May 2021 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for May, 2021

OSS Suppressors Names Rick Elder President and CEO

Wednesday, May 26th, 2021

Millcreek, UT – May 26, 2021. For Immediate Release

OSS Suppressors today announced that its Board of Managers has appointed Richard (Rick) Elder as President and Chief Executive Officer.

“We are fortunate to have someone of Rick Elder’s caliber and experience step in to lead the OSS team,” said Board Chairman Scott Walker. “Rick is a proven leader with outstanding marketing skills, business vision and the ability to bring people together. His vision for how our technology will be used and experienced by warfighters, LEOs and customers around the world is exactly what OSS needs as the company enters its next phase of expanded product innovation and growth,” said Walker.

Elder said, “I am honored and excited to lead OSS. I believe in OSS’s patented Flow-Through® technology – there is no other suppressor offering a balance of user safety and terminal performance.”

Rick Elder was formerly the President of Beyond Clothing and the Vice President of Special Operations Forces Equipment for 5.11 Tactical. In this capacity, Rick has managed the re-platform and expansion of Beyond, leading strategic growth and taking it from a small government contract fulfillment house to one of the most innovative technical clothing companies in the United States.

Previously, Rick was the Executive Director of Smith Sport Optics Elite Division (Elite). In this capacity, he took the Division from a start-up to one of the most respected protective eyewear programs in the world.

Rick completed almost eighteen years of combined active-duty military and federal government service. As an Assistant Program Manager in charge of U.S. Special Operations Command’s primary individual equipment program, he has led efforts to develop, produce, and train critical training packages for special operations forces, federal law enforcement and various other federal, state, and local organizations. These programs span eleven distinct industries, ranging from combat and outdoor clothing to body armor, communications and night vision interfaces.

www.osssuppressors.com

Posted in Industry, Press Release, Suppressors | 1 Comment »

Bollé Develops First High-Contrast Lens Using Artificial Intelligence

Wednesday, May 26th, 2021

The Volt + enhances all colors, setting a new standard for the most complete high contrast lens that users can try-out via the Rediscover Earth AR campaign

LYON, FRANCE (May 25, 2021) – Bollé is launching the most technologically advanced high contrast lens in the marketplace with the introduction of Volt +, Bollé’s first lens ever developed using Artificial Intelligence (AI). The Volt + lens is the latest innovation to come out of EPIC, Bollé’s new state-of-the-art design and technology innovation lab based in Lyon, France. The lens technology will be included throughout Bollé’s line of sport and lifestyle sunglasses for the current Spring/Summer 2021 season.

“We’ve set high standards to be the innovation and technology leader in the development and creation of sports performance eyewear and helmets,” said Tove Fritzell, Bollé Director of Product & Innovation. “Our EPIC design center located at the foot of the Alps continues to deliver amazing results to harness the most advanced technology with the collaboration of our athletes who have an opportunity to sample and provide feedback at the foot of the world’s biggest playground.”

Bollé worked with HUE.AI to evaluate 20 million different lens formula combinations to settle on an incomparable color experience that sets a new standard against which all other lenses will be measured. The goal was to create a lens that was high contrast, enhanced all colors, and improved depth perception without compromising white balance. In the past, high contrast lenses have only enhanced one color while diminishing others but the Volt + enhances all colors, offering a complete high contrast lens that dramatically improves depth perception.

To support the Volt + launch, Bollé is introducing a new global digital advertising campaign, called Rediscover Earth that lets users rediscover the earth as they’ve never seen it before. The campaign highlights the new high contrast Volt + technology, which allows consumers to see their world differently. “That sense of discovery will inspire a wide variety of colorful experiences,” said Chris Abbruzzese, vice president, trade marketing for Bollé Brands North America.

Partnering with M7 Innovations and QReal for the third time, Bollé is further supporting the launch with multiple Augmented Reality (AR) ‘try-on’ and ‘try out’ campaigns, which allows users to experience the Volt + lens’ vibrant new colors across 15 different Bollé styles. The marquee AR experience via Instagram lets users witness a ‘Big Bang’ of color that leads them to an exclusive try-out experience using Volt + lens technology so they can fully Experience the Power of Color.

“Bollé has truly established itself as an innovative, dynamic brand by using advanced tech like AI and AR,” said Matt Maher, Founder of M7 Innovations. “While many brands took an unfortunate hit due to the pandemic, Bollé saw an opportunity to pivot and stay connected through fun, engaging AR campaigns that saw almost an 18 second dwell time, which is impressive. And now with AI, they have created a superior lens technology that users can experience through the company’s third AR campaign, demonstrating the value, success, and power of using these innovative technologies.

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

SENTRY Products Group Expands Special Operations Division

Wednesday, May 26th, 2021

Will Dewilde, retired Command Master Chief U.S. Navy SEAL joins SENTRY Products to lead expanding the Special Operations Division focused on military and law enforcement customers.

Virginia Beach, Va. (May 2021) – SENTRY Products Group™, a leading manufacturer and distributor of products focused on protection, storage, and transportation of outdoor, military, and law enforcement equipment, is proud to announce the expansion of its Special Operations Division and the hiring of retired Navy SEAL Command Master Chief, Will Dewilde.

The Special Operations Divisions (SOD) focuses on building relationships and supporting the development and distribution of SENTRY products across the military and law enforcement channels. “I had worked directly with Will both as a US Navy SEAL and after he had joined the private sector, it was clear that his exceptional leadership skills along with his ability to forge relationships throughout the SOF community made him a logical choice to lead the expanding SOD team” Mike Noell, Founder and CEO of SENTRY Products Group, explained. “We are excited to have him on board as this role is critical to translating the needs of the end user to our product development and production teams. Our endpoint vision is to simple; to create and supply the best, to the best.”

Command Master Chief Dewilde retired from the United States Navy in 2017 after serving more than 30 years in various operational and strategic leadership roles across USSOCOM. He has completed 17 overseas deployments and has planned and led numerous sensitive national combat and crisis response missions worldwide. His operational assignments and executive level leadership tours include the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGROUP), SEAL Team Two, Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM), Naval Special Warfare Center and Naval Special Warfare Group Two. He has been awarded the Silver Star and four Bronze Stars for Valor along with many other medals and various unit and campaign awards. Prior to joining SENTRY, he served as Vice President of Operations for The Honor Foundation (THF), a nationwide educational institution assisting U.S. Special Operations service members in their career transitions.

Dewilde added, “It’s a privilege to be able to continue to serve the military and law enforcement communities as part of a team that is dedicated to designing, manufacturing, and distributing the very best and most innovative products in the industry. I really embrace SENTRY’s vision of ‘Live to Protect’ it represents the passion of our people, the products we create and sums up what we bring to the customer through the SOD Division.”

Over the next 18 months SENTRY will scale the SOD division with representatives in locations across the US and International. If you are interested in acquiring SENTRY products, or becoming a dealer we can be reached at info@sentryltp.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, Training | Comments Off on SENTRY Products Group Expands Special Operations Division

Step 22 – Tortoise Toiletry Bag

Wednesday, May 26th, 2021

The Tortoise Toiletry Bag offers a whooping 3.5 Liters of internal storage capacity. The external dimensions are 10″ x 4.75″ x 7″ (25.4cm x 12.1cm x 17.8cm). While it’s intended as a shaving kit, this zip-open pouch could be used for a lot of applications.

The Tortoise Toiletry Bag features
12 pouches and pockets for optimum organization including a removable zippered hygiene pouch for day excursion storage. Additionally, there’s a hook for hanging the bag.

Finally, it includes a mirror.

Currently available in MultiCam Black.

step22gear.com/products/tortoise-toiletry-bag-cordura-multicam

Posted in Load Carrying | Comments Off on Step 22 – Tortoise Toiletry Bag

Travis AFB Partnership Springs Air Force Forward with New Aerial Porter Exoskeleton

Wednesday, May 26th, 2021

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) —

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center and Air Mobility Command partnered with Arizona State University to develop the Aerial Port Exoskeleton, a new piece of equipment set to be used in an official capacity at Travis Air Force Base, May 17.

The Aerial Port Exoskeleton helps aerial porters perform their duties with less strain.

“Aerial ports have a high injury rate in the Air Force,” said Tech. Sgt. Landon Jensen, Air Mobility Command innovations, systems and future command manager. “That’s why we are looking into this kind of solution to help porters perform their duties more safely while also helping reduce the risk of injuries, so they are not suffering later in life.”

Travis AFB is currently serving as the test base for the new exoskeleton equipment. If the equipment proves to be beneficial, it will be utilized throughout the Air Force.

“We began looking into this equipment because of the outcome of the 2019 Volpe study,” Jensen said. “The Volpe study was a Department of Transportation study that focused on why retired aerial porters alone were costing upwards of $31 million a year on disability benefits.”

Following the results of the 2019 study, the 60th Aerial Port Squadron leadership looked into working with external parties to develop a solution reducing the number of Airmen leaving service in such a rough state.

“This project would have been impossible without the help of Arizona State University,” said 2nd Lt. Aaron Cox, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center program manager. “They focused on the development and manufacturing of the exoskeleton, and without their partnership we wouldn’t have been able to develop this technology.”

After a month-long testing period, the Airmen expressed the suits are a good investment and significantly reduces load bearing.

“This suit’s core function is to help us lift, but can also be used in other ways,” said Airman 1st Class Kyle Sunderman, 60th APS ramp serviceman. “During a load, fatigue can be a real issue and these exoskeletons really take a lot of the strain away.”

However, as with any new piece of equipment, it is not without fault, but the Airmen say they still feel safe.

“There are small things here and there where the suits can be improved to make them more user friendly,” said Airman 1st Class Xaviar Archangel, 60th APS aerial porter. “But there is no danger and these suits don’t have the strength to overpower the user, so I feel completely safe in it.

“These suits are pretty light,” Archangel said. “You hardly notice you are wearing them aside from the bulk around the waist. “But other than that, I could honestly wear these for an extended period with no problems if necessary.”

The Aerial Porter Exoskeleton is still in its prototype stage and will continue to be updated as data is recorded.

By SrA Cameron Otte, 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Robotics | 2 Comments »

Rheinmetall Supplying Portuguese Army with 1,500 LM-LowProfile Laser Modules

Tuesday, May 25th, 2021

The Portuguese Army has awarded Rheinmetall an order for 1,500 LM-LowProfile laser modules. The contract, booked back in October 2020, calls for delivery of the devices in three lots. Delivery is to be complete by the third quarter of 2021. The order is worth a figure in the low single-digit million-euro range. In carrying out the order, Rheinmetall is cooperating closely with its local sales partner, NT Group Portugal.

Developed by Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics of Stockach, Germany, the minute LM-LowProfile laser module is designed for use on compact assault rifles, but it is also suitable for other small arms. The device, weighing around 160 grams and 85 mm long, can be attached to any standard assault rifle via a standard interface as defined by MIL-STD 1913/NATO STANAG 4694. Owing to its low height (25 mm), it can be used in combination with daylight optics. Nor does it interfere with the line of sight. Owing to the alignment of the laser along the running axis, the device lends itself particularly well to weapons without removeable mechanical sights (rear and front sights). Powered by a CR123 battery, the LM-LowProfile features visible and infrared target markers as well as a focusable infrared illuminator. All of the integrated lasers can be regulated in parallel by means of block adjustment. They can be remotely controlled via a trigger cable or by means of a single push button directly on the device. The LM-LowProfile is watertight at depths of up to 30 metres for up to two hours. Adding a tactical weapon light further enhances the laser module’s operational effectiveness. Rheinmetall has already supplied the Portuguese Army with a weapon light in an earlier order.

In comparative trials conducted by the Portuguese military, the device outshone its various rivals with regard both to ergonomics and performance. Moreover, the LM-LowProfile offers the added advantage of not being subject to America’s strict ITAR export regulations. Laser engraving can be used to individualize the devices.

Delivery is already underway. This is the third order from Portugal in the space of three years, underscoring the great trust the Portuguese military places in Rheinmetall’s soldier systems expertise.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, International, Lights, Press Release | 3 Comments »

Introducing the Emissary Micro Cable Clip

Tuesday, May 25th, 2021

The Micro Cable Clip is the latest evolution of the original Cable Clip, a drop-in cable management solution for M-LOK rail systems.

Since the debut release of the Cable Clip, Emissary has been working to improve the design to make it more modular and adjustable and incorporate the same features in a smaller package.

The product’s intended design is to control, organize, and route cables going to and from various devices and switches that are attached to your gun. When applied correctly, Micro Cable Clip keeps your cables from protruding off the side of your rail system and reduces snag hazards. They’re an excellent way to arrange cable routes that work best for you and your unique setup.

To achieve its tiny footprint, MCC utilizes a patent-pending self-sealing channel design integrating a countersunk screw to close the channel as you are tightening it down.

Compared to its competitors, MCC’s cable channel entrance and exit has optimized geometry with contours and angles that offer added flexibility to the cable, to allow it the flex at smoother and more relaxed angles upon entrance and exit. These prevent harsh stress points that may damage cables over time.

Due to its miniature size, it can be placed anywhere within the length of the M-LOK slot with complete “fore and aft” adjustability. The profile is so small in diameter that it can be placed on the 45° M-LOK sections of even the slimmest and most compact rail systems.

The body of MCC is constructed of a nylon polymer that is highly heat and impact-resistant.

MCC is available in single-channel and dual-channel variants. The “Duo” has two parallel cable channels and is a great option to use when using a dual-lead pressure switch or when you have a switch that uses longer cables that need to have slack minimized (by looping around the MCC Duo for example).

While there are many traditional methods to manage cables, such as zip ties or tape, the MCC is a purpose-built solution that is reusable, adjustable in the field, won’t melt under intense heat, become brittle under intense cold, sharp or abrasive, won’t collect dirt or debris and is easier to configure than the alternatives.

The MCC is 100% manufactured and assembled here in the USA with high-end US-made components.

Sold as a 3 pack at $21.00

Available today at Emissary Development and dealers.

emissarydevelopment.com

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | 4 Comments »

GBRS GROUP Assaulter Belt System

Tuesday, May 25th, 2021

Developed by Tier One operators and made in the USA by LBT inc, the GBRS GROUP Assaulter Belt System takes a different design approach.

Most operator or gun outer belts use multiple layers of rigid materials sewn together with a lightweight and pliable webbing material to attach equipment to. This typically results in an uncomfortable and overly thick belt. The GBRS GROUP Assaulter Belt System utilizes a two-layer outer belt to create a lightweight, flexible yet rigid and stable platform to attach equipment, holsters and accessories. This is done by using Type 13, 1-23/32” webbing as the base, with a field of PALS webbing, laser cut from a semi rigid polymer (Tegris). To round it off, they double “W” stitch the webbing to a load rated, 1.75” Austrialpin Cobra buckle with a D-ring for attaching lanyards and other equipment. The outer belt has an inner facing of “loop” style Velcro, to attach to a low profile “hook” inner belt. They did this because hook should never be worn towards body, especially in such a high wear area (belt line).

The inner belt system is actually 2 part. It consists of a low profile “hook” inner belt and a “shroud” to cover the inner belt when the outer Assault belt is not in use. This results in a system that not only doubles as a non-metallic EDC belt, but it is a comfortable and convenient way to cover the scratchy “hook” portion of the inner belt. When the outer belt is needed, simply remove the inner belt “shroud” and attach the outer Assaulter belt to the inner belt.

Posted in Load Carrying | 5 Comments »