The REBS Wire Ladders has been developed with input from professional users and have high-end features for superior performance in tenuous situations.
The rungs are diamond knurled and provide a durable high friction grip surface and every ladder is fitted with thimbles and proper connectors. Made from the highest quality components and materials, the wire rope has a diameter of 3mm, the thimbles are made from 316 stainless steel and the rungs are black anodised 6082 T6 aluminium. The rungs are fastened to the wire rope with an innovative and very strong mechanical bond which has been tested to 470kg on a single side without breaking. The REBS Wire Ladders are often used in combination with telescopic poles
The new design of the wire ladders has the highest strength to weight ratio of any wire ladder in the world. The wire ladders have been developed with input from professional users and have high-end features for superior performance in tenuous situations. The rungs are diamond knurled and provide a durable high friction grip surface and the ladder has a market-leading minimum breaking load (MBL) of 1200 kg.
U.S. leadership on Capitol Hill debate modernization of weapons and ammunition manufacturing and logistics
GARLAND, Texas (Sept. 22, 2020) – Texas-based True Velocity, an advanced manufacturing and technology company specializing in small-arms ammunition, is introducing new technology and proprietary solutions to help armed forces streamline ammunition production and logistics from anywhere in the world. The company’s manufacturing capabilities can power customizable and highly portable “cells,” allowing for decentralized and automated ammunition production. True Velocity recently received its 145th issued patent for its manufacturing technology, processes and products.
True Velocity manufacturing is aimed at reducing inefficiencies in the ammunition supply chain, improving manufacturing safety, and has capacity to produce as many as 600 million rounds per year from its operations. The cell production technology from True Velocity includes everything from casing manufacturing to loading of ammunition in a physical footprint that requires only 2,500 square feet.
During testimony in front of the House Armed Services Committee, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology Dr. Bruce Jette mentioned the shortfalls of current ammunition manufacturing logistics in the U.S. and provided a blueprint for modernization. Congressman Donald Norcross opened the hearing, expressing concern that “essential functions of ammunition [are] done in museum-like conditions.”
Dr. Jette said, “We have been reticent to bring our production facilities into the 21st century. But we are at an inflection point, knowing that technology offers true modernization pathways that can significantly improve both safety and transform the production capability.”
The single largest producer of ammunition for the U.S. Armed Forces, Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, has been in operation since 1941 and produces nearly 1.4 billion rounds of ammunition per year at a 3,935-acre facility. When asked about opportunities to modernize operations, Dr. Jette referenced the potential of using polymer casing manufacturers.
“What we will likely do is use their facilities to develop our interim supplies while we develop our in-house capabilities,” said Jette. “My insistence is upon transforming our approach as opposed to modernizing.”
True Velocity can ship manufacturing infrastructure anywhere in the world and can create operational manufacturing cells within months. Traditional ammunition manufacturing lines take as long as two years to accomplish similar outputs.
“We are uniquely positioned to enhance the armed forces’ capabilities through manufacturing modernization and enabling logistical efficiencies,” said Chris Tedford, president of True Velocity. “At True Velocity, we obsess over quality control and want to provide our country’s leaders with solutions that reinvent ammunition production, industrial supply chains, quality and distribution.”
True Velocity, founded in 2010, is based in the U.S. with manufacturing operations in Garland, Texas, just northeast of Dallas. More than 1 million rounds of True Velocity composite-cased cartridges will be delivered throughout 2020-2021 to the U.S. Army as ammunition solutions are tested by the U.S. Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapons program.
Posted in Ammo, Press Release | Comments Off on True Velocity Unveils Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities With Potential to Reinvent Ammunition Supply Chain
FOOTPRINT from RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd is a navigation system for dismounted soldiers operating in GPS-denied environments.
The system fuses data from multiple sensors like the one seen mounted to Soldier’s leg above to analyze movements, estimate errors, and provide a highly accurate, and continuous RT self-positioning.
HOUSTON, Sept. 21, 2020 – Comp-Tac® added new Glock® .40 Gen 5 fits for the Infidel Max™, Infidel Ultra Max™, Warrior™, International™ and Blue Duty Holster Series™ approximately two weeks prior to the launch of these new firearms.
In addition to the fits already available, Comp-Tac plans to eventually expand every holster offering to accommodate the wider bodies of the .40 Gen 5s.
New holster fits include:
• G27- International, Infidel Ultra Max, Infidel Max, eV2
• G23- International, Infidel Ultra Max, Infidel Max
• G22- International, Warrior, Blue Duty – No Light
“Being able to work with firearms manufacturers during the release of new weapons is a real honor for Comp-Tac,” said Gordon Carrell, Comp-Tac general manager. “The new Glock Gen 5 .40 caliber guns have a slightly wider frame than the previous generations and Comp-Tac has been able to design holsters to fit these new guns in a short period of time. Because of that, these new holsters will be ready for purchase before these new Glocks are even available, allowing customers to carry those firearms right away.”
The International Holster is an OWB, all-Kydex® holster with a modular mounting system that includes a belt mount, paddle mount and drop offset piece. The International has been the top holster used at the IDPA nationals for eight years in a row and is an excellent choice for those who want to participate in competitive shooting events or head to the range for some training time.
The Infidel Ultra Max Holster is an IWB, Kydex-and-leather hybrid holster designed for concealed carry. The Infidel Ultra Max is designed with cant adjustment holes to allow the user to change from a reverse cant, straight drop speed cant and FBI forward cant. The Infidel Ultra Max’s top-grain, cowhide leather backing is the most comfortable material to wear against your skin. It provides a soft, flexible material that does not rub or pinch.
The Infidel Max Holster is an all-Kydex inside-the-waistband holster designed to be worn behind the hip at the 4 o’clock or 5 o’clock positions. With an easy-on, easy-off single clip, this holster is a favorite for users who want the ability to put on their gun or take it off as their environment changes.
The eV2 Holster is an appendix IWB holster designed for concealed carry. The eV2 includes the Comp-Tac Kick, a piece designed to help press the grip of the gun into the body for better concealment.
The Warrior Holster is an outside-the-waistband holster that was recently tested and recommended by the National Training Officers Association (NTOA). The all-Kydex, pancake design is excellent for concealed carry or general range use.
The Blue Duty Holster Series no light version is a level two outside the waistband holster. The Blue Duty Optic no light will accommodate a firearm with a red-dot optic attached. With a belt mount, paddle mount and drop offset, this holster provides a high level of diversity and compatibility with level two retention.
American Rheinmetall Systems’ upgraded MK93 Mount decreases the system’s weight, improves weapon handling by soft mounting both MK19 and M2A1 weapons and provides advanced ergonomics with the introduction of a breakaway shoulder bar and trigger mechanism.
Benefits:
-Quick and easy weapon mounting and interchange by a single user
-Reduced recoil improves accuracy and first round hit probability
-Minimized load on supporting platforms
-Increased multi-target engagement due to
-Improved weapon stability and ergonomics
Features:
-Weapon mounting positions – both MK19 and M2A1 are secured to the rear of the mount with a single pin
-Recoil dampening – soft mounts both MK19 and M2A1 weapons
-Breakaway shoulder bar & trigger mechanism – improves weapon control and ergonomics
During the Modern Day Marine virtual expo, SIG gave us a sneak peek at their new M18 X-CONVERSION Kit.
The 9mm M17/18 Modular Handgun System manufactured by SIG SAUER is the most versatile pistol the US military has ever fielded. SIG got it right when the Army said they wanted a modular pistol.
The kit, which can be used at the unit level, includes a black SIG SAUER X-SERIES grip module with extended beavertail, deep trigger undercut, enhanced magwell that’s grip weight compatible, and a fastback style grip. The kit also includes an X-SERIES flat trigger and two (2) 15-round magazines.
Both the Marines and Air Force are fielding the more compact M18 variant of MHS along with SOCOM, to replace their M9 sidearms.
It’s great to see WL Gore showing their Signature Management technology again. They initially brought it out a few years ago but were probably leaning too far in the foxhole. DoD was focused on other issues at the time. But with increased focus on China and Russia, the threats become much more sophisticated.
Gore offers true multispectral signature management. I’ve seen earlier versions in action. Based on the way they have presented their data at the ongoing virtual Modern Day Marine expo, they are updating the technology to focus on new threats which include vis, nIR and SWIR mitigation.
As far as most service members are concerned, WL Gore is synonymous with wet weather protection. That’s where they’ll really shine. With limited numbers of Gore multispectral concealment systems fielded over the years, they’ve proven they are are capable of integrating multispectral camouflage into durable wet weather breathable outwear and FR uniforms,
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L3Harris’ leading-edge mission solutions were on full display at Exercise Steel Knight 20.
Recent field demonstrations provided the U.S. Marine Corps with an up-close perspective on the robust capabilities of the AN/PRC-117G Multiband Networking Manpack radio featuring the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) Satellite Communications waveform.
Recently, the Marines evaluated MUOS and the software-upgraded AN/PRC-117G during a series of exercises at Steel Knight 20. There, the warfighters from the 1st Marine Division conducted a series of scenarios across multiple training sites in California and Arizona designed to simulate operations against peer and high-capability adversaries.
“Adding this capability to the 117G enables the Marines to leverage the proven radios they have already deployed, fought and trained with to access the advanced capabilities and capacity of the MUOS satellites with a simple software upgrade,” Dana Mehnert, president of L3Harris Communication Systems, said. “The MUOS upgrade also enables interoperability with other U.S. DOD and allied users who deploy this advanced capability.”
Exercise Steel Knight 20 included the longest-range raid exercise in 14 years. It included 29 aircraft that transported ground troops from Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, to a simulated combat zone in Yuma, Arizona. Transmitting and receiving near-real-time updates during the long-range movement to the objective, the raid force commander was able to adjust and plan his raid based on any changes. The Beyond-Line-Of-Site (BLOS) and On-The-Move (OTM) capability offered by the AN/PRC-117G and MUOS led to a successful raid on the objective and met the commander’s intent for digital interoperability and Command-and-Control On-The-Move.
Scenarios, which were designed to demonstrate Command-and-Control (C2) connectivity throughout entire mission threads, saw MUOS employed throughout simulated congested and contested battlespaces. AN/PRC-117Gs were operated by dismounted Marine Rifle Squads in addition to being integrated on board a variety of Marine-specific platforms, including MV-22 Osprey Tilt-Rotor air frames, HMMWVs, and Light Armored Vehicles – the latter of which were used to support amphibious assault operations.
The exercise followed seven months in which U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command conducted a series of end-user evaluations designed to assess the latest version of the MUOS SATCOM system.
THE GAME-CHANGER
MUOS’ robust quality on the L3Harris terminals allows warfighters to communicate seamlessly when on the move, without needing to stop the mission to point antennas to regain communications, according to Marty LoBiondo, L3Harris’ product line management waveform director.
“It allows users to stay connected even in sub-optimal conditions,” he said. “MUOS provides the warfighter with significantly enhanced capabilities that enable new tactics, techniques and procedures for communication Beyond-Line-Of-Sight.”
Further, MUOS has allowed M777 and HIMARS artillery assets to coordinate fires from longer distances with fewer assets, Robert Brown, L3Harris’ lead sales engineer for Communication Systems, said.
Brown also highlighted the significant increase of MUOS in the Air Combat Element C2 community.
The MUOS terminal is much less burdensome on Marines than legacy SATCOM systems, Jeff Wrobel, L3Harris director of Navy and Marine Corps Business, said of the system’s operational advantages.
“Once you program and turn it on, you’re pretty much ready to go,” he said.
The Marine Corps is expected to operate the MUOS waveform as it replaces legacy narrowband SATCOM capabilities. Designed to ship data from the tactical “edge” across the battlespace, MUOS relies upon a network of satellites in Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO).
AN/PRC-117G UPGRADES
Upgrades to the AN/PRC-117G have enabled the Marine Corps to ensure an “easy MUOS upgrade across the Corps without recapitalizing its entire installed base of radio systems,” Wrobel said.
L3Harris has also designed three new antennas for operations on the AN/PRC-117G to support the upgraded MUOS waveform.
These omni-directional antennas provide end users with OTM communications. They eliminate the need for users to “pan and tilt” antennas to align with any of the multiple MUOS satellites.
The upgraded AN/PRC-117Gs had been optimized to support the MUOS waveform in extreme latitudes. Historically, armed forces have struggled to maintain Line-Of-Sight connectivity to GEO satellites in these areas.
Additional operational benefits of the upgraded MUOS waveform over legacy SATCOM systems include enhanced voice quality and data support.
LOOKING FORWARD – NOW
The Marine Corps is focused on MUOS support of Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs) in addition to naval vessels, according to Brown.
“The Marine Expeditionary Force has been doing a lot of work with the MEUs recently to integrate the MUOS capability aboard the Amphibious Readiness Group ships,” he said.
The AN/PRC-117G and AN/PRC-158 MUOS software upgrade provides the Marines with a greater number of SATCOM users, enhanced voice and data communication, as well as robustness in disadvantaged environments where they operate, such as urban and high/low latitude locations.
MEET MUOS
The Mobile User Objective System, MUOS, is the U.S. Defense Department’s next-generation Ultra HF tactical satellite communications network. MUOS provides worldwide, BLOS voice and IP connectivity to the DOD Information Network (DODIN) via SIPR/NIPRnet. The MUOS network provides warfighters with unprecedented access to MILSATCOM channels with robust connectivity, increased mobility and enhanced security. Overall, these capabilities provide the ability for MUOS-capable terminals to communicate in underserved and disadvantaged environments connecting to the DODIN anywhere in the world.
Posted in Comms, MDM, Press Release | Comments Off on L3Harris – AN/PRC-117G Multiband Networking Manpack radio featuring the Mobile User Objective System
