This appeared on Monday’s DefenseLINK bulletins: “Due to an administrative oversight and change of personnel, these contracts were not announced via Defense Link in December. Questions should be directed to TSgt Jerry Pickham at DSN 671-8598 or commercial (703) 695-0640, or email…”
Aerovironment Inc. in Monrovia, CA received a $9.8 million firm-fixed-price order under a previously awarded contract (M67854-04-D-1011) for 303 Dragon Eye Air Vehicle mini-UAVs, 101 ground control stations, 101 field support kits, and all required materials, services, personnel, facilities, and support for use in the Marine Corps.
Work will be performed in Simi Valley, CA, and is expected to be completed December 2006. The Marine Corps Systems Command in Quantico, VA issued the contract.
There’s a lot to be said for timing. Eagle Eye Body Armor sent us a release today noting that “Hunting accidents can be prevented carrying special hunting body armor… The Eagle Eye hunter’s jacket that allows free movement with light weight is specially designed for the protection of individuals during the hunt.”
Meanwhile, DefenseTech had a feature noting Taser International’s Less Lethal Shotgun. As of yesterday, Taser announced that it had “successfully completed a live-fire demonstration of the TASER XREP(TM) (eXtended Range Electro-Muscular Projectile), completing a research and development program for the Office of Naval Research (ONR). Multiple rounds were fired from a 12-gauge shotgun, one of the most prevalent shoulder fired launchers in use today, at ranges up to 30 meters demonstrating a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6 (system prototype demonstration in relevant environment).” No word on what it does to quail, though if the answer is “instant barbecue prep” and there’s some possibility of hitting one, we’d consider it.