FirstSpear TV

Archive for May, 2023

PROOF Research Greg Hamilton and Nightforce Optics Sean Murphy Win 1st Place in First Annual Legion Team Sniper Challenge

Sunday, May 14th, 2023

The team sniper challenge was conducted at Fort Campbell, Kentucky with all proceeds from the match donated to The Special Forces Association, Chapter 38.

Columbia Falls, Mont. (May 2023) –On the heels of their win at the Dark Concepts Real World Sniper Challenge at the end of April,  PROOF Research®’s Weapons Test Specialist Greg Hamilton and Sean Murphy of Nightforce Optics took first place at the first annual Legion Team Sniper Challenge held May 6 – 7, 2023 at the 5th Special Forces Group’s range complex at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

The unique Special Forces stress shoot format was designed with the help of a sports psychologist in order to induce chaotic situations while being tested on target recognition, ranging, wind calling, non-standard shooting positions, problem-solving, and stress management. Most of the organizers and range officers for the inaugural match are current or former Army Special Forces and seasoned long-range competitors combining decades of field experience to create this two-man, two-day match. Thirty-plus teams, with a mix of civilian and military snipers/instructors, participated.

Hamilton shot as the primary shooter with a Barrett MRAD and PROOF Research pre-fit steel barrel in 6.5 Creedmoor. Murphy shot the secondary .223 carbine with a PROOF Research 18” stainless steel barrel.

“The Legion Team Sniper Challenge was a fast-paced and challenging event that required thinking and adapting to be successful. Our rifles delivered a high level of repeatable performance that enabled us to hit targets quickly and precisely, giving us an edge in the match, resulting in our second consecutive win in less than two weeks,” Murphy stated at the end of the match.

PROOF Research and Nightforce Optics were sponsors of the event.

PROOF Research is a well-known brand within the precision rifle community and is one of the leading barrel brands used by champion competitors in the Precision Rifle Series (PRS) and National Rifle League (NRL). Developed to enhance mission success for our warfighters, PROOF Research’s carbon fiber barrels are designed for long-range accuracy, performance, and reliability under any environmental condition.

Find out more about PROOF Research barrels and rifles at proofresearch.com.

The Ultimate AR Giveaway

Sunday, May 14th, 2023

www.tyrantcnc.com/giveaway

You Never Know Where They’ll Show Up

Sunday, May 14th, 2023

Recently seen at the Utah Test and Training Range on an Air Force Global Strike Command UH-1N. 

Viridian’s Iconic, Completely Redesigned Rechargeable C Series Line is More Powerful Than Ever & Shipping NOW

Saturday, May 13th, 2023

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – May 11, 2023 – Viridian Weapon Technologies has reintroduced the original green laser and light C Series lineup. The enhanced line is made up of the brightest and best green lasers and tactical lights on the market. Taking the industry’s original green laser to the next level, the all new rechargeable C Series is now available for shipping.

The series includes the C5™, C5L ™, CTL ™ and CTL+ ™. Each is powered by a rechargeable battery and comes with Viridian’s new quick-release mobile power system, SAFECHARGE™. SAFECHARGE provides unmatched convenience and an innovative recharge process ensuring your C Series is ready when you need it most.

“The original C5L put Viridian on the map. We’re thrilled to announce the new and improved C Series line is now available for shipping,” said Viridian President and CEO, Brian Hedeen. “After almost 20 years, we are proud to pioneer the world of weapon lasers and lights with our technological advancements and continued commitment to innovation. Our SAFECHARGE rechargeable power system is a game changer, and we’re honored to finally get these accessories into the hands of civilians, military, and law enforcement professionals.”

The reintroduced C Series lasers feature Viridian’s advanced INSTANT-ON ® technology, a new Holster Retention Feature for compatibility never seen before, and adjustable universal rail mounts. The new and improved series includes:

The C5: It’s Not Just a Laser, It’s a Legacy

With a smaller size profile and a host of new features, the all-new C5 is officially reintroduced as the best pistol laser ever built. The tiny C5 packs in the industry-leading features you expect from Viridian. With a MSRP of $149.00 and weighing in at under 2oz, the C5 fits perfectly between your firearm’s muzzle and trigger guard.

The C5L: The Return of the G.O.A.T

The C5L started it all as the first ever compact green laser sight. Loaded with features that place it as the leader of the pack once again, the all-new accessory is back and better than ever. Maintaining a small footprint with a MSRP of $229, the classic C5L continues to usher in a new era of visibility.

The CTL: Tiny but Mighty

The new CTL is the smallest, most versatile tactical weapon light on the market. It boasts a 525-lumen peak output, 60 minutes of run time and weighs in at 1.73oz. With a MSRP of $109, this small yet strong light is a force to be reckoned with.

The CTL+: Where Performance Meets Functionality

As the most powerful weapon light ever built by Viridian, the CTL+ represents the ideal blend of performance and functionality. Kicking out 1,100 blinding lumens and up to 60 minutes of run time. With a MSRP of $149, CTL+ is capable of handling any of your low light situations.

SAFECHARGE: Mobile Power Supply

Viridian’s new patent pending SAFECHARGE system is the ultra-convenient rechargeable power source that ensures your Viridian accessory is ready when you are. Simply place the Viridian accessory near SAFECHARGE and attach the magnetic charging connector. The system automatically wakes up, charging the Viridian accessory, and shuts off when full, staying dormant until it is needed again. This allows the Viridian accessory to be charged wherever it is convenient without the need to unplug it after charging is complete ensuring maximum battery longevity. Whenever. Wherever. Forever ready. Included with ALL new C Series, the system is available for individual purchase with a MSRP of $19.

For more information on Viridian Weapon Technologies’ groundbreaking firearm innovations and self-defense products, visit ViridianWeaponTech.com.

Silencer Shop Renews Tier 1 Sponsorship of ASA

Saturday, May 13th, 2023

AUSTIN, TX: The American Suppressor Association (ASA) is excited to announce that Silencer Shop has renewed their Tier 1 level sponsorship for 2023. Their renewal marks the ninth consecutive year at ASA’s top sponsorship level.

“Silencer Shop is excited to remain a Tier 1 sponsor of ASA. We support the great efforts ASA continues to make at the state and federal levels, including providing strong testimony before legislative bodies and supporting important battles in the courts to protect suppressor ownership rights,” said Dave Matheny, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Silencer Shop.

“SILENCER SHOP IS EXCITED TO REMAIN A TIER 1 SPONSOR OF ASA.”

— Dave Matheny, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Silencer Shop

Silencer Shop is the premier advocate for pro-suppressor reform. They recently partnered with the ASA-Foundation, committing $350,000 to fund a first-of-its-kind lawsuit challenging Illinois’ unconstitutional state ban on suppressor ownership. The case, Anderson v. Raoul, which was filed on February 27th, 2023, aims to overturn Illinois’ suppressor ban, allowing citizens to purchase and own suppressors for all lawful purposes.

“Silencer Shop spends more money on pro-suppressor advocacy than any other company, and it’s not even close,” said Knox Williams, President and Executive Director of ASA. “Not only are they ASA’s longest standing Tier One Sponsor, they have also committed more towards the ASA Foundation’s litigation projects than any other organization. Silencer Shop’s commitment to a safer and quieter future is truly second to none.”

French-led NATO Exercise ORION is First of its Kind in Over 30 Years

Saturday, May 13th, 2023

CAMP DE MAILLY, France — U.S. Army and NATO allies work side by side in a French-led interoperability coalition training for the first time in over thirty years.

The French 3rd Division’s exercise, Large-scale Operations for a Resilient, Integrating, high-intensity Oriented and New Army, nicknamed ORION, was a culminating national exercise that took place across several French regions, from April 17-May 4, 2023.

“It’s their national exercise, so it’s their ability to show that they can lead this force in a large-scale combat operation,” said Maj. Robert Moore, an operations officer assigned to 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment. “It’s also an opportunity to show that we can have seamless unity and be able to provide large-scale combat operations against any foe that we may encounter.”

The exercise combines field tactic maneuvers, artillery maneuvers as well as air-space surveillance technology with joint air-ground integration centers composed of command teams from multiple nations.

“ORION encompasses a command post exercise,” said Capt. Shawn Botin, a brigade planner assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade, 34th Infantry Division. “It builds multinational interoperability and allows us to train with our partner nations in NATO.”

The exercise jointly trained over thirteen countries and foreign military forces in multiple facets.

“Our main interoperability goal is to learn the similarities between our nation and the other nations,” said Botin. “This refines our processes because if the United States were to be called upon to serve with a partnering nation, we can assist with providing a seamless transition into their work processes.”

ORION focused on large-scale combat operations; foreign forces have rallied together under French 3rd Division command to exhibit multinational interoperability.

“We are not just here to train our Soldiers but also to assist with the training of the French 3rd Division as they are conducting the live portion of this exercise,” said Botin. “This exercise fortifies the relationships the U.S. Army has with its partners and lays the foundation to build new ones.”

During the exercise, U.S. Army troops with different specializations had the opportunity to work with their immediate counterparts from countries like Belgium, United Kingdom, Germany, Spain and more.

“I think the biggest take-away for the Soldiers is understanding that there are military members outside of the United States military,” said Botin. “Learning how to operate with them and seeing a specialist in the U.S. Army isn’t that much different from a specialist in the French or British forces.”

Moore went on to express that more than just on a tactical level, this campaign has benefited Soldiers on a personal level as well.

“The Soldiers love to work with other countries and to build camaraderie, not just within their own unit but also our partners’,” said Moore. “You realize that we have a lot more in common than we have different.”

By PFC Alejandro Carrasquel

Release of 2Q23 DroneSentry-C2 Platform Update

Friday, May 12th, 2023

DroneShield is pleased to announce it has today begun the rollout of a major update to the DroneSentry-C2 platform.

These enhancements are available for all DroneSentry-C2 systems deployed with DroneSentry customers globally, who are enrolled with an active firmware subscription, via secure cloud or on-prem updates.

Following the release of the ground-breaking DroneSentry-C2 SFAI (Sensor Fusion Artificial Intelligence) Engine last quarter, the DroneShield team has worked closely with its customers to refine the user experience and performance of its industry leading capability. 

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Image: DroneShield DroneSentry-C2 Command-and-Control system

Major enhancements include:

• New ‘Actions’ Panel – All operator actions required for drone detection and mitigation have been centralised in single quick to use, easy to understand, ‘Actions’ panel. This panel provides real time feedback to the operator as the state of the system changes to deter the threat.

• Consolidated Notifications Panel – The previous ‘Notifications’ and ‘Alerts’ panels have been removed and consolidated into a unified ‘Notifications’ panel. The result is a cleaner user experience.

• Mode Selector from Top Bar – With SFAI, the DroneSentry-C2 can be set to run in different modes, Calibration, Monitor and Operational. These modes can now be quickly toggled between any page of the GUI.

• Improved Detection Event Detail from Analytics – Analytics now displays all relevant detection information from the ‘Replay Event’ tool just as it was for the live flight.

• Improved Radar Settings – Radar systems will automatically apply masks and filters based on the installation settings selected by the operator. This significantly reduces the amount of manual masking and filtering required.

• Enhanced WebSocket’s API – DroneSentry-C2 now supports a robust WebSocket’s based API where integrators and third-party systems can connect and received Sensor Fused objects, streamed to them in real time. 

Angus Bean, DroneShield Chief Technology Officer, commented, “A key challenge for drone security is reaction time. The speed at which drones can move and their ability to be deployed in close proximity to the target often results in a window of less than 10 seconds. During this time, the system must detect the drone, the operator must assess the situation and countermeasures or otherwise appropriate responses deployed. This update ensures that the DroneShield SFAI engine for detection matches with a high-quality user interface to ensure reaction time.”
 
Oleg Vornik, DroneShield CEO, added, “DroneShield is unique globally, in being both a sensor developer/manufacturer, as well as designer of own Command-and-Control/C2 system. This enables streamlined end user experience with the DroneShield ecosystem, as well as flexibility to supply customers with sensors, the C2 (utilising a mix of DroneShield and third-party sensors, or both.”

Smaller, Safer, and Easy To Use: EasyOne Drone LiDAR

Friday, May 12th, 2023

Company that Launched The World’s First Quadcopter Drone Announces The New Standard For Drone LiDAR

May 9, 2023

Denver, CO- From the floor of Xponential, drone surveying pioneer Microdrones announced an entirely new drone platform built around the demands of geospatial professionals. Vivien Heriard-Dubreuil, CEO of Microdrones explains “We’re excited to announce this new drone platform that prioritizes three key areas: transportability, a simple control interface and ease of use.”

Xponential participants crowded the Microdrones booth for a closer look. “This is EasyOne,” said Frank Darmayan, company CTO, as he pointed to the display. “It fits in a case that’s about two and a half feet long and a foot and a half wide and deep. The mdCockpit mission planning screen is fully integrated into the RC. All sensitive onboard electronics are designed, manufactured and assembled in Germany. It’s just as powerful and capable as our legacy systems but it’s even easier to use.”

EasyOne is an optimized and fully integrated drone system that will provide the lifting power to carry Microdrones LiDAR and photogrammetry surveying equipment. It improves upon the company’s legacy drones in three key areas:

EasyOne is Easier to Transport.

EasyOne features a significantly smaller operational form factor with the same payload capacity of the md4-1000 platform. In addition to a smaller operational form factor, the EasyOne packs down even smaller, fitting the drone, remote, charger, two batteries and the payload into a protective storage case that’s small and light enough to bring anywhere.

EasyOne has an Improved RC Controller and mdCockpit Interface.

EasyOne will feature an entirely new controller design that provides an enhanced user interface and safety features.

• Combined device and integrated remote control- the RC and tablet are one integrated control unit.

• FPV available directly on the remote

EasyOne is easy to use.

Heriard-Dubreuil explains, “We want to make it even easier for geospatial professionals to adopt this technology and make it a part of their daily work. We offer complete systems to plan flights, fly data collection in the field, process data and then visualize it for better decision making. You are getting a fully integrated package from one company; it includes the drone, RC, mdCockpit flight planning software, survey LiDAR+ imagery payload, LP360 data processing software, workflow, training, and support. EasyOne is the complete package.”

Vincent Legrand, Vice President of Global Sales adds, “Plus, as part of the EasyOne lineup customers can take advantage of the all-new Easy Replacement Program. Should you have an accident or problem in the field, this program gets you up and running with an EasyOne replacement in a timely manner.”

True to its promise, Microdrones offers fully integrated systems and it launches the new aircraft platform in North America with three fully integrated LiDAR sensor options to meet your needs.

EasyOneLiDARUHR+

EasyOneLiDARUHR or UHR Lite

Designed and assembled in the USA and Germany, Microdrones technology, firmware, software and workflow developed and refined since 2006 is used with the new airframe to provide:

• new autopilot integrated into a single board- this means less cabling, less weight, more compactness and less risk of connection-related failures and better electromagnetic compatibility.

• Additional sensors to improve safety and awareness

• mdCockpit software ecosystem for mission planning and control directly integrated into the RC

• EasyOne is certified as a “Remote Identification Unmanned Aircraft” following FAA 14 CFR Part 89.

• payload connection/communication quick-connect

• real time terrain follow

According to Legrand, “Responsible sourcing is becoming increasingly important for many of our government customers. For these institutions, we will soon offer NDAA-compliant EasyOne systems that take our responsible sourcing to an even higher level, with RC and sensor sourcing options that are exclusively NDAA compliant. We are in process for Green UAS Certification.”

To learn more about these new EasyOne systems and their capabilities, visit the links above or schedule time to talk with your Microdrones sales team by completing this form.