August 2022 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for August, 2022

Polymer80 Product Changes in Accordance with ATF Final Rule

Tuesday, August 30th, 2022

Last week ATF final rule 2021R-05F, Definition of “Frame or Receiver” and Identification of Firearms, went into effect. Polymer80, Inc., the company that designs and develops innovative firearms and after-market accessories that provide ways for customers to participate in the build process while expressing their right to bear arms, is a direct target of this new rule. Polymer80 wholeheartedly disagrees with the ATF final rule, however, in an effort to maintain a legal business, will comply with the unconstitutional regulations.

In accordance with the new ATF final rule, Polymer80 will no longer offer their popular 80% kits in the same configuration in which customers have grown accustom. Instead, Polymer80 has released three new options for consumers interested in building their own legal firearm:

· OPTION 1 is an unserialized 80% frame with rear rail, locking block rail system and pins. No jig or tools are included with this product.

· OPTION 2 is a serialized frame that does include a jig, tooling, rear rail and locking block rail system. This option is the same as the prior 80% kit offered by Polymer80, but with a serialized frame.

· OPTION 3 is the “Build Back Better” kit, which includes everything listed in option 2 plus a slide assembly. This kit contains everything you need to build a complete, serialized firearm.

Option 1, the unserialized 80% blank, is currently available for purchase at www.polymer80.com. Please note that shipment is not available to all states.

For those interested in assembling without drilling, Polymer80 will continue to offer their AFT “Assemble for Thyself” kit, which includes all the necessary components to build a complete firearm, no drilling required.

Polymer80 will also continue to offer their line of complete pistols, including the popular PFC9 compact pistol and PFS9 full-size pistol, as well as parts and accessories.

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Noble Supply & Logistics, Federal Resources, and TSSi Have Joined to Form NOBLE

Tuesday, August 30th, 2022

Over the past year Noble Supply & Logistics first purchased Federal Resources, and then TSSi. All three of the companies are vendors to the Defense Logistics Agency’s Tailored Logistics System program of record? which provides a rather significant amount of Soldier Survivability equipment across the Department of Defense. We’re just now in year two of a ten year contract worth up to $33 Billion.

Now, all three companies have formally streamlined, to form NOBLE.

Considering the TLS field began with six vendors, and has now narrowed the field to four, it is understandable that both industry and the military customer base has called for the contract to add additional vendors to increase both capability and competitive bidding to the program.

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Exercise Distant Horizon Validates Indo-Pacific Sustainment Functions

Tuesday, August 30th, 2022

PATRICK SPACE FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) —

More than 140 sustainment and operations Airmen from the 920th Rescue Wing established a temporary contingency location, or TCL, in less than 24 hours at Patrick Space Force Base to conduct the wing’s exercise Distant Horizon, Aug. 1-10, which validated the multi-capable sustainment abilities of a Personnel Recovery Task Force, or PRTF, in the jungle environments of the Indo-Pacific region.

Distant Horizon is an annual exercise that prepares the wing’s PRTFs for global, untethered access, war, contingency, humanitarian, and in extremis operations around the world. These readiness requirements support the wing’s mission to plan, lead and conduct military rescue operations and missions to deny competitors and adversaries exploitation of isolated personnel.

In less than one day, Airmen from every group in the wing were transported more than 4,700 miles to a remote island location that is part of the U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division training area. The PRTF loaded more than 130,000 pounds of aircraft, weapons, and equipment, and established a self-sustained encampment for a PRTF-Medium.

From the TCL, a group of sustainment, maintenance and operations Airmen established two separate initial contingency locations, or ICL, at geographically separated locations on another island where sites were established to support contingency activities. Using the wing’s organic intra-theater airlift, the team pushed advanced forces to four different geographically separated locations on multiple islands that covered more than 200-square-miles.

“When war occurs, the catalyst for battlespace success is our noncommissioned officers’ and company-grade officers’ ability to lead well in chaos,” said Col. John Dobbin, 920th Rescue Wing commander. “We conduct these exercises to test our wing leaders and maintain focus on the inevitables of war, which are: you will never have all the information, necessary resources, adequate manpower, nor enough money yet, fight you must.”

The PRTF structure distributes forces in light, medium and heavy configurations that can maneuver and sustain organically throughout all operating environments. In lockstep with the Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment applications, the new PRTF structure utilizes multi-capable Airmen from across the wing to provide both offensive and defensive capabilities during personnel recovery, contingency location establishment and intra-theater airlift operations. The PRTF-Medium supported in this exercise is composed of four Guardian Angel teams, four HH-60G Pave Hawks, two HC-130J Combat King IIs, and a contingent of special mission personnel.

Three HC-130Js from the wing provided airlift into theater teaming with a C-5 Super Galaxy from the 512th Airlift Wing, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, and a C-17 Globemaster III from the 446th Airlift Wing, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. The wing’s HC-130s and one HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter provided all the intra-theater airlift requirements between the ICL and TCL locations.

The lynchpin of the exercise was the sustainment team, made up of Airmen from the 920th Mission Support Group, where the logistics readiness squadron maneuvered 130 tons of cargo across multiple islands and four geographically separated locations while using organic airlift. They delivered more than 1,800 gallons of water and 500 gallons of fuel to sustain the TCL over eight days for more than 140 personnel. The force support squadron developed a new accountability system to track the position of all friendly forces and served 984 meals over six days from the Single Pallet Expeditionary Kitchen. The security forces squadron provided ICL and TCL defense to ensure all personnel and equipment were safeguarded 24/7 throughout the duration of the exercise. The communication squadron provided over-the-air reach back capability through multiple high- and low-tech systems where friendly forces mission-tracked forward operations while maintaining higher headquarters connectivity.

“These Airmen traveled 4,700 miles and found out what is required of them when they are pulled forward into a TCL or ICL in a combat environment,” said Maj. Traci Arnold, exercise and task force commander. “They stepped up to provide the four key elements for our forward deployed operations: food, ammo, fuel, and water. When we provide these for the PRTF, forward deployed operations don’t have to return to a rear location to resupply. They can continue the mission, which will save time and lives.”

There were three primary areas of training on the ground that included jungle survival, base defense tactics, and medical response to a traumatic event with additional training in the use of radios, repositioning the camp for a hasty exfiltration, and other group leadership challenges.

Medical personnel conducted training on Tactical Combat Casualty Care and patient movement and loading. They also trained on jungle survival techniques from survival, evasion, resistance, and escape, or SERE, specialists where they learned Indo-Pacific focused skills.

Airmen moved beyond their Air Force specialty codes while receiving specific training to support combat rescue operations. Security forces provided training on foot patrols, troop movements with contact to fire, reconnaissance, personnel detainment, search and interrogation, weapons handling, radio emission control discipline, and TCL security.

“We validated the capability to organically support our operational forces and to move cargo and personnel daily to and from an ICL. Each Airman is critical to the success of this mission and their AFSC does not matter. They are warfighters first,” Arnold said.

Story by Lt Col Ian Phillips

Photos SSgt Darius Sostre-Miroir

920th Rescue Wing

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New Content Added to Federal’s 100-Year Celebration Website: New Ammo on Old Machines, and Federal’s Families

Monday, August 29th, 2022

ANOKA, Minnesota – As part of the 100-year anniversary celebration, Federal Ammunition is featuring monthly online content celebrating Federal’s rich history. The month of August highlights Federal refurbishing old loading machines to increase production and the legacy family of Federal Ammunition. Content can be found on the 100-year anniversary website: A Century Of Authority (federalpremium.com).

The article entitled “New Ammo from Old Machines” showcases the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Federal employees. To meet the growing demand for ammunition, Federal was able to refurbish and re-tool several retired loading machines. Bringing these machines back to life was no easy task but shows the talent and abilities of the employees.

“Demand for ammunition is high and Federal is doing everything we can to meet demand,” said Erik Carlson, Federal Ammunition Senior Director of Operations. “The fact that Federal employees were able to fix up old loading machines, make replacement parts for them and get them up and running again is truly incredible.”

The article entitled “Federal’s Families” shares the stories of the legacy families within Federal Ammunition. Being based in Anoka, Minnesota for decades has allowed Federal Ammunition to be a major part of the community. The generations of residents to the area that have been Federal employees has made a big impact on the success of the company.

“A special thing about Federal Ammunition is the people that have worked here for decades and the families who have generations that have been a proud part of the Federal family,” continued Carlson. “Generations of employees show how much working for Federal means to these families and how much we appreciate all of our employees.”

Each month through the end of 2022, Federal Ammunition will be uploading additional content focused on the rich history of this American ammunition company. In addition to the monthly online content, Federal Ammunition has released a 244-page book preserving the company’s history: Buy Federal The First 100 Years for USD 59.99 | Federal Ammunition (federalpremium.com).

For more information on all products and online services from Federal or to shop online, visit www.federalpremium.com.

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New Tactical Training Systems Website Launched

Monday, August 29th, 2022

SUN PRAIRIE, WI – Tactical Training Systems, an industry leader in the design and manufacturing of pre-engineered steel training structures for a variety of tactical scenarios, has launched a new website at www.tacticaltrainingsystems.com. The enhanced site explores the different series of products available from the company, profiles of past projects and details on available financing.

Designed and manufactured specifically for law enforcement and military personnel, Tactical Training buildings feature structural steel framing, all galvanized and hot-dipped steel and flat decking systems. Facilities also include roof and floor decks rated 100 pound live load, sturdy welded stairs and custom features like elevator shafts, helicopter props and forcible door entries.

The new website highlights all products in the Series 1000 single-story Classroom and Residence structures; Series 2000 two-story Motel/Mall and Residence structures; Series 3000 three-story Residence structure with 22 moveable partition walls; and, the Series 4000 Tower/Residence with a 40-foot high tower and multiple floors. Accessories, color options and warranty/maintenance information are also included on the new website.

Started in 2004, Tactical Training Systems is a subsidiary company of Fire Facilities, Inc., manufacturers of American-steel live fire training towers, burn rooms and mobile training units. More than 65 customizable options are available from Fire Facilities, including ram-pry breaching doors, attic burn areas and confined space elevator shafts.

Based in Sun Prairie, Wisc., Tactical Training Systems and Fire Facilities, Inc. both manufacture training structures engineered to withstand real-life tactical and firefighting conditions. Our parent company, Trachte Building Systems, is one of the largest and oldest manufacturers of steel self-storage systems in the industry.

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TacJobs – Marketing Content Coordinator at Heckler & Koch

Monday, August 29th, 2022

**DREAM JOB ALERT**

Marketing Content Coordinator at H&K

The content coordinator works closely with the HK marketing team to execute creative design of visual assets used to promote the HK brand and its specific products to civilian, law enforcement and military markets. They utilize modern digital platforms to create or modify artwork that includes video, advertising, website and social media content and printed collateral materials.

Learn more and apply here.

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MTHD Latitude Short Sleeve Shirt

Monday, August 29th, 2022

Tactical Distributors continues to expand their MTHD line of clothing. The Latitude Short Sleeve Shirt which is made from a polyester blend with an antimicrobial finish for durable odor control.

It’s offered in two color schemes. The first features a Ranger Green torso with DesertTan collar and sleeves. The second is the opposite.

It features YKK snap closures and a relaxed fit. Also, look for a single pocket on the left chest.

Offered in sizes Small through XX-Large.

www.tacticaldistributors.com/products/mthd-latitude-short-sleeve-shirt

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing | 1 Comment »

TNVC Launches SuperGain: Newest High Performance Unfilmed White Phosphor Image Intensifier Tubes Available Only at TNVC

Monday, August 29th, 2022

Redlands, California, August 25th, 2022—Over the years, TNVC has been fully committed to making the very best and very latest, MIL-SPEC, duty-ready night vision, thermal, and visual augmentation systems technology available to ALL customers, not just the privileged few. Continuing this trend, TNVC is extremely proud to announce the release of a brand-new product line: TNVC SuperGain Systems.

tnvc.com/supergain

The TNVC SuperGain family is based on the latest image intensifier tube technology from L3Harris, and is one of the most significant evolutions in Generation 3 night vision systems and performance since the introduction of Unfilmed technology and are available ONLY at TNVC as a new Premium Option for all TNVC customers.

Already in use with the United States military, including Special Operations Forces, these new SuperGain Unfilmed White Phosphor image intensifier tubes increase the Luminance Gain (Gain) specification for image intensifier tubes from the standard 40,000-80,000 fL/fc to between 100,000-120,000 fL/fc, greatly increasing the image intensifier’s ability to amplify and collect light, providing increased low light performance and extending operational envelope when compared to night vision systems utilizing conventional Unfilmed White Phosphor image intensifiers.

These new MIL-SPEC SuperGain image intensifiers will be available in all TNV-branded night vision systems, including the TNV/BNVG-M Artemis, TNV/DTNVS, TNV/RNVG, and TNV/PVS-14 as well as L3Harris-manufactured BNVD (PVS-31) and BNVD-1531 systems, all with an increased 2376+ Minimum Figure of Merit (FOM) specification. These new units will exist alongside current TNVC offerings, including those with standard Unfilmed and Filmed image intensifier tubes.

***SuperGain tubes are currently IN-STOCK for all TNV-systems. L3Harris systems will be available for Pre-Order***

SuperGain image intensifier tubes have undergone extensive testing both by the U.S. Army at Fort Belvoir and USSOCOM and Special Operations Forces organizations, and are currently being fielded and in-service around the world in the newest, most technologically advanced night vision systems in the force, including the AN/PSQ-42 ENVG-B Advanced Goggle as well as panoramic fusion goggles.

“From the end-user’s perspective, the SuperGain tubes will be noticeably brighter than standard Unfilmed White Phosphor tubes under most conditions and will provide more useable information in extreme darkness. However, I think the most significant difference that users in the field will see is the ability to see deeper into dark corners and underbrush, allowing them to detect potential threats beyond the range of typical image intensifiers. This can be a significant advantage in both urban areas / inside of structures as well as in more rural areas with vegetation and heavy canopy and subterranean operations” said Augee Kim, COO of TNVC.

While many consumers, both government and commercial have been focused on FOM (Signal to Noise Ration multiplied by Center Resolution expressed in lp/mm) as a metric for image intensifier performance and image quality, with manufacturers pushing the envelope of performance through improved methods and processes, Luminance Gain is typically set by the manufacturer.

Because Gain has typically been set by the manufacturers and is relatively stable, its importance to image intensifier performance has often been lesser discussed when talking about image intensifier performance, however Gain is one of the most critically important factors of image intensifier performance, with the “failure” implied in MTTF (“Mean Time to Failure”) of an image intensifier representing a roughly 50% loss of Gain.

“In the past there has been a concern that too much gain could lead to increased and undesirable noise in the image, which can be true with lower performance tubes” said Kim, “however as tube performance has continued to improve, with less noise overall, increasing the gain can increase the amount of useful information provided to the user,” said Kim.

In order to maximize the benefits of the increased Gain, these new SuperGain tubes from TNVC will also feature a minimum Figure of Merit (FOM) specification of 2376, the highest minimum performance specification currently available to the wide market, and with actual average tube performance exceeding that of current USSOCOM specifications.

Not only do SuperGain tubes provide improved light amplification and more information to the user, but effects can be felt on the user’s end as well—the overall brighter image allows the pupil to remain smaller, even in low light conditions where image intensifier tubes begin to dim, effectively improving the user’s vision and allowing them to take full advantage of the information provided by the SuperGain tube as well as reduce eye fatigue from long term use. Meanwhile, neither image intensifier life, nor reliability are affected, with SuperGain tubes being every bit as durable and reliable as typical Unfilmed White Phosphor image intensifier tubes.

“It sometimes amazes me how much analog image intensifier performance keeps progressing,” stated Kim. “In a world where digital technology is rapidly overtaking analog systems, analog image intensifiers are still the very best technology available for night vision and visual augmentation systems. It’s shocking both how much *and* how little Generation 3 image intensifiers have changed since their introduction in the late-1980s.”

“On the one hand, the same basic technological architecture of the Gen. 3 tube and photocathode remains—on the other, the level of performance offered by these tubes versus what was available thirty plus years ago is amazing. Tube performance from U.S. manufacturers has shot up across the board. L3Harris has been able to increase average FOM (figure of merit) performance alone by over 50% in the last six years. With the release of the SuperGain tubes, TNVC is able to offer the most advanced, most high performance, MIL-SPEC night vision systems currently available to our customers—BOTH government and commercial.”

TNVC MIL-SPEC SuperGain Systems will be available in all TNV-branded night vision systems, including the TNV/BNVG-M Artemis, TNV/DTNVS, TNV/RNVG, and TNV/PVS-14 as well as L3Harris-manufactured BNVD (PVS-31) and BNVD-1531 systems, all with an increased 2376+ Minimum Figure of Merit (FOM) specification. These new units will exist alongside current TNVC offerings, including those with standard Unfilmed and Filmed image intensifier tubes.

tnvc.com/supergain

***SuperGain tubes are currently IN-STOCK for all TNV-systems. L3Harris systems will be available for Pre-Order***

All TNV-Night Vision Systems are semi-custom built-to-order units, please allow approximately two weeks for order-processing and assembly. Existing order changes are on a first-come, first-served basis. Hand-select is available for TNV-systems.

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