Australian radiation watchdog

Australian scientists have developed a prototype remote-controlled robotic vehicle to detect radiation.

The concept vehicle, known as RASP, for Remote Advanced Sensor Platform, was developed jointly by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).

It’s small and light and can be operated from distances of up to 350 metres with full control of the robot.

“It could be deployed in almost any area or location, from aircraft to cargo containers,” said Mr Warren Snowdon, Minister for Defence Science and Personnel.

“For the first time, we will also be able to provide our national security agencies with the ability to remotely identify the nature of the radioactive sources.

“Emergency officers who detect the presence of radiation with their handheld instruments would be able to send in RASP and quickly discover if it has a half-life of several days or fifty thousand years.”

Mid-year scenario trials will be taken at ANSTO. The scenarios will closely emulate a real event involving radioactive material.

Source: DSTO

New concrete buster

Raytheon Company has developed and demonstrated a rapid concrete breaking technology to advance capabilities for urban search and rescue teams in disaster situations.

The Controlled Impact Rescue Tool, or CIRT, uses shock waves to pulverize concrete, which enables rescue workers to remove the material more quickly than using existing techniques.

"This revolutionary approach decreased by 50 percent the time it takes to reach a victim trapped by concrete, increasing the probability of a successful rescue," said Guy DuBois, vice president of Raytheon's Operational Technologies and Solutions business.

Developed under the rapid technology application program of the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate, the rapid breaching technology meets the need for increased speed in breaching concrete walls and barriers.

Raytheon demonstrated the CIRT prototype to DHS, Federal Emergency Management Agency and urban search and rescue officials recently. During the demonstration the CIRT smashed through concrete in 13 minutes, while conventional methods took 29 minutes or more.

Editor's Note: The Boston Globe has a short video here.

Sources: Raytheon and Boston.com

More ASVs to Combat Observation and Lasing Teams

Textron Marine & Land has been awarded a $58 million contract modification by the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive & Armaments Command (TACOM) to manufacture 82 additional Armored Security Vehicle (ASV) variants for the M1200 Armored Knight.

The M1200 Armored Knight is an ASV variant equipped with a sensor package that is used to locate and designate targets for indirect fire and laser guided weapons. The specially configured ASV is used by Field Artillery Combat Observation and Lasing Teams (COLT) to carry out its missions.

The ASV vehicle will be provided to DRS Technologies, the prime contractor for the Armored Knight responsible for the integration of the sensor and Mission Equipment Package. The total requirement for the program has been listed at 531 vehicles. In 2007, 19 vehicles were delivered to the customer and it is currently anticipated that 83 will be delivered in 2008 with the remainder to follow in 2009 and beyond.

Source and Photo: Textron

New power source gets push

The Defense Department has awarded Adaptive Materials of Ann Arbor MI a $2.35 million Phase II Small Business Innovation Grant.

Adaptive Materials had previously received $1.75 million from the U.S. Army Tank and Automotive Command to develop its propane fuel cell power system for use on iRobot's PackBot. Operational time is reported to have been extended from 2 to 10 hours.

The new grant will move forward Adaptive Material's efforts to develop its' technology for use with UAVs.

Source: Various Photo: Adaptive Materials

File this under "bizarre"

Picture this.

Very public and very vocal critics of the Canadian defence policy just happen to have blueprints to a new, "secret ", military installation.

The documents were found on top of garbage.

The "critics" don't know what they have and it all just happens to come up in a conversation with a reporter.

It's bizarre even in these days where laptops with sensitive information seem to regularly go missing. David Pugliese's story is "How did counter terrorism blueprints end up on an Ottawa street?

Sources: As cited
Image: Generic, not secret, blueprint

New steel for armour

The MOD’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) worked in collaboration with Cambridge University and QinetiQ to develop this unique product. Unlike conventional steels, the composition of Super Bainite was derived from first principles using thermodynamic modelling techniques. This allowed its processing, properties and cost to be optimised in months rather than years.

Whilst other armour steels need to be quenched and tempered, Super Bainite develops its properties by a completely new, low temperature mechanism called isothermal hardening. This enables ultra-high levels of hardness to be achieved without having to use expensive alloying additions.

Peter Brown, Dstl scientist says “Due to the unique process by which we have developed this new armour, Super Bainite is able to match the ballistic performance of the very best off-shore armour steels for a fraction of their cost.”

In short, it's all in how the steel is processed.

Source: MoD and as cited

More jammers for Iraq

"ITT Communications & Countermeasures Systems, Thousand Oaks, Calif., is being awarded a $24,754,858 modification to previously awarded contract N00024-07-C-6311 to exercise an option for the production and support of 325 JCREW 2.1 Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare systems to meet urgent Department of Defense requirements in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom."

Last Winter ITT finalized its' acquisition of EDO Corporation. Founded in the 1920s by Earl D. Osborn EDO had its' initial success building airplane "floats". At the time of the buyout its' areas of business were: C4, Electronic Warfare, Integrated Systems and Structures, Undersea Warfare, and Professional and Engineering Services. This contract award is part of the EDO legacy through their Warlock program.

Sources: DoD and various.

Windows Mobile gets security certifications

"Microsoft Federal has announced the addition of two critical security certifications to its Windows Mobile operating system. Windows Mobile 5.0 with Messaging and Security Feature Pack, and Windows Mobile 6 operating systems were awarded Common Criteria Evaluation Assurance Level 2+ (EAL2+).

The U.S. Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) announced it has approved Windows Mobile® for secure wireless e-mail throughout the Department of Defense (DoD). These milestones offer independent validation of Microsoft's commitment to assist governments and enterprises in meeting the ever-increasing security demands for mobile devices accessing sensitive data on information networks.

The Windows Mobile DISA STIG complements other mission-critical work Microsoft is working on across the federal government. Systems integrator partners such as General Dynamics Corp. and L3 Communications Corp. have selected Microsoft to develop an NSA-approved Secure Mobile Environment Portable Electronic Device (SME PED). The SME PED is capable of secure wireless access to the SIPRNET and NIPRNET and supports DoD 8100.2 requirements.

Common Criteria is a globally recognized standard for secure IT products. By meeting the security criteria for EAL2+, Windows Mobile is accepted under the Common Criteria Recognition Arrangement (CCRA) worldwide by 24 member countries. This means that U.S. government agencies with disparate, worldwide operations can use Windows Mobile with the assurance that they have adopted a technology platform that is universally recognized as tested to exacting security standards.

Both accreditations will help mobile U.S. government personnel become more productive and effective while accessing mission-critical data, including for example, Common Operational Picture software for combat and reconnaissance missions; Battlefield Medical Triage; Logistics and supply chain support, and more."

Source and Photo: Microsoft

Canadian Bisons to get ballistic curtain

The Bison was originally manufactured by General Motors Diesel Division in London, Ontario (now General Dynamics) and is an eight-wheel drive light armoured vehicle. They've seen service in Somalia, the former Yugoslavia, Kosovo, Haiti, Eritrea, and Afghanistan.

The Canadian Forces decided to "re-role" and upgrade the Bison. The ambulance variant appeared in 2004 and the C3I version was showcased and covered here in February, 2008. Work is being performed at DEW Engineering's facility in Miramichi, NB.

It appears that the repair (MRT) and recovery variants (MRV) are also to receive additional protection. Their duties can certainly leave them exposed as they attempt repairs or towing. A Notice of Proposed Procurement has gone out for ballistic curtains.

It is unclear, however, if these are to be deployed inside the vehicles or as additional protection when, for example, the rear ramp is open.

Sources: Merx

Photo: DND

Big Dog robot

Thanks to Danger Room for bringing the latest Big Dog robot video to our attention.

We covered Boston Dynamics Big Dog project in our old newsletter. Financed by DARPA, Big Dog is essentially a robotic pack mule. The current model weighs in at 235lbs with a payload of 340lbs. This mechanical beast was already impressive but it has really advanced since the last videos we'd seen.

Graceful, no? Comical, certainly. Yet, when you see it operate on ice and in snow you have to think Boston Dynamics is on to something.

You can see the video here.

Sources: As cited.

General Dynamics to roll out detection systems

General Dynamics (GD) Armament and Technical Products, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was awarded a $43,081,582 firm fixed-price contract for the purpose of the exercise of options under existing contract for 60 Joint Biological Point Detection Systems as well as related fielding support packages, system testing, and user training. One bid was solicited and one bid received for the contract that has an estimated completion date of December 30, 2009. Work is to be performed at Columbus, Ohio (60 percent) and Charlotte, North Carolina (40 percent).

Note: This would seem to relate to activities last fall.

In October 2007 U.S. Department of Defense asked GD to participate in the first major phase of Increment 2 of the Joint Chemical Agent Detector (JCAD) Program. Their JUNO incorporates "differential mobility spectrometry (DMS) technology, providing better detection, sensitivity and selectivity compared with that of traditional, handheld ion mobility spectrometry (IMS)-based chemical agent detectors."

The units "... feature(s) a simple, cell phone-style interface and is capable of detecting, identifying, quantifying and alerting individual warfighters to the presence of chemical agent vapors. In addition, as new chemical threats emerge, JUNO(TM)'s software can be upgraded and its detection library capacity can be expanded. It can be used in handheld, fixed-site, ground vehicle, shipboard and aircraft interior applications."

At that time the Sionex Corp. announced that they were supplying GD with the DMS technology.

Souces: DoD and GD Armament and Technical Products
Photo: General Dynamics

Rheinmetall expands its' influence with new purchase

Rheinmetall has purchased Stork PWV from its' Dutch parent Stork NV.

"Stork PWV (has been) responsible for the Dutch share of the Boxer programme, which is worth around €500 million and encompasses the development and production of 200 vehicles for the Royal Netherlands Army. Rheinmetall is producing 85 of the 272 vehicles ordered by Germany's Bundeswehr, representing €212 million for the Dusseldorf-based company, which is also in charge of supplying the electronic components in all of the German and Dutch vehicles, generating an additional 60 million in sales."

This means Rheinmetall is now the majority shareholder (64% with the gain of Stork's 50%) in the Artec consortium that builds the Boxer armoured vehicle. This leaves Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) holding the remaining 36%.

Sources: Various and Rheinmetall Press Release

Force Protection MRAPS for Marines

Force Protection Industries, Inc., Ladson, S.C., is being awarded $9,849,420 for delivery order under a previously awarded contract to acquire 12 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Category I vehicles and 6 MRAP Category II vehicles.

Force Protection has also been awarded $7,690,529 for the purchase of 11 Category III (Buffalo) Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles.

Source: DoD
Photo: Force Protection

BAE gets more MRAP orders, too

Stewart & Stevenson Tactical Vehicle, Division of Armor Holdings, Sealy, Texas, is being awarded $481,835,008 for firm-fixed-priced delivery order under a previously awarded contract for the purchase of 1,024 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Category (CAT) II vehicles with CAT I seating configuration.

Note: Stewart and Stevenson were founded in 1902 in Houston, TX. They began as a carriage repair shop. In 2006 they were purchased by Amor Holdings. In 2007 BAE purchased Armor holdings.

BAE Systems Land & Armaments, LP. Ground Systems Division, York, Pa., is being awarded $234,043,500 for firm-fixed-priced delivery under a previously awarded contract for the purchase of 3 Special Operations Command variants, 51 Ambulance variants, and 393 Category II variants of the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles.

Sources: DoD and various Photo: BAE

Marines to get more MRAPs from Interational

Under a previously awarded contract, International Military and Government LLC (a division of International/Navistar) of Warrenville, IL is to deliver 743 vehicles to the Marines. These are Category 1 MRAPs.

The total value of the contract is $410,730,320 and delivery is due by November 2008.

Update: On March 18th DoD published a correction to their contract notification. The actual amout is $405,963,830 vs $410,730,320.

Source: DoD
Photo: Navistar

L-3 expands its' EO business

L-3 Communications has announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Northrop Grumman's Electro-Optical Systems (EOS) business for $175 million in cash. EOS is a leader in night vision technology and electro-optical products for military, commercial and public safety customers. The EOS business generated approximately $190 million of sales for the year ended Dec. 31, 2007, and is expected to be immediately accretive to L-3's earnings. The acquisition should be completed in the second quarter of 2008, subject to standard regulatory approvals.

"Our strategy is to acquire businesses that expand our core offerings," said James W. Dunn, president of L-3's Sensors and Simulation Group. "There is strong demand worldwide for image-enhancing products, and the addition of EOS' products and technologies enhances our ability to meet that need. Including EOS, L-3's EO/IR businesses will generate approximately $800 million in annual sales, with growth exceeding 10 percent."

L-3 currently offers fully integrated imaging solutions, including EO/IR (electro-optical/infrared) sensors, high-definition turrets, tactical sights and laser designators for air, land and sea applications. EOS' portfolio includes night vision goggles, weapons sights, driver viewers, image intensification tubes and applied optics products. The business will be integrated into L-3's Specialized Products segment within the Sensors and Simulation Group.

Source: Press Release

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Major RFID hack appears

You may use an RFID pass to get on the subway or access your building.

The Netherlands' NXP Semiconductor is one of the world's leading suppliers of RFID systems. Researchers at Radboud University (Nijmegen) have become the second group to hack their MIFARE system. Literally billions of chips are out there from The Netherlands to the London Underground to Boston Transit to, perhaps, the building you enter every day.

The proprietary chip carries 48bit encryption and a replacement 128bit chip (Mifare Plus) is available, presumably at a higher cost.

How can the information be gathered? Why there's a convenient video on YouTube ...

Sources: As cited and PC World

US Army FLIR purchase

FLIR Systems of Wilsonville, Ore. had been awarded a $49,476,870 firm-fixed price contract for their FLIR STAR SAFIRE III sensors. Work is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2008.

The Star Safire III has long range sensor optics for day/night surveillance, and precise gyro-stabilization to counter the motion effects on tall towers. It is currently in use with the Army Rapid Assessment and Initial Detection (RAID) program.

Sources: DoD, FLIR Systems

Dingos for Luxembourg

Luxembourg will purchase 48 DINGO 2s from Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW). The vehicles are destined for the Army's reconnaissance companies and will come equipped with a mast system and electronics and optics from Thales.

The DINGO 2 has a range of 1000 km, a top speed of approximately 90 km/h and holds a crew of 8. It is protected by significant amour and a Kongsberg remote-operated turret. The vehicle can be transported in C160 Transall, C130 Hercules and A400M aircraft.

The contract will be coordinated through NATO's Maintenance and Supply Agency (NAMSA) with Thales as the prime. Luxembourg will now share platform commonalities with Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic and Germany.

Source and Photo: KMW