October 2021 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for October, 2021

UVision Strengthens its Presence in the United States : UVision USA has Signed a Cooperation Agreement with MAG Aerospace, to Support US Forces in the Operation of HERO Loitering Munitions.

Friday, October 22nd, 2021

Under the agreement, MAG Aerospace will provide Operators, FSRs, Training and local support for the HERO systems exclusively for UVision USA.October 18, 2021 – UVision USA – continues to strengthen its operations in the US with the signing of a cooperation agreement with MAG Aerospace at the AUSA (Association of the United States Army) Annual Meeting.

Through this cooperation, UVision USA and MAG Aerospace will offer operational and training solutions for the Hero family of loitering munitions. MAG Aerospace will provide in-country resources, perform demonstrations, operational training, and support for UVision’s customers OCONUS (outside Continental US) and CONUS (Continental US).

“This agreement has come about in response to the growing need in the United States for HERO systems,” says Jim Truxel, CEO of UVision USA. “As part of the cooperation with MAG Aerospace, we will be able to provide local support for the company’s customers locally and around the globe. UVision USA operations will continue to expand.”

“MAG Aerospace brings a terrific reputation and demonstrated experience in providing similar services all over the world,” says Chief Growth Officer, Matt Bartlett, of MAG Aerospace. “Together with UVision’s advanced technological knowledge and its operationally-proven systems, we will be able to provide an operational advantage to American forces operating on and off the continent.”

The agreement was signed by Jim Truxel and Joe Fluet, CEO of MAG Aerospace, during the AUSA Annual Meeting on October 12.

For more information on UVision, please visit www.uvisionuav.com or www.uvisionusa.com

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MSR Distribution to Exhibit at SHOT Show 2022

Friday, October 22nd, 2021

Las Vegas, Nevada – MSR Distribution, the leading distributor of firearms and accessories, will be exhibiting at the 2022 Shot Show taking place from January 18th to 21st, 2022 in Las Vegas, NV. Federal Firearms Licensed Dealers, Sporting Goods Resellers, Military, Law Enforcement, and other interested parties are invited to visit MSR Distribution in booth #11460 for the latest updates on new products, special offers or to just say hello to old friends!

MSR Distribution offers thousands of product SKUs from countless well-known manufacturers such as MarColMar, Arsenal, Otis, IWI, Century Arms, Steyr, Blue Force Gear, Hi-Point, Kel-Tec, Zastava, CMMG, Troy and many others.

For more information, or to set up an appointment for meeting at the show, please visit www.msrdistribution.com/contactus

Alternatively, customers can speak directly with their appointed Dealer Specialists for setting up a time to meet.

MSR Distribution also invites you visit www.msrdistribution, like www.facebook.com/MSRDistribution, follow www.instagram.com/msrdistribution and www.linkedin.com/company/msr-distribution-company.

Posted in Industry, Press Release, SHOT Show | Comments Off on MSR Distribution to Exhibit at SHOT Show 2022

Rendar x Taco Mark Holsters Offering US Colonial Marines Camo

Friday, October 22nd, 2021

Artist and Veteran Matt Rendar has collaborated with Taco Mark Holsters to offer his recreation of the famous Colonial Marines Camo from the 80s sci-fi thriller “Aliens” on custom holsters.

Posted in Camo, Holsters | 3 Comments »

ITS Tactical – Know How to Apply a Tourniquet?

Friday, October 22nd, 2021

Your belt isn’t an acceptable tourniquet and neither is a bandanna with a stick twisted in it. These are modern times; commercially available tourniquets are ubiquitous and have been proven over and over again to save lives. Don’t plan to improvise, plan to have a real tourniquet ready and available.

The number one goal in treating any extremity hemorrhage (i.e. bleeding out) is to keep the blood in the body. The human body only has so much blood and while there’s no specific quantity that’s agreed upon for how much you can lose before you’re gone, suffice it to say you want to lose the least amount possible.

When it comes to tourniquet selection, we support the CoTCCC recommendations for commercially available tourniquets; the two most widely used and proven being the SOF Tactical Tourniquet (SOFTT) and the Combat Application Tourniquet (C-A-T).

Here’s How to Apply a Tourniquet

Orient the Tourniquet: The direction of pull to tighten the tourniquet should be towards the midline of the body. This is a good rule to remember and will make application easier if you have to apply a tourniquet on yourself one-handed. Picture an imaginary line running vertically up and down the center of the body; that’s your midline.

High as Possible: Always keep the tourniquet as high as possible on a limb; never on a joint.

Grab the Loop and Pull: Don’t get in the habit of grabbing the tail of the tourniquet to tighten it right away. By grabbing the loop and pulling it towards the midline, you’ll keep the tourniquet from spinning and control it better during one-handed application.

Pull the Tail: Take all the slack out of the tourniquet by pulling the tail to tighten it.

Manipulate the Base: If there’s still slack left in the tourniquet, or you can’t tighten it any further because of its position, grab the base and move it. Then take up the rest of the slack.

Tighten the Windlass: Continue turning the windlass until all bleeding stops, or is controllable/manageable. It doesn’t matter what color the blood is, tighten it until it stops.

Anchor the Windlass: Each side of the windlass has a groove that locks into the d-ring, preventing it from coming undone. Lock this in and ensure it’s locked in the windlass groove.

Time and Date: At the end of the tail, the SOFTT has a sewn-in tag for writing in the time and date. A sharpie works great for this, but anything will do. It’s important to note this for higher echelon care, (i.e. hospitals) so that they know how long the tourniquet has been in place.

Practice: You should be able to deploy and apply your tourniquet in 12 seconds, one-handed. Practice until you can meet that goal each time. You’re also not going to ruin your tourniquet by practicing with it, just be sure you’re checking it after each practice session and if you see anything that’s damaged or has the potential to fail, replace your tourniquet.

Get Training: This email shouldn’t be used as a replacement for medical training in the usage of a tourniquet. Seek training for yourself and your loved ones from competent trainers. Remember, a tourniquet is not a last resort!

The last thing to discuss is how to store a tourniquet, we’ve recently developed and patented our TourniQuick® Pouch. It provides not only a fully-enclosed storage method, but more importantly, a revolutionary deployment system that reduces time from deployment to application, saving valuable seconds. Remember, seconds count when you’re bleeding out!™

Whether you purchase from ITS or not, always buy tourniquets from a reputable resource to avoid fakes. A failure to plan is a plan to fail, so keep a tourniquet with you and be prepared to save a life.

Thanks to ITS Tactical for allowing us to share this post.

Posted in Guest Post, Medical, Training | 2 Comments »

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Operator Glove

Friday, October 22nd, 2021

This Friday we are focusing on an FS classic the Operator Glove. When maximum manipulation and tactility are required while protecting your digits consider the Operator Glove (OG) first!

• Patent pending design creates a “no glove” feel
• Touch screen friendly thumb and index finger
• Super high dexterity leather palm (FS-HDLTM)
• Ultra lightweight and breathable
• No Melt No Drip construction
• 100% USA Berry Compliant materials with Core-Spun USA Merino Wool

When maximum manipulation and tactility are required while protecting your digits consider the Operator Glove (OG) first! Comprised of the most technologically advanced materials and modern construction details no corner is cut in this design. The trigger finger of the OG has an advanced patent pending design that will still give excellent transmission of trigger feel, magazine release and other key weapons functions.

The OG can work as a stand-alone capability or when higher durability and toughness is required it can be utilized in conjunction with the Operator Outer Glove (OOG). In order to achieve this amazing level of peak performance, the OG utilizes extremely light, thin materials which by their very nature will not stand up to extremely long periods of hard abuse but will perform through several mission-focused cycles.

Available in commando, sand and manatee in small through 2XL sizes.

For more information check out www.first-spear.com/operator-glove .

Posted in Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Handwear | 3 Comments »

MCSC Begins Fielding Amphibious Robot System for Littoral Missions

Friday, October 22nd, 2021

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. —

In September, Marine Corps Systems Command began fielding an amphibious, unmanned robot system to support littoral operations globally.

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Remotely Operated Vehicle is a next-generation, box-shaped robot that enables Marines to navigate safely and efficiently in shallow waters to identify and neutralize explosive hazards and other threats.

“This robot gives Marines eyes in the water,” said Master Sgt. Patrick Hilty, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal project officer at MCSC. “It is a capability the Marine Corps has never before had.”

The ROV employs sound navigation and ranging sensors, a high-definition video capability and cameras that provide real-time feedback for EOD divers. It includes an articulator arm that helps Marines maneuver through underwater foliage or neutralize explosive threats.

“It is a system that saves Marine divers from having to swim hundreds of meters, an activity that can tire them out,” said Hilty.

Marines can use the robot for various amphibious missions. For example, they can leverage the ROV to search harbors before docking a Marine Expeditionary Unit ship. Operators can use it for activities in very shallow waters, conducting littoral lost object searches, damage assessments and mine countermeasure missions.

Hilty applauded the ROV’s tether feature, which keeps EOD technicians at a safe distance from explosive hazards. Before the capability, Marine divers could only disrupt or dispose underwater explosive threats by swimming in close proximity, exposing them to hostile elements.

“The ROV gives us a remote means to search underwater while also helping us stay at our best when having to prosecute explosive devices,” said Hilty.

Master Sgt. Matthew Jackson, a staff non-commissioned officer in charge of 1st EOD Company’s Littoral Explosive Ordnance Neutralization section, said the ROV is highly stable in an underwater environment. He noted how the machine requires minimal equipment and reduces the Marine Corps’ overall footprint during operations.

“This intuitive system has the ability to complete critical underwater tasks much deeper than manned missions can,” said Jackson. “The ROV will serve as an important capability to support our tasks.”

Jackson also praised the system for its ease of use. He said it requires minimal training when compared with other unmanned underwater systems. This ultimately saves the Marine Corps time and money required for training.

“Instead of sending a Marine to a course for seven or eight weeks, it takes about four days to learn basic operations for successful employment,” said Jackson.

The ROV also supports naval integration. In 2019, the Navy acquired this commercial off-the-shelf capability. The service conducted a series of tests to determine its viability for EOD missions. These tests included reliability and maintenance evaluations to test its effectiveness and ease of employment during simulated activities.

“Testing conducted by the Navy allowed us to field this capability to Marines more quickly,” said Hilty. “Additionally, the Marine Corps and Navy both having this system increases interoperability among the services.”

The robot is the first increment in the Littoral Explosive Ordnance Neutralization Family of Systems. This series of robotic capabilities will allow Marines to search a wider area in the littorals, including the very shallow water, surf and beach zones.

This robot gives Marines eyes in the water.

– Master Sgt. Patrick Hilty, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal project officer at Marine Corps Systems Command

LEON systems, to be fielded gradually by MCSC over the next several years, will also help the Marine Corps complement Navy EOD teams in joint operations as it strives to evolve naval force integration in the future.

“Having this capability aids in naval force integration by giving us the same equipment that the Navy is using,” said Staff Sgt. Seth Barnes, EOD Technician with 1st EOD Company. “It allows us to bolt on with Navy EOD as we move forward.”

Achieving Force Design 2030 remains an ongoing, concerted effort for the Marine Corps, as repeatedly stated by Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. David Berger. This goal requires the acquisition of next-generation, unmanned systems, like the ROV, to support Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations.

“We’re bringing the EABO concept to the modern day,” said Ronald Diefenbach, a program analyst on the Explosive Hazard Team at MCSC. “Adhering to this concept, we can use the ROV to support Marines when operating from the littorals and while conducting island-hopping tasks.”

Hilty said the Marine Corps has never before leveraged waters for missions. In the past, Marines would begin operations from land, typically a beach. This new concept requires a shift in the paradigm in how the Marine Corps operates.

Fielding capabilities that conform to the vision to support an evolving naval fight will ultimately support the present and future Marine.

“We’ve always done this piece via the Navy,” said Hilty. “Now that the Marine Corps is doing it, we are learning valuable skillsets, becoming much better-rounded and proving to be a bigger asset to the MAGTF.”

Story by Matt Gonzales, MCSC Office of Public Affairs and Communication

Photos by LCpl Kristy Ordonez Maldonado

Posted in EOD, Guest Post, MARCORSYSCOM, Robotics, USMC | Comments Off on MCSC Begins Fielding Amphibious Robot System for Littoral Missions

Joint ASA ALT and AFC Statement on the Integrated Visual Augmentation System

Thursday, October 21st, 2021

The Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, in coordination with Army Futures Command, has decided to shift the Integrated Visual Augmentation System operational test to May 2022 and its fielding to September 2022.

The Army did not halt or stop the IVAS program, and remains committed to getting the best equipment in the hands of our Soldiers as quickly as possible. The shift in the IVAS program will allow the Army and industry team to continue to enhance the IVAS technology platform, ensuring Soldiers achieve overmatch in multi-domain operations.

The Soldier Lethality Cross-Functional Team, Program Executive Office Soldier, and Microsoft are working together to develop and field IVAS – a technology platform for fighting, rehearsing and training – which will provide close-combat forces with unprecedented capabilities that are extensible to any combat environment or combat platform.

Developers used the Microsoft HoloLens to build a system capable of rapid target acquisition, navigation, target marking and a host of other features, including a field of view nearly twice as wide as those offered by current systems.

At 80 degrees, IVAS pushed the boundaries of waveguide technology capabilities, and the field of view began to lose resolution. By making minor reductions, developers are finding greater quality and clearer visibility.

The process will require a little more time, but it will still result in the fielding of a next-generation combat system six to 10 years ahead of the traditional acquisition program timelines.

Calculated risk and time for adjustment have been baked into our processes, and are vital to rapid Army modernization practices. The new timeline does not affect contract agreements.

At this year’s Association of the United States Army annual event we stated, the Army has to be willing to accept some early risk, or we will never be able to keep up with the pace of change required to achieve and maintain overmatch in MDO.

By Karen Saunders and Gen. John M. Murray

Karen Saunders is the senior official performing the duties of the assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology. Gen. John M. Murray is the commanding general of Army Futures Command.

Posted in Army, Guest Post | Comments Off on Joint ASA ALT and AFC Statement on the Integrated Visual Augmentation System

The RF/22 from Radical Firearms

Thursday, October 21st, 2021

With everything else going on, you may have missed the Radical Firearms RF/22 – a match-grade long rifle chambered in .22lr.

If so, then here’s what you missed.

The RF/22 was designed with the shooting enthusiast in mind. It’s a sleek, solid, well-designed semi-auto you can use to plink, target-shoot, or bring doom upon the local varmint OPFOR using pretty much any sort of Ruger 10/22 compatible magazine available.

Some of its features include an integrated Picatinny rail, a precision-machined bolt, and a match-grade barrel.

Radical Firearms RF/22 Specs

Precision CNC machined, heat treated 17-4 barrel mounting V-Block attached via pre-torqued hex screws at 20 inch-pounds.
Match grade 16” six groove, 1:16 R/H twist, .920 diameter 1/2×28 threaded 4140 CMV steel barrel.
Featuring a sport chamber, with an 11-degree match crown, fitted with an RF 7075-T6 pepper pot muzzle brake.
Guaranteed at one minute of angle or better accuracy.

Dual machined internal bolt tracks that eliminate bolt canting and binding, ensuring a precise receiver to bolt fit.
Precision CNC machined 17-4 stainless steel bolt featuring a round 17-4 stainless firing pin.
Equipped with a round 17-4 stainless charging handle, accepts standard and aftermarket Ruger 10/22 recoil springs and charging handles.
Accepts standard and aftermarket Ruger 10/22 magazines.

If you happen to be at the AUSA meeting this week, visit Radical Firearms at Booth #3707.

CNC machined hard anodized 6065 billet aluminum receiver.
Integrated Picatinny rail.
Factory Ruger™ 10/22* BX-Trigger™ releases clean and crisp at 2.5 to 3.0 pounds.

MSRP: $649.99

Learn more about it online at Radical Firearms’ Website.

You might also be interested in the integrally suppressed version of the RF-22.

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