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Archive for September, 2021

Filson x Helinox Collection

Wednesday, September 1st, 2021

BERKELEY, Calif. – August 31, 2021 – To mark the changing of the seasons, Filson and Helinox, two brands known for offering premium equipment for outdoor enthusiasts, today introduce a limited-edition collection that celebrates the cooling temperatures, colors and enjoyment of fall. 

The new collection melds the craftsmanship of Helinox with the heritage of Filson, featuring strong and lightweight DAC aluminum alloy frames, resin hubs and 600D polyester fabric in a new Grey Shrub Camo pattern and Flame Orange. The collection includes the Helinox Sunset Chair and Table One Hardtop, each with a co-branded badge, detailed accents and silver alloy poles. 

“It’s an honor to partner with Filson, a brand with an incredible history and known for its style, durability, outdoor utility and ruggedness,” said Azul Couzens, SVP of Sales and Marketing, Helinox. “This new collection reflects that heritage on the canvas of two of our most popular pieces with a look that captures the season.” 

“Following the success of the first Filson x Helinox collab, this refreshed collection features pops of color inspired by the fall foliage in our Pacific Northwest backyard,” said Neil Morgan, director of marketing, Filson. “The collection’s modern and portable design offers our customers the perfect camp furniture for their next adventure.”

Sunset Chair
The Filson x Helinox Sunset Chair is all about comfort, sitting higher off the ground and with a high back for lounging. The Sunset holds up to 320 lbs and weighs 3.4 lbs packed and is available in Filson’s LTD Grey Shrub Camo print or Flame Orange. MSRP $230. 

Table One Hardtop
Lightweight, stable and a perfect choice for the campsite, picnic or as a vanlife staple, the Filson x Helinox Table One Hardtop weighs in at 2.2 lbs packed. Available in Flame Orange or Filson’s LTD Grey Shrub Camo print. MSRP: $195.

The new Filson x Helinox collection is available online at helinox.com and www.filson.com

Stealth Armor Systems Wants Industry Feedback On NIJ 0101.07 Armor Standard

Wednesday, September 1st, 2021

NIJ 0101.07 Standard

Letter from the CEO…. Hello everyone, I am not sure if the various agencies on our list are aware of this, but the NIJ standard is changing, and I wouldn’t say for the better.

I have been in this industry for 33 years now and the NIJ 0101.07 standard makes the 6th edition I have personally participated in as a manufacturer of armor, and as a laboratory technician. The prior standards have never really been that great and lag times from passing of a model to listing date is usually 6 months. Here are the issues with the new standard I want to make everyone aware of:

~ In the rifle threats they haven’t definitively distinguished a viable threat level, they have RF1 and RF 2 with the same rounds and velocities with really only the M855 as the upgraded level.

~ The Fit audit is just a paper pushing firm that charges a lot of money to do what the NIJ should be doing.

~ The ubiquitous use of clay as a medium that is supposed to be a constant in the test and resemble the body during a ballistic event on body armor. Factually it never has.

Over the coming weeks I have decided as one of my final tasks in this industry prior to retiring probably in 2027 is outline the issues with the NIJ standard, and offer a more common sense approach to testing body armor that serves law enforcement better.

In order to do this I need your help, and specifically I would like to invite questions and comments about the standard, as to what you think it does, or any ideas that might help with this task. I think everyone wants the same thing here, the question is do we just go with the new standard, or do we say enough of bad practices and let’s do something about it. One thing I will say is that NIJ standard is heavily integrated into specifying practices that favor those who have a vested interest in money, such is the case in many areas of the commercial market, but that shouldn’t be a practice when it comes to officer safety, and part of officer safety is testing armor in a way that can be repeated, which has never been the case.

Interested participants can contact me at a.bain@stealtharmorsystems.com or 346-212-6318 (cell)

Allan D. Bain
CEO/CTO

EXO Charge to Unveil Next Generation Mission-Ready Power Solutions at AUSA 2021 Annual Meeting and Exposition

Wednesday, September 1st, 2021

ADDISON, Ill., September 1, 2021 | Xentris Wireless LLC announces that its EXO Charge Military and Government Services division will be exhibiting at the AUSA Annual Exposition this October. The EXO Charge business unit was established by Xentris Wireless to deliver high performing, lightweight, rugged, mission-ready power solutions that increase the operational effectiveness of the technologically-enabled modern Warfighter. EXO Charge is exhibiting at the AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition from Oct. 11-13 at booth # 860.

“The EXO Charge team is on a mission to reduce the battery burden, and provide power solutions that deliver higher performance, improved interoperability, and power commonality for the Warfighter.” – said Mike Stein, V.P. of Military and Government Services.

Xentris Wireless has a 30+ year track record in developing and manufacturing power and accessory solutions for several of the nation’s leading mobile telephone and data service providers. The EXO Charge team is comprised of industry and military veterans with expertise in commercial mobile and military power programs. This includes previous experience with the Conformal Wearable Battery (CWB), Soldier Worn Integrated Power Equipment System (SWIPES), the Squad Power Manager (SPM), the Vest Power Manager (VPM), the Advanced Battery Charger (ABC), and more.

“Enabling the Warfighter is our #1 priority. Through our technology and manufacturing expertise, we aim to help our Warriors operate lighter, faster, and more effectively – with greater interoperability and self-sufficiency.” – said Jeff Jubin, Director of Business Development. 

The EXO Charge portfolio currently includes the following solutions:

Small Tactical Universal Battery (STUB) – Working with the US Army’s C5ISR Center, the STUB is being developed as a new series of standardized rechargeable batteries to reduce the battery burden and logistics complexity for deployed units. It features USB Power Delivery (USB PD), Programmable Power Supply (PPS), and eight various device attachment methods across 8 different battery sizes to meet application-specific power requirements.

Augmented Power Pack (APP) – Designed to meet the needs of the Special Operations community, the APP is being developed as a fully ruggedized and water resistant 240Wh power bank for operational use in austere conditions. The APP is designed to fast-charge several devices simultaneously using USB Programmable Power Supply (PPS) and Power Delivery (PD) technologies – and  features two USB Type C ports plus a 2-way Nett Warrior connection for maximum flexibility.

Rugged Auxiliary Charger (RAC) – Small, light and rugged, the RAC utilizes USB PD and PPS technology to deliver faster charging than other alternatives, and supports up to 300W of total power. The RAC is compatible with bulk chargers such as ABC and UBC, and can also charge standard military battery types such as the 2590 and CWB as a stand-alone charge. With 2 USB-C ports and a Nett Warrior connector, the RAC delivers maximum flexibility and interoperability.

Visit the EXO Charge at AUSA and also check out EXO Charge on the web at www.EXOcharge.com and on social media at Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn

The FN 502 Tactical: FN’s Premiere Optics-Ready .22 LR

Wednesday, September 1st, 2021

THE INDUSTRY’S FIRST SLIDE-MOUNTED OPTICS-READY .22 LR TACTICAL PISTOL

(McLean, VA – September 1, 2021) FN America, LLC, the leader in optics-ready pistols, proudly introduces the company’s first-ever .22 LR pistol, the FN 502™ Tactical. It is the latest innovation in the optics-ready pistol space – the industry’s first slide-mounted red dot on a rimfire handgun. The FN 502 Tactical features an optics-mounting system inspired by the company’s patented FN Low-Profile Optics Mounting System™ and offers unmatched sighting options with co-witness sights.

“We set out to accomplish two primary goals with the FN 502 Tactical – to create a .22 LR pistol with the advanced features and superior accuracy of our current pistol line-up, and deliver a pistol designed for maximum fun on the range. We feel like we’ve met both of these objectives handily,” said Mark Cherpes, President and CEO for FN America, LLC. “When a customer shoots an FN 502 Tactical for the first time, we’ve seen nothing but pure excitement. FN’s new rimfire handgun has obvious, universal appeal, whether you’re a new shooter looking to master the basics or an advanced user expecting peak performance from FN. The new FN 502 Tactical performs on every level.”

The smooth, single-action hammer-fired pistol with its best-in-class trigger combined with its high-capacity 15-round magazine, superior ergonomics, perfect balance and ambidextrous controls, all a nod to the FN 509® family of pistols, make the FN 502 Tactical perfect for high round count training sessions.

“FN constantly studies the market to fill unmet customer needs and saw a large gap to fill with our new semi-auto rimfire handgun,” said Chris Cole, Vice President, Sales & Marketing at FN America, LLC. “Most rimfire handguns in this category are smaller, lack capacity and accuracy enablers. With the FN 502 Tactical, we applied the standout features of the FN 509 Tactical to this new rimfire to deliver a shooting experience unlike any other .22 LR handgun. With an exceptional trigger, 15-round magazine and the ability to quickly mount most micro red dots or suppressors, the FN 502 Tactical is the most capable rimfire pistol right out of the box.”

Sporting FN’s signature Tactical feature set, the pistol’s 4.6-inch barrel with recessed target-crown is threaded 1/2×28-inch pitch to accept most .22 suppressors. The FN 502 Tactical performs like a robust-style target pistol, delivering fast, accurate rounds on target with more versatility than any other rimfire on the market.

Designed for maximum fun, FN’s hammer-fired .22 LR delivers more accuracy and versatility than any other rimfire handgun. Mounting a favorite red dot optic and cycling a wide range of .22 LR ammo makes a low-cost range day a high-end experience.

The FN 502 Tactical, shipping to FN authorized retailers now, comes standard in a hard case with (1) 15-round high-capacity magazine and (1) 10-round flush-fit magazine along with the necessary plates to mount compatible miniature red dot optics. Due to its similarity in ergonomics to the FN 509, the FN 502 Tactical will fit in most FN 509 Tactical holsters.

To learn more about the FN 502 Tactical, FN’s first .22 LR pistol, visit fnamerica.com/502tactical.  

US Army Grants NGSW Novation from General Dynamics-OTS, Inc to LoneStar Future Weapons

Wednesday, September 1st, 2021

Something that has flown under the radar is that the US Army has granted a novation from Next Generation Squad Weapons contender General Dynamics-OTS, makers of the Bullpup configuration guns, to Lone Star Future Weapons.

For those of you unfamiliar with the term, Novation means to transfer or substitute a new contract in place of an old one.

Upon request, I received the following statement regarding the action from Program Manager Soldier Lethality, Program Executive Office Soldier, which manages Product Manager Next Generation Weapons (PdM NGW).

“On 30 June 2021, Agreement W15QKN1991024, one of three Agreements supporting the Next Generation Squad Weapons Program for weapons and ammunition prototyping, was novated from: General Dynamics-OTS, Inc. to Lone Star Future Weapons (sic).”

An April press release form LoneStar and partner True Velocity announced a strategic partnership to leverage the two companies’ substantial expertise in R&D, precision manufacturing, quality control and production efficiency.

This is a significant event in the NGSW program. It means General Dynamics-OTS, Inc is out as the prime, along with production partner Beretta USA, and LoneStar Future Weapons along with ammunition partner True Velocity, is in. However, General Dynamics-OTS remains in an advisory role according to LTC Mark Owens (USA, Ret) who currently serves as the Chief Strategy Officer for True Velocity and Project Director at LoneStar Future Weapons whom I spoke with about the novation.

Owens said, “We are extremely excited to pursue the upcoming NGSW RFP. While General Dynamics has novated the contract to us, we will continue to work with their team to combine the best elements of a large company like GD, with the innovation and agility of Lone Star Future Weapons and True Velocity.”

Owens expanded on the significance of what they are doing, “Making something that has never existed before requires a lot of “different”. Different materials, different manufacturing processes, different weapon and ammunition geometries as well as different business relationships and constructs. Maintaining the status quo cannot provide our warfighters with compact, “fightable” weapon systems capable of defeating current and Next Generation threats. We are not different for the sake of being new. We are different in order to adapt to the rapidly changing battlefields of the future. Every piece of our weapon system componentry and ammunition combines the best of traditional technologies from battlefield proven systems with the most lethal, robust, compact and lightweight solutions available for a new, different, enhanced level of lethality.”

One of the big things for the team is that True Velocity has recently introduced commercial production of their composite ammunition in .308 WIN.

Hoping to see additional calibers in the future I asked Owens what might be in the wings and he mentioned a civilian 6.8 round for hunting. I explained that like most shooters, I don’t have any firearms which fire that caliber. He told me not to worry, that LoneStar would be introducing those as well to complement the ammo saying, “We also look forward to a commercial release of the 6.8 Rifle and ammunition for sporting purposes.” He went on to mention that they are working with industry partners to introduce firearms chambered for their 6.8 cartridge.

In addition to access to the NGSW firearm intellectual property, LoneStar is also moving forward with the GD-OTS Lightweight Medium Machine Gun design in 338 Norma Mag and is perusing the USSOCOM opportunity currently underway with SOFWERX. Owens concluded our discussion with, “In addition to the contract, IP for the NGSW R, AR, as well as for the .338 NM MG have conferred. We believe that these weapons will have an important place in both our Army and allied arsenals of the future.”

There’s a lot going on and it sounds like the NGSW novation is just the beginning for LoneStar Future Weapons and partner True Velocity.

Air Force Declares TACP Mobile Communications System ‘Combat Ready’

Wednesday, September 1st, 2021

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. – The U.S. Air Force’s Air Combat Command recently declared the initial operational capability for the tactical air control party mobile communications system block 2 system ‘combat ready’ at the recommendation of the 605th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Florida.

In the spring of 2020, the 605th TES TACP Element, in conjunction with the 14th Air Support Operations Squadron, Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina, conducted the operational utility evaluation, or OUE, of the MCS block 2 on M-1165 armored high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles.

As Air Combat Command’s independent, sole, command and control operational test unit, the 605th TES, tested the system under realistic conditions, using new and experienced Airmen, who will be operating and maintaining the system once fielded.

The OUE validated the operational effectiveness and suitability of MCS block 2, cybersecurity and resiliency, and its impact on TACP and air support operations center tactics, techniques, and procedures. 

M1165 HMMWVs, better known as humvees, are integrated with multi-channel communications equipment through the MCS block 2 system which provides voice, data, and video capabilities to TACP Joint Terminal Attack Controllers while “on-the-move” and “at-the-halt”.

“This new system gives TACPs greater mission flexibility by incorporating additional data link, full motion video, and high frequency radio capabilities while out in the field,” said Master Sgt. Jesus Torres, 605th TES senior enlisted leader and TACP.

JTACS will use MCS Block 2 to perform their close air support and command and control missions.

To achieve IOC, the MCS Block 2 system demonstrated the necessary combat capability for voice and video communications and had sufficient required fielding and logistics support.

“Through early involvement and by building relationships across the acquisition process the 605th TES was instrumental in providing early user feedback,” said Torres.  “During early DoD [Department of Defense] COVID Guidance, the 605th TES TACPs developed risk mitigation measures enabling regression testing to continue during the pandemic which allowed this vital capability be delivered to the warfighter five months ahead of schedule.”

“As our service takes positive steps to mature Agile Combat Employment concepts, through years of being disaggregated and embracing Mission Command, the TACP community is best positioned to inform the larger enterprise on what technology could be beneficial, said Col. Adam Shelton, 505th Test and Training Group commander.  “This IOC declaration will assist in furthering our integration efforts with joint partners in venues such as the Army’s Project Convergence or in tier 1 exercises such as Northern Edge.” 

As of August 2021, the 605th TES continues to accelerate change by conducting operational testing on the MCS Block 3, installed on the U.S. Army’s next-generation Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle as a replacement for the M113 Armored Personnel Carrier family of vehicles.

505th Command and Control Wing (ACC) Public Affairs