Category: News

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EPE partners with U.S. drone manufacturer Skydio to bring its autonomous platform to Australian and New Zealand Defence customers.

Australian company EPE partners with U.S. drone manufacturer Skydio to bring its autonomous platform to Australian and New Zealand Defence customers.

EPE today announced its partnership with Skydio, the leading U.S. drone manufacturer and world leader in autonomous flight, to offer its autonomous Skydio X2D defence drone to customers in Australia and New Zealand.

‘Our missions align, EPE’s focus is to protect our soldiers and first responders through innovative solutions’ said the Australian veteran owner of EPE, Warwick Penrose.

EPE is providing leading technologies into Defence’s Experimentation Teams in the area of Human Machine Teaming and the Skydio X2D meets current reconnaissance and surveillance requirements to counter emerging threats.

In February 2022, the Skydio X2D system was selected for the U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Program of Record. Leveraging Skydio Autonomy, the world’s leading AI-driven flight autonomy software, the Skydio X2D is the ultimate solution for military  customers to perform reconnaissance, search and rescue, and security patrol missions. Designed, assembled, and supported in the USA, it complies with rigorous supply chain security requirements and offers superior cybersecurity protection.

About Skydio

Skydio is the leading U.S. drone manufacturer and world leader in autonomous flight. Skydio leverages breakthrough AI to create the world’s most intelligent flying machines for use by consumer, enterprise, and government customers. Founded in 2014, Skydio is made up of leading experts in AI, robotics, cameras, and electric vehicles from top companies, research labs, and universities from around the world. Skydio designs, assembles, and supports its products in the U.S. from its headquarters in Redwood City, CA, to offer the highest standards of supply chain and manufacturing security. Skydio is trusted by leading enterprises across a wide range of industry sectors and is backed by top investors and strategic partners including Andreesen Horowitz, Levitate Capital, Next47, IVP, Playground, and NVIDIA.

 

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Rigaku Releases Major Software Upgrade for Handheld Raman Devices with Enhanced GUI and Analytical Workflow

Rigaku Analytical Devices, a pioneer in handheld 1064 nm Raman spectroscopy, announces the release of a new software version for their ResQ CQL product line. The Rigaku ResQ CQL 2.0 analyzer delivers an upgraded graphical user interface (GUI) providing a more streamlined workflow making it even easier to use, coupled with algorithm enhancements – including the analysis of mixtures.

The ResQ CQL, released in 2018, was based on Rigaku’s award-winning original ResQ 1064 nm Raman analyzer platform. The ResQ CQL offers users advanced analytical chemical identification using the advantage of 1064 nm Raman laser excitation which reduces fluorescence interference, in a new tactical form factor. With thousands of units successfully deployed around the world, first responders, border protection, law enforcement, and the military have chosen Rigaku’s handheld Raman portfolio to rapidly identify chemical threats – such as explosives, chemical warfare agents (CWAs), precursors, hazardous chemicals, narcotics, and more – in high stress environments.

The ResQ CQL 2.0 is the next generation of analyzers approved by the U.S. DoD JPEO DR SKO Program and delivers features including:

  • Simplified, larger on-screen buttons for easier navigation
  • Attractive, familiar icons for easy use in all light conditions
  • More streamlined navigation simplifying operation and reducing training time
  • Key information presented on the result screens in order to provide faster action
  • Improved analytical performance with an improved data collection and automated mixture algorithm providing even novice users with high performance, quality scans
  • Integrated Chemwatch SDS information
  • Enhanced device-to-device user library transfer
  • Pre-configured setting selections based on application
  • Additions to the on-board library, including narcotics and chemical warfare agents

“The goal of this new software was really to improve the overall user experience overall,” said Chris Langford, VP Marketing & Product Management. “We wanted to reduce the cognitive load on the operator by having them make fewer decisions and do less configuring of settings in order to perform a high-quality scan. We want a “push button, get answer” workflow with reliable results every time.”

Current users of the ResQ CQL can expect to receive this software upgrade free of charge.

For more information on the ResQ CQL 2.0, or to request the software, please visit our Product page.

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EPE briefing the Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart on the EPE & Freespace Operations solution to meet the AID2022 Challenge

EPE briefing the Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart

EPE briefing the Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart

Robbie Wild and Ben Evans from EPE briefing the Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart on the EPE & Freespace Operations solution to meet the AID2022 Challenge of Logistics UAV capability to carry 35 kilograms over 100km.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) could be delivering supplies and doing casualty evacuations within five to 10 years, if concepts at this year’s Army Innovation Day come to fruition.

Ahead of the day, a tender was released for logistics UAV concepts to fill a capability gap of flying certain weights over set distances.

Army received 55 responses and 18 were selected to exhibit during Innovation Day.

Some concepts filled the heavy category of flying 800 kilograms over 200 kilometres, others aimed to meet the 35 kilograms over 100-kilometre category, while designs to fly 200 kilograms over 180 kilometres filled the casualty evacuation role.

Brigadier Warren Gould, Director General of Systems and Integration in Army Headquarters, said Army was looking at what was achievable, despite logistics UAVs not being a fully mature capability.

“It’s about developing concepts. Each of these are at a different level of maturity and thinking,” he said.

“None are going to lead to a delivery of immediate capability in the next 12-24 months. It’s about developing technology that has a path into a major project in future years.”

Innovation Days, held since 2016, ask industry to address a theme, receive responses, compare and narrow down selections.

Brigadier Gould said this improved on old methods of relying on industry to submit ideas and concepts.

“Here, we see them all together but we also demonstrate their wares to wider Army,” he said.

“If we were just looking at an idea in Army HQ, it would get a bit isolated, but in a public event like this with all of Army, we’re able to discuss in the margins and get different points of view.”

From here, concepts presented will be further assessed by Brigadier Gould’s team and the Defence Innovation Hub to see how likely they are to achieve benchmarks.

Successful respondents will be announced in September.

Following last year’s Innovation Day, Army entered into contracts with two companies developing alternate power supplies.

“With Army Innovation Day, we get an early view of what industry is thinking. We are able to give them guidance if they are on track with something we are interested in,” Brigadier Gould said.

“We’re able to focus energy and capacity into what could be a good idea.

“I’d like to thank the Defence Innovation Hub for their support and contracting methods to contract successful tenderers.”

Acknowledgement Australian Defence News: https://www.csiro.au/en/news/News-releases/2022/Worlds-best-respirator

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Partnership between Australian company EPE and US company Shield AI brings the drone named by joint US and Israeli forces as the ‘most mission capable indoor drone’ to Australia and New Zealand

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Partnership between Australian company EPE and US company Shield AI brings the drone named by joint US and Israeli forces as the ‘most mission capable indoor drone’ to Australia and New Zealand.

EPE announced its partnership with Shield AI, the fast-growing defense technology company building AI pilots for aircraft, to deliver its next era of AI to the Australian and New Zealand markets.

The clear synergies between Shield AI and Australian-veteran-owned EPE are evident – a shared mission to protect our soldiers underpinned by a commitment to innovative solutions. EPE is providing leading technologies into Defence’s Experimentation Teams in the area of Human Machine Teaming, in addition to the delivery of 5 Defence Innovation Hub Projects which developed innovative solutions to counter emerging threats.

Shield AI’s Nova 2 drone uses state-of-the-art path planning and computer vision algorithms to autonomously navigate complex subterranean and multi-story buildings without GPS, communications or a human pilot.

EPE will feature the Nova 2 at the Army Robotics Exposition (ARX) in Adelaide this week as part of the Chief of Army Symposium.

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CSIRO to create world’s best respirator for Defence Force personnel with Australian business

$8.6 million Defence Innovation Hub contract awarded to protect our troops.

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, will accelerate the development of ground-breaking protection for our defence force from chemical, biological and radiological agents, with an $8.6 million Defence Innovation Hub contract to further develop and commercialise its world-leading respirator technology.

This is the largest contract signed by the Hub to date and will help bring the technology a step closer to being realised.

The single canister device is a step change from existing technology, providing both protection for longer periods, and against more potential threats.  As well as providing protection from biological and radiological agents, it will significantly reduce exposure to a broad spectrum of toxic industrial chemicals, also critical to the nation’s first responders.

CSIRO will be working with Melbourne-based chemical manufacturing business and porous material’s producer, Boron Molecular, and Brisbane-based, Veteran Owned EPE Trusted to Protect, to develop the respirator, as well as Monash University.

CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall, said Australian innovations that protect our Defence Force personnel are a critical part of maintaining a secure Australia and region.

“We are using science to create real-world solutions, working with Australian industry to build sovereign capability and turn brilliant ideas into something ground-breaking to protect our troops.

“We are aiming to develop a respirator that will be the most capable in the world.”

CSIRO researcher, Professor Matthew Hill, said CSIRO has been studying porous solids for around 10 years and has developed an efficient and cost-effective manufacturing process.

“By combining our expertise in nanofibers and porous solids, we’re developing a technology that will protect our military personnel from weaponised toxic chemical gases and vapours and give them a greater chance to safely complete their mission.”

Nanofibres are super-light filters that can stop particles from getting through, and combine nanofibers with some of the world’s most porous materials to soak up hazardous gases like a sponge. By incorporating porous materials into respirators, toxic industrial chemicals can be adsorbed before they affect the wearer.

Dr Oliver Hutt, CEO of Melbourne-based chemical manufacturing business and porous materials’ producer, Boron Molecular, said his company was excited to be involved in the development of the leading-edge sovereign Defence capability.

“We’ve worked with CSIRO for many years on various projects, but it’s particularly rewarding to be involved in the development of a technology that will help keep our military safe,” Dr Hutt said.

Brisbane-based and Australian Veteran Owned business, EPE Trusted To Protect, is the lead commercial partner on the project and is manufacturing the canisters.

EPE specialises in using advanced technologies to protect service personnel. From Bomb Response robots to Counter Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear capabilities, EPE bring unique skills and experience.

EPE’s Managing Director, Mr Warwick Penrose, said the team was looking forward to delivering the canisters to defence personnel and first responders.

“We are excited to work with CSIRO and Defence Science and Technology Group to ensure that the product produced is not just the best technologically but also operationally meets the needs of service personnel,” Mr Penrose said.

“Ultimately, we are excited by the prospect of getting this product protecting the service men and woman of Australia, our allies, as well as the first responder community.”

Monash University, a research partner on the project, will provide critical engineering expertise on the internal canister components.

Professor Mark Banaszak Holl, Head of Monash University’s Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, said his team was proud of the unique partnership with CSIRO to deliver practical solutions for Australia’s first responders.

The respirator technology featured at the ‘Academy Awards’ of Australian science in 2019, as a finalist in the Defence, Science and Technology Eureka Prize for Outstanding Science in Safeguarding Australia.

Acknowledgement CSIRO media announcement: https://www.csiro.au/en/news/News-releases/2022/Worlds-best-respirator

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$8.65 million investment to develop innovative ADF protective equipment

Canister -Project_EPE

The Defence Innovation Hub has awarded its largest contract to date to Australia’s national science agency, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) to develop advanced respiratory protective equipment for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles, welcomed the $8.65 million investment with CSIRO, which is partnering with Brisbane-based small business EPE Trusted to Protect to deliver this cutting-edge innovation.

“This investment demonstrates the incredible ingenuity and impact of Australia’s innovation sector to create leading solutions for Defence, contributing to a strong, sovereign defence industry,” Deputy Prime Minister Marles said.

The technology uses metal organic material rather than carbon based absorbent material to provide more effective protection against a broader range of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) contaminants through the use of a single respiratory unit.

CSIRO will be working with Melbourne-based chemical manufacturing business and porous material’s producer, Boron Molecular, and Brisbane-based, Veteran Owned EPE Trusted to Protect, to develop the respirator, as well as Monash University.

Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic said Australian innovations that protect our Defence Force personnel are a critical part of maintaining a secure Australia and region.

“We are using science to create real-world solutions, working with Australian industry to build sovereign capability and turn brilliant ideas into something ground-breaking to protect ADF personnel,” Minister Husic said.

CSIRO’s unique, broad-spectrum respirator canister will aim to enhance defence capability by protecting military personnel for longer periods during missions involving chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear contamination on the battlefield.

Acknowledgement Department of Defence media announcement: https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/minister/rmarles/media-releases/865-million-investment-develop-innovative-adf-protective-equipment

 

 

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EPE announces the appointment of James Gatley as Capability Manager, Countermeasures

James Gatley as Capability Manager, Countermeasures

James Gatley joins EPE following a successful ADF career and recent Defence Industry experience.

James started his ADF career as a communicator, this experience included managing deployable networks and supporting tactical elements.  During this time he deployed to Iraq with the Australian Army Training Team in 2004.  He commenced service with SOCOMD in 2005 supporting the organisations communications requirements before becoming a qualified member of the unit and changing roles in 2007.  Between 2006 and 2017 he completed 10 operational deployments with the Special Operations Task Group and other specialist tasks.  This diverse experience allowed him to contribute to capability development as an end user across multiple functions and still provides the foundation to his approach, putting the user’s needs first.

As a consultant post his ADF career he delivered specialist training to diverse user groups, this included Hostile Awareness and Environment Training (HEAT) to Government clients and niche capabilities to the Aviation Industry.

More recently James was the Chief Operating Officer to a tech start-up developing capabilities for the Security and Defence Industries.  He supported this organisation establish itself as a legitimate SME and global leader in the counter-drone space.  This role allowed James to influence end to end product design based on his domain experience and also provided a firm commercial grounding.  The experience ultimately enabling him to better support EPE’s clients within his role as a Capability Manager.

James is passionate about growing his knowledge to ensure EPE continues to provide the best possible solutions and outcomes for our clients.

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EPE Team Members Head to Texas for IABTI

EPE Director, Warwick Penrose and CBRN/EOD Specialist, Chris Panteli travelled today to the US to attend the IABTI (International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators) International Training Conference in Texas. While in the US they will also meet with a number of our US based Equipment Manufacturers for updates on new equipment developments and new technologies in countering IED and CBRN threats.

The IABTI Conference briefings are from International Experts and will focus on a number of case studies, including the Anders Breivik bombing and shooting in Oslo, Norway, and the Woodburn, Oregon bombing. Seminars will cover the range of specialist disciplines covered by Bomb Technicians and Investigators including: Explosive Charges for IEDD, X-Ray, Tactical Explosive Breaching, Person Borne Blast Measurements in Explosive Breaching and much more.

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Explosive Protective Equipment has refined its name to EPE

epe-ttpName change is a reflection of the expansion of the solutions we offer.

Explosive Protective Equipment announces that we are refining our name to EPE to more accurately reflect our business strategy and diversification in the marketplace. It’s also the name we are commonly referred to by many of our existing customers and partners. We are excited to announce our new name to our customers and our global industry partners. The name change reflects our expansion beyond ‘explosive’ and ‘equipment’, while maintaining ‘EPE’ reinforces our commitment to build on 25 years of trusted supply to Australian Defence, Law Enforcement Agencies and other government organisations.

Over the last 3 years EPE has developed a strong reputation for providing ‘more than equipment’, delivering training, specialist staff support and equipment maintenance. An insight is articulated in a formal letter from the Australian Army following the completion of a 12 month training contract in 2012 ‘…I am writing to highlight the excellent performance and support that EPE has provided to The Australian Defence Force since June 2011. The operational requirements for Counter Improvised Explosive Device (IED) operators in Afghanistan were both technically challenging and required EPE to deliver under the most demanding timelines. Their support to ADF operations was first rate and has undoubtedly saved lives. The project was completed in time, to budget and, in terms of deliverables, exceeded expectations.’

During this same period EPE has expanded beyond ‘Explosive’. We have developed from our core focus on Counter IED, EOD and Personal Protective Equipment, to establish strong momentum supporting broader Force Protection, ECM, CBRN Response, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Blue Force Tracking and Rapidly Deployable Shelter Systems capabilities.

We wish to advise that our name refinement is for branding purposes only. Our registered company name remains Zangold Pty Ltd trading as Explosive Protective Equipment. There will be no effect on Standing Offers with the Australian Government, contractual arrangements, import regulations etc. EPE’s company ownership, products, and services remain the same. All of your internal contacts within EPE also remain the same. The only change is to the branding of materials, which our customers see.

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EPE product developed in conjunction with ADF RPDE launched in the UK

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Last week the EPE product, Scimitar was launched in the UK by our Distribution Partner, Providence CTS at the Counter Terror Expo in London.

Born from an urgent operational requirement expressed by the Australian Defence Force in 2011 to improve bomb disposal operations in Afghanistan, EPE’s Scimitar is an information collection and fusion tool, which enhances tactical level situational awareness, mission and training analysis, and intelligence gathering.

EPE has partnered with Providence Counter Threat Solutions to represent Scimitar in the UK and European markets. While Scimitar started with military bomb disposal operations, its utility extends into law enforcement, emergency services, mining and many corporate applications where information is gathered from different sensors and sources. Until the arrival of Scimitar, tactical-level operators had to rely on several different means to manage task information. Scimitar exploits advances in technology to better capture, store, manipulate, fuse and disseminate multi-source information, including the live-streaming of data. It allows you to create an electronic record of a particular operational mission or event, or training scenario by overlaying sensor data streams inputted into the system. Data including geospatial, video or still imagery, audio, biometrics, dosimetry or any other data can be streamed onto an operational timeline for ease of current and future reference.

The Expo in London was visited by over 10,000 people and Scimitar received interest from UK MoD, UK Police, and first responder groups from Turkey, Netherlands, Bahrain, Slovakia, Hungary and Pakistan. Providence CTS were awarded a certificate as a finalist for CT Expo Excellence Awards for C-IED innovation at the Expo.

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Remnants of War the documentary – Extended Trailer released

Please visit the Remnants of War website.

EPE is honoured to have been able to help this cause by partnering with Allen Vanguard in the donation of demining ensembles and equipment to improve protection for those performing this important and dangerous work.

Landmines and Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) are a major problem in South East Asia, posing threat to human life and hindering development in affected areas. This documentary looks at how Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) are affecting Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos, and highlights the efforts being made by local and international Non-Government Organisations (NGO’s) operating in this region, to assist dealing with the problem. Officially uploaded on April 4 – ‘International Day of Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action’. Stay tuned for the full length documentary to follow.


For more information see the Remnants of War website.

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EPE at Global Security Asia (GSA) 2013

EPE staff last week attended Global Security Asia (GSA) 2013 in Singapore. GSA is the premier event focused on Counter Terrorism, Internal State Security, Civil Defence and Law Enforcement in the Asia Pacific region. The focus for EPEs attendance at GSA was to meet with Overseas Equipment Manufacturers who we have had very close partnerships with over the last fifteen years. It was a great opportunity to meet with our partners for updates on new technologies and product advancements.

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EPE Successfully delivers Explosive Detection Dog Training Contract to Australian Army

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The Australian Army’s Explosive Detection Dog capability received a big boost in 2012, courtesy of a successful 12-month K9 training contract delivered by EPE at the School of Military Engineering. Army now has 17 new Explosive Detection Dogs and two new Explosive Detection Dog Trainers.

The EPE team comprised six staff with over 100 years of K9 training and operational experience between them. Four of the staff were highly experienced, former Australian Army Explosive Detection Dog trainers. The other two team members joined us from the UK – one member was a former lead K9 trainer from Surrey Police in the UK, and the other member was a former British Forces’ lead K9 capability manager.

The first six months focused on the training of 20 dogs in accordance with the Australian Army’s off-lead Explosive Detection Dog competency requirements. The breadth of training included building search, area search, route search, and vehicle search. 11 of the 20 dogs were successfully certified. Most of the unsuccessful dogs were removed during the early stages of training.

The second six months required the EPE team to re-team the 11 certified dogs with their new Army handlers, as well as leading the delivery of the annual Explosive Detection Dog Supervisor’s Course. This course produced another six Explosive Detection Dogs, bringing the overall total to 17 new dogs. Many of these Explosive Detection Dogs will serve in Afghanistan.

In addition to training, EPE also provided the Australian Army with new portable K9 kennels and specifically designed K9 handler kits.

EPE is proud to have been an integral part of the Australian Army’s effort to reinforce its Explosive Detection Dog capability – a capability which continues to prove its effectiveness and importance, detecting lethal Improvised Explosive Devices in Afghanistan.

 

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Release of the new Under Door Camera UDC Pro

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2 Cameras / 1 Unit / Dual Views.  Deploy the UDC Pro under a door or around a corner to see obstacles before entry.  The 2-camera system provides forward and upward camera views, allowing operators to covertly inspect both the interior of a room and the interior side of the door. Switch between views on the wireless PRO Monitors.

PRO Monitors: wirelessly toggle camera views.  Designed exclusively for dual view cameras, the PRO Monitors allow wireless toggling between the forward and upward camera angles of the UDC Pro.

Telescoping Deployment Pole.  Quickly deploy the telescoping pole with the UDC Pro to gain reach and remain behind a position of cover.  The telescoping pole can also be retrofitted for the earlier Under Door Camera UDC4 version.

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Australian Defence Magazine announces EPE in the Top 20 Australia and NZ owned SME Defence Suppliers

ADM Top 40
EPE has once again been named in the Top 20 Australia/NZ owned SME Defence Suppliers List published by Australian Defence Magazine (ADM). EPE is proud to support the Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces through the provision of leading edge equipment, maintenance and training. For the last ten years EPE has been at the forefront of providing EOD, CIED and Force Protection ECM capability to the Australian Defence Force. We have a long track record of successfully supporting battle-proven technologies that deliver comprehensive and sustainable capability against evolving threats, as well as delivering Rapid Acquisition projects to Defence.

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EPE Maintenance Team qualified in Radiation Safety from ANSTO

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EPE Maintenance Manager Dean Dickson, and Maintenance Engineer, Dayne Hawkes, have successfully completed advanced training in the field of Radiation Safety. The training was provided by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation(ANSTO), the premier training provider of radiation training in the Oceania region.

The training was conducted at ANSTO’s Open Pool Australian Lightwater Reactor Facility (OPAL) in Lucas Heights, Sydney.   This is home to the only active nuclear reactor in in the Oceania region. Here they compounded their skill sets in numerous disciplines, including: Radiation Safety Theory, Radiation Working Practices and Methods to deal with Radiation Emergencies. These skills will add to the extensive knowledge our maintenance team already have in  Non Destructive Testing and Industrial Radiography, in order to provide a world class maintenance service to our customers.

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Allen Vanguard has launched the NEW HAL Tactical

HAL-Tactical_mainHAL Tactical: What is it?
The HAL Tactical Kit is a lightweight man-portable Hook and Line kit that is based on Modular Equipment Packs (MEPs) to support operations where a full sized Hook and Line kit is not an option. The HAL Tactical is designed for during Tactical, SWAT, Route Clearance, IEDD and other missions involving explosive threats.

The Core System is based on a Leg Pouch mounted to the thigh and contains 3 Modular Equipment Packs: Line; Basic Clamps & Manipulators; and, an Anchor. Users can then enhance this with up to 8 Specialty MEPs: Advanced Clamp; Visibility; Basic Reach; Guidance; Multi-tool; Demining; Grappling Hook; and Bi-pod & Extended Reach. This allows users to customize their Kit at time of order and then select the exact Modular Equipment Packs that are most relevant to their operational needs for a given mission. All of the components have been designed to minimize size and weight but still provide excellent functional capabilities.

EPE currently has the first Demo Kit in Australia to demonstrate to end users in January and February of 2013.

We are very excited by the positive comments from end users from the US, Canada and Australia who have seen prototypes of the Kits. The quality and capabilities of the HAL Tactical make it very competitive.

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Day 2 at ABDC Conference

Today the Theme at the EPE Booth covers Training; Threat Analysis/ Portal; K9 Training and Equipment; and ECM.  Our team will be demonstrating the NEW Scimitar Tactical Mission and Training Analysis Tool.

Also on display:

  • Scorpion Man Portable ECM
  • Equniox Vehicle Mounted ECM
  • Complete K9 Capability including dogs, K9 and Handler Training, K9 Protection and Equipment.
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2CER Summer Ball Tonight

The Summer Ball will be a very special event with many troops arriving home from deployment.  EPE has worked closely with 2CER over the past 18 months with OHR, BiP and EDD Training, and is happy to support the Regiment through sponsorship of the Summer Ball. We wish you all a great night.

 

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EPE exhibit at ABDC Conference

Day 1 at Australian Bomb Data Centre Conference.  Today the EPE Exhibit is themed Lightweight Operator System.

Featuring NEW Technology:

  • Med-Eng TAC6 Lightweight Bombsuit Ensemble with
  • NEW Revision Helmet and HCT3 Helmet Camera
  • NEW HAL Tactical – a lightweight modular version of the trusted HAL Hook & Line System
  • NEW Blast Tracker – Blast exposure recording device
  • Armadillo 3.5 Micro Unmanned Ground Vehicle
  • Complete tactical capabiity of Tactical Electronics suite of cameras
  • ScanXScout XRay System
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EPE Company Announcement

Monday 5th November 2012

        

Explosive Protective Equipment (EPE) announces that Counter Terrorism Solutions (CTS) has been merged into Explosive Protective Equipment. Both companies are owned by Warwick Penrose, and all business previously conducted by CTS will now be conducted by EPE. The same team will continue to provide the same high level of service and expert product knowledge on the CTS products – the RAZOR III, RAZOR EX, Film Array and RSDL. The CBRN Product Line Manager is Chris Panteli, who can be contacted on 0411 598 338.

Further, we take this opportunity to advise you that Idaho Technology has changed it’s name to BioFire Diagnostics Inc. BioFire develops innovative solutions for BioSurveillance and molecular diagnostics. EPE remains the Australian distributor for BioFire delivering the leading edge technologies including RAZOR EX and Film Array into the Australian first responder community.

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EPE hosts Dr Aris Makris at LWC this week


Dr Aris Makris joins EPE at LWC this week. Aris is Vice President of Research and Development from Allen-Vanguard. Aris specialises in explosions and protection against blast effects. He has led numerous programs geared towards design and development of advanced personal protective systems to protect against IEDs, including the EOD 7B, 8 & 9 generation bomb suits, as well as, blast mitigation seats for mitigating injuries to military vehicle occupants subjected to IEDs. Aris and his team at Allen Vanguard have developed a number of person borne blast sensors to assist in quantifying individual blast exposure under diverse operational circumstances and guide improvements in design, medical understanding and optimization of SOPs . Dr. Makris has been an active member of several equipment performance standards, including the NIJ Bomb Suit standard, NATO and UN working groups.

Aris is presenting a paper at LWC on Person Borne Blast Dosimeters.

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EPE at Land Warfare Conference this week

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The EPE Team is at Land Warfare Conference (LWC) this week. We have great support from our overseas equipment manufacturers with subject matter experts coming from Canada, UK and the US.

Allen-Vanguard has 3 representatives here including Mark Henry, Product Line Director Allen Vanguard Integrated Solutions – Crew Surviviability; Al Bannett, Sales Director Asia Pacific; and Dr Aris Makris, Vice President of Research and Development.

Duane Stokes is Director of International Sales for Tactical Electronics. Tactical Electronics is a world leader in the design and manufacture of specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal tools, tactical equipment and wireless camera systems.

Andy Herrod from DHS Systems International is also with us. DHS is the manufacturer of the Drash deployable shelter system. Drash is internationally recognised as an exceptional integration of shelter, utilities, communications and tactical mobility.

Scanna International is represented by Jason Pett, subject matter expert in X-Ray Systems for explosive detection.

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Visit EPE at Land Warfare Conference


Visit us at LWC in Melbourne 30 October to 2 November. All the EPE team will be there and we look forward to catching up. EPE is at Area 27. This year we’ll have a range of new capabilities on display. Areas of focus include:
Lightweight EOD Solutions – including the new Med-Eng TAC6, HAL Tactical, Lightweight Disruptors, latest in UGVs
Tactical and ISR – featuring the latest technologies from Tactical Electronics including UAV, tactical camers. Plus new technology in Situational Command and Control.
CBRN and Deployable Shelter Systems – Biodetection, Decon Shelter Systems.
Canine – our complete canine offering for Law Enforcement and Military Working Dogs

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Tectonica Defence Mobile App Competition

Tectonica is running a mobile app competition with $5k in cash up for grabs. Tectonica also intends to develop the winning idea into a live app so you get both cash and kudos!

Have you ever thought there should be an App for that? Questioned whether using your smartphone would be faster? Easier? Simpler? Well here’s your chance to do something about it.

Tectonica is searching for a great Defence App idea.

So, if you’ve been planning the perfect App to help you fulfil your role, submit your idea on Facebook. The Tectonica panel of judges will decide the best idea, and award the winner $5000.

The Tectonica team of experienced Defence software developers will turn your idea into reality.

The bragging rights and $5000 could be yours – good luck!
Complete details at Tectonica facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tectonica-Australia/405287039526947. Terms and conditions http://www.tectonica.net/terms-and-conditions

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US Trip to Tactical Electronics


Warwick Penrose, Director and Dean Dickson, Tactical and ISR Manager have just spent a week in the US finalising the Teaming arrangement with our Strategic partner for this market – ‘ Tactical Electronics’ (TE). TE has a long history with the US DOD, particularly the Special Forces Community, and other Federal and State Law Enforcement Agencies providing niche EOD and Tactical solutions . TE will utilise their relationships and existing contracts with these clients to assist with launching Scimitar Tactical into the US market. Warwick and Dean spent time in the US further developing the channel partner relationship, finalising integration of the platform with TE sensors, understanding US end user requirements, and training their key staff on the Scimitar Tactical Platform.

Scimitar Tactical has been developed by EPE in response to a capability gap identified by ADF. Scimitar Tactical is employed to capture, store, manipulate and fuse multi-source information, to provide users with a detailed, multiple-view record of events, allowing complex operational and training analysis, as well as for evidentiary collection. It provides a unique capability to seamlessly integrate multiple sensors into a readable timeline of events. Following delivery of the earlier version to ADF, EPE have further developed the product, which is now ready to launch into the US market.

EPE represents the full range of the TE capability into the Australian and New Zealand Market. Their capability fits very well into the solutions that EPE provides. They lead the market in what they do in their development and supply of innovative equipment and training solutions, which is something readily transferrable to our Australian Military and Law Enforcement counterparts.

EPE will be launching Scimitar Tactical to the US market at Modern Day Marine Conference to be held at Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia from September 25 to 27 2012. EPE is a member of the Team Defence Australia contingent exhibiting at Modern Day Marine.

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Sergeant Jodie Pearson from WA Police BRU wins prestigious Award

Photo is courtesy of © THE WEST AUSTRALIAN.

EPE congratulates Sergeant Jodie Pearson as the current recipient of ACWAP’s (Australian Council of Women and Policing) most prestigious award, the Bev Lawson Memorial. Jodie is a Bomb Technician from Western Australia Police TRG BRU (Tactical Response Group Bomb Response Unit). She is highly regarded across the nation and is recognised as being one of the most senior and proficient Bomb Technicians in Australia. She has had extensive involvement in policing operations around the nation including the Sydney 2000 Olympics and CHOGM. The Bev Lawson Award recognises an outstanding woman in Policing who has been a first in their field or endeavour; made a significant contribution in that field; and encouraged and paved the way for other women to follow. Jodie’s selection to join the Tactical Response Group and train as a Bomb Technician has been ground breaking for women in Australian policing.

Photo shows Jodie wearing one of WAPOL BRU’s new EOD Tactical Suits, which is manufactured by Allen Vanguard and distributed in Australia by EPE. The new lightweight suit offers unprecedented flexibility combined with extensive protection against impact, overpressure and fragmentation. Check out the suit at www.epequip.com. For visual of the modularity of the suit click here.