.”
The Centre’s initial focus is to mature Laflamme’s LX300 for new markets. For its part, General Dynamics has developed a mission-ready Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) suite to meet the requirements of both domestic and international RPAS opportunities.
“This support positions Laflamme for the future. What began as a passion for aviation from my father has become something much larger. With the support of Investissement Québec and General Dynamics, we now have the opportunity to leverage our success and compete on a larger scale – both at home and abroad,” said Enrick Laflamme, president of Laflamme Aero.
“This remotely piloted aircraft system is the first of its kind to be fully developed and manufactured in Québec. This is a testament to the growth of our aerospace industry and our expertise in security and defence. With the creation of the Centre of Excellence in Sherbrooke and the commercialization of this innovative project, Québec will continue to stand out as a leader,” said Eric Girard, Minister of Finance and Minister of Economy and Innovation.
Through the Centre of Excellence, General Dynamics Mission Systems will be expanding its investment in Canada to include a presence in Québec, while generating opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses and strengthening the domestic RPAS ecosystem through the design, development, manufacturing, and sustainment of world-leading systems.
The Centre will create and sustain up to 45 highly skilled jobs in Québec.
General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada delivers advanced system solutions to Canadian and international customers. Headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, it is one of the largest defence and aerospace companies in Canada and is a world-class prime contractor and systems integrator for military and public safety applications. For more information on General Dynamics Mission Systems, visit www.gdmissionsystems.ca
Laflamme Aero Inc. specializes in the development and the manufacturing of tandem-rotor remotely piloted helicopters. Located in the Thetford area (province of Québec, Canada), the company offers unmanned aerial systems with unique capabilities for both military and commercial applications. For more information on Laflamme Aero, visit www.laflamme.aero. (Source: PR Newswire)
23 Aug 21. Leonardo’s Norway Training Centre (NTC) is currently teaching aircraft type-training to the latest Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) search and rescue (SAR) crews as they convert from the Sea King to the AW101 SAR Queen helicopter. The crews will form the third SAR base in Norway at Banak.
Over the course of the next three weeks, the crews will focus not only on flight handling skills but also on how to operate some of the latest generation technologies on-board the SAR Queen fleet.
On the training, Richard Fox, the Norwegian programme lead pilot instructor at Leonardo Helicopters (UK), commented: “Emphasis is placed on multi-crew cooperation, the glass cockpit, advanced automation and mission systems, including the game-changing Leonardo Osprey 30 Radar.”
The NTC predominantly supports the Norwegians with Conversion to Type training, currency and operational training. It houses a Level D Full Flight Simulator and a System Operator Console Simulator. This enables training to both pilots and system operators to be separated or linked together.
Once this training is complete, it will mean 20 crews will have been through Leonardo’s Norway training programme since May 2017. On completion of the conversion course, the crew will continue with the RNoAF Operational Training & Evaluation team (OT&E) for their role training. The OT&E will teach the crew how to do SAR operations using the helicopter.
24 Aug 21. DiSTI to upgrade Stryker DTT virtual trainers for US Army. Stryker DTT trainers will be upgraded to the latest FMT architecture and Common Core software elements. Virtual training solutions provider DiSTI has secured an order to modernise the Stryker Diagnostic and Troubleshooting Trainer (DTT) for the US Army. Under the $5.4m delivery order, the company will upgrade the Stryker DTTs to the latest family of maintenance trainers (FMT) architecture and common core (CC) software elements. These elements include the virtual environment graphical user interface (GUI), student performance monitor, simulation engine, training management system (TMS) and message manager interface, instructor/operator station (IOS).
Furthermore, classroom hardware is included under the FMT programme.
DiSTI will also convert selected training lessons and add new lessons for the flat bottom (FB) versions of the Stryker infantry carrier vehicle (ICV), anti-tank guided missile vehicle, and mortar carrier vehicle variants to CC.
The FMT programme also includes developing new lessons for the latest Double V-Hull (DVH) version of these variants.
DiSTI CEO John Hayward said: “DiSTI is honoured to have once again been selected by the US Army to support its mission of developing state-of-the-art immersive training for its warfighters.
“This programme adds the Stryker to the previously contracted FMT DTTs for the army’s JLTV, AMPV, M1A2 SEP v3 Abrams, and Bradley Fighting Vehicle.”
The latest order is a continuation of DiSTI’s support for the US Army’s Stryker Maintenance Training System.
Under previous army contracts, the Stryker DTTs were converted to 3D interactive graphics from 2D graphics.
The US Army-developed FMT programme seeks to replace its existing software architecture with one that can address evolving technologies for future training requirements while establishing a CC software baseline.
The programme includes other support and services such as on-call maintenance and technical, cybersecurity certification, ongoing FMT CC and operator and instructor training. (Source: army-technology.com)
23 Aug 21. Russian tank crews taught Laotian colleagues to interact with unmanned aircraft during the joint Russian-Lao military exercise LAROS-2021. During the joint Russian-Lao military exercise LAROS-2021, held in the Primorsky Region at the Sergeevsky training ground, the tankers of the Eastern Military District (ВВО / VVO) shared with their Lao counterparts their experience of modern manoeuvrable combat using unmanned aircraft. In particular, live firing was carried out, during which Lao tankers were trained to destroy the enemy with the help of a reconnaissance fire complex.
Control firing was carried out in the form of an offensive training battle. Each tank platoon gradually hit targets imitating heavy armoured vehicles, anti-tank crews and grenade launchers. After completing the firing, the tankers set up a smokescreen and made a covert evasion from a retaliatory strike. During the training offensive operations, aerial reconnaissance of targets and fire adjustment were organised using the Eleron-3SV unmanned aerial vehicle. The leadership of the Lao side was also shown the methodology for organising training in firepower and other basic subjects of combat training.
The joint Russian-Laotian exercise LAROS-2021 was held for the first time on the territory of Russia. The first joint exercise was held in 2019 in Laos. The Russian side was represented by tank subunits of the combined arms army of the Air Defence Forces stationed in the Primorsky Territory. Servicemen practised joint actions to combat illegal armed groups. In total, about 500 military personnel took part in the exercise, about 100 units of military equipment were involved, including Su-25 attack aircraft and Ka-52 air defence attack helicopters. The exercise started on August 11 and lasted until the 19th. (Source: www.joint-forcescom)
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About InVeris Training Solutions
InVeris Training Solutions combines an agile approach with an unmatched expertise in training technology to design and deliver customized, cutting-edge, first-rate training solutions that keep military, law enforcement, private and commercial range clients safe, prepared and ready to serve – Because Seconds Matter™. With a portfolio of technology-enabled training solutions, and a team of 400 employees driven to innovate, InVeris Training Solutions is the global leader in integrated live-fire and virtual weapons training solutions. With its legacy companies, FATS® and Caswell, InVeris Training Solutions has fielded over 15,000 live-fire ranges and 7,500 virtual systems globally during its 90-year history. The Company is headquartered in Suwanee, Georgia and partners with clients in the US and around the world from facilities on five continents.
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