The latest industry and team news from MCL.

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The tactical headset achieved a ground-breaking level of hearing protection of 39 dB SNR. Outperforming all other tactical headsets for dismounted usage, the X7 ensures unmatched safety levels for users operating in high-noise environments.

We are looking forward to showcasing this to our customers. Get in touch if you would like to organize a demo on the X7 or any other INVISIO or Racal equipment. 

X7_Hearing-protection_0424 (1)

INVISIO X7 achieves a ground-breaking level of hearing protection

Did anyone else take part in ‘WalkThisMay’ for National Walking Month?

We took part in the walking challenge for the whole month of May - Here's how it went...

Getting out of the office & away from computer screens = Improving our focus

Talking to colleagues that you wouldn't usually spend time with = Improving team collaboration

Making new friends = Creating a happier work life

Getting your steps in = Being physically healthier

Getting fresh air = Reducing stress & anxiety levels

Did anyone else take part in ‘WalkThisMay’ for National Walking Month?

MCL reflecting on National Walking Month

After six years at the helm of MCL, Shane Knight has decided to retire. MCL has always been a fast-moving, agile business and Shane has led it through some of its most successful and exciting years. We are sure you will join us in wishing him well.

Following a formal recruitment process with some strong external candidates we are pleased to announce that we have appointed Claire King, formerly MCL’s Sales Director, as MCL’s new Managing Director.

Claire has over 20 years’ experience in the defence sector having joined MCL from Leonardo in 2012. Throughout her career she has taken on supply chain, commercial, sales and marketing roles primarily within the C4ISR Land & Maritime domains both within the UK and international defence and security markets. Claire has drawn on her experience in larger defence organisations to great effect within her roles as Head of Business Development and Sales and Marketing Director.

The Cohort Board has confidence that MCL will be in good hands with Claire and that she will lead the business successfully on to the next stage of its development, we wish her every success in this important new role.

MCL appoints new Managing Director

The Queen has died aged 96, Buckingham Palace has announced.

We are deeply saddened by the news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

"The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow," Buckingham Palace said.

Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-reigning monarch in British history and the world's oldest head of state.

On her death, the Queen's eldest son and heir, Charles, the former Prince of Wales, has become King of the United Kingdom and 14 Commonwealth realms.

In a statement, he said: "The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.

"We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother.

"I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.

"During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held."

The Queen has died aged 96, Buckingham Palace has announced. The Queen's death ends the longest reign in British history. She was also the world's oldest head of state.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II death ends the longest reign in British history

Marlborough Communications Limited (MCL) and its technology partner, leading American drone manufacturer Skydio, have been awarded a contract from the UK MOD as part of the Future Capabilities Group (FCG) nano unmanned aerial systems (nUAS) framework. Spiral 4 of the framework will inform future drone concepts and requirements, with the contract positioning MCL as a key UAS provider in the UK.

Valued at £3 million, the contract centres on the delivery of Skydio’s autonomous X2D drones along with its artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D Scan capability. With the ability to conduct reconnaissance, security patrol and incident response missions, Skydio drones incorporate 360O obstacle avoidance and are night operation enabled. Skydio Autonomy enables the drones to deliver total situational awareness with six 4K cameras building a map of the surroundings, and deep learning algorithms and AI able to understand and predict future scenarios to inform decision-making.

In addition, Skydio 3D Scan provides adaptive scanning software which automates the data capture needed to generate 3D models. With ultra-high resolution and coverage, the technology enables faster high-quality inspections with minimal pilot training.

Focused on providing faster and safer intelligence in “around-the-corner” or “over-the-hill” situations, Spiral 4 aims to introduce new capabilities which increase situational awareness, and provide early warnings during defensive missions and functions including 3D scanning, mapping and surveying.

Shane Knight, Managing Director at MCL said, “Through this partnership, the MOD will benefit from enhanced situational awareness and a significantly reduced training burden on operators. Skydio’s autonomous technology will allow for faster and more informed decision making, substantially reducing the risk to personnel.

“The strength of our partnership with Skydio has been clearly demonstrated in securing this contract after a comprehensive tender process. Following the successful delivery of the technology to the MOD, we’re looking forward to demonstrating and training operators on how to use the innovative Skydio technology this year.”

Adam Bry, CEO at Skydio said, “Skydio's drones represent a strategic advantage on the battlefields of today and tomorrow, enabling soldiers to obtain real-time, unprecedented situational awareness. We are proud to partner with MCL in providing this capability to the UK armed forces.”

Marlborough Communications Limited (MCL) and its technology partner, leading American drone manufacturer Skydio, have been awarded a contract from the UK MOD as part of the Future Capabilities Group (FCG) nano unmanned aerial systems (nUAS) framework.

MCL and Skydio awarded contract for MOD Spiral 4

Marlborough Communications Limited (MCL) and its technology partner Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have been awarded a contract to deliver demonstrations of their highly-automated ground and air resupply network, providing innovative capability based on the latest autonomous technology as part of Project Theseus. This contract with Future Capabilities Group within the Ministry of Defence is the second contract win for MCL and IAI, and further cements the positive relationship between the two organisations.

Through Project Theseus the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) aims to investigate the potential to apply autonomy to the ordering, planning, and delivery of supplies as well as the ability to increase the flow and efficiency of delivery on the battlefield. This will see MCL and IAI define and deliver an end-to-end, highly automated ground and air resupply network, which is enabled by a logistics information system and operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in all conditions. The capability will be facilitated by land and air robotic and autonomous systems (RAS), a mission planner, battlespace management applications and logistics information system to provide tactical last-mile resupply to dismounted forces.

The resupply network will incorporate the REX MK-2 uncrewed ground vehicles to provide robust and reliable means of autonomous delivery, as well as uncrewed aerial vehicles and a mission management command control system with autonomous decision-making capability. The solution will also be tasked through a human-portable user interface system, enabling operator intervention if required. The two companies will also have to deliver improvements to the system throughout the contract, with the improvements and final demonstration taking place in early 2022.

Shane Knight, Managing Director, MCL, said:
“We’re proud to be working in partnership with IAI to deliver this innovative capability demonstration to the MoD as part of Project Theseus. Our combined expertise and knowledge of robotic and autonomous systems are crucial to the creation of the ground and air resupply network. This contract is a clear demonstration of the strength of our partnership with IAI, which we are confident will continue to grow and strengthen throughout the delivery of the Theseus project. It also solidifies our position as a major contractor to the UK MoD.”

Boaz Levy, President and CEO of IAI, said:
“IAI looks forward to cooperating with MCL to provide this demonstration to the UK MoD as part of Project Theseus. Together IAI and MCL have a superior combined knowledge of autonomous land robotic systems to support advanced ground and air resupply networks. This cooperation with MCL further demonstrates the strength of IAI and the UK defence industries' collaborations. IAI is proud to collaborate with our UK partner, to supply advanced combat solutions, and further the company's presence in the region as part of our overarching strategy."

MCL and IAI were recently awarded a contract to deliver Robotic Platoon Vehicles (RPVs) to Spiral 2 of the UK MoD’s RPV Experimentation Programme.
For more information on MCL, please visit: http://www.marlboroughcomms.com/

About Israel Aerospace Industries:
IAI is a world-leading aerospace and defence company that is well known for delivering state-of-the-art military and commercial technologies in Space, Maritime, Land, Air and Cyber/Electro-Magnetic environments. Combining the “Start-up Nation” spirit of innovation with decades of combat-proven experience, IAI provides customers with customised, leading-edge solutions to the unique challenges they face including satellites, UAVs, missiles, intelligence solutions, weapon systems, air defence systems, robotic systems, radars, business jets, aerostructures, and more. Established in 1953, IAI is one of Israel’s largest technology employers with offices and R&D centres' in Israel and abroad. For more information, visit https://www.iai.co.il/

IAI's Land Division demonstrated its latest developments on an autonomous Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) equipped with a full suite of situational awareness, target acquisition and force protection sensors, ECM (Electronic Counter Measures) and weapon stations to the Israel Defense Force (IDF) and the Israel's Ministry of Defense. IAI's Land division provides a full spectrum of tactical radars, autonomous solutions, and fused active and passive sensors and systems to provide multi-mission solutions, including Counter Rocket Artillery Missile (C-RAM), Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), Ground Based Air Defense (GBAD), Counter IED and mines, situational awareness, surveillance and reconnaissance, and border, coastal and site protection.
www.iai.co.il

Contact:
Dafna Ravitz, IAI Communications Manager, dravitz@iai.co.il 972-52-4677010
Ellie Neustein, IAI International Media Supervisor, eneustein@iai.co.il 972-54-3516414

MCL and IAI awarded UK MOD Theseus contract

MCL are a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, our increased support and continued efforts to employ service leavers has led to us being awarded Bronze Status in their Employer Recognition Scheme.

MCL awarded Employer Recognition Scheme

Marlborough Communications Limited (MCL) and its technology partner Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), have been awarded a contract to deliver four Remote Patrol Vehicles (RPVs) to Spiral 2 of the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD)’s RPV Experimentation Programme. The contract will support and enhance experimentation and capability development for UK land operations and see MCL become a major contractor to the UK MoD RPV Framework Group.

Spiral 2 is aimed at delivering RPVs to support troops on the ground and limit their direct exposure to danger. MCL will supply versatile and upgradable RPVs that include different capabilities and incorporate sensors as part of a technology package with significant durability for use in front line combat.

MCL’s new technology partner IAI, the Israeli-based advanced systems provider, has more than 15 years’ experience in developing and manufacturing land operational autonomous systems.

The RPVs, designed and manufactured by IAI’s ELTA Systems group, are robust, versatile multi-purpose/multi-mission platforms that support and complement troops on the ground and enhance force protection in battlefield conditions.

In addition to their ISTAR (intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance) capabilities, the RPVs can provide logistical support including carrying platoon equipment, supplying ammunition and extracting casualties. They can be operated in manual, remote or autonomous modes for enhanced flexibility.

Shane Knight, Managing Director, MCL, said:

“We’re delighted to have secured our first contract with our partner IAI. This is testament to our heritage in integrating and delivering industry-leading capabilities for the UK MoD, working with specialist technology partners such as IAI. Securing the Spiral 2 contract has been a collaborative team effort, and the first step toward exploring new opportunities within the UK.”

Zvi Yarom IAI Land Systems Division, VP & GM commented:

“IAI’s Land division provides a wide range of multi-domain, multi-mission solutions to teams with manoeuvring ground forces, while providing vital tools to commanders and leaders. We offer combat proven, end-to-end solutions and cutting-edge sensors to be used by the soldier, or combat platforms available to fighting forces. We are confident that the fruitful collaboration with MCL will provide the UK MoD with innovative technologies and capabilities.”

MCL was previously awarded a contract to supply 4 Mission Adaptable Platform System unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) to Spiral 1 of the RPV Experimentation Programme, which is an MoD Future Capability Group project to determine the future requirements of UGVs through a series of trials.

About IAI Ltd.
IAI Ltd is Israel’s largest aerospace and defence company and a globally recognized technology and innovation leader, specializing in developing and manufacturing advanced, state-of-the-art systems for air, space, sea, land, cyber and homeland security. Since 1953, the company has provided advanced technology solutions to government and commercial customers worldwide including: satellites, missiles, weapon systems and munitions, unmanned and robotic systems, radars, C4ISR and more.

IAI's Land Division demonstrated its latest developments on an autonomous Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) equipped with a full suite of situational awareness, target acquisition and force protection sensors, ECM (Electronic Counter Measures) and weapon stations to the Israel Defense Force (IDF) and the Israel's Ministry of Defense. IAI's Land division provides a full spectrum of tactical radars, autonomous solutions, and fused active and passive sensors and systems to provide multi-mission solutions, including Counter Rocket Artillery Missile (C-RAM), Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), Ground Based Air Defense (GBAD), Counter IED and mines, situational awareness, surveillance and reconnaissance, and border, coastal and site protection.

Marlborough Communications Limited (MCL) and its technology partner Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), have been awarded a contract to deliver four Remote Patrol Vehicles (RPVs) to Spiral 2 of the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD)’s RPV Experimentation Programme.

MCL and IAI partnership awarded MOD RPV contract

Marlborough Communications Ltd (MCL) has been awarded a five-year, sole-source contract to provide Electronic Systems for the MOD. The contract is valued at £15.1 million across an initial five-year period, with an option of a further two years.

Andy Thomis, Chief Executive of Cohort, said:
"This contract win is another great success for MCL. It exemplifies our approach of using our highly skilled and knowledgeable team to deliver world-class technology to the MOD. Together with other recent wins, this contract enhances the visibility of future Group revenue."

Marlborough Communications Ltd (MCL) has been awarded a five-year, sole-source contract to provide Electronic Systems for the MOD.

MCL contracted to supply electronic systems to the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD)

Marlborough Communications Ltd (MCL), the UK-based military technology company, has achieved Design Approved Organization Scheme (DAOS) accreditation from the Military Aviation Authority (MAA), enabling it to design equipment for UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) aircraft.

Organisations working with the MoD in the design of aircraft systems, associated equipment and airborne explosive ordnance and armament equipment must be assessed by the MAA and have their competencies rigorously tested and endorsed prior to becoming an approved DAOS organisation.

The scheme provides the framework and associated guidance that governs military aviation activity and against which air safety is assessed – requiring accredited companies to record and keep detailed information on all equipment supplied.

MCL is one of very few small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to have achieved DAOS status, and was sponsored by the MoD to work towards approval - including undergoing appropriate training - as part of an ongoing contract.

Shane Knight, Managing Director for MCL said, “Being awarded DAOS accreditation is a significant milestone for MCL. It will enable us to grow our business within the aircraft communications systems sector by undertaking our own research and development work, complementing our market-leading position as a vendor of existing cutting-edge military technology.

“We have already begun key projects under DAOS including designing systems for use by almost all Air Force pilots to protect hearing.”

MCL awarded DAOS status from the MAA

Marlborough communications limited business development manager Claire King looks at the latest developments in hearing protection technology and how they are benefiting personnel across all three services.

OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, hundreds of military personnel have been ruled out of frontline duties by damage to their hearing. 

It has been a costly price to pay for the British Army, both in terms of losing highly trained soldiers and the potential financial liabilities that have resulted. Indeed, it has been estimated that over six per cent of British infantry soldiers are now suffering from damage to their hearing. 

Such damage encompasses all preventable hearing disorders that can result from exposure to both instantaneous ‘peak’ and cumulative longer-term noise dosage. Testing the suitability of hearing protection against the noise generated by light weapons revealed a capability gap. The problem reached a peak in Operation HERRICK and in 2009 the Surgeon General outlined the severity of this issue and the need for urgent action. 

The Control of Noise At Work Regulations (CNAWR) also legally obligate the Ministry of Defence to minimise the risk to military personnel who are exposed to damaging levels of noise. Indeed, JSP 375 Leaflet 64 states that the “CNAWR apply in full throughout the MOD to all workplaces” and some of the old systems employed by the MOD were not able to attenuate the noise to a level which conformed to legislative requirements. 

In addition to hearing protection and clear communications, full situational awareness (SA) with the ability to communicate and hear one’s surroundings at all times is critical, particularly in combat situations. Soldiers need to maintain natural hearing and still have protection from potentially damaging impulse noises, such as gunshots or explosions, as well as continuous noise from vehicles and aircraft as discussed above. 

As a result, the MOD has responded with new technologies that promise both to alleviate the problem and increase the effectiveness of military personnel in combat conditions. 

Cohort Plc subsidiary Marlborough Communications Limited (MCL) has secured five hearing protection contracts from the MOD in the last two years, including Tactical Hearing Protection Systems for the Basic User (THPS BU), Tactical Hearing Protection Systems for the Dismounted Close Combat User (THPS DCCU), Communications Ancillaries and Hearing Protection for specialist users, and Hearing Protection for Pilots and Aircrew. To date these contracts total nearly £30 million. 

Over 20,000 S10 THPS DCCU, developed in conjunction with Danish-based INVISIO Communications A/S, have been fielded to personnel across all three Services. The system is an in-ear hearing protection and communication system for use on a single radio and consists of the X5 Bone Conduction Hearing Protection Headset and the inline control unit housing the electronics for the SA and impulse noise protection. 

Traditional hearing protection was of two types: ear plugs and ear muffs. These two solutions provided adequate protection for non-operational scenarios such as training. More recently, military personnel requiring ear protection for non-combat use have been supplied with a universal fi t, unpowered level dependent earplug known as Tactical In-ear Protection Plugs (TIPPS). 

As hearing loss can result from both instantaneous ‘peak’ and cumulative longer-term dose exposure to noise, the operational concept of the THPS capabilities was for a soldier to employ it throughout operational activities, including all forms of training, with minimal requirement to perform any interaction with the THPS system.

The system uses advanced digital signal processing, miniaturised audio components and an ergonomic headset design to provide the most natural hearing possible – even in extreme conditions. The S10 positions the hear-thru microphone within the external contours of the outer ear, utilising the outer ear capability of detecting origin of the sound and providing full 360 degree situational awareness. Advanced miniaturised speakers and microphones reproduce the sound naturally. Digital signal processing not only improves SA quality by compensating for the inherent loss of ear canal resonance, but also protects the user with instantaneous compression of audio signals exceeding a dangerous threshold. 

The S10 system is lightweight, rugged and intuitive and is worn next to the Personal Role Radio. It is designed to be a ‘fit and forget’ design ensuring the soldier has no need to adjust once fitted. 

Utilising a different system, RAF pilots and air crew have also benefited from the latest hearing protection technology with an In Ear Communications Device (IECD). This is customised with a moulding service that ensures all personnel are equipped with a capability unique to their requirements, both personally to ensure maximum comfort and technically based on the attenuation requirements of the platforms on which they operate now and in the future. 

The solution is already proven in-service with the RAF and the Royal Danish Air Force and incorporates venting for rapid in-flight altitude changes without discomfort and a unique acoustic filter. The filter attenuates noise without blocking the ear completely, providing aircrew with the ideal balance of hearing protection and SA, while the earpieces are manufactured using a unique grade of silicone refi ned through trials and proven by pilots and aircrew to provide maximum comfort in the ear over prolonged periods. 

The last few years have brought into sharp focus the problems of hearing loss and tinnitus that military personnel face in their everyday working lives as well as the extreme conditions of combat. It has also shown that there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution, and different equipment and technologies are needed for different users in different environments and on different operations. 

Having recognised the problem, the UK Armed Forces are at the forefront of ensuring that their personnel are adequately protected, while suppliers are already focusing on the next stage in hearing protection. The technologies being used by the UK are now also attracting interest from overseas and MOD suppliers are working on multiple contracts globally for the supply of hearing protection and crystal-clear communication in high noise environments. 

Bespoke hearing protection is now essential equipment for all military personnel. Equipping them with comprehensive hearing protection may demand a signifi cant investment but it represents a fraction of the cost that has been incurred in compensation and loss of operational capability.

Marlborough communications limited business development manager claire king looks at the latest developments in hearing protection technology and how they are benefiting personnel across all three services.