Written by / Compiled by KMI Media Group staff
SOTECH 2010 Volume: 8 Issue: 5 (July)
From the Editor:
Contrary to some published reports the SCAR program that USSOCOM has with FHN has not been cancelled. According to a USSOCOM spokesman the objective of the SCAR program was to develop a single weapon capable of complete caliber modularity. USSOCOM will complete development of a conversion kit that allows the operator to fire either 7.62 mm or 5.56 mm ammunition from the Mk 17 which meets the objective of the program. USSOCOM’s FY11 budget submission includes $3 million for SCAR variants. They will use the existing contract with the manufacturer to procure the weapons.
FNH USA believes the fact that the SCAR program recently passed Milestone C and was determined to be operationally effective / operationally suitable (OE/OS) for fielding, highlights the tremendous capability the weapons system offers deployed special operators. USSOCOM’s decision to not procure the MK 16 5.56 mm at this time does not prohibit individual components within USSOCOM and or other conventional services Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines from procuring any of the weapons under the provisions of the contract.
Ultralife Receives $2.5M for Land Warrior Batteries and Chargers
Ultralife Corporation has received an order valued at approximately $2.5 million for its Land Warrior batteries and chargers from the U.S. Defense Department. The contract is for lithium ion rechargeable batteries as well as vehicle, bulk and individual soldier-based chargers. Deliveries are expected to begin this quarter and be completed by the third quarter of 2010. The Land Warrior product suite was originally developed as a manportable power system to support an integrated, modular fighting system that uses technology to enhance the individual soldier’s close combat tactical awareness, lethality and survivability. It is part of the company’s SmartCircuit family of products delivering power solutions to customers who require advanced functionality and performance.
“As expected, the U.S. military has rolled out the Land Warrior program again this year. This order reinforces how important system solutions are becoming not only to the defense market, but to all our markets,” said John D. Kavazanjian, president and chief executive officer. “With our ability to provide power, charging, cabling—all tied together with smart circuitry, we are well positioned to capitalize on our industry leading expertise in providing unique total power solutions.”
Tacview is a Ruggedized, Night Vision Imaging System- Compatible Smart Display
CMC Electronics (CMC) participated in the Coalition Warrior Interoperability Demonstration (CWID) trials held in June 2010. CMC is demonstrating its TacView portable mission display in a simulated joint U.S.–Canada combat search and rescue mission. Role players from the Canadian Air Force and the U.S. Air Force evaluated the TacView for suitability in their respective theaters of operations.
The TacView is a ruggedized, night vision imaging system-compatible smart display designed for rapid and inexpensive installation in fixed and rotary wing aircraft. The TacView interfaces seamlessly with most aircraft data networks, and can often be installed without modification to the aircraft’s legacy systems. TacView runs Microsoft XP compliant software, providing a wide range of options and capabilities to the aircrew.
Designed for use in harsh environments, the TacView system increases situational awareness while decreasing crew workload. For CWID 2010, the TacView hosted mission planning software and will display a moving map with an overlaid tactical situation picture using data acquired through an airborne data link. The TacView will also display remote UAV sensor video and will provide paperless cockpit functions.
CWID is an annual exercise led by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff that enables combatant commands, military services and national civil authorities in the U.S. and its allied countries to investigate and assess new technologies. The program addresses identified capability gaps and supports the accelerated and deliberate acquisition of selected technologies. Each year, CWID conducts trials to evaluate new and emerging technologies in a realistic environment with collaboration from allied countries. In 2010, CWID will conduct two scenarios: coalition task force, and homeland security and defense. The TacView is scheduled to participate in both CWID scenarios. Jean-Michel Comtois, vice president, marketing and sales, government and public affairs, Esterline CMC Electronics, stated: “Our compact TacView is specifically designed to facilitate airborne mission effectiveness through improved real-time situational awareness. These trials are an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the TacView’s capability to meet the growing need for cost-effective cockpit functionality enhancements.”
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics selected the TacView system to meet current and future C-130J mobile display system requirements, to perform secure tactical data link communications and paperless cockpit operations enabling unprecedented situational awareness for the crew. CMC Electronics has supplied the TacView system to the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command for its AC-130 gunship aircraft, and to BAE Systems for the U.S. Navy C-130T aircraft.
Army Scientists Evaluate International Robotics Competition Entries
As part of an international robotics competition co-hosted by the Australian Department of Defense and the U.S. Army, a team of Army robotics scientists visited the University of Michigan on June 21. While there, Michigan students demonstrated the university’s competition entry giving the scientists a firsthand look at the advanced technology this team could bring to the final event—if the Wolverine team makes the cut and goes to Australia. The Multi-Autonomous Ground Robotics International Challenge [MAGIC] 2010 was co-hosted by the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) and the Australian Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO). Twenty-three original proposals were narrowed down to the top 12, including the University of Michigan. Of those 12, five will be invited to the world finals in Australia this November. At the event’s conclusion, one university will receive $750,000 in prize money to further their program’s robotic development. Second- and third-place teams will win $250,000 and $100,000 respectively. In addition to the prize money, qualifying teams may have an opportunity to work with American and Australian military organizations to develop the advanced robots that will work alongside future generations of soldiers on the modern battlefield. “MAGIC 2010 will lead to groundbreaking robotics research in critical new arenas that will address operational challenges, increase energy security and save soldiers’ lives,” said TARDEC senior research scientist in robotics, Dr. Jim Overholt. “Competition from institutions around the world will be tough, but we’ll see the best-of-the-best in Australia this fall.” TARDEC is the focal point for ground robotics for the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command and U.S. Department of Defense. The DSTO is the science and technology arm of the Australian Department of Defence.
Imaging Contract Awarded
FLIR Systems Inc. announced that it has received a $35.2 million firm fixed-price, indefinite delivery/ indefinite quantity contract with an initial delivery order for $20.9 million for its Talon system from United States Special Operations Command.
The stabilized, lightweight, multi-sensor systems delivered under this contract will support the Long Range Ground Mobility Visual Augmentation Systems (LR-GMVAS) Program by providing ground vehicles with a stabilized, all-weather, day/night, high-resolution, thermal imaging capability.
“We are very proud of the confidence USSOCOM has in our systems, and we believe the Talon will lead to mission success,” said Earl R. Lewis, president and CEO of FLIR Systems. “As industry trends continue to shift to lighter, compact systems with multiple payloads, FLIR Systems will dedicate significant research and development to provide mission-specific technology to best support our customers.” ♦