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Archive for 2019

Thales Develops the Future of Soldier Weapon Systems in Lithgow

Wednesday, November 6th, 2019

Paris, Ile-de-France, France – In order to maintain a capability advantage for Australia’s Defence Forces, the soldier systems of the future will integrate disruptive digital technologies, advanced sensor and targeting equipment and networked communications – ThalesGroup.com. Euronext: HO

Thales is building on more than a century of small arms manufacture in Lithgow in developing the soldier weapon systems of the future.
• The digitised battlespace will require a fundamental technology leap to ensure Australian soldiers maintain a capability edge against emerging threats.
• This future weapon system is an evolution of the individual weapon and will provide soldiers with an enduring battlefield overmatch.

Drawing together advanced manufacturing techniques and materials, Thales’s advanced future soldier weapon system will integrate:

• cutting edge sensors and targeting systems;
• biometric security safeguards;
• tactical network links to enable collaborative engagement
• enhanced command, control and situational awareness for both individual soldiers and commanders.

Thales’s Lithgow small arms manufacturing facility has been proudly supporting Australia’s soldiers on battlefields around the world since 1912. The future advanced individual weapon system will continue this heritage of manufacturing the world’s most advance systems as the battlespace becomes more digitised and networked.

Building on this century of sovereign capability, Thales’s development of the future soldier weapon system is undertaken in Lithgow, NSW and aligns with the Australian Government’s recognition that the research, design, development and manufacture of small arms is a priority sovereign industrial capability.

“Rapid advances in digital technology bring increasing threats as well as new capabilities. Thales’s future weapon system accelerates the development process for an era of networked warfare.”
Chris Jenkins, CEO, Thales Australia

Posted in Digitization, International, Press Release | 1 Comment »

SSD x DMOS Collective Veteran’s Day Giveaway

Wednesday, November 6th, 2019

This Veteran’s Day, DMOS Collective is giving away one of their Delta and another of their Stealth shovels in FDE, to a lucky SSD reader. One recipient will receive one shovel and another winner, the other.

For full rules, and to enter, visit dmoscollective.com/pages/veterans-day-giveaway

DELTA SHOVEL

Meet the Delta Shovel. A compact, portable feat of engineering from DMOS, the Delta Shovel is the E-Tool you wish you had in the military. Capable of being used as a full-sized shovel or collapsing down for work in limited space, as a hoe, or folding flat for storage, the Delta Shovel is your constant companion for any of the toughest jobs. Whether you’re freeing a stuck vehicle or digging a sniper hide, the Delta is always on hand and never in the way.

The Delta shovel’s handle is telescoping and can be used at 24″, 37″, or 51″ long.

The shovel’s head, similar to an e-tool, can be positioned and locked as a shovel, a Pulaski-type hoe, or flat for storage.

STEALTH SHOVEL

Full-sized. Fully-collapsible. Tougher than an Avy shovel but easy to stow on your backpack, snowmobile, dune buggy or wherever else your adventures take you.

The Stealth is THE original award-winning DMOS shovel. Crafted of lightweight but tough 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum, the Stealth shovel is a perfect companion for any adventure in snow or sand. Collapsible down to a mere 24” x 11” x 3”, the Stealth can fit in a backpack, in a trunk, on a snowmobile, or on one of our custom-fitted mounts to accompany you anywhere. The serrated teeth on the blade allow you to use it as a rake, bust ice, or level campsites, and the full-sized shaft lets you do it all WITHOUT ruining your back. Smaller user? No problem, the handle can be used at three lengths. Whether you’re building kickers for snowboarding or digging out your truck in the dunes, make sure you’ve got the right shovel.

For this of you who want to purchase any products, use discount code DMOSSERVICE for 20% off for Mil/LE/EMS.

Check DMOS out on FB at facebook.com/dmoscollective and Instagram @DMOS_Collective.

Posted in Contest | 5 Comments »

First US Navy Warrant Officer 1 Grads in Decades Hailed at LDO/CWO Academy

Tuesday, November 5th, 2019

NEWPORT, R.I. (Nov. 1, 2019) (NNS) — The first eight Navy warrant officer 1 (WO1) Sailors in decades graduated from the Limited Duty Officer/Chief Warrant Officer (LDO/CWO) Academy at Officer Training Command, Newport (OTCN), Nov. 1.

The new warrant officers are Benjamin Nichols, Jonathon Wynn, Brent Gray, Ryan Snyder, Devan Sorenson, Nicholas Drenning, Kevin Koller, and Brian Ruzin.

“I’m enthusiastic for this new program because we can pave the way for the future of the Navy’s cyberwarfare efforts,” said Warrant Officer Devan T. Sorenson, from Bozeman, Montana. “The unique world of this career field is modeled like a meritocracy where it is a collaborative environment to be effective. The evolution of technology outpaces the training so it is important to stay current.”

“Our expertise comes from the enlisted ranks and we can better assist officers to make those necessary decisions through our experience,” said Warrant Officer Ryan C. Snyder, from Hollis, New Hampshire. “It is essential to be innovative and always strive to be the subject matter experts in this fast-paced field of cyberwarfare.”

The LDO/CWO Academy is a four-week course designed to prepare these prior enlisted Sailors for their new roles in the wardroom per the Navy’s Officer Professional Core Competencies. The class officers at the schoolhouse develop these newly commissioned officers morally, mentally, and physically, and imbue them with the highest ideals of honor, courage, and commitment in order to prepare them for the Fleet. Additionally, the academy will prepare these officers to become effective leaders by developing fundamental skills in leadership, written and oral communication, career management and administration.

“The new WO1 program opens up more advancement and designator opportunities,” said Cmdr. Zeverick L. Butts, the Director of the LDO/CWO Academy. “These new students bring unique skillsets and perspectives, increasing the dynamic interaction in the classroom for problem solving.”

The eight WO1s along with the 45 LDOs and CWOs of class 20010 graduated during a ceremony on Nov. 1, 2019. Graduates of this academy, nicknamed “Mustang University,” will join the LDO/CWO community to support the war-fighting capability and readiness of Naval Forces through leadership, technical proficiency and experience.

NAVADMIN 140/18 announced the implementation of the WO1 pay grade (W-1) for cyber warrant officers, and solicited applications for the FY-19 and FY-20 WO1 Cyber Warrant Selection Boards, the first since 1975. The rank was reinstated through the Cyber Warrant Officer In-Service Procurement Selection Board as the result of increasing threat of cyberwarfare on the modern battlefield. To be eligible, E5 and above applicants must be in the Cryptologic Technician Networks (CTN) rating, possess at least one of the following Interactive On-Net (ION) Operator naval enlisted classifications (NEC): H13A, H14A, H15A, or H16A, and meet time-in-service requirements.

Officers appointed as cyber WO1 incur a six-year service obligation from the date of appointment, shall serve a minimum time in grade of 3 years and must complete a minimum of 12 years of time in service prior to promotion and commissioning to Chief Warrant Officer 2.

The distinctive insignia worn on the WO1 cover of two cross-fouled anchors makes them easily recognizable in place of the traditional officer badge worn by other Naval Officers.

Headquartered in Newport, Rhode Island, OTCN oversees Officer Candidate School, Officer Development School and Limited Duty Officer/Chief Warrant Officer Academy.

Get more information about the Navy from US Navy facebook or twitter.

For more news from Naval Service Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/greatlakes

Story by Lt Cdr Frederick Martin, Naval Service Training Command Public Affairs

Photo by Darwin Lam

Posted in Guest Post, Navy, Profession of Arms | 3 Comments »

Robotics Update: ASI Receives SBIR Funding for Deep Learning Architecture to Support Multiple Sensors in GPS-denied Environments

Tuesday, November 5th, 2019

Mendon, Utah – Autonomous Solutions, Inc. (ASI) has been awarded a SBIR Phase I grant from the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicles Systems Center (formerly TARDEC) to develop a Deep Learning (DL) architecture that will support sensor fusion in environments with limited, or no, GPS.

“Environmental sensing today typically includes cameras, LiDAR and radar,” said Jeff Ferrin, CTO of ASI. “Each of these devices has a specific purpose, but not all of them work well in every situation. For example, cameras are great at collecting high-resolution color information, but do not provide much useful information in the dark.”

In addition to the challenges faced by cameras in poorly lit or degraded visual environments, LiDAR and radar sensors also have limitations. LiDAR performs well in most light conditions but may yield false positives in heavy rain, fog, snow or dust, due to its use of light spectrum wavelengths. Radar usually penetrates these degraded visual environments, but often lacks spatial resolution.

“ASI’s goal is to design a deep learning architecture that fuses information from LiDAR, radar and cameras,” said Ferrin. “We plan to build upon machine learning techniques we have already developed for LiDAR data.”

Deep learning is a branch of artificial intelligence and machine learning that allows valuable information to be extracted from large volumes of data. Cameras are often used in deep learning models because of their high output of information in regularly sampled data structures.

The case is different for LiDAR and radar. Naturally, these two sensor types do not provide regularly sampled data, making it difficult to formulate problems using current deep learning frameworks. This gap in current research efforts – deep learning for LiDAR and radar – is the focus of this grant.

Improved utilization of data from multiple devices can paint a more accurate picture of a vehicle’s surroundings, keeping it safer and making it more efficient. The details of the grant solicitation state, “It is anticipated that harnessing a wide variety of sensors altogether will benefit the autonomous vehicles by providing a more general and robust self-driving system, especially for navigating in different types of challenging weather, environments, road conditions and traffic.”

“In the last few years, we have seen a growing need in the world of robotics to advance industry capabilities in machine learning, deep learning, and other artificial intelligence algorithms to improve performance in these challenging environments,” said Ferrin.

Details of the Phase I grant awarded to ASI include developing a deep learning architecture that will support sensors that are not vision-based, such as radar and LiDAR, along with supporting sensor fusion. ASI is required to demonstrate the feasibility of the deep learning architecture in a simulation environment, including a road following system that controls an autonomous vehicle, on a course with obstacles and a degraded visual environment.

www.asirobots.com

Posted in Disruptive Tech, Press Release, Robotics | Comments Off on Robotics Update: ASI Receives SBIR Funding for Deep Learning Architecture to Support Multiple Sensors in GPS-denied Environments

CTK Precision Introduces the CTK RPR Universal Bolt Knob

Tuesday, November 5th, 2019

Clintonville, WI – November 2019 – CTK Precision, a manufacturer of shooting equipment and gun accessories, has expanded their line of rifle upgrades with the CTK RPR Universal Bolt Knob.

The RPR Universal Bolt Knob is equally at home on your Ruger Precision Rifle or Remington 700. In fact, it will fit on any bolt with a 5/16″-24 threaded stud.

The RPR Universal Bolt Knob upgrade was designed to offer more leverage and easier bolt lift than a factory installed RPR bolt knob. Three ridges, machined onto the outside diameter of the body, allows for a positive grip on the knob while cycling the bolt. Because these ridges are machined, you’ll never have to look for a missing O-ring, which could be the case with other bolt knobs.

CTK RPR Universal Bolt Knob:

• CNC machined from aircraft quality 6061 aluminum for high strength and low weight.

• Type III hard coat anodized finish.

• Compatible with the Ruger Precision Rifle, Remington 700, or any rifle with a 5/16″-24 threaded stud.

• Installation is made simple by means of the internal set screw, allowing the knob to be locked in place with the supplied Allen wrench.

• Made in the USA!

Learn more at: www.ctkprecision.com/ctk-rpr-universal-bolt-knob

Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on CTK Precision Introduces the CTK RPR Universal Bolt Knob

CMC Triggers Announces the Release of its New Combat Curve Trigger

Tuesday, November 5th, 2019

Fort Worth, Texas: Introducing the new CMC Triggers AR-15/AR-10 Combat Curve Trigger (CCT™) … The innovative design combines the comfort of the classic curve with the indexing of CMC’s patented flat trigger into one dynamic hybrid trigger bow for the modern warfighter. The CMC CCT™ has an exceptionally smooth feel, ultra-clean break, and an exceptional lock time and lightning-fast reset.

CMC Triggers is the original maker and manufacturer of the Drop-in Trigger Group for the AR-15/10 rifle since 2003. CMC’s critical sear engagement surfaces have a propriety machining process that renders superior surface finish and dimensional control. As compared to their competition, the techniques used establish a 1-2 RMS surface finish as opposed to EDMing which leaves a pitty 32 RMS, compared to a mirror which is 0 RMS. CMC Triggers sear engagement overlap is six to eight times greater than their competitors. This provides a much safer trigger and enhances reliability.

CMC AR-15/AR-10 Combat Curve Trigger (CCT™) Features:

– Single Stage Match Trigger

– Ultra-crisp 3.5lb trigger pull with no creep prior to hammer release

– Glass-smooth break with no feel of grittiness

– Minimal lock time is designed into the assembly using controlled hammer weight and balance activated by a rocket wire hammer spring, assuring repeatable function with either commercial or military grade ammunition

– Positive trigger reset allows a quick follow up shot on target

– Trigger pull is factory pre-set and not user adjustable

– Hand assembled, and hand tested

– Totally self-contained one-piece assembly

– Includes CMC Anti-Walk Pin Set

– Fits MIL-SPEC AR-15 and AR-10 style rifles

– Made from 8620 Alloy Steel and S7 Tool Steel with machined tolerances of +/– .001″

– Trigger is easy to install following the instructions: follow link www.cmctriggers.com/installation-instructions

All CMC products come with a Lifetime Warranty and are made in the U.S.A., CMC proudly designs all its products for Law Enforcement, Military and Civilian use.

For more information about CMC Triggers and all the products we offer please visit us at www.cmctriggers.com.

Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories | 2 Comments »

NP Aerospace Body Armor Awarded NIJ 0101.06 Compliance

Tuesday, November 5th, 2019

Global armor manufacturer, NP Aerospace, has been awarded Notification of Compliance from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) for two of its Level III+ Lightweight Body Armor Plates.

The LASA LWB III+ IC06 Lightweight Buoyant Hard Armour Plate and LASA LWA III+ 109 IC06 Lightweight Hard Armor Plate are both now certified to NIJ 0101.06 by the governing body that oversees performance standards and testing for ballistic armor. Both have been certified in conjunction with soft armor.

James Kempston, CEO, NP Aerospace, comments: “Body armor plates are critical to protecting our military and law enforcement personnel and therefore the way we undertake our ballistic testing is central to our manufacturing processes and something we take very seriously. Having NIJ compliance for our Level III+ plates is part of a bigger strategy to grow our law enforcement business in North America. It allows us to take our well-established military products into a sector which is demanding increased levels of protection.”

The LWB III+ IC06 plate delivers ultra-lightweight multi-hit protection against NIJ Level III and special threats and is positively buoyant. The LWA III+ 109 IC06 plate also stops ‘Green Tip’ SS109 ammunition.

To find out more visit www.npaerospace.com

Posted in Armor, Press Release | 3 Comments »

Helix Tactical – Mountain Operations

Tuesday, November 5th, 2019

Regardless of whether they manufacture it themselves or it’s a product from another company, you can rely on what Helix Tactical has to offer. Everything is dependable equipment for mountain and other vertical operations.

Posted in Mountaineering | 1 Comment »