SIG MMG 338 Program Series

PROTEC3D: New Possibilities in Design and Functional Integration of Complex Components with Ballistic Protection

October 18th, 2024

KÖNIGSLUTTER, GERMANY (17.10.2024)

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is revolutionising the production of ballistic protection solutions. In particular, 3D printing of armour steel opens up new possibilities in terms of design freedom, weight reduction and the manufacture of complex components, as well as the integration of additional functions.

Focus on innovation and technology

Mehler Protection offers a unique portfolio in Europe, providing protection solutions for all threats and protection levels according to STANAG 4569, including complete welded subsystems. The M-RACC (Multirole Armour Composite Components) product family includes modular, purely passive solutions against ballistic projectiles, shaped charges/anti-tank weapons, IEDs, mines and roof protection solutions. These are used in military and civilian vehicles, ships, helicopters and for critical infrastructure protection.

Patented 3D printing technology for armour steel is opening up new possibilities in the design of protective components. Layer-by-layer manufacturing allows precise control of material properties, resulting in consistent resistance to ballistic threats. By refining the printing technology and post-processing, mechanical properties can be further optimised.

Design freedom and advanced manufacturing processes

A key advantage of PROTEC3D is the virtually unlimited design freedom it offers. While conventional methods are often limited by geometric constraints, 3D printing enables the realisation of complex structures and shapes that were previously unimaginable.

Mehler Protection uses an Selective Laser Melting (SLM) process to manufacture the components. By welding the 3D printed components with the same alloy, large components can be produced. This enables the development of customised protection solutions that are precisely tailored to specific requirements and operating conditions. Subsequent heat treatment achieves hardnesses of 400-620 HB. The result is a homogeneous product with no weaknesses in welds, heat affected zones or hardness transitions.

In addition, PROTEC3D offers the option of cathodic dip coating (CDC). This process is not possible with conventional armour steel, as it reduces the hardness and thus the ballistic performance of the material. In addition, the process does not affect the alloy used, making it suitable for the corrosion protection of complex structures.

Efficiency through functional integration

3D printing makes it possible to produce highly complex components in a single manufacturing step. Traditionally, such components must be assembled from multiple parts, introducing additional weaknesses and adding weight. With additive manufacturing, complex geometries and internal structures, such as cavities or reinforcements, can be integrated directly into the part. This improves both structural integrity and manufacturing efficiency while reducing overall weight.

PROTEC3D also allows additional functions to be integrated directly into the component. For example, sensors cases can be equipped with cooling channels to decrease the thermal signature, or mounting points for other components can be seamlessly embedded into the structure. This reduces the need for subsequent assembly steps and increases the reliability and lifespan of protection solutions. This minimises the need for reassembly and increases the reliability and durability of protection solutions.

Short procurement times and cost efficiency

Another key benefit of PROTEC3D is the drastic reduction in lead times and associated cost efficiencies. Traditional manufacturing processes often require long lead times for the production of moulds and tools, as well as complex production steps. 3D printing eliminates many of these steps, resulting in much faster production. Prototypes and small series can be produced in days rather than weeks or months. In addition, additive manufacturing allows for more efficient use of materials by using only the material that is needed. These benefits help to deliver ballistic protection solutions faster, more flexibly and more cost-effectively, which is particularly valuable in time-critical and resource-intensive scenarios.

Diverse applications and future potential

PROTEC3D is already being used successfully in the first series projects in the field of civil protection vehicles. For example, window frames with protection level VPAM 9 have been realised with significant weight savings.

At this year’s Eurosatory in Paris, the international defence and security exhibition, an application in the field of optronics was presented. The PROTEC3D sensor housing, which meets STANAG Level 3 requirements, demonstrates the wide range of possibilities offered by 3D printing for complex components. This sensor housing was not only equipped with brackets for sensor elements, but also with channels for compressed air for cleaning the lenses and cooling pipes to reduce heat signatures. In general, PROTEC3D offers many new application possibilities, such as eliminating vulnerabilities in military land vehicles with ballistic protected media disconnectors and cable feed-throughs.

Conclusion

PROTEC3D offers significant advantages in terms of design freedom, ballistic performance, production of complex components and weight optimisation. It also ensures faster procurement and cost efficiency. By improving both efficiency and effectiveness, PROTEC3D sets new standards for flexibility and adaptability in ballistic protection. The continuous development and application-specific customisation of PROTEC3D promises to transform the field of ballistic protection solutions and open up innovative approaches for the future.

For more information about Mehler Protection please visit: mehler-protection.com

Danish Counter-UAS Company MyDefence Chooses Oklahoma City for Second U.S. Location

October 17th, 2024

The company will invest $1.2 million, creating nearly 50 new jobs

Oklahoma City – October 15, 2024 – The Oklahoma Department of Commerce (Commerce) is pleased to announce that Danish counter Unmanned Air Systems (c-UAS) company, MyDefence, has selected Oklahoma City for its second U.S. based offices. The company is planning an initial investment of more than $1.2 million. The expansion, which was facilitated by Commerce, will create 48 new jobs and provide military and defense companies with counter-drone technology to combat Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and other threatening drone technology.  

“From an overall perspective, it is great news that MyDefence sets up its second US-based facility less than a year after its first,” said Defense Industry Attache, His Royal Highness brigadier general Prince Joachim. “Having chosen Oklahoma City to expand production, MyDefence will find itself at the heart of innovation and R&D in the field of counter-UAS. This move will undoubtedly inspire other Danish high-tech defence-industries.” 

MyDefence has identified the newly constructed Convergence development near downtown Oklahoma City for its offices and plans to be housed in the building by 2025. The Convergence multi-phase project is located within the newly established Oklahoma City Innovation District. When finished, Convergence will include 950 new offices, along with an amphitheater, retail space and Hilton-Curio affiliated hotel.  

“Oklahoma has some of the strongest aerospace and defense infrastructure in the nation— it only makes sense that we’re seeing more UAS companies invest here. It speaks to the strategic role we play in defending freedoms around the world,” said Governor Stitt. “I’m thankful to the team at the Department of Commerce for landing another great company, and look forward to welcoming MyDefence to Oklahoma.” 

Aerospace and Defense are Oklahoma’s second-largest industries, with an annual economic impact of nearly $44 billion. The state is home to over 1,100 aerospace entities, including manufacturing, MRO, UAS, research and development, and military, which employ over 120,000 workers. In the emerging unmanned industry, Oklahoma is ranked #1 in preparedness for drones, committing 845,000+ acres of sites for UAS and CUAS testing.  Oklahoma is a growing UAS hub for fire and rescue, precision agriculture, safety and security, transmission monitoring, weather, and aerial photography. It’s also home to the first UAS Design PhD program in the U.S. at Oklahoma State University.

“We’re thrilled to see MyDefence join Oklahoma’s thriving defense and aerospace sector,” said Evan Brown, Executive Director of EDGE at Commerce. “Oklahoma offers unparalleled opportunities for growth and a workforce that’s ready to lead, and it’s exciting MyDefence can be apart of it. We couldn’t be more excited to support a company like MyDefence and see how their cutting-edge technology brings new jobs and opportunities to Oklahomans.”  

“We are not only excited to welcome a cutting-edge company like MyDefence to the Oklahoma City business community, we are thrilled they are locating at the Convergence development in our Innovation District,” said Christy Gillenwater president and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. “This is more validation that our investment in creating an innovation culture in Oklahoma City is getting noticed worldwide. MyDefence joins an impressive peer group of companies in our community who are not only providing great jobs to Oklahomans but helping keep the world a safer place.” 

XTech Tactical Expands and Re-Brands MAG47 10/30 AK Magazines to Freedom

October 17th, 2024

Tempe, Arizona

The XTech Tactical MAG47® 10/30 AK-47 magazines are widely accepted as the premier AK magazines for those living in states with unconstitutional restrictions on magazine capacity. To date, the 10/30 product line has been known as the “Commufornia Special”.

As of October, 2024, all 10/30 magazines for the 7.62 AK variants will fall under the “Freedom Series™”. The company will continue to offer its “Free State Adaptors™” which allow the user to convert their 10/30 magazines to 30rds when or if their state laws change or they relocate.

Most producers of magazines have cowardly and/or lazily produced limited capacity magazines where the customer oftencannot service or convert their magazines. Much of this direction is based on the most globally extreme national or state government laws around magazine permanence.  As a result,magazines presently available for most consumers residing inrestricted states are significantly more limited beyond their state laws. These limitations include not being able to clean theirmagazine, replace a spring, or modify the magazine when/if their state’s laws change or they relocate.

“We firmly believe in the right of all Americans to highly reliable and durable standard capacity magazines. The Commufornia Special branding was fun, but our focus is on impact for our rights and the messaging that goes with Freedom Series better speaks to our objectives as a brand. Our hope is that within the coming years, the Supreme Court will overturn each of the unconstitutional state laws. Until that day, we will provide those states the best magazines possible. This move also brings consistency with our upcoming product releases”, stated Jeremy Deadman, company president.

Additionally, the MAG47 10/30 Freedom Series line has been expanded to include the:

MAG47 ELITE, Rotten Banana Clip™, Banana Clip™, Fakelite, Spam Can, Red, Plum, & Splatter

To view all AK 47 magazines from XTech Tactical click here:

www.xtechtactical.com/shop/magazines/ak-47-magazines

Website: www.xtechtactical.com

Green Ammo Secures Contracts with U.S. Department of Defense to Deliver Nearly 1,300 E-Blanks Training Kits Amid Global Blank Ammunition Shortage

October 17th, 2024

Warfighters will leverage 1,280 Green Ammo electronic blank kits for realistic training across individual and collective exercises

SKIEN, Norway, Oct. 16, 2024 — Green Ammo, AS, developers of the industry’s only drop-in electronic blanks system for live weapons offering 100 percent integration with tactical training programs, today announced that it has been awarded a total of $5.8 million in contracts with the Department of Defense.

Across two contracts, executed in August and September, Green Ammo will deliver nearly 1,300 units of its drop-in electronic blanks (E-Blanks) training kits to support realistic tactical training exercises. The military-grade, pressure-tested E-Blanks kits offer compatibility with M4, M249, and M240 weapon systems, enabling warfighters to train with the right weapons for the theater-specific threats they may face. The units are expected to electronically fire an approximate total of 325,000,000 rounds (~250,000/each) before any components need to be exchanged, replacing the same number of traditional blank rounds and saving millions of dollars in ammunition costs.

Green Ammo is a Norway-based defense technology company with operations in the United States, dedicated to developing, manufacturing and delivering electronic blank ammunition for tactical training applications. The company’s E-Blanks kit empowers warfighters to train with known weapons through a patented, 100-percent drop-in module that can install and deploy E-Blanks in under a minute for a realistic, safe, sustainable and cost-effective alternative to live or traditional blank ammunition. In preparation for the initial delivery of the E-Blanks kits, Green Ammo conducted an initial train-the-trainer event. Attended by senior trainers and officers, the event introduced the E-Blanks system to the training cadre and supported discussions on implementation and logistical considerations.

“We’ve worked hard to deliver a solution that serves as an alternative to traditional ammunition with the added benefits of time and cost savings, and we’re pleased that E-Blanks can help ensure servicemen can continue to train effectively, even with the impact of the global ammunition shortage,” said Rolf Inge Roth, CEO of Green Ammo. “By providing E-Blanks kits for individual and collective training, we can help the Department of Defense overcome these limitations to support successful pre-deployment training with the additional benefits of simplified logistics and increased safety.”

The delivery of 1000 M4, 170 M249 and 110 M240B drop-in kits will be completed by the first quarter of the 2025 fiscal year. To learn more about Green Ammo’s patented electronic blank technology and its applications, visit www.greenammo.com.

New for 2024: Winchester Supreme Optics

October 17th, 2024

Logan, UT (October 16, 2024) — Introducing Winchester Supreme Optics, a new line of sport optics that includes binoculars, spotting scopes, range finders, and riflescopes. Winchester Supreme Optics are available at select authorized online and in-store retailers including Amazon, EuroOptic Ltd, and Optics Planet.

Lifestyle Images

Winchester Supreme Optics is a high quality, value focused line of sport optics designed for hunters, sport shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts. Delivering precision, clarity, and durability, these opticsare built with solid optical and mechanical systems of proven design ensuring you have a dependable optic for your next great adventure. Winchester Supreme Optics provide reliable performance at competitive prices and are backed by a Limited Lifetime warrantyoffered by the manufacturer [The Third Bull & Co.].

Explore the full lineup at worldofwinchester.com.

Spotting Scopes

Lifestyle Images

• Premium HD glass
• Durable construction
• Fog-proof & Waterproof
• WINcoat™ coating – increased light transmission, reduced glare, and clearer, crisper images from edge to edge with great low-light performance
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

Riflescopes

Lifestyle Images

• Premium HD glass
• Tough black anodized aluminum housing for years of rugged use
• Fog-proof & Waterproof
• WINcoat™ coating – increased light transmission, reduced glare, and clearer, crisper images from edge to edge with great low-light performance
• Fingertip turret adjustment for windage and elevation with no tools needed
• Zero reset turrets can be quickly adjusted back to zero
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

Binoculars

Lifestyle Images

• High quality BAK4 prisms and WINcoat™ coating with HD glass for brighter and clearer images from edge to edge, even in low light conditions
• High performance chassis that balances weight and rigid construction for enhanced durability
• Twist up eyecups for use with or without eyeglasses
• Nitrogen filled and sealed optical system for fog, and waterproofperformance
• Knurled focus adjustment knobs for a secure grip
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

Range Finders

Lifestyle Images

• Fast, accurate, reliable measurements
• Premium HD glass for brighter and clearer images from edge to edge
• 100% Waterproof Rubber Armor Housing 40-hour run time
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

Retailers looking to become authorized Winchester Supreme Optics dealers can apply at worldofwinchester.com/Dealers

To learn more about the complete product offerings from World of Winchester, please visit World of Winchester.

PWS Announces Support for the Hornady 338 ARC Rifle Cartridge

October 17th, 2024

Primary Weapons Systems announces their collaboration with Hornady on the new 338 ARC rifle cartridge. PWS will support the collaboration with their adjustable long-stroke piston driven rifles and uppers, the UXR Multi-cal rifle and a 338 ARC compatible BDE suppressor.

“We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with Hornady on this exciting new caliber. The combination of BDE suppressors and the Long Stroke Piston System used in our rifles, creates an optimal scenario for shooting 338 ARC, given that it’s geared toward hard hitting subsonic performance. Together with Hornady, we’re not just launching a product; we’re setting new standards and redefining what’s possible in our industry.”

– Ben Fleming, President of Primary Weapons Systems

DOWNLOAD PDF VERSION

CTOMS Academy Announces the Release of Tactical Trauma Care Essential – Japanese

October 17th, 2024

CTOMS™, in partnership with Fujita Medical Instruments™, has launched a Japanese version of CTOMS™ Academy’s TCCC/TECC e-training. The course is now available to Japanese service members through Fujita™.

Tactical Trauma Care Essential™ (TTCE) will provide Japanese service organizations with an expedient and consistent means of adopting combat proven casualty response training. With video demonstrations, lab footage, animations (3D), and expert instruction the course material is both engaging and in-depth. The content of the course is complete and will prepare students for effective casualty response in tactical environments. TTCE is ideal for facilitating and being used concurrently with hands-on training.

To create the Japanese version, CTOMS™ first translated the material then used AI to create avatars that would read the Japanese scripts. After some experimentation, creating a natural looking and sounding instructor was straight forward. With this complete, the onscreen text was translated and reedited into the videos. The entire course, over 5 hours of video content, was then reviewed and approved for accuracy by Fujita™.

The entire project has been very exciting for CTOMS™, who has now demonstrated the capability to convert its training programs into most languages.

ctomsinc.com

ctomsinc.com/pages/training

For more information on our online or in-person training, contact training@ctomsinc.com

For information on accessing the TTCE course in Japanese, contact info@fujitaika.co.jp or visit e-learning.fujitaika.jp/ctoms

Charter Arms Introduces the New Double Dog Revolver Series

October 17th, 2024

Shelton, CT. – (October 15th, 2024) – Charter Arms,manufacturers of affordable, 100% American-made revolvers for more than 60 years, is proud to announce the introduction of the new Double Dog Revolver Series. First in the series is the Charter Arms Mag Pug Combo, a combination of the Mag Pug and Pit Bull chamberings. This versatile revolver offers compatibility with .357 Magnum and 9mm calibers.

“We couldn’t be happier see this project come to life,” said Nick Ecker, Owner, President and CEO, Charter Arms. “We knew once it came off the production line, it surpassed all our expectations. The caliber flexibility is ideal for concealed carry, home protection and well-suited for the range.”

This revolutionary revolver comes standard with two interchangeable cylinders, one .357 and one 9mm with patented no moon clip technology, allowing for easy caliber conversations. Offered in a 2.2” or 4.2” ported barrel with diamond cuts, this state-of-the-art revolver combo has a 5-round capacity, making it an ideal choice for both personal defense and sport shooting. Available in a stainless-steel or black passivate finish with classic walnut and professional backpacker wooden grips.

The Mag Pug Combo from Charter Arms is designed and engineered for reliability, versatility and performance. Its sleek and durable design, along with double/single action capability,offers flexibility in various shooting scenarios. The stainless-steel frame ensures long-lasting durability and the classic walnut grips not only add to the aesthetic appeal of the revolver,but also provide a comfortable and secure grip. This revolver comes with fixed sights, ensuring consistent accuracy, and features a transfer bar safety for added protection against accidental discharge. The inclusion of an additional cylinder makes this combo package particularly valuable, allowing you to easily switch between .357 Magnum and 9mm rounds. Whether for self-defense or recreational shooting, the Mag Pug Combo is a dependable and adaptable firearm. All Charter Arms firearms are covered by a transferable lifetime warranty.

Available models:

• 2.2” Ported barrel w/diamond cuts, Stainless Steel, Classic Walnut Grips  

• 2.2” Ported barrel w/diamond cuts, Black Passivate, Classic Walnut Grips

           MSRP: $637 each

• 4.2” Ported barrel w/diamond cuts, Stainless Steel, Professional Backpacker Walnut Grips

• 4.2” Ported barrel w/diamond cuts, Black Passivate, Professional Backpacker Walnut Grips

           MSRP: $659 each    

Mag Pug Combo Specifications:

• Type: Revolver

• Action: Double/Single Action

• Caliber/Gauge: .357 Magnum and 9mm

• Finish: Stainless & Black Passivate

• Frame: Steel Frame

• Grips: Walnut Grips

• Barrel: 2.2″ & 4.2”

• Capacity: 5

• Sights: Fixed

• Weight: 4.2” – 26oz and 2.2” – 22oz.

 charterfirearms.com