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Red Cat Closes Acquisition of Quaze Technologies

May 21st, 2026

ACQUISITION ADDS WIRELESS POWER CAPABILITY TO RED CAT’S ALL-DOMAIN SYSTEMS, REMOVING A CRITICAL BOTTLENECK TO PERSISTENT AUTONOMOUS OPERATIONS ACROSS AIR, LAND AND MARITIME ENVIRONMENTS

SALT LAKE CITY, May 20, 2026 — Red Cat Holdings, Inc.?(Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat” or the “Company”), a U.S.-based provider of advanced all-domain drone and robotic solutions for defense and national security, today announced it has acquired Quaze Technologies Inc. (“Quaze”), a Québec-based developer of wireless power transfer technology for unmanned systems, drones and autonomous machines.

Quaze will operate as an independent Red Cat business unit, continuing to develop and scale its wireless power architecture for integration across Red Cat’s Family of Systems, while maintaining its platform-agnostic model supporting third-party OEMs across air, ground and maritime domains.

The acquisition addresses one of the most significant remaining barriers to true robotic autonomy: power. While unmanned systems have rapidly advanced in autonomy, navigation and mission execution, most still rely on manual battery swaps or precise, connector-based charging systems that are difficult to deploy reliably in contested or harsh environments. Quaze’s technology enables systems to recharge autonomously, extending mission duration while reducing operator burden and exposure.

At the core of Quaze’s platform is its QU6 electronic architecture, which enables large surfaces to function as wireless energy access points and can be embedded across a wide range of platforms and environments. Unlike traditional charging approaches, the system does not require precise alignment, physical connectors or direct contact between transmitter and receiver, allowing systems to access power even in the presence of debris, sand, ice or snow. By eliminating moving mechanical parts, the architecture reduces failure points and enables reliable operation in real-world field conditions where conventional solutions often break down.

“Autonomous systems are only as effective as their ability to stay in the fight,” said Jeff Thompson, CEO of Red Cat. “Quaze gives us a critical advantage by removing one of the biggest operational constraints, which is how systems recharge in the field. This enables longer-duration missions, supports distributed operations across air, land and sea, and strengthens our ability to deliver fully integrated, all-domain solutions for the warfighter.”

Quaze’s technology can be deployed across a wide range of environments and platforms, including vehicle-mounted systems, drone-in-a-box solutions, uncrewed surface vessels, fixed infrastructure and underwater charging stations. This enables new operational concepts such as vehicle-based “mothership” deployments, distributed charging networks and persistent operations across complex terrain, borders, infrastructure corridors and maritime environments.

Red Cat expects Quaze to play an important role in expanding its all-domain capabilities, particularly as the Company advances further into maritime systems and multi-platform autonomy. The ability to integrate wireless charging into uncrewed surface vessels and other mobile platforms creates new opportunities for persistent drone operations, including swarming, extended ISR missions and autonomous deployment cycles.

The acquisition also expands Red Cat’s addressable market by introducing a new revenue channel beyond its own platforms. Quaze’s technology is designed for seamless integration into third-party systems as an embedded power capability, enabling adoption across a broad range of robotics platforms. This platform-agnostic approach positions Quaze as a potential standard for wireless power across the unmanned systems ecosystem, allowing Red Cat to generate revenue from systems it does not manufacture while accelerating adoption of autonomous technologies.

“Robotics has made major advances in autonomy and intelligence, but energy has remained a limiting factor,” said Xavier Bidaut, Co-founder of Quaze Technologies. “Our goal is to make power as accessible and reliable as fuel is for traditional vehicles and something every drone or robot can tap into, anywhere, without friction. By joining Red Cat, we can accelerate that vision and help establish a common power infrastructure for autonomous systems across industries.”

Quaze’s technology has been demonstrated across multiple robotic platforms, including aerial drones, ground systems and autonomous underwater vehicles, and is currently being evaluated for a wide range of dual use applications. The Company’s focus on simplicity, ease of integration and operational resilience has enabled rapid adoption across early partners and positions it to scale alongside the newest innovations in autonomous systems.

Posted in Comms, Drone, Industry, Press Release | No Comments »

PROOF Research Introduces PXT: A New Era of Rifle Barrel Technology

May 21st, 2026

COLUMBIA FALLS, Mont. – May 20, 2026 – PROOF Research is proud to announce the launch of PROOF Exponential Twist (PXT), a groundbreaking advancement in rifling that improves durability, accuracy and shootability. As originators of this barrel technology, PROOF Research developed PXT to push beyond the limitations of conventional barrels, backed by extensive military testing and research. Engineered to meet the demands of modern high-pressure ammunition, PXT represents a significant advancement in barrel technology by delivering longer barrel life, improved consistency and enhanced performance.

As the leader in advanced carbon fiber barrel technology, PROOF Research continues to push the boundaries of firearms engineering through innovation rooted in real-world performance. PXT was developed to solve limitations inherent in conventional rifling design and to create a platform built for the next generation of ammunition and shooting performance. Unlike conventional constant-twist rifling, PXT uses a progressively changing twist profile designed to reduce initial bullet stress while maintaining rotational stability.

“PXT is a complete redesign of how the bullet engages the rifling during initial rotation. As the industry advances and ammunition continues to evolve toward higher pressures and performance, we set out to address the technological gap between current barrel systems and where ammunition is headed,” said Brandon Hulzebosch, director of sales and marketing. “PXT gives shooters smoother, more controlled engagement that translates into greater consistency and improved performance. We are excited to be at the forefront of modern technology that will redefine barrel performance across the industry.”

In traditional barrels, the design relies on sharp-edged rifling, and engagement forces the bullet into abrupt rifling. While the conventional approach has long defined rifle barrel design, the excessive stress can create pressure spikes, accelerated barrel wear and bullet deformation. These issues become greater with modern high-pressure cartridges, faster velocities and repetitive firing.

PXT addresses these challenges through an exponential twist rifling profile that progressively brings the bullet into rotation rather than abruptly forcing it into rotation. Combined with PROOF Research’s proprietary, smoother-edged profile, PXT reduces the twist angle by as much as 95-98% and lowers bullet engraving force by approximately 30%, creating a more controlled and gradual twist progression.

The result is a barrel system capable of delivering measurable increased performance in consistency and accuracy. Varying with barrel length and application, PXT barrels provide a 30-100% increase in barrel life by spreading degradation over much more of the bore. This redesign supports much higher pressures and velocities without shortening barrel life. Additionally, PXT barrels provide 20-50% improvements in consistency and accuracy across multiple ammunition types and lot variations, helping maintain accuracy across a wider range of factory loads over the barrel life.

PROOF Research has available barrel options that include barrel blanks, AR barrels and select pre-fit offerings with more coming soon. PXT barrels are also currently available in PROOF Research’s Elevation FDX and Elevation MTR (Mountain Tactical Rifle) FDX rifle platforms in the following chamberings: 22 Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7mm PRC, 7mm Backcountry and 300 PRC. The Elevation FDX has a starting MSRP of $3,499, and the Elevation MTR FDX has a starting MSRP of $3,799.

With the launch of PXT, PROOF Research continues its commitment to evolving firearm technology through cutting-edge engineering and advanced materials. Designed for military and law enforcement personnel, precision rifle enthusiasts, competition shooters and hunters alike, PXT establishes an all-new category in barrel performance, setting a modern benchmark for what shooters can expect from rifle barrel systems.

For more information about Proof Research, visit ProofResearch.com.

Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories | No Comments »

Aerial Intel and Tech Adaptation: 2nd Cavalry Regiment Tests Innovative Drone Technologies at Saber Strike 26

May 21st, 2026

Bemowo Piskie, Poland — On May 7, 2026, at Bemowo Piskie Training Area in Poland, three Soldiers from the U.S. Army’s 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2CR) tested a Group 3 unmanned aircraft system (UAS) with a vendor during the Saber Strike combined arms live-fire exercise (CALFEX) to explore a potential partnership.

A Group 3 UAS weighs greater than 55 pounds and can fly longer distances than smaller sized systems.

“This Saber Strike CALFEX is showing that right now our platoons have a Group 3 asset, where they’re able to communicate with the intel cell and the fire cell,” said 1st Lt. Ethan Moore, UAS platoon leader, 409th Military Intelligence Company, 2CR. “Our drone can cue on the fire’s assets and call for fire on enemy positions at a greater distance than we’ve had before.”

At the CALFEX, Moore was joined by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Dalton Kastner, the standardization officer, and Spc. Mason Tomplait, the drone operator. The trio met with the Group 3 UAS vendor to evaluate its technology.

There are many advantages to utilizing a Group 3 UAS, which is considered medium-sized among drone capabilities

“Our short-range reconnaissance drones only go from five to seven kilometers; a medium-range reconnaissance might go 30 or more,” said Moore.

The RQ 7B Shadow is what Kastner knows to be the U.S. Army’s medium-sized drone for roughly 20 years.

Comparing this updated medium-sized drone to the Shadow, Kastner said, “This system has extremely similar capabilities, with a much smaller footprint and a much smaller weight, and for me, that’s a positive. This system also has the vertical takeoff and landing, or VTOL kit, so it’s able to just take off straight up and then transition into forward movement.”

After the drone flew out, mission sets were sent to Moore, who coordinated with Tomplait in control of the gimbal camera on the system.

In real time, they could fly to specific areas of the training area and confirm friendly forces, possible enemy camps and target accuracy – all part of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR).

Today, ISR relies more on machine-driven intelligence rather than the previously human-centered model.

“They’re able to get that long range, very good camera view to see the targets on the ground, to provide accurate targeting grids for us to push fires and to get faster reports,” explained Kastner, “to make those jumps even quicker with accurate and rapid intelligence.”

The combat-support training exercise lasted around 41 hours.

“They’ll be able to use infrared capabilities, and we’ll be able to do everything at night as well,” said Kastner.

With eight years of experience with drones, Kastner feels that the drone was easy to put together and use.

“They even have the controller for manipulating the camera and some of the programmable features in the camera as well, so it’s very user friendly,” said Kastner.

Moore, who’s also an intelligence officer, said the Army needs equipment like this in order for intel cells to find the enemy.

Moore added, “Not only is this craft able to fill a regimental gap in intelligence collection, but it’s also something that’s valid and capable in today’s conflict that we need to enable us for the intelligence collection and fires.”

Moore said when choosing a vendor, they must be able to modify and adapt as new technologies and capabilities emerge.

After departing Poland to evaluate other vendors’ drone systems, Moore and his team went to Project Flytrap in Lithuania — part of a series of exercises (including Sword 26, Saber Strike, Immediate Response, and Swift Response) that turn experimentation into capability.

Project Flytrap is a counter-unmanned aerial system exercise designed to integrate emerging technologies and inform future Army requirements and doctrine.

The Army stays innovative by partnering with vendors and the UAS industry, alongside the real-world feedback from Soldiers.

By SSG Emilie Lenglain

Posted in Army, Drone, Guest Post, ISR | No Comments »

MOD Enhances Its Communications Capability and Supports British Industry with the Procurement of Spectra Group’s GENSS

May 20th, 2026

UK MOD enhances its communications capability and supports British Industry with the procurement of Spectra Group’s GENSS tactical communications system

Spectra Group (UK) Ltd, specialists in delivering secure, reliable and resilient beyond line-of-sight communications for operations in denied and contested environments, has received its first order from the UK MOD for the recently launched GENSS tactical communications system as a defence unicorn. The UK MOD becomes the GENSS launch customer with an initial order of 40 body-worn systems, 14 platform systems and a full-service wrap.

GENSS is an evergreen software-defined tactical communications system designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK, shaped by operational experience and built on UK sovereign engineering expertise. It delivers adaptable, efficient voice and data connectivity for distributed forces, with a system architecture designed to support capability evolution as operational requirements and technologies change. Spectra Group has a long history of producing innovative satellite communication solutions, and the UK MOD was also the first to adopt its award-winning SlingShot system, which enabled L-Band satellite access for existing tactical radios, and has over 10,000 in operation with specialist and regular NATO forces globally.

GENSS delivers tactical communications beyond traditional line-of-sight boundaries, providing secure voice and data connectivity using L-Band tactical satellite networking (L-TAC). GENSS builds on Spectra’s SlingShot heritage, delivering typical networking speeds of 64kbps at 25kHz, and up to 90kbps in optimal conditions and the radio offers flexible bandwidth operations from 5-200kHz. GENSS initially supports three core operational roles: SlingShot capability, MANET / Data bridging beyond line-of-sight and efficient beyond-line-of-sight voice and data connectivity.

By combining efficient bandwidth usage, adaptive coding and modulation and low-power transmission methods, GENSS enables resilient communications for mobile forces operating in contested or denied environments. It maintains reliable link performance in dynamic environments and inherently reduces the probability of detection and interception, using LPI-D techniques, AES encryption and anti-tamper protection, enhancing its security and operational effectiveness. Built as a software-defined system with modular architecture, GENSS is designed to support continuous capability evolution through software development, new waveforms and system integrations.

Simon Davies, Chief Executive at Spectra Group, said, “As a veteran and owner of a British business, it is extremely rewarding to have designed, engineered and manufactured GENSS to meet the complex and evolving communication demands of the modern soldier. Engineered with input from ex-serving military specialists to minimise operator burden and support effective use in demanding field conditions, GENSS is a lightweight, easy-to-use and highly adaptable communication system that provides assured connectivity in the most demanding of environments. We have worked closely with the UK MOD to ensure that GENSS meets their current and future requirements, and I am very pleased that again the UK MOD is leading the way in adopting this new capability.”

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said “This government is backing British innovators and entrepreneurs, doing things differently to deliver for our forces. These are contracts, not words or promises, and they mean that thirteen British companies, many of them new to defence, are receiving real investment to develop the technology our Armed Forces need. This is defence

Posted in Comms, International, Press Release | No Comments »

PROOF Launches New Barrel Technology: PROOF Exponential Twist (PXT)

May 20th, 2026

Today PROOF announced their new PXT (PROOF Exponential Twist) barrel technology which promises to double the barrel life even with high pressure ammunition. PXT has also been shown to enhance precision and reduce torque during the recoil cycle.

The concept comes from an accelerating twist rate demonstrated on medium and large caliber barrels and combines it with radius rifling to enhance precision for any projectile. This is said to also result in dramatic improvements in high pressure /high velocity cartridges.

Originally developed for Medium Caliber Cannon projects in 2018 with a contract award for further development in 2021, the work was applied to small caliber challenges.

For the last 18 months, PROOF has been providing barrels to partners in the commercial and defense space including OEMs and IWTSD as well as exercising a CRADA with Army Research Labs. Over this period applications increased to include Short Barreled Rifles, Designated Marksman Rifles, Sniper Weapon Systems, and Belt Fed Machine Guns.

SureFire ICAR 6 ARC

In particular, a great deal of work was documented with testing of 7mm BC Peak Alloy case technology which showed barrel life of up to 2X that of conventional rifling. Working in conjunction with next generation defense grade alloys (GNB-200 and ARMAD) along with nitriding and chrome replacements will provide what PROOF describes as “a future proofed design with improved dispersion and longevity.”

Hunting rifle with PXT

Testing as many cartridges as they can find, PROOF claims they have seen as good or generally better performance than any of the current, conventional styles of rifling.

SureFire ICAR 6 ARCs

Shooters who have fired rifles with PXT barrels claim a fundamentally different shooting experience than conventional constant twist rifling. This is because Projectile kinematics (position, velocity, acceleration) are dramatically different than in constant twist, improving the resulting felt torsional forces and reduced jump.

M60 test platform with a GNB-200 PXT barrel.

Features:

Exceptionally long throat life with very uniform jump to rifling during the extended life of the barrel

Barrels don’t chase the lands on the more aggressive cartridges of today: 80KPSI 6.8×51, over bore 300NM or cartridges like 22CM
Lower projectile structural stresses
Reduced jacket damage
Reduced engraving forces

Understandably there has been some very vocal concern over barrel life when firing high pressure cartridges. They aren’t going away and I only expect their use to increase as we become more comfortable with increases muzzle velocity as well as the reliability of optimized firearms. The new PXT barrels may be the answer and have an added benefit of even higher velocity and accuracy.

This new barrel will also likely be an enabling technology at least for some offerers for the recently announced USSOCOM search for the Hypervelocity Improved Capability Assault Rifle (HICAR) firing high pressure 5.56mm ammunition.

As of now, the technology is so new ammunition is not yet optimized to take advantages of the PXT tech. It will be interesting to see which ammunition manufacturers will step up to take advantage of these new barrels and even further increase velocity and accuracy.

For more information visit www.proofresearch.com.

Posted in Weapon Accessories | No Comments »

AFSOC Unveils OA-1K Skyraider II Rapid Deployment Capability at SOF Week

May 20th, 2026

TAMPA, Fla. —

During the annual Special Operations Forces Week conference, Air Force Special Operations Command unveiled a unique capability of its OA-1K Skyraider II.

To fulfill rapid deployment requirements and further provide expeditionary agility, AFSOC’s newest platform, the Skyraider II, is capable of rapid break-down disassembly and reassembly. In this broken-down state, one or several Skyraider IIs can be loaded onto a larger aircraft and moved during strategic airlift to a new location, overcoming the tyranny of distance. Upon arrival at its destination, crews can quickly configure the aircraft to a flyable operational condition.

“This capability is right in line with our vision of the versatility the OA-1K and its crews will provide to our teammates,” said Lt. Gen. Mike Conley, AFSOC commander. “The OA-1K offers a unique and modular solution for a wide range of operations, including armed overwatch, at a fraction of a cost of other platforms.”

The OA-1K was designed to be adaptable across mission requirements, whether it be close air support, precision strike, or armed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

“SOF teams will value the Skyraider II’s ability to operate alongside them in austere environments,” said Conley. “Whether you need an OA-1K to find, fix, target, or engage directly, it will adapt to the requirements of the mission at hand.”

AFSOC will have an OA-1K static present at this year’s SOF Week conference. SOF Week is an annual, week-long conference that brings together the international SOF community, industry partners and leaders across U.S. Special Operations Command.

While at SOF Week, AFSOC leaders will engage with key stakeholders that will utilize the Skyraider II in the future, while strengthening strategic partnerships across the SOF enterprise to accelerate collective modernization.

The first missionized OA-1K was delivered to AFSOC on April 3, 2025. Since then, formal training has been anchored at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base in Oklahoma, where operators are refining the platform’s specialized capabilities, including its rapid deployment advantage.

“The rapid disassembly and reassembly means, in a matter of hours, the aircraft can be loaded into mobility aircraft like a C-5 or C-17 for worldwide deployment,” said Lt. Col. Robert Wilson, AFSOC’s Armed Overwatch requirements branch chief. “With the OA-1K ‘any place, any time, anywhere’ is not just a motto, but an actual capability.”

ASFOC will continue to validate this capability in upcoming operational tests and during regularly scheduled exercises. The flexibility offered to the commanders employing the OA-1K ensures they always have dedicated overwatch while operating in non-permissive environments.

Air Force Special Operations Command

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Press Release, SOF, SOF Week | Comments Off on AFSOC Unveils OA-1K Skyraider II Rapid Deployment Capability at SOF Week

USSOCOM Seeks Hypervelocity Improved Capability Assault Rifle (HICAR)

May 20th, 2026

Rumors have been floating around since ISOF Range day that USSOCOM was going to issue a Request For Proposals for an M4 compatible upper receiver group capable of firing high pressure 5.56 ammunition as well as currently used M855A1 and Mk262 cartridges. This week Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane released an RFP.

The means of procurement will be Other Transactional Authority. Additional information on this process is available by referencing CSO N0016425SC0001, the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO).

The Requirement:

USSOCOM is seeking a carbine system to act as a replacement or upgrade for the current URG-I (Upper Receiver Group – Improved). The goal is to integrate advancements in material science and weapon design to provide operators with a technically superior individual weapon system capable of firing both legacy 5.56x45mm NATO and emerging hyper velocity ammunition.

The stated goal of this effort is to extend effective endgames ranges from the current 300 meters out to 600 meters.

Additional details:

The RFP states that “Weapon submissions that address the following technology priorities will benefit during the selection process:”

Hypervelocity Ammunition Compatibility: The ability to accept and reliably cycle both 5.56NATO and hyper velocity 5.56x45mm ammunition is a primary objective. The development of a complete weapon system or conversion kit optimized for hypervelocity ammunition will be a collaborative effort between the government and the proposer. Hypervelocity rounds offer significant performance benefits, including:

Increased Effective Range: Higher muzzle velocity allows the projectile to maintain kinetic energy over longer distances, extending the effective range to 600m+.

Improved Terminal Performance: Enhanced energy transfer upon impact leads to more effective terminal ballistics.

Enhanced Barrier Penetration: The increased velocity and kinetic energy enable the projectile to more effectively defeat body armor, barriers, and other hardened surfaces.

Longevity and Durability: The system must be engineered to withstand the increased chamber pressures and bolt thrust generated by hypervelocity ammunition without compromising the weapon’s service life or operator safety.

Interoperability: The system must remain fully interoperable with USSOCOM’s existing suite of Visual Augmentation Systems and Weapon Accessories (VASWA).

Primary Attributes as Threshold and Objective:

HICAR shall be chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. (T=O)

HICAR shall be compatible and capable of fit and functioning with the M4A1 lower receiver group without permanent modifications (T); with zero modifications (O)

HICAR shall fire and function with M855A1, Mk262 as well as Government supplied M855A1+ hypervelocity ammunition loaded to 82kpsi (T); with future hypervelocity ammunition designs optimized for projectile velocity and terminal effects on target (O).

HICAR barrel shall be between 11- 12 inches in length, measured from bare muzzle to bolt face (T=O).

HICAR shall not fire when on safe and dropped in accordance with TOP 3-2-045 (T=O).

HICAR shall employ the HUXWRX Flow 556k L In “Black Magic” suppressor (SKU: M3228) to reduce signature (T=O).[1] (this suppressor will serve as a surrogate for HICAR testing, an optimized suppressor requirement will follow in the future)

Secondary Attributes:

Average Mean Radius of 1 MOA (T); 0.5 MOA (O) when fired unsuppressed.[2]

Measured by averaging total of three (3) groups of ten (10) shots each fired by three (3) separate weapons in unsuppressed, manned, supported configuration at 100 meters with Black Hills Mk262 Mod1-C 77gr, PN# MP460556N9-COMMammunition.

No single ten round group larger than 2.5MOA extreme spread (T=O)

Barrel muzzle threaded to 1/2×28 or 5/8×24 threads per inch (T=O).

Weight not to exceed, unloaded and without suppressor, of 8lbs (T); 6.5lbs (O).

Length not to exceed, when measured from the end of the receiver extension to the end of muzzle device, of 31 (T); 28 (O) inches.

Continuously timed and biased M1913 picatinny rail at 12 o’clock minimum of 16 inches in length. (T=O)

Interoperability with all current SOCOM POR Visual Augmentation Systems (VAS) accessories and enablers (T=O).

Recoil shock impulse less than the POR Mk17 7.62NATO to ensure VAS survivability (T=O)

HICAR ergonomics similar to M4A1 (T=O).

HICAR MRBS of 800 (T); 1,600 (O) rounds between stoppages.

HICAR MRBF of 5,000 (T); 10,000 (O) rounds between failures

Cycle and function with M855A1 and Mk262 ammunition (T) cycle and function with current training ammunition to include ball, frangible, and tracer cartridges (O).

Barrel life 8,000 (T); 20,000 (O) rounds.

Measured with M855A1+ ammunition fired as a function of Muzzle Velocity loss of 5% below mean or dispersion above an established threshold, whichever occurs first (T=O).

Trigger pull weight less than 5lbs (T), 3lbs (O)

Selection of fire: Safe, Semi-auto (T) fully Automatic (O).

Cycle and function with Gen3 PMAG Magazines (T=O)[3].

Handguard should minimize deflection and POI shift when under load from a bipod or supported on a barricade (O).

Handguard with M-LOK mounting points at 7 positions radially for mounting accessories and enablers (T=O).

Modular ambidextrous safety lever (O). (“Modular” defined as ability to have a selector lever on left, right or both sides simultaneously)

Ambidextrous bolt catch/bolt release, ambidextrous magazine release, and ambidextrous charging handle (O).

Fencing around the controls to prevent accidental engagement of the magazine release and bolt release mechanisms (T=O).

Single rigid sling point at the rear of the receiver for maritime operations (O)[4].

Resistant to damage from immersion in three (3) feet of seawater for two (2) hours without affecting the weapon’s performance and able to fire within thirty (30) (O); ten (10) (T) seconds after submersion.

Protected with durable corrosion resistant coating in all SOF climatic environments including NBC contaminated environments. Corrosion and abrasion proof coatings to minimize the attraction of dust and contaminants (T=O).

Utilize where possible self-lubricating coatings and minimize buildup of dust, carbon, copper, and debris (O).

Fully functional in all environments from -40 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit (O).

Comply with relevant direct-fire MIL-STD specifications as directed by NSWC-Crane SOCOM Weapons Team (O).

Industry Partner submit to and successfully perform all tests required by NSWC-Crane SOCOM Weapons Team to achieve limited safety release (LSR) from the Navy Weapon Safety Evaluation & Review Board (WSESRB) (O).

Inscribed at position of Government-choosing with Industry Partner, OASW (SO/LIC) & SSO CD&I TOS Team Lethality logos. (Nice touch guys)

Contain markings to include caliber, year of manufacture, and manufacturer identification.

Not rely on any first-order-supply-chain components from adversary countries as defined in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) (O). Any such reliance must be fully documented and mitigated in the Contract Risk Register by Industry Partner (T).

If not already in BASE, Industry to provide industrialization plan to produce HICAR in the United States by the completion of the contract (T). Designed, engineered, and assembled in the United States (O).

A complete HICAR system to consist of the following:

Weapon System, Urban

Heat Mitigation Rail Covers

Buttstock, Multi-Point Adjustable

7x Magpul Gen3 556 Magazines

Field Maintenance Kit, Fix-It Sticks

Field Cleaning Kit

User Manual and Maintenance Manual, hard copy and digital.

The Ammunition

The ammunition used is going to drive this program. As currently configured, neither the M4A1 or USSOCOM’s URG-1 will reliably withstand this new cartridge’s wear and tear. If they would, there would be no reason for this procurement.

Many vendors who are interested in this effort may be disadvantaged due to access to the government provided ammunition and the shirt timelines. White papers must be submitted by 8 June and the government won’t announce those who are invited to a vendor day until 29 June and can’t pitches the specified ammunition until then. They will then have until 15 September to prepare for the Pitch Days where selected vendors will have one-on-ones with the government and must demonstrate their candidate URG on the range.

The big question has been which high pressure 5.56 cartridge they are actually planning to field. It is being referred to as M855A1+ in the RFP and we also know that USSOCOM is planning for chamber pressures in excess of 82kpsi.

The Army has been quietly working on a couple of solutions and SOF another. Even with the fielding of the Next Generation Squad Weapon M7 rifle and M8 carbine, the US Army alone will still have around 900,000 M4/M4A1 carbines in its inventory so enhanced lethality for the M4 platform is in everyone’s best interest. While the Army didn’t adopt the URG-I to improve its service rifle capability, the increased capability of a new high pressure case 5.56 would likely lead to Army interest in fielding an “M4A2” variant using the new URG and appropriate operating system upgrades. In such a scenario, the M4 lower would remain. USSOCOM’s goal is the same, improve the capability of the current M4A1.

Likewise, SOCOM has multiple ammunition improvement efforts afoot including what they are referring to as “Hyper Velocity” ammunition.

Concerns

Aside from access to the ammunition which will become a serious eye opener for those who lack experience with high pressure cartridges, I have a couple of other concerns. The government has stated they are willing to accept Technology Readiness Level 6 proposals which are still in the realm of a science experiment. Additionally, other than what is specified above, there is no proposed timeline for the procurement.

Conclusion

It certainly offers a huge capability increase for US military small arms. This will be an interesting effort to watch and even more so to see what industry proposes and how much of that will be introduced commercially.

Posted in Ammo, SOF, weapons | No Comments »

Anduril Introduces Voyager Gateway 1: Rugged Edge Compute for the Dismounted Operator

May 20th, 2026

Voyager Gateway 1 puts a full mission server on the operator, turning every soldier into a connected node at the forward edge.

Dismounted operators carry heavy loads of radios, batteries, sensors, and other mission equipment. At the same time, many mission applications still rely on bulky servers at the command post, forcing operators to carry additional communications gear and power sources just to stay connected. That setup, compute in the rear, operators tethered forward, doesn’t hold up in a fight where command posts are targeted, networks are jammed, and squads operate dispersed.

Anduril is addressing this problem with Voyager Gateway 1 (G1), a rugged, body-worn compute and communications system designed to fit within an operator’s kit. About the size of a radio, waterproof, and built to run on very little power, Voyager G1 combines compute, networking, and communications in a single wearable device. The system allows mission applications and edge AI workloads to run directly at the tactical edge instead of relying on servers in the rear.

Voyager G1 turns every dismounted operator into a node on the Lattice Mesh, Anduril’s software platform for connecting sensors, systems, and operators across the battlespace. The device supports data sharing, voice communications, and live video across dispersed teams, allowing units to continue operating even when disconnected from higher headquarters or traditional infrastructure.

Voyager G1 is built to live on the operator’s kit without adding to their cognitive or physical burden:

Warfighter First: Voyager G1’s innovative body-worn design minimizes the weight and heat experienced when carrying a computer, allowing the warfighter to travel faster and go further.

Ready for any Mission: The rugged, ultra-low power, and waterproof module allows for hours of extended command-and-control and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations—even in the harshest and wettest of conditions.

Versatile Connectivity: With both wired and wireless interfaces, special operations forces can easily adapt to any situation in denied, degraded, intermittent, and limited (DDIL) environments to communicate over a greater range of comms paths.

Voyager G1 has already been tested in operational exercises alongside Anduril’s Mission Autonomy software.

During a recent INDOPACOM exercise, the system supported autonomous sensing and target-sharing workflows at the tactical edge, enabling operators to identify and share information in environments where conventional networking infrastructure was limited or degraded. The exercise demonstrated how rugged,FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAY 19, 2026 body-worn compute can help small teams maintain connectivity and operate more effectively in contested environments.

Voyager G1 extends the Voyager product line with a body-worn form factor, delivering rugged, low-power compute and resilient connectivity directly to the dismounted operator. Like the rest of the Voyager line, it is built rugged first for employment in harsh environments—designed to handle shock, vibration, water, and contested electromagnetic conditions without compromising performance.

For more information about Voyager and the Voyager product line, visit www.anduril.com/voyager.

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