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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.
06 Sep 21. Draken Europe and Collins Aerospace Collaborate on Next Generation Air Combat Training Systems. Draken Europe and Collins Aerospace have signed an agreement that will introduce Collins Aerospace’s Joint Secure Air combat training System (JSAS) for use with Draken’s Falcon 20 fleet in support of operational readiness training for the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy.
The solution is comprised of aircraft-mounted JSAS pods plus a ground station, built in cooperation with Leonardo DRS, and offers advanced, high capacity, low latency, and multi-hop mesh networking using a software defined radio hosting multiple waveforms providing key enablers to achieve secure, LVC, multi domain collective training.
With the first systems delivered to Draken Europe’s headquarters, these pods based on CRIIS (Common Range Integrated Instrumentation System), already extensively used by the USAF and USN for training and analysis, will be cleared for flight on the Falcon 20 fleet, with first trials by the end of 2021. As part of Draken’s current operational readiness training contract with the MOD, JSAS pods will enable near real time combat training information to be viewed at the aircraft base, and be ready for de-brief immediately after landing. This interoperability is made possible by the Multiple Independent Levels of Security (MILS) architecture that ensures that classified data is protected while it is shared across platforms with the same security levels.
The system will be upgraded in time with a variant of the next generation Tactical Combat Training System – Increment II (TCTS II) pods enabling fully encrypted interoperability with all coalition platforms across legacy P5 and future P6 Air Combat Manoeuvring Instrumentation (ACMI) waveforms.
The agreement goes beyond system provision and includes a commitment to seek opportunities to demonstrate the technology more widely with our coalition partners and to use it as a platform for introducing virtual and constructive training effects to benefit UK Defence. Collins Aerospace has 4,500 direct employees in the UK across 20 locations, including engineering, manufacturing, logistics and supply chain operations.
“We are incredibly excited to receive these highly advanced next generation systems to enhance our training capabilities and improve interoperability with our military customers. Our continued investment in this area, together with our extensive operational experience, allows us to adapt and optimise our training efforts to reflect the ever changing threat environment that our customers face in reality,” said Paul Armstrong, CEO Draken Europe.
“JSAS enables the warfighter to train and improve joint tactics, techniques and procedures in a secure environment against a peer adversary threat, unlike anything that has been seen in the past. We’re excited about the delivering this proven capability to Draken,” said Heather Robertson, vice president and general manager, Integrated Solutions for Collins Aerospace.
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.
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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 more than 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 5,100 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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