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Archive for February, 2021

Army Partners with Air Force’s THOR for Base Defense

Saturday, February 27th, 2021

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFNS) —

In an effort to counter the increasing threat posed by enemy drones and other airborne threats, the U.S. Army is making an investment in directed energy prototype technology, with the Tactical High Power Operational Responder, or THOR, system, developed at the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Directed Energy Directorate at Kirtland Air Force Base, playing a key role.

THOR is a prototype directed energy weapon used to disable the electronics in drones, and specifically engineered to counter multiple targets – such as a drone swarm – with rapid results. The technology is housed in a 20-foot-long shipping container that can be stowed in a military cargo plane and assembled by just two people.

Army Lt. Gen. L. Neil Thurgood, the director for Hypersonics, Directed Energy Space and Rapid Acquisition, who oversees the Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office, paid a visit to Kirtland AFB Feb. 11 to watch THOR in action and to meet with its developers.

“The Army’s directed energy capabilities will need to provide a layered defense with multiple ways to defeat incoming threats,” Thurgood said. “High energy lasers kill one target at a time, and high powered microwaves can kill groups or swarms, which is why we are pursuing a combination of both technologies for our Indirect Fire Protection Capability rapid prototyping effort. Our partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory gave the Army a running start on the high power microwave mission, and we look forward to continuing to advance these capabilities to protect our warfighters.”

Drones represent an emerging threat to U.S. military bases, personnel and infrastructure. Prior to THOR’s deployment overseas, the prototype is undergoing a series of risk reduction and system characterization efforts at Kirtland AFB, as well as hands-on Soldier touchpoints that solicit input from operational users.

“THOR, and other DE systems, provide non-kinetic defeat of multiple targets at once,” Thurgood said, after watching a system demonstration that took place in a remote canyon of the 52,000-acre base. “Keeping our Soldiers safe is our number one priority, and we need to employ effective defensive weapons systems to stay ahead of the changing threats presented by our adversaries.”

The AFRL THOR program took on the challenge to design, build and test an effective counter-UAS system that could engage many targets at once, and at long distances. High power microwaves are one solution to this challenge.

“The system output is powerful radio wave bursts, which offer a greater engagement range than bullets or nets, and its effects are silent and instantaneous,” said Amber Anderson, THOR program manager.

During and after THOR deployment, the RCCTO will continue to partner with the Air Force on the THOR program in support of the U.S. Army’s effort to provide a prototype Indirect Fire Protection Capability-High Power Microwave system to a platoon by fiscal year 2024.

Additionally, the Army will deliver a prototype IFPC-High Energy Laser capability in FY24 that uses a 300 kilowatt-class laser for fixed site defense.

Courtesy Air Force Research Laboratory

2021 AUSA LANPAC Symposium & Exposition Cancelled

Friday, February 26th, 2021

Due to the ongoing conditions surrounding COVID-19, AUSA has determined that it is in the best interest of the community to cancel this year’s event, originally scheduled for 18 – 20 May in Honolulu, Hawaii. The health and safety of our attendees, exhibitors, partners, and staff remain our top priorities in making this difficult decision.

We will certainly miss being in Honolulu this year but the good news is, we will be returning in 2022. We are already looking forward to next year’s event and expect it to be our best one yet! Start making your plans now to join us at the 2022 AUSA LANPAC Symposium & Exposition.

SAVE THE DATE

2022 AUSA LANPAC Symposium & Exposition

Sheraton Waikiki Hotel

Honolulu, Hawaii

17 – 19 May 2022

We’ll plan to launch exhibit sales later in the year so please look out for our prospectus.

If you are not familiar with this event, the AUSA LANPAC Symposium & Exposition is a world-class, international forum that focuses on the role of land forces in the Indo-Pacific theater and their contributions to the Joint Force in peace and war. The strategic location of Hawaii brings together key Army, government and industry leaders as well as our allies in the Indo-Pacific theater. Key topics that have been addressed at this event include:

• Assessing Shared Regional Security Challenges and Opportunities

• Perspective of Land Forces in Combined Joint Operations

• Exporting Global Partnership through Enlisted Development/Professionalism

• Non-Kinetic Power Projection

• Multi-Domain Operations in Megacities

• Sustainment of the Force in Contested Environments

• Developing Regional Leaders for a Complex World

• Multilateral Approaches to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief

We thank you for your continued support of AUSA through these difficult and unprecedented times. AUSA has a full lineup of virtual events so you can stay connected with the Association, the Army, and the defense industry from home. Please visit ausa.org/meet for more information. 

Cry Havoc Tactical Parts Now Available from Brownells

Friday, February 26th, 2021

You know Cry Havoc Tactical for their work on the They delivered 2700 Quick-Release Barrel (QRB) kits in six months, completing their contract in October of 2018.

These parts are now available from Brownells for those interested in building a ASDW clone or would just like to add the take-down feature to their carbine.

With the QRB Kit, you can take down your rifle to a shorter configuration by removing the barrel rather than disassembling the upper and lower receivers.

The ASDW program was created to provide aircrew in ejection seat equipped aircraft a full sized, 5.56mm carbine for use while isolated, in the event of a shootdown.

The Mute – A New Nonmetallic, Baffleless Suppressor, Controls Thermal Mirage

Friday, February 26th, 2021

The Mute is a new nonmetallic suppressor offering self-thermal regulation via the Thermal Shroud feature which the manufacturer claims reduces heat, mirage, muzzle rise, felt recoil, and sound compared to an unsuppressed firearm.

Manufactured from a proprietary polymer material called D28, The Mute features unibody construction.

As the projectile travels through The Mute, gases are focused out the front vent, bringing cool air in from the rear. The more rounds you fire the more air is cycled through, allowing The Mute to cool faster via the Venturi effect. They have measured 109 degrees outside temperature after a 30 round mag dump. Cool enough to touch.

At launch The Mute is available in .22, 9mm, .223/5.56, with .45, and .30 cal coming soon.

The D28 material also saved weight. The .223 variant wraiths 11.4 oz, the 9mm is 6 oz and the .22 version is a scant 2.5 oz.

The Mute comes with a 1/2×28 thread pattern flash hider.

The Mute Suppressor’s initial price $599; after May 31st price is expected to be $799.

the-mute.com

5.11 Announces Partnership with 3M on New Carbon Black Uniform Application

Friday, February 26th, 2021

Irvine, CA (February 24, 2021) – 5.11, Inc., the global innovator of purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear, is excited to be the first in the public safety space to offer 3M™ Scotchlite™ Carbon Black embellishment now available through the 5.11 Custom Shop in Manteca, CA. This patented reflective film has a high level of durability while still maintaining flexibility which makes this glass bead technology a perfect candidate for application to uniform and outerwear alike.

Officer safety is the primary intent of this product giving off-angle brightness in low-light situations, however, remaining a muted appearance during daylight conditions. Unlike other treatments, 3M™ Scotchlite™ Carbon Black will not lose the dark coloration or reflective properties while still maintaining a peak performance for the life of the product.


3M™ Scotchlite™ Carbon Black Embellishment for 5.11

“While not replacing the ANSI Level 2 Reflective Vest, Carbon Black is an all-the-time option to aid in better viability during low-light situations and has a clean look to maintain traditional appearance that our law enforcement end-users expect,” said Matt Page, 5.11’s Vice President of Global Product.

Capability for embellishment is near limitless from custom agency or standardized law enforcement callout. Additional recommendations are to include piping around sleeves and stripes down pant and pocket to allow more points of viability. “We have had great initial feedback from early field testing with select agencies,” says Brian Tripp, 5.11’s Vice President, Guardian Sales Division. “Improvements in uniforms to elevate officer safety is paramount, and 5.11 strives to drive this effort.”

For additional information or sample interest around 3M™ Scotchlite™ Carbon Black embellishment, please contact 5.11’s Innovation Team at innovation@511tactical.com.

Learn more about 5.11’s best-selling gear and accessories at www.511tactical.com. Find a full list of 5.11 company-owned retail stores at www.511tactical.com/locations.

Arrowhead Tactical Apparel

Friday, February 26th, 2021

Arrowhead Tactical Apparel has developed a line of clothing intended for concealed carry of firearms.

Their designs incorporate a Patent-Pending Carrier Retention Waistband which supports holstered sidearms. It is used in conjunction with an internal retention belt that adjusts to secure an IWB holster (1.5″ or 1.75″ holster clips recommended).

The line includes:

Standoff Concealment Hoodie

Although this garment doesn’t support the weight of the firearm like the others, it’s a great layering piece to wear with them in order to help conceal. The hoodie features a Pass Through Pocket for Concealed Draw.

Carrier Sweatpants

The Carrier Sweatpants include ATA’s removable Carrier Rapid Clasp Retention Belt.

Carrier Joggers

In addition to the Carrier Rapid Clasp Retention Belt, the Joggers feature Zippered Rear Pockets (with internal magazine pouches) and Hip-Mounted Knife/Tool Pockets.

Carrier Shorts

The Carrier Shorts feature a Zippered rear pocket and deep hand pockets along with a Breathable mesh crotch gusset.

Each product is offered in several colors, sizes Small – 2XLarge.

Hill People Gear – Decker Pack System Expanded

Friday, February 26th, 2021

First released in 2019, Hill People Gear’s Decker Pack System Initially consisted of Decker Pocket, Decker Frame and Prairie Belt.

The Decker Frame shares the same frame and suspension elements as the Ute Pack.

The design of the Decker Frame allows it to accept any other pack bags which will fit within its compression straps which cradle the bag. In this photo, you can also see the hypalon capture flap that wraps around the bottom of a load and creates a shelf which is ideal for carrying out game meat from the backcountry or awkward loads.

Now they’ve added three new interchangeable packbag options, increasing the versatility of the system.

Decker Packbag – Small

The small Decker Packbag is 45L / 2500ci and shares the same dimensions as the Decker Pocket. It is a stripped down version of the pocket that does away with the buckles and the sewn-in hypalon center yoke. The Small Decker Packbag is offered in 500d Cordura and a lightweight sil-nylon. This pack size is meant for day hikes/hunts, but can be used for summer overnights if packed accordingly.

Decker Packbag – Medium

The medium Decker Packbag is a slick version of the Ute pack with a 60L / 3600ci capacity. It will be available in March in 500d Cordura and a lightweight sil-nylon. This is a good all-around option that can handle summer multiday trips, winter overnights, or be compressed down to a large day-pack.

Decker Packbag – Large

At 100 L / 6000 ci the large Decker Packbag is the largest packbag designed to be used with the Decker Frame. It shares the same Dimensions as the qui-Ya pack. This will handle winter multi-day trips but can still be compressed down to a fairly small size. Combine this with the small sil-nylon packbag so you can ditch the larger bag when you get to camp and run the small bag on your day hikes/hunts. It is available in 500d Cordura and a lightweight sil-nylon.

FirstSpear Friday Focus: OEM Spotlight Boydd Products

Friday, February 26th, 2021

It’s Friday and we’re kicking off the first FirstSpear OEM Partner Series of 2021. We’ll take a look at an OEM company that FS has partnered with and the equipment they produce. Today we are checking out American equipment company, Boydd Products.


How did Boydd Products get its start?
Boydd Products, Inc. was founded in 2015 by retired Police Sergeant James Boydd to provide law enforcement agencies direct distributor access to quality protective equipment at an affordable price. Boydd Products is a proud distributor for AVON Protection’s line of APR’s (Air Purifying Respirators) and Ceradyne brand ballistic helmets. Boydd Products is also a distributor for 3M Peltor and Paulson Manufacturing. In addition to distribution, Boydd Products has designed and developed its own line of products to include the patented rifle rated Compact Response Shields, Pat-Down Props training kits, and NIJ compliant rifle rated armor plates.

What new products do you have for 2021?
In 2021, Boydd Products has designed and will be releasing three new products to include: the new, patent-pending armored flip panel extension accessory for the rifle rated ballistic Compact Response Shield (CRS21), an innovative new patented straight baton for riot control and patrol use, and the Advanced Riot Shield (ARS) designed specifically for mounted units (motors, bicycle, and equestrian teams), allowing the shield to be stored on the user’s upper back, yet quickly deployable.


There are options for private label manufacturing all around the world, how did you find us and why did you ultimately choose FirstSpear OEM manufacturing?
We were already familiar with FirstSpear as we attend many of the same trade shows and conferences. Our experiences with the FirstSpear trade show staff have always been friendly, helpful and positive. Additionally, many of our existing customers utilize FirstSpear products and highly recommended them. For our OEM project we reached out to three different manufacturers to evaluate quality, durability, production capabilities and affordability. In mid-2020, Boydd Products made a trip to FirstSpear in Fenton, Missouri, and took a tour of the facility to see their operation firsthand. Besides producing a superior product, what impressed us the most was FirstSpear’s genuine interest in our product and their commitment to meet the detailed manufacturing needs of the OEM customer. This attention to detail resulted in minimal revisions during prototyping. The prototypes were high quality and produced in a short period of time. The choice was easy.

Why was Made in the USA important to the brand?
First of all, we know that when a product is made in the USA it creates jobs at U.S. factories. These jobs help support communities and provide more opportunities for the American worker. We are proud to contribute to that process. Also, having direct oversight here in the U.S. is a plus when it comes to managing quality control. When it comes to textiles and tactical gear, no one does it better than here in the U.S.


What sets your product apart from others on the market?
There are many great ballistic shield designs available from a variety of top notch manufacturers. Each are designed with a specific purpose. The rifle rated Boydd Compact Response Shield differs in that it is generally more compact (hence its name), lighter weight (7.5 lb. and 10 lb. panels) and modular in design. This fast moving, center mass ballistic shield can be carried and utilized by first responders and warfighters of varying sizes and strengths with less fatigue. When not in use, the shield can be slung and secured high on the user’s back. It can also be transported and quickly deployed from a vehicle, aircraft, watercraft or other confined area. The 6/12 FirstSpear Molle webbing and Velcro allows for attachments such as shield lights, medical kits, ammunition pouches, and weapon support brackets. An additional armored flip panel accessory can be attached to increase the area of coverage if desired (CRS21). The Boydd Compact Response Shield is available in 21” and 26” sizes and can be ordered in a variety of colors (Ranger Green, Black, Coyote, multicam & other custom patterns).

Why did you choose FS technology?
The CRS shield cover is built using FirstSpear’s 6/12 Modular Platform Technology. This technology has already been proven in the field and has been utilized by tactical teams all over the world for years. In addition, this platform provides our customers a newer and lighter weight version of our previous shield cover without sacrificing strength and durability.

For more information, check out www.boyddshield.com.

For more information about FirstSpear and OEMs, contact sales@first-spear.com.