B5 Systems

Archive for November, 2016

SureFire Field Notes – Bill Murphy

Wednesday, November 30th, 2016

SureFire Field Notes is a multi-segment informational video series with tips and techniques from subject matter experts of all backgrounds. In this episode, Bill Murphy discusses the importance of having a tourniquet with you at all times.

Bill has been a police officer for over 37 years, currently working as a Reserve Deputy with Los Angeles County Sheriff Department. Bill was also a Senior Police Officer assigned to Patrol /SWAT with the Huntington Beach PD in California, where he was also a Firearms Instructor/Armorer, Use of Force Instructor, and a member of the Range Advisory Committee, Gunsite Training Center Rangemaster, a Police Academy Instructor, an NRA, FBI, and an Adjunct Instructor for the U.S. Air Force Pararescue Advanced Weapons School. Bill serves as Lead Instructor for low-light and firearms courses at the SureFire Institute.

Armageddon Gear Beer Bivy

Wednesday, November 30th, 2016

It’s rare to see this much awesome packed into 1:51.

www.armageddongear.com/Beer-Bivy

FLIR Systems Acquires Prox Dynamics for $134 Million

Wednesday, November 30th, 2016

This purchase is a pretty big deal as the Prox Dynamics PD-100 Black Hornet, Nano class UAV gains traction, including for such programs as the US Army’s Soldier Borne Sensor effort. You can see it here in this Army commercial.

Acquisition adds unique nano-drone unmanned aerial systems leveraging Lepton capabilities to Surveillance product range

WILSONVILLE, OR — (Marketwired) — 11/30/16 — FLIR Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLIR) announced today that it has acquired Prox Dynamics AS, a leading developer and manufacturer of nano-class unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for military and para-military intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance applications, for approximately $134 million in cash.

Based in Oslo, Norway and founded in 2007 by pioneers in nano helicopter technologies, Prox Dynamics develops, manufactures, and distributes aerial sensors that are revolutionarily small, light, and covert surveillance systems. Prox Dynamics’ Personal Reconnaissance System (PRS) features their Black Hornet aerial sensor and a hand controller, a system that is pocket sized and hand-launched by a soldier in the field, enabling a significant advantage in situational awareness and mission planning. The Black Hornet aerial sensor utilizes FLIR’s Lepton micro thermal camera, visible spectrum cameras, advanced low-power rotor technology, and proprietary software for flight control, stabilization, and communications. The Black Hornet helicopter is one of the lightest, stealthiest, and safest drones in the market, offering a highly advanced, lifesaving surveillance solution for traditional military forces and special operations forces. Weighing less than one ounce, the Black Hornet helicopter can fly for up to 25 minutes at line-of-sight distances of up to one mile.

The addition of the Prox Dynamics business will augment FLIR’s Surveillance segment by extending FLIR’s Airborne sensor product line and fully leveraging Lepton technology. FLIR intends to invest in optimizing the PRS platform to further enhance the range, cost, flexibility, and performance of the system. The Prox Dynamics team will benefit from close interaction with FLIR’s thermal sensor development group as well as the ability to leverage FLIR’s brand, distribution, and customer support infrastructure to better serve a global base of users. The business will become FLIR’s Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) line of business operating within the Surveillance segment.

“This acquisition adds a unique unmanned aerial systems capability to our portfolio. The Prox Dynamics team has created a highly-differentiated solution, incorporating our Lepton sensor, for advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance that fits well with our vision for growth for our Surveillance segment,” said Andy Teich, President and CEO of FLIR. “The team at Prox Dynamics operates with a commercial mindset, which is a great fit for FLIR’s ‘commercially developed, military qualified,’ or ‘CDMQ,’ operating philosophy. We are excited to welcome the Prox Dynamics team to FLIR and look forward to working together to further advance this remarkable system capability.”

FLIR anticipates the business and related transaction costs will be approximately $0.01 dilutive to its 2016 earnings per share.

U.S. Elite’s Oakley Friends & Family Sale

Wednesday, November 30th, 2016

Just because summer’s over doesn’t mean you don’t need a new pair of eye pro! Oakley has one of the largest collections of kickass milspec eyepro on the market. They also have sick packs that will be great additions to your mountaineering kit this winter. Check out U.S. Elite’s Oakley Friends & Family sale! Find the lowest prices on Oakley until Sunday, Dec. 4th.

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www.us-elitegear.com/brands/oakley

Detonation Technology – Mini Breakaway Pulley

Wednesday, November 30th, 2016

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The Mini Breakaway Pulley from Detonation Technology allows an EOD Tech to create a change in direction during a remote pull. A breakaway pulley can reduce the number of approaches that have to be made when remotely moving an improvised explosive device. The Mini Breakaway Pulley is small, measuring 3″x1″x.5″; light weight, at 2.5oz; and durable, being made entirely from Stainless Steel and Delrin. The breakaway action is triggered by a knot in the line, no additional parts needed. The pulley is built to use line between 5/64″ and 1/8″ (2-3 mm).

detonationtechnology.com/breakaway-pulley

Direct Action Gear Product Video Release: Hurricane Chest Rig

Wednesday, November 30th, 2016

As its namesake was for the RAF during the Battle of Britain, the HURRICANE® chest rig is the workhorse of the DIRECT ACTION® line. The HURRICANE® is a split front, full size, hybrid chest rig with fixed, integral magazine pouches for maximum weight reduction. The HURRICANE® can be used in regular, stand-alone mode and can also be attached to our plate carrier with a separate attachment kit.

Specs:
• Proprietary laser-cut laminate, Cordura® 500D and softshell construction
• Integrated, adjustable magazine pouches, will fit: 8 x AR type, 4 x AK type or 4 x SR type magazines
• Fixed external pouches: two silent adjustable pouches, sealed zippered pouch and Velcro flap pouch for quick access items
• Flat inner pockets in each chest panel
• Low profile, adjustable harness with slots for PTT and additional accessories attachment
• Reinforced drag handle incorporated into harness design
• Body armor interface via buckles and additionally stabilized with Velcro adapters
• Antenna / cable routing loops
• 9 PALS slots on the sides for radio, medical or utility pockets, horizontal PALS slots under ammo pouches for tourniquets, pistol magazine pouches, etc.

The HURRICANE® Chest-Rig is in stock and available for online purchase in the US / North & South America at bit.ly/2fb9tF3 and in Europe / Rest-of-the-World at bit.ly/2gE0pZN.

The Hawker Hurricane was a single-seat fighter aircraft designed during the 1930s for the Royal Air Force (RAF). Largely overshadowed by the Supermarine Spitfire in the popular memory of the Battle of Britain, the Hurricane actually accounted for 60% of the RAF’s air victories in the battle.

Of all Hurricane squadrons in the RAF during the Battle of Britain, No. 303 (“Ko?ciuszko”) Polish Fighter Squadron was the highest scoring. During the duration of the Second World War, the RAF contained a total of 16 Polish fighter squadrons.

< Photo – Polish 303 Squadron pilots in front of one of the squadron’s Hurricanes during the Battle of Britain, summer 1940. >

Photos source: www.wikipedia.com

Cherokee Global Brands Announces Intent to Acquire Hi-Tec Sports International

Wednesday, November 30th, 2016

SHERMAN OAKS, Calif., Nov. 28, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cherokee Global Brands (NASDAQ:CHKE) (“Cherokee Global Brands”, “CGB” or “the Company”), a global brand marketing platform that manages a growing portfolio of fashion and lifestyle brands, today announced that it intends to enter into a share purchase agreement to acquire Hi-Tec Sports International Holdings B.V. (“Hi-Tec”), a global footwear company.

Transaction Highlights:

-The Hi-Tec business to be converted to a branded licensing model, consistent with CGB’s strategy.
-CGB has secured license agreements for core footwear categories that will strengthen and expand our presence in the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, The United States, Canada and South Africa.
-Maintaining distribution agreements for core brands throughout the world including South and Central America and Asia.
-Expects to add approximately $19 million of licensing revenue and $7 million in Adjusted EBITDA during first full fiscal year post-closing.
-Adds significant, experienced growth-oriented wholesale operating partner licensees.
-Dramatically expands global retail base to over 110 countries.
-Offers attractive cross-selling opportunities between CGB and Hi-Tec brand portfolios, including rapid expansion into apparel accessories and outdoor products.

Founded in 1974 and based in the Netherlands, Hi-Tec is a privately-held branded footwear company that designs, markets and sells footwear globally, primarily under the Hi-Tec and Magnum brands. Hi-Tec’s brands are sold in over 110 countries, predominately in the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, the United States, Canada, South and Central America and Asia through major retailers, independent distributors, licensees and direct to consumers. In 2015, Hi-Tec recorded revenue of approximately $143 million (based on a 1.1 Euros to each U.S. dollar exchange rate, which represents the average exchange rate for calendar year 2015), on worldwide wholesale sales estimated by third-party research to be approximately $288 million, including products sold under the Hi-Tec and Magnum brands.

Upon closing of the transaction, Cherokee will sell substantially all assets related to Hi-Tec’s wholesale operations to new operating partners, the proceeds from which shall fund a portion of the Hi-Tec acquisition purchase price. Concurrently, the new operating partner licensees are entering into license agreements with Hi-Tec Sports International Holdings B.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of Cherokee Inc., pursuant to which each operating partner will pay Cherokee royalties for the future use of Hi-Tec intellectual property. The headquarters of Hi-Tec will remain in Amsterdam.

In view of the founder’s strong ties with Africa, the subsidiary Hi-Tec Sports South Africa has been purchased by Hi-Tec’s founder, Frank van Wezel himself. He has negotiated a license and distribution agreement with Cherokee which enables him to grow the company and its brands (such as Hi-Tec, Magnum, Carrick and Interceptor) strongly in that part of the world.

“The acquisition of the Hi-Tec and Magnum brands aligns with our strategic focus of diversifying and building upon our active lifestyle portfolio as we continue to grow our global footprint,” stated Henry Stupp, Chief Executive Officer of Cherokee Global Brands. “Hi-Tec’s high-equity brands will build upon our presence in the active, outdoor markets, and we are excited by the potential to further expand these brands into additional categories including apparel, accessories, wearables, outdoor products and more.”

Mr. Stupp continued, “Consistent with our business model and strategy, we will convert the Hi-Tec business to a branded licensing model. We look forward to maintaining and working alongside Hi-Tec’s exceptional leadership and product development team to identify and secure additional wholesale and retail licensing partners that will help commercialize the brands, and to continuing relationships with the well-established supply chain as it transitions to our new operating partner licensees.”

“Hi-Tec’s global customer base adds significant wholesale and retail opportunities that we expect will deliver compelling cross-selling opportunities between the CGB and Hi-Tec and
Magnum brand portfolios,” Stupp added.

Founder and Chairman, Frank van Wezel, of Hi-Tec Sports is delighted to make this announcement: “I believe the future of the Hi-Tec company is in good hands with Cherokee Global Brands. When I started the company in 1974, I could not have foreseen the global success of the company until this day. It has been a wonderful experience, and I am happy to remain with the new company as Chairman Emeritus and Ambassador for at least the next five years. It is now time to turn the management over to the capable management team led by my son, Ed.”

“This is an exciting time, and we are pleased to join Cherokee Global Brands,” stated Ed Van Wezel, CEO of Hi-Tec. “Cherokee Global Brands has built a compelling global platform, that combined with the new brand licensing model will allow us to adapt to the fast-changing retail and consumer environment, broaden the reach and offering of Hi-Tec’s core brands while we build upon our select distribution channels that have been established over the past 40 years. I look forward to working directly with Henry Stupp and the Cherokee Global Brand’s team. We look forward to making Hi-Tec’s products available to an even broader global customer base, as we expand our existing relationships through new product category introductions.”

Assuming the Hi-Tec acquisition is consummated, Cherokee expects Hi-Tec to contribute approximately $19 million of licensing revenue and $7 million in Adjusted EBITDA during the first full fiscal year after the closing of the acquisition.

Cherokee intends to fund the purchase price through cash on hand, proceeds from a new credit facility with Cerberus Business Finance, LLC (“Cerberus”), proceeds from the sale of assets, including to the new operating partner licensees, a receivables funding loan to be provided by its Chairman of the Board and the net proceeds from the proposed public offering of common stock as further detailed in the preliminary prospectus supplement filed by the Company on November 28, 2016.

The acquisition will be effected by a share purchase agreement under which Cherokee Global Brands will acquire all the issued and outstanding share capital of Hi-Tec Sports International Holdings B.V., for an aggregate cash purchase price of approximately $95.8 million on a cash-free debt-free basis, based on normalized working capital. Subject to post-closing adjustments, and after giving effect to the asset sales and the other transactions in this release, Cherokee expects that the purchase price for the Hi-Tec intellectual property assets to be retained by it will be approximately $62 million. The parties expect the transaction documents to become effective on November 29, 2016 and the transactions to close in the current fiscal quarter ending January 28, 2017.

NIBC Bank is acting as exclusive financial advisor to Hi-Tec, and Houthoff Buruma is acting as legal advisor to Hi-Tec. Houlihan Lokey and Symphony Investment Partners are acting as financial advisors to Cherokee, while Morrison & Foerster is acting as legal advisor.

(Source: phx.corporate-ir.net w/ H/T to Xiao)

G-Code Introduces the P-Series Interface System for G-Code Scorpion and Scorpion Softshell Magazine Pouches

Wednesday, November 30th, 2016

Jacksonville, North Carolina – November 29, 2017 G-Code introduces the P-Series* interface system for the G-Code Scorpion™ Softshell and Scorpion Hardshell line of magazine pouches.

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Specifically designed to molle into PALS webbing on body armor and “battle belts”, the P-1 Series is optimized for pistol Scorpion platforms whereas the R-1 Series is optimized for rifle pouches. The P-Series and R-Series interfaces allow for four carry height positions, and using a P-1 clip allows for a G-Code Scorpion Softshell pistol mag to be stacked on Scorpion Softshell rifle mag pouch.

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The P-2 Series, like the R-2 Interfaces, were designed specifically for use with the G-Code Operator Belt (1.75”), keeping G-Code Scorpion Softshell and Scorpion pouches in place when an end user accesses a magazine, giving a smooth draw from the pouch. Finally, the new P-3 series is designed for use with double and triple layer shooting belts.

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Both P-series and R-Series interfaces provide a solution for tool free installation and adjustment of G-Code Scorpion Pouches. The clips feature a locking collar that engages with a positive “click” and prevents unintended release/loss in the field.

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Sold individually, including hardware, P-Series, R-Series and Scorpion Pouches are available right now on G-Code’s website.

Scorpion Softshell Series and Interfaces
www.tacticalholsters.com/category/Scorpion_Softshell

Scorpion Hardshell Series and Interfaces
www.tacticalholsters.com/category/Scorpion

* Patent Pending