TYR Tactical

Decision Advantages Formed by ACC’s Operations Analysis Squadron

April 29th, 2026

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. (AFNS) —

On a battlefield where information is the ultimate weapon, Air Combat Command’s Operations Analysis Squadron delivers combat-ready clarity, transforming complex data into the decision advantage that saves lives and wins fights.

The mission at ACC OAS is to execute operational analysis by transforming data into decision advantage for ACC commanders and warfighters within combat airpower, cyberwarfare and intelligence formations.

“Our job is to turn raw data into a decision advantage,” said Maj. Phillip Jenkins, ACC OAS director of operations. “We deliver solutions that provide commanders with a crystal-clear, evidence-based picture of readiness. Ultimately, this work helps us defend the homeland and strengthens our entire Joint Force.”

The United States Air Force Weapons School at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, took advantage of the OAS airmen with the eGradebook.

The development of the eGradebook stemmed from the need to innovate and meet current operational demands. Previously, evaluators relied on paper forms and excel spreadsheets which led to long hours and redundant work. The transition to a unified online platform automated trend analysis and streamlined data entry.

To accommodate the unique requirements of each weapons school and their specific aircraft or specialty, 18 customized solutions were developed by OAS.

“The eGradebook project fundamentally changes how we approach student development. We’ve moved away from fragmented data to a centralized system that gives us a clear view of student performance,” said Col. David T. Madson, commandant of the USAFWS. “This allows us to identify trends, close gaps and better understand how our students are progressing, so we can tailor instruction to ensure we’re producing graduates of uncompromising quality.”

The OAS team is skilled in various techniques to include optimization, modeling and simulation, artificial intelligence, applied machine learning, decision analysis, applied probability and statistics, operational assessments, process automation, operations research, predictive analysis, data science and more.

Growing their capabilities as a squadron, they are looking to build upon and continue successful contribution to readiness and warfighting excellence.

“The goal of our work is to leverage DAF-wide tools to develop a solution that returned valuable time to Airmen, enabling them to focus on their duties and personal development rather than working through slow, manual processes,” said 2nd Lt. Kate Leonard, ACC OAS Combat Operations Analysis team lead. “Each ACC OAS project team applies their unique skills, such as programming, mathematics and statistical analysis, across a variety of platforms to improve unit efficiency and equip leaders with data-driven insights.”

By Jasmine Braswell

Air Combat Command Public Affairs

Streamlight Launches Litebox 1Million

April 28th, 2026

High Intensity Search and Scene Light Shines Over a Mile Away

EAGLEVILLE, PA, April 24, 2026 – Streamlight®, Inc., a leading provider of high-performance flashlights, launched the LiteBox® 1Million®, the ultimate long-range search light. Engineered for demanding professional uses, the LiteBox 1Million delivers 1 million candela with a beam distance of over one mile. This rugged, rechargeable, next-generation scene light is both lighter and more compact than its predecessor, the HID LiteBox®. It has been updated to modern technology standards and is compatible with existing LiteBox accessories.The new light was introduced at FDIC International, April 23-25 in Indianapolis, IN.

The fully portable search light emits a powerful, long-range beam that can illuminate objects over 1.25 miles away, while also providing broad peripheral illumination for scene lighting uses.The light is perfectly suited for firefighting and other emergency response tasks, utility and industrial inspections, perimeter scanning, boating and marine uses, as well as long-distance outdoor navigation. Its articulating head pivots 135 degrees and rotates 270 degrees, enabling precise placement on elevated or hard-to-reach targets like power lines and high rise structures, improving situational awareness in complex environments.

The LiteBox 1Million uses three white high power LEDs and a deep dish parabolic reflector to provide its long-range beam and ultra-bright light. On high, the light provides 3,300 lumens, 1 million candela and a run time of 4 hours; on low, it delivers up to 20 hours of run time, 500 lumens and 175,000 candela.

“The LiteBox 1Million provides outstanding reach, powerful brightness, portability and extended operation to help first responders, industrial crews and other professionals illuminate accident or fire scenes, roads or job sites,” said Streamlight President Michael F. Dineen. “It’s built tough, keeping the rugged performance users expect, and it seamlessly integrates with the LiteBox charger ecosystem.”

The scene light uses two 7.2 volt 6.8Ahr Li-Ion battery packs which are rechargeable up to 500 times. The light’s translucent boot switch features an intuitive integrated red/green battery status indicator that also flashes red when 15 minutes or less of battery life is remaining.The scene light fully recharges in 9 hours with provided power supplies.

The LiteBox 1Million measures 12.5 inches in length, 6.8 inches high and weighs 7.0 pounds with battery. Other features include:

    ?     Weatherproof, high-impact ABS thermoplastic housing

    ?     Cushioned grip handle

    ?     Reinforced D-rings for attaching the included heavy-duty shoulder strap

    ?     Vehicle Mount System

    ?     Available in Orange

The LiteBox 1Million has an MSRP that ranges from $659.00 to $715.00 depending on the configuration. Each comes with Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty. 

www.streamlight.com

GA-ASI Congratulates VMU-3 for Being Named USMC UAV Squadron of the Year

April 28th, 2026

SAN DIEGO – 27 April 2026 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), supplier of the MQ-9A Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for the U.S. Marines Corps (USMC), congratulates VMU-3 for being named the USMC’s UAV Squadron of the Year by the Marine Corps Aviation Association (MCAA). The 2026 “John I. Hudson Award” recognizes VMU-3’s operational effectiveness in using the MQ-9A platform within the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) and the MAGTF Unmanned Expeditionary (MUX) program.

USMC’s UAV Squadron VMU-3, located at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, operates MQ-9A Extended Range (ER) UAVs with unique sensors and network capabilities that support training for the Marine Littoral Regiment.

MCAA also named VMU-3’s Capt. Garett B. Goar as the Marines’ UAV Officer of the Year.

“GA-ASI congratulates VMU-3 and Capt. Goar for their MCAA awards and for the important work they’re doing in operating MQ-9A,” said GA-ASI Vice President of DoD Strategic Development Patrick Shortsleeve.

To date, GA-ASI has delivered 20 MQ-9A Extended Range (ER) aircraft to the USMC that are operated by three USMC squadrons.

The MQ-9A ER is designed with field-retrofittable capabilities such as wing-borne fuel pods and a reinforced landing gear that extends the aircraft’s endurance while further increasing its operational flexibility. It provides long-endurance, persistent surveillance capabilities with Full-Motion Video and a Synthetic Aperture Radar/Moving Target Indicator/Maritime Mode Radar. An extremely reliable aircraft, MQ-9A ER is equipped with a fault-tolerant flight control system and a triple-redundant avionics system architecture. It is engineered to meet and exceed manned aircraft reliability standards.

Mistral Inc Awarded US Army Contract to Provide THOR Group 2 UAS Systems in Support of Company-Level Small UAS Needs

April 28th, 2026

Mistral Inc., with its Autonomous Systems partner, FUSE (formerly Flying Production), a subsidiary of Elbit Systems C4I & Cyber, to deliver a backpack-portable, rapidly deployable VTOL platform designed for multi-mission company-level operations

BETHESDA, Md., April 27, 2026 — Mistral Inc.has been awarded a $20,039,666 firm-fixed-price contract by the U.S. Army for the procurement of the Thor System and payloads for the Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Product Office. The award was issued by Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, with an estimated completion date of March 17, 2027.

Under the award (W58RGZ-26-G-0026), Mistral will deliver THOR UAS systems and various mission payloads intended to strengthen tactical formations with an organic, rapidly employable small UAS capability aligned to company-level mission needs.

Mistral has teamed with FUSE, developer of the THOR family of military tactical Group 2 drones, and will integrate various mission payloads to provide the U.S. Army with a mature platform designed for rapid assembly, autonomous flight operations, and modular payload integration.

Delivering a Soldier-relevant, multi-mission Group 2 capability
The THOR Group 2 drone is a military tactical, fully autonomous multi-rotor mini-UAS designed for a wide range of operational applications and reconnaissance missions, emphasizing rapid deployment and flexible payload carriage. Backpack-carried and rapidly assembled, THOR is designed to support small tactical teams with a flexible aerial capability spanning reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition/identification, communications relay, electronic warfare support, resupply/cargo, and configurable effects options as mission requirements evolve.

Built for fast tactical employment, THOR is designed to reduce operator workload through multi-platform operation, autonomous takeoff/landing, and mission execution, while enabling rapid role changes at the point of need through modular payload integration.

Production-ready maturity and delivery posture
The contract award supports delivery of UAS systems and payloads to the Army’s small UAS enterprise, with work locations and funding to be determined with each order under the award structure. Mistral through Avandra.Ai, Fuse US based subsidiary, will provide local training, field & technical support.

“This award is about getting a proven, company-relevant capability into Soldiers’ hands with speed, and doing it with a system designed for real operational conditions,” said Yoav Banai, Senior Vice President – Business Development at Mistral. “By pairing Mistral’s U.S.-based integration and delivery focus with Fuse’s THOR platform, we’re positioned to provide a rapidly deployable Group 2 UAS that supports multi-mission teams and adapts quickly as the operational picture changes.”

“Elbit Systems C4I & Cyber is proud to support this effort alongside Mistral and FUSE,” said Yoav Poizner, Vice President, Marketing, Elbit Systems C4I & Cyber. “The U.S. Army’s decision to select THOR as its Company-Level multi-rotor system validates the technological and operational advantages offered by our solutions. Together, we look forward to helping deliver a dependable system that can be configured for evolving mission needs and scaled for operational demand.”

Roni Corporation Establishes U.S. Based Manufacturing and Operations in Houston, TX

April 28th, 2026

Houston, TX – Roni Corporaton, the leading designer and manufacturer of the renown Micro-Roni, PDW-style pistol-to-carbine conversion kits and other firearms accessories, has established U.S. based operations and manufacturing in Houston, TX. The strategic move is to better serve their expanding U.S. market with a commitment to American manufacturing, faster delivery, and stronger customer support. Producing on U.S. soil allows Roni to provide faster lead times to meet the growing demand for their Roni conversion kits and other products while contributing to domestic industry and innovation. Part of the U.S. operations expansion includes working with leading industry wholesalers such as Sports South, Inc. and Chattanooga Shooting Supply to meet growing dealer demand. This includes supplying retailers with their newest, most compact pistol-to-carbine conversion kit, the Nano Roni.

Marc Hinawi, CEO, leads Roni Corporation’s U.S. operations. “With our move to U.S.-based manufacturing and operations, we are strengthening our commitment to consistent quality, reliable performance, and purpose-built solutions designed to meet the highest standards of the American market. This is combined with our strategic partnership with 1791 Outdoor Lifestyle Group as a master distributor of our products to help increase distribution and accessibility to our products.”

The Roni Conversion kit is recognized worldwide as one of the most reliable and well-known pistol-to-carbine conversion kits ever developed, helping define a category through proven performance and continuous innovation.
At the center company’s product evolution and move to U.S. based manufacturing is the Nano Roni. This is Roni’s most compact and advanced conversion kit. The Nano Roni transforms a standard pistol into a compact, carbine-style platform for improved control, increased accuracy, and effective engagement at extended distances. It delivers a precise balance of compact size, reliability, and performance. Initial compatibility includes Glock 17, 19, 22, and 23, 31,32 and 45.
 
Additional compatibility is coming soon, including Glock 43 and 48 platforms, as well as select models from SIG Sauer, Taurus, and Canik. This growing compatibility reflects Roni’s commitment to versatility and user-focused design.

For more information about Roni Corporation and their line of PDW-style pistol-to-carbine conversion kits and other firearms accessories, please visit www.micro-roni.com.
 

Team Wendy Reveals New RECON Tactical Bump Helmet

April 28th, 2026

Configurable by color, retention and accessories for rescue, tactical and military mission needs

CLEVELAND, Ohio – April 27, 2026 – Team Wendy®, a leading provider of head protection systems for military, law enforcement and rescue professionals, unveils RECON Tactical, a next-generation bump helmet that brings protection, fit and utility together in one configurable design for search and rescue (SAR), tactical law enforcement, military and training missions.

RECON Tactical combines a streamlined profile, secure fit and broad accessory compatibility into one adaptable offering for diverse environments. Its development was guided by a dedicated research initiative aimed at better understanding how modern rescue professionals operate, with additional field input from FEMA responders, firefighters, the U.S. Coast Guard and other highly specialized teams.

Dialed to Duty

With RECON Tactical, Team Wendy focused on protection against head collisions and falling objects, accessory-ready compatibility and comfortable long-wear fit to deliver a helmet that is as adaptable as the professionals who rely on it. Features include military-standard interfaces for headsets, lights and goggles, including an NVG shroud with a machined aluminum plate, bungee cords with hooks to stabilize front-mount accessories, side rails, as well as external Velcro® loop panels.

A low-profile hybrid shell reinforced with a carbon fiber crown gives RECON Tactical a streamlined silhouette and added strength, while maintaining a secure-on-the-head feel:

  • The CAM FIT™ retention system utilizes cam lock sliders for simple one-handed adjustment.
  • The BOA® dial feature stabilizes the weight of the helmet by distributing light, even pressure around the head, similar in feel to a baseball cap.
  • Zorbium® foam pads, shell vents and lattice cooling pads balance impact absorption, airflow and long-wear support.
  • Customers can also select either a chin cup or sport-style retention option based on mission needs and preference.

“RECON Tactical is the most advanced, highest-performing bump helmet in our portfolio,” said Bryan Javorek, Product Category Manager, Team Wendy. “Patent coverage is issued or is pending on several components and systems, which speaks to the engineering behind this helmet and the way it brings protection, stability and utility together.

“A few things keep coming up in the early feedback from rescue professionals and field evaluators: the light feel, small profile and better airflow, all right out of the box. And from there, they start noticing the details like the carbon fiber crown, mounting options and the overall thoughtfulness behind it. It gives us confidence that the design is resonating the way we hoped it would.”

A Bump Up

Launching in M/L and XL sizes in red, yellow, black, white and coyote brown, RECON Tactical can be further customized with vent covers and reflective tape kits. A SOLAS kit will be available for high-visibility SAR requirements.

The helmet delivers impact protection to EN 12492:2012 for mountaineering helmets, EN 1385:2012 for whitewater helmets, NATO AEP 2902- Method H and U.S. ACH AR/PD 14-02 for combat helmets—benchmarks that reflect flexible engineering across multiple mission sets.

Committed to protecting those who face danger every day, Team Wendy continues to evolve head protection through applied research, end-user collaboration and rigorous design and development aimed at reducing the risk of head trauma, including traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Explore the new RECON Tactical bump helmet and a full lineup of head protection solutions at teamwendy.com.

PenCott-GreenZone A220 Mammoth Shirt from Arktis

April 28th, 2026

PenCott® camouflage patterns are at their best when they’re paired with professional kit that’s built to last – like the new A220 Mammoth Shirt from Arktis.

An evolution of their iconic original Mammoth Shirt, the A220 has been refined for operators who need dependable reliability in harsh conditions. Among its standout features is a concealed hood that packs into the collar and deploys instantly when temperatures drop and wind, drizzle, or snow squalls roll in without warning.

Behind the water-repellent GreenZone™ ripstop exterior, Arktis has paired a rugged fibre-pile lining that’s warm, tough, and field-proven. The fit has been updated too — broader in the body for layering, with improved shoulder and sleeve movement. Body armour compatible as standard.

Key features:

  • Concealed emergency hood
  • Water-resistant PenCott® GreenZone™ ripstop outer
  • Fibre-pile lining
  • Two-way side ventilation zips
  • Document compartment & hand-warmer pockets
  • Velcro-adjustable cuffs
  • Body armour compatible

Available now from Arktis in sizes XS–XXXL: store.arktis.co.uk/products/mammoth-shirt-with-concealed-emergency-hood-3

Check out the full collection of GreenZone products from Arktis at: store.arktis.co.uk/collections/pencott-greenzone

The Fabric Behind the Gear: X-Pac Materials Power Dillon Rifle Company’s Most Demanding Products

April 28th, 2026

At X-Pac® Tactical, we partner with brands that are pushing beyond the expected. Dillon Rifle Company is a clear example of that mindset. Built on over a decade of experience and a commitment to thoughtful design, their products reflect a focus on performance, durability, and purpose driven innovation.

Our high-performance laminated fabrics are engineered to meet the demands of real-world use. Developed for strength, structure, and long-term reliability, X-Pac® materials provide the foundation for gear that must perform under pressure. Whether exposed to heat, abrasion, or heavy load, these fabrics are designed to maintain integrity and consistency over time.

This makes them an ideal choice for a wide range of applications including packs, pouches, plate carriers, chest rigs, and protective equipment. The layered construction delivers durability and stability, while also offering a clean, technical aesthetic that aligns with modern performance gear.

Dillon Rifle Company incorporates X-Pac® materials across products designed for demanding environments, from heat resistant rifle protection systems to versatile load carrying solutions. The result is equipment that not only performs reliably in extreme conditions but also maintains a refined look and feel.

“X-Pac® has been a trusted brand that provides a high quality and durable look and feel to our products. We look forward to the continued partnership with them.”

David B, Engineer, Dillon Rifle Company

The team behind X-Pac® Tactical is committed to supporting brands that prioritize performance, innovation, and durability. Together, we continue to develop materials and products built for those who rely on their gear without compromise.

Please visit X-Pac® Tactical for more information on its performance fabrics.

X-Pac® Tactical

Born from X-Pac® legacy on the world’s most challenging peaks and longest trails, X-Pac® Tactical Fabrics, are lightweight, durable, incredibly strong and 100% waterproof. At the forefront of innovation, these fabrics offer peak performance in the harshest environments. Leveraging a proprietary lamination technology, X-Pac® Tactical Fabrics combine trusted face fabrics and strategic fiber reinforcement; specifically designed for the demanding missions. This unique construction elevates equipment’s functionality and longevity. TRUST ONLY X-Pac® www.x-pactactical.com.

About Dimension-Polyant

Dimension-Polyant is the world’s largest sailcloth producer with decades of experience in highly technical sailing fabrics. Founded in 1966, Dimension-Polyant has consistently set the standard with their high-quality products and precision workmanship. The company is known for reliable customer care, world-class innovation, and conscious efforts to make products that have as little of an impact on the environment as possible. Its production facilities are in Putnam, CT USA and Kempen, Germany. As of 2021, the company is climate neutral. www.dimension-polyant.com. Dimension-Polyant is owned by Sioen Industries, Belgium sioen.com/en