Next up is the Rhodesian Chest Rig in our look at MATBOCK’s new products launched last month at SHOT Show.
Simple and lightweight, the redesigned MATBOCK Rhodesian vest offers incredible weight savings without compromising strength. Our Ghost material will not absorb water, sweat or chemicals. The Rhodesian offers dual radio pouches and our Ghost material transfers heat to keep the operator cooler. With three different height adjustments for the front panel, the Berserker Rhodesian has the versatility to go from minimalist to fully kitted.
– Precision laser cut MOLLE for attaching pouches and gear.
– Customizable front panel allows the user to quickly adjust to three different heights.
– One of the lightest Rhodesian vests on the market that weighs at 8 oz (226.7grams)
– Ghost and Ghost Lite are hydrophobic, meaning they do not absorb any liquids like water or sweat. It can also be sanitized or decontaminated without compromising the integrity of the material.
Spec:
Dimensions: Fully Adjustable
Weights: lbs (metric) 7.8 oz or 226.7 grams
Material: Ghost and Ghost light
MATBOCK Products are handmade to order, so lead times can vary. Please contact orders@matbock.com with questions on current production lead times.
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army just announced over $5M in new funding contracts with three small businesses to transition their innovative solutions in wind measurement systems, which have the potential to change the future of Army aviation weapon systems.
The companies will each receive up to $1.7M for an 18-month period through the Army Applied Small Business Innovation Research Program, which releases contract opportunities on an ad-hoc, rolling basis for U.S.-based small companies to tackle some of the Army’s most critical priorities.
“We are excited to see small businesses advancing target engagement capabilities in the complex, dynamic environment of tactical Army aviation,” said Charles San Filippo, test and evaluation advisor for the Army’s Future Vertical Lift Cross Functional Team. “As part of an effective, mature, and affordable fire control solution for Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft, or FARA, and Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft, or FLRAA, this holistic wind measurement capability will enhance Soldier survivability and lethality against near-peer threats.”
Congratulations to the following companies on their Direct to Phase II awards:
Vadum (Raleigh, North Carolina) for the Wind Measurement and Correction for Aviation Targeting
XeroWind LLC (Falls Church, Virginia) for the Twi Dimensional Path-Integrated Laser Wind Measurement System
Arete Associates (Northridge, California) for the Aviation Targeting Wind Sensor
“If a company is already established with direct customers and commercial sales, and they have a product that’s useful for the U.S. Soldier, they can skip Phase I and submit a Direct to Phase II proposal,” said Dr. Matt Willis, Director, Army Prize Competitions and Army Applied SBIR Program, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Research and Technology (DASA (R&T)). “This puts them even closer toward turning over a new technology to the Army that has the potential to be game-changing.”
The Army Applied SBIR Program aims to help small businesses overcome the inherent challenges they face when engaging in government research and development compared to their larger counterparts. The awards offer a unique opportunity for small businesses to interact with the Army and technical subject matter experts, as well as receive feedback on their technology maturation.
“This effort will show that small business innovation, combined with the efforts of proven industry partners, can provide the concentration of resources needed for state-of-the-art development to meet the Army’s mission and make innovative advances for multi-domain operations,” San Filippo said.
The Army Applied SBIR Program recently announced three new contract opportunities in artificial intelligence and machine learning and autonomy. Qualified small businesses can submit proposals through March 3 at noon EST. Full proposal packages must be submitted through the DSIP Portal. Additional information, including eligibility information and how to apply, can be found on the Army SBIR|STTR website.
By Stephanie Price
Posted in Army, Aviation, Guest Post | Comments Off on Army Partners with Small Businesses to Develop Innovations for Aviation Systems
ROCHESTER, N.Y., Feb. 15, 2022 – Orolia Defense & Security, the No. 1 provider of software-defined simulation solutions for navigation warfare, was selected by the U.S. Air Force Guided Weapons Evaluation Facility to deliver a BroadSim Wavefront. BroadSim Wavefront is a pillar of innovation among Orolia’s Skydel-powered advanced GNSS simulators.
The GWEF provides laboratory testing and simulation tools for developing precision-guided weapon technology, including a comprehensive scope of GPS/INS systems and integrated components like sensors, signals of opportunity and Controlled Reception Pattern Antennas. CRPAs are fundamental in many platforms due to their enhanced protection against electronic attacks in NAVWAR environments.
The Broadsim Wavefront simulator will be integrated into a test environment for networked, collaborative and autonomous weapon systems being developed under the Golden Horde program. Golden Horde is one of four Air Force Vanguard programs designed to rapidly advance emerging weapons systems and warfighting concepts through prototype and experimentation.
Of the several capabilities the GWEF required, features such as low-latency hardware-in-the-loop, automated calibration, and the flexibility to quickly integrate future signals and sensors were the most critical and serve as a key reason Orolia’s BroadSim Wavefront was selected. This system will also be capable of testing eight element CRPA systems, eight simultaneous Fixed Radiation Pattern Antenna systems, or a combination of CRPA and FRPA systems.
“When designing BroadSim Wavefront, we re-imagined every aspect for the user,” said Tyler Hohman, director of products for Orolia Defense & Security. “Though the GWEF unit contains eight nodes (corresponding to each antenna element), it can be scaled from four to 16 antenna elements. One of the greatest advancements is our continuous phase monitoring and compensation technique. It automatically monitors, aligns and adjusts the phase of each RF output continuously throughout the duration of a scenario.”
“Gone are the days of re-calibrating each frequency on your system, limiting your scenario duration or re-calibration every time you power cycle your system,” added Hohman. “Simply turn the system on, start the scenario, and your Wavefront system phase aligns and remains aligned for the entirety of the test.”
Leveraging the Skydel Simulation Engine, BroadSim Wavefront also supports high-dynamics, MNSA M-Code, alternative RF navigation, open-source IMU plug-in and 1000Hz iteration update rate.
“Because of the software-defined architecture, many upgrades don’t require additional hardware, which has been a crucial advantage for customers who are already using this solution,” Hohman said.
It’s not hard to say that anyone who wanted to be in military Special Forces when they were a kid has watched the movie Gung Ho! So, in honor of Evans F Carlson’s Birthday on the 26th. He was one of the best leaders in military history and helped build today’s Special Forces foundation. He spends over two years in China with the guerrilla, learning unique tactics that he would bring to the U.S. to help fight the Japanese in WW2. We need more leaders like this in the world.
Evans F Carlson enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 16 and began his military career in 1912. He served in the Philippines, Hawaii, and Mexico, and less than a year after leaving active duty, he reenlisted in time for the Mexican punitive expedition. During his military service, he was wounded in action in France and was awarded a Purple Heart. He was promoted to Captain in May of 1917 and was made a lieutenant in December of 1917. After the war, he entered the Marine Corps as a private and gained the rank of second lieutenant the following year. Meanwhile, in Nicaragua, he was awarded the first of three Navy Crosses. In 1940, he became an observer in China during the years leading up to World War II and was impressed with the guerrilla warfare being waged against Japanese troops. While he was in Japan, he became convinced that Japan would attack the United States.
He advised General Douglas MacArthur of an impending invasion in the Philippines and the need for guerrilla units in case the Japanese army attacked. However, MacArthur ignored his recommendation.
Carlson returned to the United States and joined the United States Army again. Carlson and Merritt Edson advocated the use of guerrilla warfare as part of the Allied Pacific War effort. After Edson was assigned the 1st Raider Battalion, Carlson received command of the 2nd Raider Battalion.
Approximately 7,000 applied for enlistment in the 2nd Raider Battalion, but many people that applied were rejected. He asked each candidate about the political significance of the war. He later said he favored men with initiative, adaptability and held democratic views. James Roosevelt, the son of Franklin D. Roosevelt, became Carlson’s assistant.
The Raiders learned the tactics employed by the Red Army against the Japanese. This practice involved learning how to kill people silently and quickly. To more effectively imitate the guerrillas of China, Carlson eliminated the privileges of officers. The same level of nutrition, wearing the same clothing, and carrying the same equipment were all factors.
Carlson’s field research into the Red Army convinced him that trust in the men in battle improved their performance and the belief in a better pollical system. So, he would provide information on how undemocratic governments are under Nazi Germany and Japan. Also, he encouraged the men to discuss their vision of a functioning society after the war.
In August of 1943, Carlson and 222 marines left Pearl Harbor and landed on Makin Atoll. After two days of battle, Carlson’s men destroyed the radio station, burned the radio station’s equipment, and captured documents. Thirty marines were among the first to die during the Battle of Tarawa. As a result of this raid, the Japanese fortified the Gilbert Islands.
On 4 November 1943, the Raiders landed on Guadalcanal. During the next 30 days, Carlson’s man killed over 500 enemy soldiers and only lost 17. Carlson had been wounded and was forced to return to the United States for medical treatment.
Carlson’s superiors expressed concern about his unorthodox tactics and ideas. They were also concerned about his relatively close relationship with Agnes Smedley. This radical journalist was involved in campaigning for USA support of communist forces in China to help them defeat the Japanese Army in Asia.
In May of 1943, Carlson was promoted to be the Raider Regiment’s executive officer and was stripped of the direct command of his battalion during the Guadalcanal campaign. Carlson was also upset with his superiors by becoming involved in a controversial project of publishing pamphlets on the contribution of the Afro-Americans in the war. Carlson eventually returned to action in November 1943 at the battle of Tarawa. On Saipan, he received severe wounds when trying to rescue a radio operator who the Japanese had shot.
Carlson eventually returned to action at Tarawa in November 1943. During the Battle of Saipan, he was injured while rescuing a radio operator who the Japanese had shot. Being injured caused him to have to retire from the United States Marines after the war.
Carmel, IN – For hunters and shooters who want hearing protection without sacrificing situational awareness, ISOtunes Sport is excited to debut its innovative CALIBER earbuds. Tactical Sound Control™ technology allows for listening for ambient sounds such as game movement or range commands while ears remain protected from gunshot noise.
The true wireless earbuds are equipped with Bluetooth 5.2 for hands-free hearing protection without any cords to get caught on guns or gear, and an IP67 rating safeguards against water and debris damage. They boast a longer battery life than the competition with 13 hours of Bluetooth capability.
ISOtunes Sport CALIBER earbuds come with a carry case that can charge for up to 25 hours, foam and silicone eartip options, and a USB-C charging cable for $199.99.
ISOtunes Sport products protect and enhance hearing with innovative options for sport shooters who demand safety without sacrificing performance. To learn more about CALIBER and browse the full ISOtunes Sport lineup, visit www.ISOtunesSport.com.
DroneShield Limited (ASX:DRO) (“DroneShield” or the “Company”) an Australian/US global leader in Artificial Intelligence based platforms for protection against advanced threats such as drones and autonomous systems, has entered into a contract framework with the State of Texas for simplified purchase of its solutions by state and local government, education, and other public entities.
The contract has been signed following a substantive due diligence process over the past 18 months. It is now active and valid for a 5-year acquisition period until February 2027.
By adding DroneShield to its state-wide law enforcement procurement vehicle, the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) provides a streamlined purchasing path to any Texas agency requiring immediate protection from the threat of rogue drones.
DroneShield DroneSentry mobile solution deployed for a U.S. Government customer
DroneShield’s DIR contract products include eight-week threat-assessment packages for agencies who need to evaluate the quantity and types of drones operating in their area, as well as turn-key counter-drone detection, classification, tracking, and defeat solutions. DroneShield’s comprehensive counter-drone products deliver hand-held protection, go-anywhere vehicle-mounted defense, and persistent long-range security for fixed sites.
“DroneShield has heard loudly and clearly that state and local government agencies need immediate and reliable protection from drones operated by bad actors. It’s a rapidly increasing threat,” explained DroneShield’s US CEO Matt McCrann. “We are pleased that our contract with DIR will enable accelerated deployment options of industry-leading counter-drone protection to Texas government end users.”
Global defense, law enforcement, and commercial entities rely on DroneShield solutions. US customers include state agencies, the Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, and nuclear agencies.
Additional information about the contract is available at dir.texas.gov/contracts/dir-cpo-4917. Additional solutions are also available via DroneShield’s GSA Schedule 47QSWA19D001M, accessible to state buyers eligible for the GSA Cooperative Purchasing Program.
Additional information about the system can be found at www.droneshield.com.
Posted in Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on State of Texas Signs Contract Framework with DroneShield
Shaw Concepts shared the evolution of their ARC Placard.
The ARC Placard is nearing the drop of its third iteration and with that we wanted to look back at the previous versions and show you all how it’s progressed. We’ll also try to give more insight to why changes happened and our train of thought. We hope you like this and let us know what you think!
V1: Our first production offering of the ARC Placard was our goal to bridge the gap between traditional MOLLE pouches and placards. The most popular placards on the market all seemed to be double stacks so we chose to avoid that and cater to those who wanted a flat front with the option to build it out further. We also introduced a number of features which have caught on since including the built in bottom Tourniquet sleeve and side elastic bands for pouches and pen style items.
V2: The V2 was our first update where we not only improved the design but add more features that have again become more common place in the industry. Specifically adding Tubes to the sides of the placard so it could directly attach to Tubed cummerbunds as well as using Velcro One Wrap to make the placard buckles adjustable for height and hardware. It also started using advanced materials and was introduced with more magazine options.
V3: This is the latest improvement to the ARC Placard and the most dramatic change in the series. The key new feature is its ability to easily expand to hold more magazines than most others on the market. The V3 uses Shockcord along the sides to make the pouch adjustable to whatever insert is used inside. A number of smaller revisions have been made and more details on the V3 will be coming in the coming days…
