FirstSpear TV

Special Operations Joint Task Force Central Establishes Space Force Team

April 18th, 2024

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION, Southwest Asia —  

Special Operations Joint Task Force Central established Space Force-Team Sentinel, Feb. 16, 2024.

Team Sentinel is SOJTF-C’s designated space support element operating throughout Central and South Asia and the Arabian Peninsula. It provides integrated full spectrum space-based capabilities across SOJTF-C’s area of operations.

Designed to optimize Special Operations Forces space integration, this team will provide integrated SOF specific space support, deliver innovative space solutions to unique problems, maintain awareness of threats, coordinate regional space operations, and integrate SOJTF-C with global space components to enable multi-domain special operations.

Team Sentinel supports and integrates with U.S. Central Command’s space component, U.S. Space Forces Central, contributing to unity of effort across the CENTCOM space enterprise.

Special Operations Joint Task Force-Central

US Air Force Fully Confirms Satcom Direct RO/RO Ku-band TRASC C-130 Capability Following 26-hour Endurance Test

April 17th, 2024

Melbourne, Florida/ 15 April 2024 – SD GovernmentSDG, the satellite communications provider for global governments and the US Air Force, has successfully tested the Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO) Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) satellite communications (SATCOM) capability SDG developed with Florida-based R4 Integration, Inc. (R4i) in a 26-hour 20-minute mission aboard a Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Hercules. Following the intense validation flight, the SD/R4i Tactical Removeable Airborne Satellite Communications (TRASC) BLOS solution is now fully available for US Air Force use.

Performed as part of Exercise Gnarly Explodeo, the maximum endurance mission recorded 100% reliability and availability from the TRASC system as it facilitated secure command and control data communications, defense applications, intelligence updates, electronic flight bags, video conferencing, voice over internet and WiFi calls. The equipment connects with the Intelsat FlexAir service, which employs an optimized high-throughput global satellite network to deliver dedicated airtime to government users. The SD/R4i TRASC system supports the commander of Air Mobility Command (AMC), General Mike Minihan, in achieving his intention to have 25% of the AMC fleet connected by 2025.

The SD/R4i TRASC BLOS solution integrates the SD Plane Simple® Ku-band terminal within a Multi-Purpose Hatch System (MPHS) designed to replace the existing C-130 standard upper forward or center fuselage hatches.The SDG team assisted US Air Force maintainers as they installed the system on a 41st Airlift Squadron, 19th Airlift Wing C-130J, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas.

“This platform enables global command and control, providing our crew with unparalleled situational awareness,” remarked Colonel Denny Davies, 19th Airlift Wing and Little Rock commander, after the mission. “It makes the C-130 much more resilient and capable in the vastness of the Pacific, reinforcing the Air Force’s core tenant of distributed control.”

The turnkey solution mounts the SD Plane Simple® antenna in the MPHS. It includes a compact RO/RO BaseBand kit that integrates a secure enclave, modem, Link-16, airborne router, and power supply.  The stand-alone system only requires AC or DC power from the aircraft to operate and distribute real-time BLOS connectivity.

“SD prides itself on rigorously testing all our equipment before we put it into service. The success of this endurance flight exemplifies the power of our advanced technology and its versatility in delivering new capabilities to our forces. We are proud to add this connectivity solution to our growing military portfolio and look forward to supporting the system as it enters into service,” says Hayden Olson, Head of SD Government. “We are already receiving requests for demonstrations of the capabilities of the equipment to USAF representatives, such is the interest in the system.”

www.satcomdirect.com/government

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.