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Now Online in The Objective Series: SIG-MMG 338 Program (Part 1)

April 17th, 2024

In 2017, U.S. SOCOM challenged industry to provide potential solutions that could fill the gap between its man-portable, medium machine gun—the 7.62 NATO M240B/L, and its 84-plus-pound sibling—the 50 BMG M2A, a gap that was made all too apparent in the 2009 battle of COP Keating in Afghanistan.

This is the first post in a two-part series that details the journey of SIG SAUER’s machine gun development effort that began with the SIG MMG 338 for U.S. SOCOM’s LMG-M program, transitioned to the U.S. Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapons program, and is now returning to its roots.

www.sigsauer.com/blog/the-sig-mmg-338-program-conception-to-reality-part-1

Heresy Design Launches Vendetta Chassis for Ruger 10/22

April 17th, 2024

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho- Heresy Design® is proud to announce the launch of Vendetta™.

The Vendetta™ is a cutting-edge lightweight aluminum chassis system designed specifically for fixed barrel Ruger® 10/22® pattern barreled actions. Vendetta™ offers unmatched durability, versatility, and performance at a cost-effective price point.

Machined from 6061 T6 Aluminum, Vendetta™ combines strength and agility, providing shooters with a reliable platform for precision shooting.

Vendetta™ is available in three different rail lengths to accommodate various shooting preferences and styles. Whether for competitive shooting, hunting, or recreational use, Vendetta delivers exceptional performance and reliability in any scenario.Heresy Design® plans to release additional configurations including a takedown model in the coming months.

Key features of Vendetta™ include:

• Lightweight aluminum design (12.6-15 oz.) with slim profile (1.5”)

• Free float rail with centrally positioned MLOK® slots for customizable accessory mounting

• Machined-in QD sockets

• Compatible with all standard AR style pistol grips

• Five degree angled back rail for folding stocks or braces

• Compatibility with fixed barrel Ruger® 10/22® pattern barreled actions

• Available in three different rail lengths (3.25”, 6.375”, and 9.59”) to suit individual preferences

• Manufactured in the USA

• Limited lifetime warranty

• MSRP: $349.95 | MAP: $299.95

To purchase the Vendetta™ Chassis or for more information, please visit HeresyDesign.com.

VKTR Industries LLC. Announces Their Conference Level Sponsorship for the Texas Tactical Police Officers Conference

April 17th, 2024

VKTR Industries, a manufacturer of premier piston driven AR-15 rifles, is proud to announce their attendance and conference level sponsorship of the TTPOA Conference from April 25-26, 2024.

VKTR Industries will be an active vendor, and also have products on hand during the vendor range day April 24th .Attendees will have a chance to demo the various VK-1 options.

“We are extremely excited to support this event.” said Eric Luley, the National Sales Manager.  “It is vital we get our product in the hands of professional end users for feedback, and the TTPOA is a great opportunity to do that.”

The VKTR Industries VK-1 is a self-regulating, short- stroke piston rifle, with full ambidextrous controls and a patented long advanced cam path.

Information on VKTR Industries rifles, these events, dealer programs, or law enforcement sales can be found at www.VKTRind.com or email Eric Luley at eluley@vktrind.com.

Milrem Robotics Awarded Contract to Deliver THeMIS UGVs to Japan

April 17th, 2024

Milrem Robotics, Europe’s leading robotics and autonomous systems developer, has been awarded a contract to supply the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces with THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles.

The company will supply Japan with three THeMIS UGVs configured for various tasks, including supply transportation and intelligence gathering. The vehicles are equipped with Milrem’s Intelligent Functions Kit (MIFIK), enabling them to execute on- and off-road operations independently. MIFIK allows UGV operators to plan missions using waypoint navigation and set en-route vehicle behaviours.

MIFIK is used strictly for vehicle mobility.

“The goal of the Ground Self-Defense Forces is to fundamentally strengthen its defence capabilities with unmanned assets in order to gain asymmetric superiority while limiting human losses. A task to which UGVs are uniquely qualified,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

“We are honoured that the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces has selected us to support them in increasing thecombat effectiveness of their ground forces through advanced robotics and achieving their capability goals,” he added.

THeMIS UGVs were selected by the Japan Ministry of Defense as a target of the newly introduced Rapid Acquisition Program. Milrem Robotics will provide maximum support for Japan to be equipped as soon as possible.

In addition, THeMIS UGVs were chosen because they utilise cutting-edge technology and have already been adopted in 16 countries, including eight NATO countries: Estonia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the UK, and the US. THeMIS UGVs are also assisting Ukrainian soldiers in the war with Russia.

It is expected that THeMIS UGVs will provide new ways to keep more soldiers safe and make operations more efficient for the Japan Self-Defense Forces.

Visit the SOF Select Exhibition During SOF Week

April 17th, 2024

Silvus Technologies and Kägwerks Unveil DOCK StreamCaster Family of Cutting-Edge Tactical Networking Systems

April 17th, 2024

Redefining Tactical Networking for Elite Operators

·        Operator Centric Design – Low SWaP profile, streamlined cabling and unified power reduces operator load-out

·        Powerfully Advanced Networking Performance– Seamlessly scale from tactical Personal Area Network to wide-area mesh networks connecting hundreds of nodes

·        Designed for the Universally Connected Warfighter – Integrated Samsung S23TE provides mission-ready mobility and powerful on-board processing with advanced security features

·        Soldier Worn AI – Select models feature powerful on-board NVIDIA Jetson Nano AI CPU providing flexible edge computing in any environment

·        Achieve Spectrum Dominance – Access an expansive suite of LPI/LPD and Anti-Jamming resiliency capabilities for secure and protected communications in contested environments

Los Angeles, California (April 16, 2024) – Silvus Technologies, Inc. (“Silvus”), a global leader in advanced wireless networking communication systems, and Kägwerks, a global leader in solutions for tactical operator-worn networking have joined forces to introduce DOCK (Dismounted Operator’s Combat Kit) StreamCaster, the next generation of Tactical Networking Systems.

Designed for the Universally Connected Warfighter, DOCK StreamCaster combines advanced StreamCaster MANET (Mobile Ad-hoc Network) radios with Samsung’s S23TE EUDs (End User Device) in one fully integrated chest-mountable DOCK system. Compact and lightweight, each DOCK StreamCaster features a rugged, low SWaP profile and modular design, with streamlined cabling and unified power that reduces operator load-out while increasing mobility and mission effectiveness.

Integrated StreamCaster MANET radio delivers up to 4W native output power (8W effective power thanks to TX Eigen Beamforming) and up to 100 Mbps data rate, optimizing network efficiency for video, voice, and IP data communications. At the heart of every DOCK StreamCaster is Silvus’ proprietary MN-MIMO waveform technology that creates a self-forming and adaptive mesh network – capable of linking hundreds of nodes with unmatched range, throughput, EW resiliency and scalability. With available access to Silvus’ Spectrum Dominance expansive suite of Low Probability of Intercept/Low Probability of Detection (LPI/LPD) and Anti-Jamming resiliency capabilities – DOCK StreamCaster provides operators with secure and protected communications in congested and contested environments.

Direct connection to Samsung’s S23TE (sold separately) provides mission-ready mobility with powerful on-board processing, advanced security, and exclusive MilSpec features. Built-in ATAK, Intra-Soldier Wireless and Nett Warrior connectivity empower operators with increased situational awareness and mission planning, with instant access to networked devices and soldier-worn peripherals. On select models, powerful on-board NVIDIA Jetson Nano AI module enables DOCK StreamCaster to create a common operational picture, delivering decision superiority at the tactical edge.  

“The DOCK StreamCaster represents a strategic fusion of Silvus’ advanced StreamCaster radios with Kägwerks’ expertise in developing top-tier dismount solutions for the elite operator,” said Jimi Henderson, Vice President of Sales for Silvus Technologies. “This collaboration elevates tactical communications, delivering unparalleled connectivity and situational awareness to empower our forces in the most demanding environments.”

“We’ve partnered with Silvus Technologies and its industry-leading MANET radio technology to provide today’s universally connected warfighter with a powerfully advanced networking solution that will increase their lethality and survivability in today’s dynamically changing battlespace,” said Niko Hughes, President of Kägwerks. “As the latest addition to the Kägwerks DOCK ecosystem, we’ve designed DOCK StreamCaster to be as modular and future forward as possible – to give operators the power and versatility they need to stay connected for mission success, no matter where it takes them.”

One tactical networking solution – multi-mission capabilities. The DOCK StreamCaster family of modular and scalable solutions include:

·        DOCK SC4240P – The most powerful DOCK Tactical Networking System available, with up to 4 Watts output power (8 Watts effective, thanks to TX Eigen Beamforming), and up to 100 Mbps of data throughput to support high bandwidth video, voice, and data communications.

·        DOCK ULTRA SL4210P – Designed for the Team Leader and individual warfighter with advanced MANET mesh networking capabilities, powerful on-board AI computing and edge processing capabilities.

·        DOCK SL4210P – Compact, lightweight, and powerfully connected with built-in Intra-Soldier Wireless network, it seamlessly scales from a tactical Personal Area Network to wide-area mesh networks connecting hundreds of nodes.

Lear more about the family of DOCK StreamCaster Tactical Networking Systems at www.silvustechnologies.com and kagwerks.com, and follow us on LinkedIn to get the latest news.

Special Warfare Training Wing Unveils Maltz Special Warfare Aquatic Training Center

April 17th, 2024

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, CHAPMAN TRAINING ANNEX, Texas. —  

The Special Warfare Training Wing hosts the grand opening of the Maltz Special Warfare Aquatic Training Center at Joint Base San Antonio, Lackland-Chapman Training Annex, Apr. 2, 2024.

“This is a historic day for the Special Warfare Training Wing and the Air Force Special Warfare community as we come together to honor Master Sergeant Mike Maltz”, said U.S. Air Force Col. Nathan Colunga, SWTW commander. “Our ceremony today represents the culmination of years of work from countless individuals who turned the Maltz Special Warfare Aquatic Training Center from an idea into reality.”

The aquatic training center is named after U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Michael Maltz, a fallen pararescueman who made the ultimate sacrifice on Mar. 23, 2003 alongside five other crewmembers of an HH-60G helicopter when it struck a mountain during an aerial refueling attempt on the way to rescue two injured children near Ghazni, Afghanistan, living up to the pararescue motto, “That Others May Live”.

Maltz enlisted in the Air Force in 1978, serving as an apprentice cable splicer before successfully cross-training into the pararescue career field. Maltz earned his maroon beret in December 1985 and was recognized as the class Honor Graduate for his superb leadership qualities and academic excellence.

“Mike was a legend in the pararescue career field, he was admired and respected by all”, said U.S. Air Force Col. Edward “Tre’” Irick, a combat rescue officer and current SWTW deputy commander. “He was the face of pararescue recruiting and became one of the most revered Indoctrination Course instructors of my generation. He forged many of the Special Warfare Airmen who prosecuted the Global War on Terror and I can personally attest to his commitment to develop Airmen because he taught me water confidence skills when I was a young lieutenant. We honor him today by continuing to share stories about his commitment to excellence as we forge the next generation of Special Warfare Airmen.”

First initiated in 2010 and championed by the 21st Chief of Staff of the Air Force, U.S. Air Force Gen. David Goldfein (ret.), construction on the Maltz Special Warfare Aquatic Training Center began in mid-2021, finishing in early 2024. The construction was a collaborative effort between the Air Force Civil Engineer Center, the Fort Worth District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the 802nd Civil Engineer Squadron, the Special Warfare Training Support Squadron and various contractors.

“We would like to thank all the stakeholders who came together to build the Maltz Special Warfare Aquatic Training Center,” said Colunga. “Your professionalism, speed, and tenacity in helping us build this facility is deeply appreciated. This facility will be used by countless Special Warfare trainees on their journeys to become Air Force Special Warfare operators.

The Maltz Special Warfare Aquatic Training Center is 76,000 square feet, consisting of two enclosed, climate-controlled indoor swimming pools of varying depths geared to meet the training needs for the Air Force’s global combat operations. The aquatic training center will also feature classrooms, restrooms, locker rooms, showers, various medical spaces for treatment and rehabilitation, and a human performance center.

“Today’s ceremony marks a major milestone towards realizing Chapman Training Annex as the home of Air Force Special Warfare training,” said Colunga. “The Maltz Special Warfare Aquatic Center will undoubtedly be a force multiplier in our mission set, and it is only fitting that all of our trainees who will come through this facility must aim to live up to the character of Mike Maltz.”  

By Special Warfare Training Wing Public Affairs

Special Warfare Training Wing

Kromek Shows the Value of Innovation and R&D to Demonstrate New Capabilities at International Events and Win Further Orders

April 16th, 2024

Kromek, the designer and manufacturer of radiological and biological detectors, based in Sedgefield Co. Durham, premiered its “remote mode” for its ground-breaking D5 RIID at Security & Policing held in Farnborough, UK, in March 2024.

The D5 RIID is the most sensitive portable detector produced by Kromek. Its “remote mode” allows it to becarried by an uncrewed ground vehicle. Its long endurance and networked capability means that it can explore potentially contaminated sites and can loiter to scan continuously for radioactive material without putting a human operator in harm’s way. Following recent research and development (R&D) initiatives, the latest technical enhancements to the D5 RIID programme were shown to senior officials in the Ministry of Defence, Police forces and first responders at Security & Policing.

Meanwhile, at the CBRNe Summit Europe in Budapest, Hungary, Mari Tuomela, Kromek’s Head of Sales (EMEA & APAC), demonstrated the D5 RIID (and its additional probe for detecting Alpha and Beta isotopes – another product of innovative R&D) with live sources. The audience was astonished at the speed of isotope identification and also that the device detected the very weakest of sources.  

Kromek’s Commercial Director Craig Duff reflects: “The evolution of the D5 RIID, with both the addition of external probes and the ability to mount the detector on an uncrewed ground vehicle for remote operation, demonstrates the benefits of continuous in-house research and development. Our products can be adapted at pace to meet the changing requirements in this complex international political and threat environment.”

Duff’s comments were reinforced by the announcement at the end of March of a further $2.1m order for detectors for the security screening market from a previous OEM customer, where joint R&D had resulted in the original contract, and by a presentation at the Waste Management Symposia 24 in Arizona, USA, on how Kromek’s CZT detectors have been adapted by researchers at the University of Bristol to be carried by drones for wide area scanning and detection.

Back in the European Union, Kromek D3S detectors were deployed in Belgium, on 9th April to secure the launch of the Festival of the New European Bauhaus 2024, at the Brussels Art and History Museum, attended by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and other dignitaries.

www.kromek.com