The Racker from True North Concepts is a One-handed Pistol Manipulation Tool, designed to avoid the extreme damage done to holsters during one-handed pistol manipulation drills.
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Archive for August, 2023
The Racker from True North Concepts
Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023Safariland’s Liberator IV Now NTOA Member Tested and Recommended
Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023
Jacksonville, Florida – Safariland®, a brand of The Safariland Group®, a leading global provider of safety products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets and one of Cadre Holdings, Inc.’s (NYSE: CDRE) (“Cadre”) key brands is proud to announce the Liberator® IV Advanced Single Comm Headset is now Member Tested and Recommended by the National Tactical Officers Association.
“The Liberator IV, the first multi-mode, dual fuel single communications headset to hit the market, is designed to meet the rigorous demands of military and law enforcement users in any tactical situation,” said James Imhoff, GM of Communications for Safariland. “We’re proud to be recognized by the NTOA, further showcasing the peak performance of this product.”
Safariland sets standards with the Liberator IV in tactical advancements, boasting revolutionary technologies like Active Noise Reduction (ANR), Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Dual Mode with ANR/ANC simultaneously. With industry-leading sound localization and advanced protection technology, this headset promotes maximum situational awareness and threat detection, facilitating rapid decision-making during critical operations. These American-made systems enhance operational efficiency and personnel safety on the front lines, where every second counts.
Since 2003, the NTOA Member Tested and Recommended Program has rigorously tested over 3,000 products in real-world situations, holding significant importance for numerous law enforcement agencies when making product purchasing choices. The results of these tests are disseminated to the law enforcement community.
To learn more about Safariland’s communications systems and how Safariland is committed to building lifesaving equipment, visit Safariland.com.
S2MARTS Research OTA Releases Inaugural Project Aimed at Advancing Materials Research
Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023Aug 16, 2023 – The Department of the Navy (DoN) has embarked on a groundbreaking research endeavor under the S2MARTS Research OTA (Other Transaction Authority), with the announcement of the OTs inaugural project: Characterization and Improvement of Boron Nitride Nanotubes and Their Composites.
S²MARTS Research is uniquely situated under The Strategic & Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems (S²MARTS) 10 U.S.C. 4021 agreement created by The Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Crane Division to effectively bridge the gap between research and prototyping. By expanding the Navy’s capabilities in material design, processing, characterization, and testing, Boron Nitride will provide a solid foundation for future innovations in defense technologies.
This initiative aims to enhance capabilities in designing, processing, characterizing, and testing materials for research and development. This materials research opportunity ensures that the Navy remains at the cutting edge of material science, fostering advancements that can enhance mission success and bolster national security.
With a particular focus on boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs), this project seeks to delve into the unique properties of this emerging material. Leaning into the opportunity a research OT provides, this project encourages exploration of other materials with similar properties and their synergistic combinations to optimize performance and expand the Navy’s material portfolio.
Boron Nitride Nanotubes (BNNTs): A Promising Material
BNNTs are continuously gaining attention in the scientific community. These nanotubes exhibit exotic properties of thermal conductivity, high strength, and electrical resistivity, making them attractive for further exploration. As manufacturing techniques continue to advance, BNNTs are becoming more accessible, necessitating further research to characterize, enhance, and optimize their properties. The DoN recognizes the importance of staying at the forefront of material science, which is why this project focuses on BNNTs as a key area of exploration.
Characterization, Form Factors, and Processing Methods
The challenge statement extends beyond the characterization of BNNTs alone, encompassing a comprehensive study of their potential form factors and processing methods. By investigating various form factors, such as films, fibers, and composites, researchers can uncover the full spectrum of BNNT applications. Additionally, understanding the most effective processing techniques will enable the Navy to harness the full potential of BNNTs in diverse environments and scenarios.
Expanding the Research Scope
While BNNTs serve as the primary focus, it is important to note that the project does not limit its exploration to this material alone. Instead, this research opportunity encourages the inclusion of materials with similar properties and those that can synergistically enhance the performance of BNNTs or enable novel use cases. By adopting a broader perspective, the Navy aims to capitalize on the collective potential of multiple materials systems, promoting innovation and addressing a wider array of research challenges.
Get Involved with S2MARTS Research
The announcement of this project further positions the Navy at the forefront of research and development, ensuring its readiness to leverage cutting-edge materials for future defense applications. The project’s anticipated duration of 12 months, with the possibility of a 24-month extension, aims to yield significant advancements in material science.
S²MARTS Research was designed to open the door for new innovators who previously would not have been able to support projects in an academic or research-focused capacity. Under NSTXL’s open consortium model, current members already have immediate access to this opportunity. Innovators who wish to only operate under the S²MARTS Research program will be offered free membership.
SCUBAPRO – New Odin Helmet Mask Strap for Team Wendy SAR Helmet
Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023SCUBAPRO has been working closely with the Search and Rescue (SAR) community to help with the development of a new Odin Helmet Mask strap. SCUBAPRO has the Odin Helmet mask strap which allows you to attach any SCUBAPRO mask that works with the comfort strap to an Ops Core, Team Wendy exfil, Galvion helmet rails, and even the Ops Core Skull mounted system. Essentially, for anytime you must wear a helmet and a dive mask at the same time. When using a diver propulsion vehicle (DPV), the Patriot3 Jet boots, or over the beach (OTB), any time it’s a good idea to wear a helmet.
With the updated TW Odin strap you can now attach your SCUBAPRO mask to the Team Wendy SAR helmet. Allow for ease of use when using a mask with a helmet. It is made for SCUBAPRO by S&S Precision and is in the process of being added to the US Navy SAR State of the Art Catalog (SOA). This will allow all Navy SAR swimmer to use it, with any SCABAPRO Mask that works with the comfort straps.
Both Odin straps now have a new mask clip which allows the strap that attaches to the mask, to be pulled tighter with one hand.
Part number for the Odin strap (older model) that works with Ops Core, Team Wendy Exfil and Galvion helmets.
24.815.100
New Odin strap TW for the Team Wendy SAR helmet
24.815.200
AeroVironment, Inc to Acquire Tomahawk Robotics
Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023AeroVironment’s unmanned systems paired with Tomahawk Robotics’ AI-enabled technology will allow warfighters to operate various connected robotic solutions in the battlefield and share information between multiple domains with one common controller
ARLINGTON, Va.– AeroVironment has announced its anticipated acquisition of Tomahawk Robotics, a leader in AI-enabled robotic control systems. The acquisition will enable deeper integration of both companies’ technology, leading to enhanced interoperability and interconnectivity of unmanned systems through a singular platform with similar control features. This will ultimately enable warfighters to operate various connected robotic solutions in the battlefield and share information between multiple domains with one common controller. The two companies entered into a definitive agreement under which AeroVironment will acquire 100% of Tomahawk Robotics equity for a total purchase price of $120 million to be paid in a mix of cash and stock.
Founded by Brad Truesdell and Matt Summer in 2018, Tomahawk Robotics is the visionary force behind the groundbreaking Kinesis Ecosystem, an unmatched tactical capability designed for the warfighter first. At the heart of this innovation lies Kinesis, an AI-enhanced and open architecture common control system that seamlessly integrates the network of battle-proven unmanned expeditionary vehicles, sensors, and third-party software onto a single pane of glass. Powered by innovation, the Kinesis Ecosystem delivers targeted situational awareness and precision strike capabilities for the human-machine teams across the battlespace.
“The acquisition of Tomahawk Robotics will not only provide AeroVironment with strong new members of our team, but a quality brand and products that are widely respected in the industry. Tomahawk Robotics will become part of the small UAS (SUAS) business unit within AeroVironment’s Unmanned Systems segment. We intend to retain all of their workforce and existing facilities in Florida,” said AeroVironment’s CEO and Chairman Wahid Nawabi. “We will support all existing Tomahawk Robotics customers and their products will remain platform agnostic to the market and within the industry. We also plan to introduce Tomahawk Robotics solutions to AeroVironment’s growing network of more than 55 allied nations.”
“Combining features of our Crysalis operating system with Tomahawk Robotics’ AI-enhanced Kinesis platform means pairing the best common controller technology with the most ubiquitous unmanned systems on the market today,” said AeroVironment’s Senior Vice President of Unmanned Systems Trace Stevenson. Tomahawk Robotics’ Kinesis control system was integrated into AeroVironment’s small unmanned aircraft family of systems including Raven© B and Puma TM 3 AE in 2022.
“Tomahawk Robotics’ solutions will accelerate our adoption and implementation of AI and autonomy into AeroVironment platforms,” continued Stevenson. “We’re confident that the combined experience and expertise of our two teams will result in a variety of unmatched unmanned expeditionary vehicles that meet our customers’ emerging needs and exacting standards.”
“Our motto has always been ‘warfighter first.’ Everything we’ve designed or made has been optimized to better equip and prepare soldiers on the battlefield,” said Tomahawk Robotics’ CEO Brad Truesdell. “Joining AeroVironment means our solutions will have a broader reach and the opportunity to be optimized by not only AeroVironment’s family of systems, but the broader robotics community, better enabling warfighters across the globe.”
“Acquiring Tomahawk Robotics strengthens our value to our customers as we will be uniquely qualified to support multiple platforms and offer the best solution for their operational needs,” continued Nawabi. “Tomahawk Robotics’ products will enable AeroVironment’s solutions to achieve an elevated Modular Open System Approach (MOSA) desired by our customers, and the opportunity to expand into new and adjacent markets for interconnected soldiers with a Common Operating Picture enabled by AI and autonomy.”
SPX CommTech Launches Latest Transportable Tactical COMINT 953 RF Receiver
Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023• New Communications Intelligence (COMINT) Radio Frequency Receiver delivers superior threat analysis at a time of heightened electronic warfare activity.
• 953 COMINT Radio Frequency Receiver will be exhibited for the first time at DSEI 2023.
Wappenham, UK, 22 August 2023 – SPX CommTech, formed by TCI and ECS, today launches its next generation 953 Communications Intelligence (COMINT) Radio Frequency (RF) Receiver for superior identification, direction-finding, and tracking of hostile RF signals to support COMINT and Counter-UAS tactical operations. It will be exhibited for the first time at DSEI, Excel London, on stand H2-874, between 12-15 September 2023.
The new 953 COMINT RF Receiver builds on the success of its predecessor and now boasts reduced size and weight, but with greater power. This makes the device portable for dismounted operations and easily mounted on a vehicle to support mobility operations. For example, it can be carried to an elevated position in a dismounted role, such as a tactical position only accessible on foot or on top of a high-rise building, to ensure the antenna is situated at height for optimum signal detection and increased range.
The 953 COMINT RF Receiver performs continuous, unmanned, remote, and real-time signal collection up to 80MHz bandwidth across a frequency of up to 40GHz for signal monitoring, collection, and direction-finding. This bandwidth delivers a sweet spot between monitoring sufficient signal breadth and amplitude to ensure quality and accuracy in identifying threats.
The 953 COMINT RF Receiver is powered with removable hot-swappable batteries for round-the-clock use. The new compact chassis is IP-67 rated to withstand temperatures up to 50°C to deliver full operational capability in extreme hostile climatic environments. It also boasts increased removable storage of up to 2 TB for enhanced data capture.
“All around the world, heightened political, military and societal tension, and the growing use of electronic warfare, demonstrates the unparalleled importance of managing and understanding the RF spectrum today. Threat analysis and response are critical to global security, so we are excited to welcome the next generation product of our successful RF range, currently used across 20 countries,” says Graeme Forsyth, Counter-UAS Product Manager at SPX CommTech.
The 953 COMINT RF Receiver is powered by SPX CommTech’s well-renowned Blackbird software application, which detects, identifies, direction-finds and tracks signals of interest to support, find, fix and strike operations, and mitigate electronic warfare threats. It also tracks the RF emission of UAVs and their controllers or Data Links to support counter-responses. Blackbird can record the signal environment for look-back analysis without interrupting the current mission. It simplifies the collection task and can trigger automated actions and support unattended operations.
Utilising part of the 953 COMINT RF Receiver, Blackbird also uses geolocation to enable defence teams to visualise the location of the frequencies for improved intelligence-gathering and threat management. Blackbird’s intuitive point-and-click user experience suits all skill levels and is an evolution of the proven intuitive interface in previous models. This ensures minimal training requirements for existing customers while enabling new users to master the system quickly.
The new 953 COMINT RF Receiver is backwards compatible with previous COMINT versions and other technologies from SPX CommTech, for cost avoidance, uninterrupted service and seamless scalability for our users. It can also be integrated with open-source or customer-supplied mapping and other integrations.
The 953 COMINT RF Receiver is available today, and current COMINT models in service with customers will continue to be supported by SPX CommTech.
For more information, visit www.tcibr.com. Book a time to discuss your COMINT needs with us at DSEI (Excel London, 12-15 September 2023) by emailing tci_sales@spx.com.
New Antiterrorism Strategic Plan Coming This Fiscal Year
Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023
WASHINGTON — The Department of the Army is working on a new Antiterrorism Strategic Plan that is scheduled to roll out this fiscal year.
The plan, which is being coordinated with the Department of Defense, will update policy, training, exercises and how the Army analyzes and shares information about terrorism.
“The threats we faced 20 years ago aren’t the threats we face today, nor are they the threats we will face in the future,” said Maj. Gen. Duane R. Miller, Army provost marshal general. “Our adversaries are constantly evolving with the use of technology to identify vulnerabilities. It’s through this strategic plan that we hope to address any vulnerabilities and any threats we may face in the future.”
The program will help put Army civilians, contractors, Soldiers and their families on common ground with the service’s antiterrorism goals and objectives moving forward, he added.
The Army’s Antiterrorism Division worked with multiple federal organizations, including the Department of Homeland Security, as they developed the antiterrorism program. This allowed them to share information on best practices and emerging technologies that could pose a threat.
Training, education and awareness remain the key elements in the service’s efforts to prevent terrorism at home and overseas, Miller said.
“The more aware our community members are, the more likely we are to obtain advanced warning to defend against terrorist attacks,” he said. “Constant vigilance, timely threat reporting, knowledge of antiterrorism prevention measures and Army leadership advocacy are vital to sustained prevention.”
August is dedicated as Antiterrorism Awareness Month to educate members of the Army on the threat and provide information on how to prevent acts of terrorism.
“Soldiers who are aware of the risks and who report concerning behavior can help prevent threats from impacting the local community,” he said. “Don’t be a bystander. Do your part as a member of the team.”
According to Miller, the fight against terrorism has shifted in recent years from terrorist groups overseas to individual domestic terrorists fueled by extremist ideologies.
To combat the evolving threat, the Army has updated the antiterrorism program and continues to look for ways to improve protection efforts. The service is continuing to field and expand the capability of the Joint Analytic Real-time Virtual Information Sharing System.
JARVISS is a desktop and mobile application that pulls information from more than 80,000 sources to give commanders real-time data on potential threats, so they can make informed decisions.
Along with advances in technology, the Army and the National Guard continue to conduct annual exercises to stay ready. The Ohio National Guard held their emergency response exercise in April with support from local emergency services.
The exercise evaluated how the responding agencies can affect control and containment of the situation as well as the effectiveness of the facilities’ response capabilities.
National Guard units from 12 states along with multiple federal and local agencies completed an emergency response exercise at the Anchorage Fire Department Fire Training Center in June. The training is designed to maintain readiness, validate response procedures and collaborate with partners.
These efforts, along with others throughout the service, allow the Army and local partners to stay vigilant in the fight against terrorism.
“We must understand the threat and be prepared to prevent any impact on Army readiness,” Miller said. “We’re confident the outcomes from implementing the strategy will align policy, training, doctrine, partnerships and information sharing to meet the challenges of terrorism over the horizon.”
Army personnel can report suspicious behavior to their chain of command or submit a report online through INSCOM’s iSALUTE form.
By Christopher Hurd, Army News Service
Photos by Jenn DeHaan, Mike Strasser, SSG Aven Santiago, and SPC Cecilia Soriano
Alaska National Guard photos by Robert DeBerry
Navistar Defense Selected to Produce Trailers for Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Program
Tuesday, August 22nd, 2023Madison Heights, Mich. – August 17, 2023- Navistar Defense, LLC (Navistar Defense) announced today it was selected by leading military mobility solutions provider, AM General, to partner in the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV A2) program. The subcontract is to manufacture an estimated 10,000 JLTV trailers over the life of the contract.
“We are excited that AM General chose us to partner in this important program to support the United States military,” said Ted Wright, chief executive officer, Navistar Defense. “AM General is a world class Tactical Vehicle manufacturer and we’re eager to support their team.”
“We look forward to working with our industry partner on this contract,” added Wright. “The JLTV trailer subcontract allows us to continue diversifying our business portfolio, support our growth in Mississippi, and expand our growing business,” added Wright.
“Welcoming Navistar Defense to the JLTV A2 program is a key milestone in our operations,” said John Chadbourne, AM General Executive VP – Chief Business Development Officer. “Their commitment to excellence translates into the quality products they are known for in the industry. Since receiving the JLTV A2 program contract, our main focus is to deliver quality vehicles on time and on target and this includes the equipment needed to ensure our Warfighters can succeed in their missions.”
The JLTV A2 trailer is a multipurpose platform configured to support general purpose cargo and tactical generator mobility missions. The trailer is built to operate with the Closed Combat Weapons Carrier, the General Purpose, Heavy Guns Carrier and Utility JLTV variants over the same mission profile of those vehicles.
Production will begin in 2024 and will take place at Navistar Defense’s Assembly Plant located in West Point, Mississippi. The period of performance is for five-base years, with the option for an additional five years.
