April 2021 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for April, 2021

Leader–Follower Vehicles to Offer Army Increased Operational Capability

Wednesday, April 14th, 2021

DETROIT ARSENAL, Mich — Modernization is the buzz word floating around the Army currently and with good reason. To keep ahead of our near-peer adversaries, we must develop better technologies faster to dominate the battle space.

“We’ve done a good job at keeping up with developing current technologies,” said Maj. Gen. Darren Werner, Commanding General U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command. “However, we need to get it to the Soldiers in the field for it to matter.”

Werner, along with other officers and civilian leaders attended a Leader–Follower demonstration on Apr. 5 at the Detroit Arsenal. The event was led by the Ground Vehicle Systems Center on the arsenal to highlight the effectiveness of semi-autonomous robotic Tactical Wheeled Vehicles.

Bernard Theisen, Division Chief Combat Support Robotics and Safety for GVSC, briefed the capabilities of the Leader-Follower vehicles and stated that they had some similar on-road capabilities to some current high end luxury vehicles and other off-road capabilities unique to the military.

“The vehicles have the capability to be driven independently, remotely, or in this instance, made to follow a lead vehicle,” said Theisen.

The Leader–Follower vehicles offers field commanders better options when operating in a combat zone by providing manned and unmanned capabilities.

According to Alfred Grein, Acting Director GVSC, by installing robotic kits to vehicles, a lead “manned” vehicle can lead a convoy of one or more follower “unmanned” vehicles accurately and safely.

Outside of Leader–Follower option, the Program Executive Officer Combat Support and Combat Service Support is looking at fielding the technology as GVSC continues developing further ways to leverage and improve the capabilities at a later time.

“Now that the hardware is in place, we can look at ways to enhance the remote and semi-autonomous capabilities in the future,” said Grein. “All we have to do is update the software.”

There are currently 60 Leader–Follower systems issued to the 41st Transportation Company at Fort Polk, Louisiana with their next software upgrade currently undergoing safety testing at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland. GVSC Agile Development, Security, and Operations approach through the Software Foundry allows for Soldier to provide constant feedback to the developers and to deliver better products to the user faster while supporting both PEO Ground Combat Systems and PEO CS &CSS operational needs.

By Scott Wakefield

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Mobility, Robotics | 3 Comments »

Legendary Big Green is Back: Remington Ammunition Hard at Work in the Heart of America

Tuesday, April 13th, 2021

Lonoke, Arkansas – April 12, 2021 – Remington Ammunition, America’s outdoor brand known around the world for generations by outdoor enthusiasts for its iconic green boxes, today announced the much-anticipated brand homecoming and factory reboot at its Lonoke, Arkansas facility. Hundreds of American workers are now working around the clock under the highest quality standards to meet the ammunition needs of shooters and hunters across the country.

The company just released a video featuring Remington Ammunition President Jason Vanderbrink showing firsthand that Big Green is Back. Vanderbrink tours the plant, talking about his plans to dramatically ramp up production, overcome supply chain issues, and demonstrate that the storied ammunition company is working overtime to address the needs of customers around the world.

Vista Outdoor, the new steward of Remington Ammunition and the Remington brand, took ownership of the “Big Green” Arkansas manufacturing facility last October after acquiring select Remington assets. Under Vanderbrink’s leadership, Remington has been working 24/7 to retool and reopen the plant, hiring hundreds of skilled American workers to revitalize operations.

“Today marks a historic milestone for our industry…I am joined by the hard-working crew at Remington Ammunition, the entire team at Vista Outdoor and outdoor and shooting sports enthusiasts across America in celebrating the rebirth and resurgence of Remington Ammunition,” said Vanderbrink.

“The shooting sports industry has experienced unprecedented growth and demand for high-quality ammunition, in large part driven by millions of new legal firearms owners joining our community over the last year. Our message to new owners and to our millions of die-hard Remington Ammunition fans is that our operations are in full swing, our quality control is second to none and our entire team is working tirelessly to make more ammo.”

Up-to-date information about Big Green’s comeback, ammo availability and future new products are available at the company’s homepage and social media outlets. Find legendary Remington ammunition at dealers nationwide and online.

Posted in Ammo, Press Release | Comments Off on Legendary Big Green is Back: Remington Ammunition Hard at Work in the Heart of America

Blackhawk’s “Your Right 2 Protect” Initiative Continues to Drive Success

Tuesday, April 13th, 2021

Program Designed to Inspire Confidence Among New Shooters

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – April 13, 2021 – Blackhawk®, a leader in law enforcement and military equipment for over 20 years, continues to have success educating new and experienced gun owners alike through its Your Right 2 Protect (YR2P) initiative. The YR2P program was created by Blackhawk to support new and existing firearms owners with the goal of helping people them feel more confident, prepared, and protected when carrying a firearm.

For more than two decades, Blackhawk has been providing gun owners with holsters trusted by military and law enforcement across the globe. To better serve the millions of new gun owners, Blackhawk’s YR2P initiative goes above and beyond simple holster/firearm compatibility. Through the multi-faceted campaign, Blackhawk helps educate consumers on proper firearms handling and techniques through online resources, tools, and videos. Among these tools is a purpose-built Holster Selector Tool on Blackhawk.com that helps gun owners choose the right holster for their preferred style of carry, while additional resources provide shooters with continued concealed carry education.

“Over the last several months, we’ve seen a surge in individuals exercising their right to firearm ownership, particularly those new to shooting,” said Evan McNamara, Director of Product Development for Blackhawk. “That’s why we developed the YR2P initiative. We wanted it to serve as a way to educate and guide both new and experienced gun owners. With resources covering everything from how to select a holster to the different options for carry, we want to continue to build confidence among gun owners all while welcoming them to the 2A community.”

Additional YR2P resources available to gun owners include the Blackhawk Carry Positions Guide. This downloadable PDF helps to educate consumers on carry position terminology and the differences in holster designs and styles. Blackhawk also offers a full lineup of videos with carry tips for all seasons and types of clothing (casual, athletic, business, etc.), product overviews, “how to” instruction, testimonials and ambassador spotlights.

Armed with knowledge from the YR2P initiative, both novice and seasoned firearms owners feel safer and more effective when carrying. To learn more about Blackhawk’s Your Right 2 Protect initiative, visit Blackhawk.com/Your-Right-2-Protect.

Posted in 2A, Advertiser, Press Release | Comments Off on Blackhawk’s “Your Right 2 Protect” Initiative Continues to Drive Success

Wiley X Announces Move to Frisco, Texas

Tuesday, April 13th, 2021

Livermore, CA. (April 13, 2021) – Wiley X®, the leading premium protective eyewear brand, announced plans to move its operations from Livermore to Frisco, Texas. The new global headquarters, manufacturing and distribution site is set to be located in the Star Business Park and completed by Q2 2022. Wiley X joins a growing list of California-based companies seeking new locations, with many finding their new homes in the Dallas and North Texas region. The central location within the United States will increase efficiencies of shipping and distribution, in both time and cost, to the wide range of customers Wiley X supports.

“Our entire team is committed to piloting smart and sustained growth for many years to come,” said Dan Freeman, Co-Owner of Wiley X. “To take Wiley X to the next level, Frisco, Texas is the ideal location geographically and economically to set us up for a successful future. The City of Frisco and Frisco Economic Development Corporation have already been great business partners.”

Frisco – known as “Sports City USA” – is a perfect fit for Wiley X, a company committed to protection and performance for active pursuits such as shooting, fishing, and motorsports, as well as for the government/first responder network. Wiley X aligns well with Texas values, with a long history of providing protective eyewear to the United States military and being veteran-founded and family-owned. The move to Frisco will inspire the fabrication of a state-of-the-art building to elevate brand operations and will include a flagship retail store for Wiley X fans and local customers to enjoy.

“We’re thrilled to make this exciting move to Frisco,” said Myles Freeman, Jr., Co-Owner of Wiley X. “All of us at Wiley X have our sights set on servicing our customers like never before and this location is a perfect fit to propel our customer experience forward.”

“I am excited to welcome Wiley X to the Lone Star State,” Governor Greg Abbott said. “Wiley X is another in a long list of companies choosing Texas as home for its global headquarters and manufacturing and distribution center because of our thriving business climate. ‘Made in Texas’ is a powerful brand, and I look forward to watching Wiley X flourish.”

“Frisco is proud to welcome Wiley X to our veteran-ready community,” said Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney. “Innovative companies like Wiley X thrive here. It’s a tremendous asset to have another world-class brand in Frisco creating great jobs for Frisco residents, including our veterans.”

Posted in Eyepro, Industry, Press Release | 3 Comments »

Warfighter Health Symposium – 18 May in Fayetteville, NC

Tuesday, April 13th, 2021

Thanks to the recent outpour of support from those within our community, including veteran-owned companies and sponsors, as well as the huge success and collaborative efforts from a recent event in Tampa, HunterSeven and Task Force Dagger Foundation have decided to host a special educational, informational and networking event in the Fayetteville / Fort Bragg, NC area in thanks to, and sponsored by London Bridge Trading and Knot Good Company.

Event: Warfighter Health Symposium

Purpose: Understanding Your Exposures

Presented by: HunterSeven and Task Force Dagger Foundation

Date: Tuesday, May 18th, 2021

Time: 18:00 – 21:00 EST

Location: 215 Studios, Fayetteville, NC

This event is open to civilians/public, military/veterans and families.

Appetizer-type food and drink will be provided.

Free sign up prior to the event is required, but spaces are extremely limited.

For details, to register or donate, visit www.classy.org/event/warfighter-health-symposium/e335268

Posted in Medical | Comments Off on Warfighter Health Symposium – 18 May in Fayetteville, NC

HJELM – 4th Generation Ballistic Helmet from NFM

Tuesday, April 13th, 2021

NFM initially launched the HJELM at Milipol 2019. Overall, it’s the most revolutionary helmet we’ve seen in quite awhile, introducing multiple new technologies all at once.

These enhancement include the Edgemount Attachment System, Helmet Attachment System Pattern, and a new liner with Koroyd welded tubes which crumple under impact and remain cooler and more breathable thanks to their hollow construction. The new chinstrap is even different, buckling from the rear. And, don’t forget the new Troll Hair camo scrim.

nfm.no/hjelm-helmet-system

Posted in Helmets, International | 3 Comments »

M20 Hot Weather Uniform from Massif

Tuesday, April 13th, 2021

Massif has launched the M20 Hot Weather Uniform which consists of Blouse and Pant.

The lightest uniform Massif has ever built, it is made from CORDURA NYCO fabric, and incorporates No Fly Zone insect repellent technology. It’s also Berry compliant and offered in OCP only.

The Blouse

The M20 Blouse features Mesh-lined pockets to allow for quicker dry times and a dual-caped mesh-vented back for enhanced breathability and cooling.

In addition to built-in elbow articulation, the tabbed cuffs include insect guard mesh.

The Blouse is available in sizes XS-XXXL in short, regular and long lengths.

The Pant

The Pant offers a gusseted inseam for full range of motion and built-in knee articulation.

The low profile buttons allow for easy single-hand operation.

At the hem you’ll find internal insect guard mesh gaiters and elastic closure with roll tabs.

There is a full range of sizing with even waist sizes 26-56 and short, regular and long lengths.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing | 9 Comments »

FLIR Wins DARPA Contract Worth Up to $20.5M to Develop Revolutionary New Protective Fabrics for Chem-Bio Defense

Monday, April 12th, 2021

Personalized Protective Biosystems (PPB) Program Will Create Fabrics with Built-In Ability to Fight Chemical and Biological Agents, from VX to Chlorine Gas to Ebola Virus

ARLINGTON, Va.–FLIR Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLIR) announced it has won a contract with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to rapidly develop novel fabrics with embedded catalysts and chemistries that can fight and reduce chemical and biological threats upon contact. The revolutionary fabrics will be incorporated into protective suits and other equipment such as boots, gloves, and eye protection that can be worn by troops on the battlefield, medical experts, healthcare workers, and more. FLIR received $11.2 million in initial funding for the potential five-year effort worth up to $20.5 million, including options.

The goal of DARPA’s Personalized Protective Biosystems (PPB) program is to reduce the substantial weight and physiological burden of current Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) so soldiers and other specialists can better perform their tasks. PPB will combine novel, lightweight protective materials with new prophylactic medical technologies that mitigate chemical and biological threats at vulnerable tissue barriers, notably the eyes, skin and lungs. The complete system will enable troops and first responders to operate without the burden of carrying and wearing PPE, which can cause heat stress and reduce time spent completing the mission.

“With lives at stake, future operators wearing PPB suits will gain a major edge in staying protected from toxic chemicals and emerging biological threats such as dangerous viruses,” said Mark Stock, VP and general manager of the Sensor Systems business at FLIR. “We’re honored DARPA has chosen us to lead this extraordinary and highly innovative effort to develop first-of-its-kind protective fabrics for our nation’s warfighters, health and public safety officials.”

FLIR and its teaming partners will develop a prototype fabric material, the Integrated Soldier Protective System (ISPS), for testing by government laboratories. Work will be performed at FLIR facilities in Pittsburgh. The ISPS award consists of a two-year base period, two-year first option, and one-year final option. The result after five years will be a suite of prototype protective fabrics and garments ready for transition to a program of record with the U.S. Department of Defense.

FLIR safeguards people and property by providing tools that see and sense harmful Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) substances. For more on FLIR Systems’ threat detection products, visit www.flir.com/threat-detection/.

Posted in CBRNE, Contracts, Materials, Press Release | Comments Off on FLIR Wins DARPA Contract Worth Up to $20.5M to Develop Revolutionary New Protective Fabrics for Chem-Bio Defense