Search Results for: "Battlefield+Sports"
Netherlands Army Awards €30m Sustainable Technology Contract to Imtech
Relevance Score: 2.199 2009-07-03 11:33:28
The Royal Netherlands Army has awarded a €30m contract to Europe's technical services provider Imtech to provide the technical solutions for its new headquarters on the grounds of the Kromhout Barracks in Utrecht. The new headquarters has a gross floor area close to 78,000m² occupied by five 17m-high office buildings and diverse buildings for sports, health and meeting facilities. It has a campsite of around 150 staff, as well as parking space for nearly 1,000 cars and 50 motorcycles. Under the contract, the company will provide technical solutions, including advanced optimisation of heating technology, storage of warmth and cold for the benefit of heating and cooling respectively, sustainable air and climate technology and sustainable 'green' roofs, as well as an environmentally friendly sewer system. The work will be carried out by Imtech in collaboration with construction and technology company TBI Techniek and is expected to be complete by the end of 2011.
Military vehicles on display at the Detroit auto show?
Relevance Score: 2.067 2010-01-11 21:30:00
The North American International Auto Show sports all kind of vehicles -- from the road-hoggiest SUVs to the teeny-tiny-tinniest subcompacts. But you wouldn't expect military vehicles to turn up in the displays. This is the military vehicle that will be displayed at the North American International CAPTIONBy U.S. ArmyBut tomorrow, for the media preview, there will be a big green heavy-duty Army unit that you wouldn't think would live up to its name: the Clandestine Extended Range Vehicle (CERV). If that baby rolls into your neighborhood, as pictured at right, it's hard to imagine anything clandestine about it. The vehicle comes from the Army's Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) in Warren. Mich. It is meant to showcase Michigan's growing defense industry, which will receive more than $14 billion in federal funds next year. Besides the CERV, the center also wants to bring attention to that spider-like sand-colored vehicle, the Autonomous Platform Demonstrator (APD). Looking at them you wouldn't guess, but the Army has a huge interest in hybrids and other fuel-saving technologies that it hopes to bring to the fighting force.
U.S. Navy Unveils New High-Tech Ship Called USS Freedom That Can Fight Pirates
Relevance Score: 1.897 2009-05-14 18:36:36
The United States Navy unveiled a new high-tech ship it says can chase down pirates off the coast of Somalia faster and more aggressively than previous vessels could. The USS Freedom can go up against massive enemy fleets and is one of the fastest ships in the Navy to date, its commander said in a FOX News "America's Newsroom" exclusive. "It's more than an evolutionary step forward, it's a revolutionary step forward," Cmdr. Michael Doran told FOX News on Tuesday. "It's highly automated and it's very fast. ... For a piracy mission, we can go out there and cover more water with fewer ships." The USS Freedom has a modular design and requires fewer crew members, he said — about 40 total. It can go up to 45 mph. "What we can do is we can go out there and cover more water with fewer ships because of the sprint speed of the ship," Doran told FOX News. "We can tailor the ship to perform that counter-piracy mission." Some are calling it the Navy's corvette. "It is kind of like driving a sports car around," Doran said. "All of my friends have told me, 'drive it like you stole it, drive it like you stole it.'"
Battlefield robot snake - Israel's latest war machine
Relevance Score: 1.832 2009-06-13 10:30:32
A robot snake with a camera and microphone in its head is the Israeli military's latest battlefield weapon, according to an Israeli TV report broadcast this week. Channel 2 showed video of the snake twisting into caves, tunnels, cracks and buildings, broadcasting pictures and sound back to a soldier controlling it with a laptop computer. The "snake" appeared to be about two metres long. Covered by fabric in military camouflage colours, it slithered along the ground and climbed rocks, its segments connected with joints that flexed in several different directions. AdvertisementChannel 2 said military researchers studied real snakes to copy their movements. The report said no price has been determined for the snake, which is in the experimental stage, but the Israeli military plans to deploy the robot with combat units. No target date was given. The report suggested another role for the robot - carrying a bomb to blow up militants or a building. In that case, Channel 2 said, it would be a "suicide snake."
Battlefield robot snake - Israel's latest war machine
Relevance Score: 1.832 2009-06-13 10:30:32
A robot snake with a camera and microphone in its head is the Israeli military's latest battlefield weapon, according to an Israeli TV report broadcast this week. Channel 2 showed video of the snake twisting into caves, tunnels, cracks and buildings, broadcasting pictures and sound back to a soldier controlling it with a laptop computer. The "snake" appeared to be about two metres long. Covered by fabric in military camouflage colours, it slithered along the ground and climbed rocks, its segments connected with joints that flexed in several different directions. AdvertisementChannel 2 said military researchers studied real snakes to copy their movements. The report said no price has been determined for the snake, which is in the experimental stage, but the Israeli military plans to deploy the robot with combat units. No target date was given. The report suggested another role for the robot - carrying a bomb to blow up militants or a building. In that case, Channel 2 said, it would be a "suicide snake."
Dozor-3 Development For Russian Military.
Relevance Score: 1.827 2009-08-21 17:23:24
Russia's Kronshtadt defense company has developed a new-generation heavy unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for military purposes, a senior company official informed. "The Kronshtadt engineers have developed a heavy Dozor-3 UAV with a lift-off weight of 600 kg and a payload of 100 kg, which could be used as a strike aircraft," stated Viktor Godunov, member of the company's board of directors. "It can carry various types of reconnaissance equipment and weaponry," he added. The Russian military stressed the need to provide its Armed Forces with advanced means of battlefield reconnaissance. According to various estimates, the Russian military needs as many as 100 UAVs and at least 10 guidance systems to ensure effective battlefield reconnaissance. At present, Russia's Vega Radio Engineering Corp. is the only domestic company which manufactures UAVs for the Russian Armed Forces. The company's new-generation Tipchak mobile aerial system has been designed for reconnaissance and target designation purposes on the battlefield in any weather conditions. The first Tipchak system was placed into service at the end of 2008. Tipchak operates up to six UAVs launched from a pneumatic catapult. Each UAV has a range of 40 kilometers (25 miles) and a 3-hour endurance. It can deliver targeting for artillery and theater-based ballistic missiles at distances up to 350 km (about 220 miles). The new Dozor-3 UAV takes off and lands as a regular aircraft, and has a 6-hour endurance. Russia has also purchased 12 unmanned aerial vehicles from Israel in a recent deal worth $53 million.
A Higher-Tech Hog: USAF A-10C Upgrades and Refurbishments
Relevance Score: 1.719 2009-06-17 11:05:56
The Precision Engagement modification is the largest single upgrade effort ever undertaken for the USA’s unique A-10 “Warthog” close air support aircraft fleet. While existing A/OA-10 aircraft continue to outperform technology-packed rivals on the battlefield, this set of upgrades is expected to make them more flexible, and help keep the aircraft current until the fleet’s planned phase-out in 2028. When complete, A-10C PE will give USAF A-10s precision strike capability sooner than planned, combining multiple upgrade requirements into one time and money-saving program, rather than executing them as standalone projects. Indeed, the USAF accelerated the PE program by 9 months as a result of its experiences in Operation Iraqi Freedom. This is DID’s FOCUS Article for the PE program, and for other modifications to the A-10 fleet. It covers the A-10’s battlefield performance and advantages, the elements of the PE program, other planned modifications, related refurbishment efforts to keep the fleet in the air, and the contracts that have been issued each step of the way. In the latest updates, the A-10C program’s $2 billion re-winging effort became a higher priority, as wing cracking became a problem for the entire A-10 fleet.
9 Military Technologies That We Want
Relevance Score: 1.707 2009-06-19 01:49:41
Whether it's something as basic as Orange Tang or a far more sophisticated gadget like the GPS navigation network, a surprising amount of the cool stuff we use every day has its origins in taxpayer-funded research done by the likes of NASA and the military. Big governments are often willing to shell out the big bucks to give their fighting forces and space programs a technological edge, and while few of us will ever encounter the resulting products in their original form, almost all of us use some of the übercool gear that's a direct spin off from this research. All that's well and good, but it begs the question, "What's to come?" The government and the military are constantly developing new technologies, but which ones in the works right now have the potential to change the lives of us civilians? We looked at the gadgets the boys in E Ring (and others) have been hatching up and picked out nine favorites that we want to see go domestic. 1. The SmartShirt: Wearing your heart rate on your sleeve Where they're spending our tax dollars: Monitoring a soldier's vital signs during strenuous training and even under battle conditions can be critical, and the SmartShirt developed by Sensatex makes this task much simpler. With tiny sensor wires embedded directly into its fibers, this regular-looking garment can be used to monitor all kinds of body functions from heart rate and blood pressure to breathing and body temperature. Why we want it too: Apart from its obvious uses monitoring athletes during training, Sensatex says that the technology could also be used for anything from keeping tabs on sleeping babies for preventing SIDS, to warning long-haul truck drivers about dangerous fatigue levels. It could even be used to warn coal miners and other workers in hazardous enviroments about dangerous levels of toxins. 2. Powered Exoskeleton: The real bionic man Where they're spending our tax dollars: The creation of superhumans with mechanical body parts has long been a staple of science-fiction stories, and in a real case of truth following fiction, the military is trying to make the concept a reality with a powered exoskeleton suit that can help soldiers to run faster and march farther while carrying a lot of heavy gear. Why we want it too: Whether it's keeping up with the kids on a 50-mile bike trip, or helping a friend in a fifth-floor apartment move, having superhuman strength and endurance would be incredibly convenient at times. Sure, it's likely that this type of aid would be banned from competitive sports, but that won't stop the rest of us from going bionic when we need to. 3. Liquid Body Armor: Shielding by the glass Where they're spending our tax dollars: Protecting soldiers on the battlefield has always been a tricky balancing act between providing sufficient armor to prevent casualties and allowing the soldier to move quickly and easily. To help bring these seemingly conflicting goals together, the US Army has developed a liquid body armor called STF that flows easily under normal conditions, yet becomes rigid when impacted. STF is particularly effective against stabbing weapons like knives when it's used in combination with more traditional Kevlar. Why we want it too: It's not just members of the military who might find themselves confronted by would-be attackers. Police in riot situations and prison guards are also at risk, and a garment using STF could provide far more complete body coverage than a simple armored vest around the torso area. 4. Micro Spy Plane: Voyeurs drone on Where they're spending our tax dollars: Unmanned aircraft like Predator drones can help the military to see what's up ahead, but they still cost millions of dollars each, and are easy for the enemy to spot and shoot down. The Wasp Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) can't carry weapons like its big brother, but it's no bigger than a magazine, carries two video cameras, and can even be guided by GPS. Why we want it too: Certainly, the voyeuristic capabilities of a tiny eye in the sky would be great, especially if you live next door to Penelope Cruz. On a more practical level, though, farmers could use technology like this to check out their herds, and police could use it instead of costly helicopters to inspect large crowds or to follow fugitives on the run. 5. GT Max Mini Helicopter: Toys get smart Where they're spending our tax dollars: Flying a helicopter is a tricky balancing act at the best of times, so the unmanned GT Max has been programmed to react to changing conditions by itself without the need for continual external control. It uses are similar to the Wasp micro plane described above. Why we want it too: Even though it's much larger and more complex than the Wasp MAV, running a GT Max should still cost only a fraction of the price of a regular manned helicopter. With good enough cameras and optics, it might even be able to replace some of the costly news and traffic hueys used in many major cities. 6. The Sonic Bandage: Sounds like clotting Where they're spending our tax dollars: Battlefield survival rates are now way higher than just a few years ago, yet many soldiers still die from internal bleeding before they can get to help. To help prevent this, DARPA is sponsoring research into a device that can stem the bleeding using concentrated ultrasonic waves. The plan is for something that looks like a blood-pressure cuff that any trained soldier can use in the field. Why we want it too: In civilian life most of us can be wheeled into an emergency room pretty quickly, but there are still situations — while on an airplane flight for instance — where we'd be goners if we had to wait to get to a hospital. Developers see this challenge as becoming similar to the defibrillator: an expensive exotic device at first, but eventually becoming commonplace. 7. Gryphon Flying Wings: It's a bird! It's a plane! …No, it's just a guy wearing a wing Where they're spending our tax dollars: Looking distinctly like something Q would cook up for the next James Bond adventure, the Gryphon has been developed by a German company to allow a skydiver to cruise up to 40 miles from the drop point before pulling their chute and landing. This allows paratroopers to move into enemy territory in a way that's particularly hard to detect. There are even plans to add tiny turbo jets to extend the range. Why we want it too: I can't say I've ever been skydiving, but it seems like this would open a whole realm of new possibilities for extreme sports. How about skydiving for both distance and accuracy? 8. Cornershot: Shooting's right around the corner Where they're spending our tax dollars: Being able to shoot around a corner without the need to jump out into the line of fire Rambo-style seems like a no-brainer, so the Israelis have developed the Cornershot. While the barrel pivots to the left or right as needed, the operator can still see what they're aiming at on a small video screen. Why we want it too: Certainly, this would be a terrific tool for cops dealing with potential ambushes, although the thought of something like this in the hands of criminals is pretty frightening. Let's just hope it can't pivot all the way around to 180º. 9. Swiss Military Pen: Writing's the easy part Where they're spending our, uh, somebody's tax dollars: If there's one thing the Swiss Army is known for worldwide, it must be its gadget-laden knives that MacGyver often finds indispensable. Now as a follow up, we have the Swiss Military pen, that hides no less than twelve tiny tools from a fork to a nail file. I guess those Swiss soldiers must be pretty well groomed. Why we want it too: While I suspect that its connections to the Swiss military are pretty tenuous at best, there's no denying that this a pretty cool gadget for anyone. Besides, its stealthy design doesn't look nearly as dorky as having one of those extra-wide red knives dangling from your belt loop. Just don't try getting one through airport security.
Army Surplus-The Most Durable and Stirring Item of Modern Days
Relevance Score: 1.614 2010-03-12 13:00:50
Army surplus are goods and equipment that the military people use. The military usually sell these materials or dispose when they no longer need it. These goods and commodities can be purchased at surplus stores. These items include clothing such as trousers, jackets, footwear, sports equipment, headgear, camping and useful tools. These clothing and footwear are extremely tough and durable, ideal for outdoor activity, camping, hiking and for keeping out the elements. Army surplus first became popular after the Second World War when there was a huge surplus of military items which are great as durable clothing. Today more and more people prefer to use these items because of their uniqueness. These are not only sold at local market but also it has spread its dominance to online stores. This army surplus has a great value for movies for depicting army background. One can get these items from the retailers like shops and websites who have a proper contract or agreement with the distributing body or company. Army surplus are not only sold new and undamaged but some used and damaged products are also sold. But these are available at a cheaper rate. Generally these old items include clothing and footwear apart from tents and other outdoor equipment that are leftover to requirement by the Ministry of Defense or other government organization across the world. Usually, the army surplus is sold through retail outlets by the specialists in camping and outdoor activities. But some official websites also sell a comprehensive range of products in these stores. The large items like mobile kitchens, vehicles, trailers are sold by the specialist auction teams at auctions worldwide. Few of the items like helmets, swords and uniforms are important collectibles. These are very expensive.
Photo-direct vehicle camouflage matches battlefield
Relevance Score: 1.524 2009-05-11 18:22:27
While military camouflage patterns for vehicles have evolved, the application process has been stuck in the spray booth. Now, however, GI equivalents of Earl Scheib can apply a precut "wrap" of adhesive vinyl that will blend in on virtually any battlefield. The process is similar to the advertising and decorative wraps commonly seen on cars and buses, except that this product from Military Wraps, called Photo Veil, is lightweight and incorporates images from cameras on drones, satellites, or lidar in the field and loops them back to be applied to vehicles or equipment as site-specific, high-resolution camouflage. It combines "megapixel digital images, state-of-the-art inking systems and revolutionary lightweight and waterproof mesh material to duplicate precisely any operational environment," be it mountain, desert, jungle, forest, or urban terrain, according to Military Wraps. The mesh material also has the advantage of being breathable, which means it can be used for suits and blinds employed by snipers, spotters, and other forward-area types. Photo Veil is being incorporated into Ghillie suits and blinds, according to the Lumberton, N.C.-based company. What else? The company claims that the material mitigates thermal and infrared footprints, and is portable, waterproof, foldable, customizable for one-way visibility, and scalable to accommodate any size from an individual soldier to an entire unit. Yowza--maybe we can win in Afghanistan.