UTRS is proud to be a key, longtime partner in supporting the U.S. Army’s efforts to enhance its defense capabilities and technological advancements. Our commitment to this mission was highlighted last month during a VIP tour of New Jersey’s Picatinny Arsenal, a critical hub for research and development in the defense sector. This high-profile visit, attended by U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll and Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07), showcased emerging technologies that support the Army’s evolving mission and future readiness.
The primary focus of the visit was to observe Picatinny Arsenal’s latest advancements in counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) technologies and next-generation munitions. Throughout the tour, subject-matter experts from across the installation demonstrated a range of cutting-edge capabilities that directly support servicemembers on the battlefield. Secretary Driscoll and Picatinny’s top commander, Major General John Reim, also engaged in discussions centered on accelerating drone acquisition and manufacturing.
In a press release, Congressman Kean said of the tour, “During our visit to Picatinny Arsenal, we met with the installation’s exceptional workforce whose innovation ensures our military remains the envy of the world.”
While the spotlight was on the incredible work being done by the Army, UTRS was honored to play a behind-the-scenes role in preparing for the demonstration. Our team was integral in the planning, execution, and technical aspects of the event, working diligently to ensure everything went smoothly and successfully.
The preparation for the VIP visit required meticulous planning and coordinated efforts. Nick Del Vecchio, one of our lead engineering technicians, worked closely with key team members to ensure that the range, equipment, and demonstrations were ready for the high-level visitors.
Over the course of three weeks, UTRS dedicated significant resources to preparing the site, including cleaning and repairing the range multiple times to ensure it was in optimal condition. We also fired test shots, constructed gel blocks, and recorded high-speed videos to enhance the visual presentation.
In addition, we upgraded the range’s lighting and instrumentation wiring, ensuring that it performed flawlessly during the demonstration. Our team also took charge of painting, repairing, and upgrading target fixtures to meet the specific requirements for the VIP event.
When the day of the VIP tour arrived, our team was fully prepared to support the live demonstration. One of our technicians played a crucial role during the event, running the electronics and managing the technical aspects of the demonstration. He also participated in several walk-throughs of the range, including two live-fire walkthroughs, where he helped ensure that everything proceeded without issue.
We are proud that our team’s behind-the-scenes efforts helped to effectively showcase Picatinny Arsenal’s capabilities and focus attention on its important national defense development responsibilities.