It looks as if the Air Force has successfully debarred Dragon Skin-maker Pinnacle Armor from participation in government contracts with the service.
During congressional hearings on the issue in early June, Air Force director of the office of special investigations, Douglas Thomas, revealed the service was investigating Pinnacle for falsely marking its SOV 2000 vests as being NIJ certified Level III armor. Without getting into the minute details, Pinnacle owner Murray Neal has basically said he obtained a verbal certification from NIJ pending the official written one.
It’s unclear whether the Air Force investigation will result in any criminal charges, but suffice it to say the General Services Administration has included Pinnacle on its list of Excluded Parties that may do business with the Air Force, at least temporarily.
Since 2003, we provide satellite Internet in Iraq and Afghanistan globally enabling Iraqi and Afghan citizens, businesses and remotely deployed personnel to have broadband Internet access, enterprise connectivity, VoIP and videoconferencing services at affordable costs.
The homecoming of two Merlin helicopters to RAF Benson yesterday marked the end of an era for the Royal Air Force as now all of the Service’s aircraft have left Iraq.
And having just returned from a six-year deployment to Iraq, the helicopters will undergo a series of modifications to ensure they are prepared for their next operation in Afghanistan by the end of this year.
The last two Merlins flew back to RAF Benson in Oxfordshire yesterday, Tuesday 11 August 2009, to be met at the station by Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth, alongside friends and families in a homecoming ceremony.
Merlin and Puma Force Commander and RAF Benson Station Commander Group Captain Jon Burr said: “The Pumas have played an active role in Iraq since 2003, to be joined by the Merlins two years later. The Merlin made its name in casualty evacuation, carrying out daring rescues in a hostile environment to rescue British and coalition lives. It’s been a big commitment for the personnel of RAF Benson. Some staff have been deployed in Iraq several times over, which combined has added up to almost two years of their lives spent in Iraq.
“I’d like to salute the courage, skill and commitment of all RAF Benson personnel who have served so valiantly in Iraq, to help make a better life for the Iraqi people.”
Wing Commander Nigel Colman, Officer Commanding 78 Squadron, of which the Merlins were a part, said: “It’s fantastic to bring home the squadron. We faced quite varied and significant challenges in Iraq, on an operation which has at times involved intense war-fighting. Now we’re able to prepare for and be completely focused on Afghanistan.”
Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said: “The Merlin and Puma forces have played a hugely important role in our operations in Iraq and I would like to thank all those involved, as well as their families and friends for the strong support they have given over the last six years. We can all be incredibly proud of their achievements and Iraq today is a better place thanks to their outstanding service, commitment and sacrifice.”
Now all RAF aircraft have left Iraq, the Service is concentrating on getting all available equipment to the troops in Afghanistan to provide additional support in the form of Puma, Lynx and Merlin helicopters, each of which will offer additional capabilities to the existing International Security Assistance Force kit already being used in theatre.
Deputy Commander Joint Helicopter Command, Air Commodore Simon Falla, said: “At the moment we have Apache doing the Ground Fire Support role out in Afghanistan, principally supporting other helicopters and protecting troops on the ground. The principal troop carrier is the Chinook and also deals with CASEVAC [casualty evacuation] and I’d like to think that we have a world-beating capability with this aircraft in that role.
“We’ve got Sea King helicopters out there doing what we call Command Support, in other words they are able to take round small groups of people, principally commanders, and get them round the battlefield. Mobility around the battlefield is pretty important and that’s the kind of role they’re getting into.
“Our Lynx aircraft are worked with seasonally. They are built for a temperate environment, they’re not well suited to the hot weather in Afghanistan, but in the winter they can work and so from September they’ll be out there. They work in an escort role, again escorting transport helicopters and offering mutual support, in other words looking after another helicopter as a pair. And Merlin will be going out at the end of the year to do the troop transport role.
“In Kenya we’ve deployed our Puma helicopters who have also recently returned from Iraq, principally to do Army training; they work in a troop transport role so they’re out there to train the Army. And Lynx helicopters will be going out there to do their pre-deployment training in Kenya.”
Mr Ainsworth stressed that the Merlin helicopter will be a massive boost to UK troops currently serving in Afghanistan. He said: “It’s a well armoured aircraft. It’s served in Iraq very successfully for the last few years and we are spending money on its protection as well as its lift capability before we send it out to Afghanistan. I am confident that this helicopter is perfectly capable of the job that we’re giving it to do in Afghanistan.
“The Merlin has a long range so, with the great distances that there are in Afghanistan, in Helmand, it will be ideally suited by the time we’ve done our modifications for that theatre. When people see the Merlin arrive they’ll know that there is additional support there.
“The Merlin being finished in Iraq means that we can now reconfigure it, get it fit and get it out to Afghanistan.
“We have work going on to see if we can increase the number of Chinooks that we’ve got out in theatre.
“We’re going to upgrade the Lynx to make sure it can fly all year round in the hot circumstances of Afghanistan. So, this is part of an ongoing process. We’ve doubled the number of helicopter hours and the Merlin gives us the opportunity to get even more helicopter hours to our troops. Mostly it’s going to be used for lifting and for transporting troops around, moving people around in theatre.”
With the Merlins returned to their hangars at RAF Benson, preparation for their mission to Afghanistan has already begun. The modifications include new rotor blades, improvements to the Defensive Aid Suite which protects the aircraft from threats on the ground, as well as ballistic protection.
Wing Commander Ross Richards who oversees training on the Merlins said: “Afghanistan and Iraq are very different theatres, so we’ve got a series of modifications to make to enable the aircraft to cope with the different conditions and threats they will face in Afghanistan.
“When you add the heat and the increase in altitude together, the aircraft has to work harder – the air is thinner and they have to work closer to the edge of their performance envelope.
“We’re working hard and are on track to deploy the required number of aircraft by the end of the year. By the end of the year we should see Merlins in Afghanistan.”
It’s not just the helicopters which have to prepare for life in Afghanistan as many of the engineers who returned from Iraq will travel with the Merlins too.
Flight Lieutenant Ross Norman said that the change in theatres may prove challenging: “The main element will be handling the aircraft at that height,” he said. “In Iraq the areas we were working in were mostly flat deserts and open land or urban areas – Afghanistan is very different.”
The helicopter squadron will now take part in a four-month training exercise in America to prepare for deployment to Afghanistan later this year.
Mr Ainsworth added: “I have been extremely impressed with the energy and enthusiasm of everyone here at RAF Benson who are busting a gut to get these helicopters ready for their next challenge. They know, as I do, that additional helicopters in Afghanistan will help us to achieve more and achieve it faster.”
Since 2003, we provide satellite Internet in Iraq and Afghanistan globally enabling Iraqi and Afghan citizens, businesses and remotely deployed personnel to have broadband Internet access, enterprise connectivity, VoIP and videoconferencing services at affordable costs.
Via Wired’s Danger Room and Stuart Fox of POPSCI.COM, seems as though the U.S. Navy wants to get in on the robot information cycle.
Rear Admiral Mark Kenny, who leads irregular warfare ops for the U.S. Navy, stated that Navy subs known as SSGNs have been equipped with unmanned vehicles and detailed how they used. The Navy currently has four subs whose nuclear missile components have been removed to make room for more conventional weapons and for Navy SEAL deployment chambers as well as for aerial and aquatic robots. These subs’ missile tubes are now actually payload tubes to deliver various equipment needs, including UAVs. These UAV payloads include a torpedo sized UAV named Sea Stalker that is used for electronic eavesdropping, the 45 pound Scan Eagle UAV that can carry weapons (currently being used by U.S. Marines in Afghanistan and Iraq), and a 15 pound UAV named BUSTER for video and radio traffic relays back to a sub’s command center. This trend is on the increase, according to the Admiral, with additional subs trading out their nuclear control facilities for the more easily deployed drones. It is worth noticing that the U.S. Navy’s new attack submarines of the Virginia class could be outfitted with various payload modules for drone delivery.
WTA (World Teleport Association) will be presenting two panels during the upcoming IBC 2009, with the generous support of members SES ASTRA and Newtec.
The first panel is entitled Adapting Your Business to the Global Video Content Cloud and will be conducted on September 12, from 4:00 to 5:00 pm, at the SES ASTRA booth (1.B51). The history of video content distribution is about separate, tightly-controlled, advanced circuits connecting point-to-point for contribution or point-to-multipoint for distribution. The future of video content distribution will increasingly be in the “Cloud” — an Internet-modeled system in which content enters as data packets, finds its way to its destination, and reassembles itself.
The second panel will be Bracing for Change Without Going Broke: Future-Proofing the Broadcast Center, to be held on September 13, also from 4:00 to 5:00 pm, at the Newtec booth (1.A49). From HDTV to VOD, IPTV, and mobile video to Web television, broadcast distribution is undergoing a radical change, as is the underlying broadcast business. For new services, revenue models are unproven, which makes investing in infrastructure to support distribution a major challenge.
The French defense procurement agency (DGA) has awarded DCNS, Thales and ECA a major study contract that is expected to lead, around 2011, to a demonstrator of a new mine countermeasures solution dubbed Espadon (Évaluation de Solutions Potentielles d’Automatisation de Déminage pour les Opérations Navales).
Mine countermeasures (MCM) is typically performed by dedicated vessels known as minehunters. MCM operations expose minehunter crews to considerable danger due to the simple fact that these vessels operate in known mine fields. With many navies expected to renew their MCM systems over the coming decade, DCNS, Thales and ECA have put forward a joint solution using a type of naval drone known as an unmanned surface vehicle. USVs offer the key benefit of keeping minehunter crews out of harm’s way. The Espadon solution comprises a minehunter, two USVs, and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). While remaining at all times at a safe distance from the mine field, the minehunter or similar dedicated vessel will locate and control the USVs, each programmed specifically to operate in mine fields. The USVs, in turn, will deploy AUVs, a smaller and completely autonomous type of subsea naval drone carrying sensors and robotic devices to detect and neutralise naval mines. On completing their mission, the AUVs return to the USVs and the USVs to the mother vessel.
With Espadon, DCNS, Thales and ECA will be the first team in the world to evaluate USVs deploying AUVs for full-scale mine countermeasures. The Espadon studies will be shared in such a way as to ensure that each partner contributes its specific expertise in MCM. Additionally to acting as the lead contractor to the DGA for the overall project, DCNS is responsible for the USV platform and the interface with the mother vessel. Thales is responsible for the USV, MCM outfitting and the sensor module, comprising an AUV and a towed sonar for mine detection, identification and location. Thales is also responsible for communications between the different components. ECA is responsible for the design and development of the autonomous underwater vehicles, the AUV launch and recovery system and the USV remote control system.
Since 2003, we provide satellite Internet in Iraq and Afghanistan globally enabling Iraqi and Afghan citizens, businesses and remotely deployed personnel to have broadband Internet access, enterprise connectivity, VoIP and videoconferencing services at affordable costs.
AML Communications, Inc. (OTCBB: AMLJ), a designer, manufacturer and marketer of amplifiers and integrated assemblies for the defense industry, has received a $2.2 million order for integrated microwave assemblies to be deployed in UAVs.
AML has developed the assemblies exclusively for this specific UAV program and will be the sole source supplier of those components. “The UAV market represents a growth opportunity for AML. Pentagon reports indicate that unmanned aircraft such as Predators, Global Hawks, Shadows and Ravens fill important military needs in Iraq and Afghanistan, and are forecasted to be an important part of our nation’s military strategy for the foreseeable future,” said Jacob Inbar, AML’s President and CEO. “The fact that AML was selected as a sole source provider under this order demonstrates our reputation for high performance components and outstanding quality.”
Since 2003, we provide satellite Internet in Iraq and Afghanistan globally enabling Iraqi and Afghan citizens, businesses and remotely deployed personnel to have broadband Internet access, enterprise connectivity, VoIP and videoconferencing services at affordable costs.
iRobot Corp. (NASDAQ: IRBT ) today announced that it has received a $5.1 million order from the U.S. Army TACOM Contracting Center in Warren, Mich.
This is the eleventh order under the $286 million Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) xBot contract, bringing the total contract value to approximately $86 million. The xBot contract has been moved from the U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation (PEO STRI) to the U.S. Army TACOM Contracting Center.
The order calls for the delivery of 14 iRobot PackBot 510 with FasTac Kit robots and spare parts. Spare parts include manipulator arms, cameras and ruggedized laptops.
The PackBot 510 with FasTac Kit is a lighter weight alternative to other Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) robots. It is used by soldiers and Marines in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The robot gives warfighters the ability to investigate areas and suspicious objects using its cameras and other sensors. Video and information are sent back to the operator through a ruggedized laptop, providing safer standoff distances.
“One of the reasons these robots are so important is that they have the ability to perform the role of point man on the battlefield,” said Joe Dyer, president of iRobot Government and Industrial Robots. “Warfighters can send the robot into a potentially dangerous area first. This gives them the opportunity to assess the situation from a safe place and allows more time to make decisions accordingly. This is particularly important as the threat from roadside bombs continues to rise in Afghanistan.”
iRobot has delivered more than 2,500 PackBot robots that make a difference every day by conducting dangerous missions that keep warfighters out of harm’s way.
Alion Science and Technology, an employee-owned technology solutions provider, today announced that it is the single award winner of an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract valued at up to $49M to provide Modeling and Simulation (M&S) support to the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic (SPAWARSYSCEN Atlantic).
Alion will provide technical engineering and program management support principally in the areas of M&S software development. This includes computer-generated forces development, software integration tools, systems integration, and exercise support. Alion has assembled a highly experienced team of software engineers, systems engineers and subject matter experts to deliver coding, network engineering, information assurance, scenario development, and event execution services for SPAWARSYSCEN Atlantic and its customers.
Rear Adm. Richard E. Brooks (USN, Ret.), Alion Senior Vice President and Manager of the Distributed Simulation Group, stated that M&S is already essential to Naval, Joint and other military strategists for exercises, training and after-action review. “Knowledge superiority can make all the difference in preparing for and responding to national security threats. Simulations and computer-based exercises help decision makers effectively work through their options and possible outcomes without risking lives, equipment and resources,” Brooks said, adding, “The Alion team is well-positioned to support SPAWARSYSCEN Atlantic by helping them use current and emerging M&S capabilities to the fullest.” In pursuing the award, Alion was able to present to SPAWARSYSCEN Atlantic the required CMMI Maturity Level 3 credentials and a team of proven partners that will provide a seamless transition between this contract and its predecessor. Alion’s teammates include: AEgis, AT&T Government Solutions, AUSGAR Technologies, Booz Allen Hamilton (News – Alert), DDL OMNI Engineering, Diamond Data, DRC, Engenuity, General Dynamics Information Technology, L-3 Services, Inc./C2S2 Division, NETSIMCO, Northrop Grumman Maritime Mission Systems, Novonics, Raytheon (News – Alert) VTC, Referentia, SAIC, Valkyrie, and Whitney, Bradley & Brown.
The contract has a base year and four option years with a Period of Performance that runs through July 16, 2014.
Ioxus, Inc., developers, manufacturers and commercializers of innovative ultracapacitor technologies for a wide range of energy storage markets, today launched its first family of Electric Double Layer Capacitors (EDLCs) and power modules for military, transportation and alternative energy applications. Ioxus’ family of ultracapacitors provides smaller-sized solutions with more capacitance and greater power densities over competitors.
Higher Power Density
Ioxus’ ultracapacitors provide energy storage to improve the efficiency of hybrid electric vehicles by recycling the energy captured during braking and lowering peak power requirements on hybrid-diesel, fuel cell or battery-based vehicles. By stabilizing the power output of these systems with ultracapacitors, fuel-cell and battery-based applications realize significant increases in life cycles. When used in combination with batteries or other energy sources, Ioxus EDLCs reduce power drain from the energy source and extend its available life up to 400 percent.
Made in the U.S.
Ioxus stands alone in providing 100 percent U.S.-made ultracapacitors that extend the charge time and reduce the use of batteries for electronics, hybrid vehicles, wind farms, material handling equipment and other green technologies. As a subsidiary of Custom Electronics, Inc., which has supplied commercial and military clients with high-reliability capacitors and integrated electronic solutions since 1964, Ioxus manufactures price competitive products that have higher capacitance and adhere to rigorous quality standards. The company also is working towards AS9100 and ISO-9001 certification.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) awarded up to $1.5 million to Ioxus in April 2009 to support the company’s manufacturing facilities. As a result of the NYSERDA program, Ioxus raised $5 million in venture capital funding to support manufacturing and development of its solutions.
“Attention to alternative energy sources is increasing rapidly as the world searches for sustainable, renewable solutions,” said Linnea Brush, senior research analyst of Darnell Group. “This launch further validates that the market continues to grow and that there is large demand for promising ultracapacitor and battery technologies from economic and environmental perspectives.”
ManTech International Corporation (Nasdaq:MANT) announced that it was awarded the follow-on effort for the Analytic Space (A-Space) program from the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in the second quarter. A-Space, a common, collaborative workspace for Intelligence Community analysts, was developed by ManTech under a previous government contract. The new, competitively awarded prime contract is valued at $11 million with a base year and two option years and includes Jive Software, NavStar, and SAIC as teammates.
A-Space is a Director of National Intelligence and DIA initiative designed to give analysts secure access to large and diverse amounts of text, graphics, imagery and video intelligence spanning multiple classifications with appropriate controls. The application, which is similar to popular Web 2.0 social networking programs, now has over 10,000 users within the Intelligence Community (IC). Last year Time magazine named A-Space one of the top 50 most innovative products of the year.
A-Space helps analysts connect with data and each other – faster, easier and more efficiently. A-Space workspaces allow analysts to maintain situational awareness, consolidate relevant data and analytic notes on topics of interests, and share their insights and intuitions in a trusted environment.
“A-Space is significantly improving the quality and timeliness of analysis through access to relevant data and collaboration across the IC and DoD,” said Larry Prior, President and Chief Operating Officer, ManTech International Corporation. “The ability to quickly identify experts across various disciplines and collaborate on topics of national interest is enabling Decision Superiority unlike ever before.”
“ManTech recognizes the value of leveraging Web 2.0 technologies to enhance collaboration across the IC and DoD and will continue to apply new, innovative solutions to improve and expand A-Space,” added Michael D. Kushin, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, ManTech International Corporation.
