September 2023 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for September, 2023

Mitch Hogan of Team ZeroTech Optics Triumphs at the Horus Heatstroke Precision Rifle Series

Sunday, September 17th, 2023

The Horus Heatstroke Open, a much-anticipated event in the Australian PRS calendar, took place this August, drawing 26 elite shooters to Darwin. As the summer heat intensified, competitors from across the country, predominantly from WA and SA, gathered to showcase their skills in this challenging Championship of Fire (COF).

This year’s event was marked by its unique night stages, a first for PRS Australia. These stages, including the spinner, pushed competitors to their limits with minimal lighting on the firing line and demanding low light conditions downrange. It was here that the Trace Adv 4-24×50 FFP with illuminated RMG reticle gave Team ZeroTech a distinct advantage, setting them apart from the competition.

By the end of Day 1, Team ZeroTech had already made a strong impression. Adam Piromanski secured the 6th position, while Mitch Hogan was hot on his heels in 7th place. Their performance was marked by confidence, precision, and a series of high-scoring stages.

Day 2 was no less intense. While Team ZT maintained their momentum, Hogan emphasized the importance of consistency in such competitions. “They’re marathons, not sprints,” he noted, highlighting the pitfalls of sequence errors and low-scoring stages that can quickly change a shooter’s rank.

Despite the challenges, Hogan emerged victorious, clinching the 7th position overall and being honored with the Marksman award. The competition was fierce, with a mere 4 points separating the 4th to 7th positions. Teammate Piromanski also showcased his prowess, finishing 14th overall.

Hogan expressed his gratitude to ZeroTech Precision Optics, Warne Scope Mounts, and TSA Outdoors for their unwavering support throughout the 2023 PRS Season. As the season nears its conclusion, all eyes are now on the ACT, eagerly awaiting to see who will make it to the top 40 and earn an invitation to the grand 2023 PRS Australia Finale at Hilltop in NSW this coming October.

“ZeroTech Precision Optics are immensely proud of our team shooters and their outstanding performances throughout the Precision Rifle Series. Their dedication, skill, and resilience in the face of intense competition are a testament to the calibre of talent we are fortunate to have representing our brand. Mitch Hogan’s triumph, alongside Adam Piromanski’s commendable finish, underscores the synergy between top-tier talent and cutting-edge optics technology.”

Ben Clarke – Global Marketing Manager, ZeroTech Optics

www.zerotechoptics.com

Posted in Press Release, Shooting Sports | Comments Off on Mitch Hogan of Team ZeroTech Optics Triumphs at the Horus Heatstroke Precision Rifle Series

Air Force, Army Battle Labs Work with DARPA on ASTARTE, New C2 Capability

Sunday, September 17th, 2023

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNS) —

The 805th Combat Training Squadron’s Shadow Operations Center-Nellis, also known as the U.S. Air Force’s Advanced Battle Management System Battle Lab, recently experimented with joint partners that helped evolve a new joint airspace management and joint fires capability at Nellis Air Force Base. Working with the U.S. Army’s Mission Command Battle Lab and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the ShOC-N hosted and collaborated on a joint experiment of the Air Space Total Awareness for Rapid Tactical Execution, or ASTARTE, system, an advanced warfighting innovation project.

As the Air Force’s premier command and control battle lab, the ShOC-N supports the development, advancement and maturation of key technologies and capabilities designed to compress the kill chain for joint and coalition warfighters.

ASTARTE is a DARPA program, with Army and Air Force sponsorship, designed to enable efficient and effective airspace operations and de-confliction in a highly congested battlespace. ASTARTE automates the ability to provide a real-time common operational picture of airspace in and above an Army division to reduce the time required to execute time-sensitive joint fires. Raytheon Corporation developed the artificial intelligence-enabled software to support airspace synchronization and tactical decision-making with a modular approach to allow ASTARTE functionality to seamlessly plug into existing Army and Air Force command and control systems.

“The ASTARTE program highlights the opportunity offor integration at ShOC-N. Software developers from Raytheon, DARPA, and the C2 operators successfully worked through automation to and from fielded systems from Solipsys, Lockheed Martin, and others to show what’s possible when you bring motivated partners together,” said Lt. Col. John Ohlund, 805th CTS commander.

Army and Air Force warfighters simulated a division-level Joint Air Ground Integration Center, or JAGIC, to evaluate the ASTARTE software in an air-ground conflict using both live data from the Air Force’s Red Flag exercise and simulated data produced by the ShOC-N. In addition to Army role players, Air Force air battle managers acted as an Air Force tactical C2 node, in this case, a Control and Reporting Center, assessing ASTARTE information sharing needed to enhance real-time battle management decision-making.

Joint warfighters ran ASTARTE through various combat scenarios and JAGIC battle drills to evaluate the program’s ability to make sense of multiple data streams to create a unified common operational picture and to make tactical recommendations for enhancing joint fires. Additionally, this event provided a critical opportunity to assess the system as a decision aid to augment or potentially replace legacy C2 systems. Recent ASTARTE system enhancements included improvements to the user interface and role player training, placing a greater emphasis on “transparency” of the processes by which the system generates potential courses of action.

“In comparison to previous test events, we observed significantly reduced reliance on legacy C2 systems while using the ASTARTE software, and the role players reported a greater understanding of how the ASTARTE system executes tasks,” said Dr. Mary Schurgot, ASTARTE program manager in DARPA’s Strategic Technology Office.

The 805th CTS and additional program stakeholders successfully evaluated ASTARTE software, identified operational considerations and future improvements, and facilitated a strategy to transition the DARPA program to the Army and Air Force.

“For the Air Force, this was all about contributing to the continued evolution of future warfighter capabilities – and it’s really great to see the invaluable role the 805th CTS plays in facilitating the ABMS Battle Lab work with joint partners to bring DoD innovation efforts to Soldiers and Airmen in the field, furthering our mission to shape multi-domain command and control moving forward,” said Col. Michael Lake, 505th Command and Control Wing deputy commander, Hurlburt Field, Florida.

By 505th Command and Control Wing Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Army, Guest Post | 1 Comment »

Crocs All-Terrain Atlas

Saturday, September 16th, 2023

If you’re looking for something new to sport around the cantonment area, check out the All-Terrain Atlas from Crocs with its shoe-like construction, all rubber MTN outsole inspired by the shape of the Rockies, and nylon webbed cross-strap with a magnetic pull release closure.

Also available in classic Crocs clog-style.

www.crocs.com/p/all-terrain-atlas

Posted in Boots | 15 Comments »

Angstadt Arms Introduces The Vanquish

Saturday, September 16th, 2023

Baffleless ISR and suppressed barrel system for the AR9 platformCharlotte, NC, (September 19, 2023)

Experience the next level of innovation and performance with the Vanquish ISR.

This revolutionary firearm breaks free from the limitations of conventional suppressors, thanks to our patented zero baffle design.

Gone are the days of relying on expensive, high-grain subsonic rounds for optimal sound suppression. The Vanquish features a ported barrel design that erases the sonic boom of standard 115-grain ammunition, delivering a suppressed shot that rivals the quietness of high-priced subs. And with no baffles, maintenance becomes virtually nonexistent and eliminates the possibility of a baffle strike.

Key Design Features:

• No Baffle Design: No chance for a baffle strike

• Adjustable Ported Barrel: Allows 115grain 9mm ammo to remain subsonic

• Quiet: Average reduction of 40dB and no first round pop

• Minimal Maintenance: With no baffles, cleanup is virtually nonexistent

• Maximum Compatibility: The Vanquish suppressed barrel is compatible with any straight blowback AR9

• Premium features: Equipped with an upgraded EMT-9 trigger, ambidextrous Radian Weapons Raptor charging handle & Talon safety sector, BCM vertical foregrip and a choice of 6 Cerakote finishes

The Vanquish is available in two barrel lengths: a 16″ rifle and 10.5″ SBR and can be purchased as a complete firearm (MSRP $1,995), complete upper (MSRP $1,095) or standalone suppressed AR9 barrel (MSRP $585).

Learn More: angstadtarms.com/vanquish

Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Angstadt Arms Introduces The Vanquish

US Army Soldiers Participate in Foreign Area Officers Annual European Symposium

Saturday, September 16th, 2023

WIESBADEN, Germany – More than 200 leaders from across Europe attended the fourth annual Foreign Area Officer Symposium on Clay Kaserne, Aug. 16-18.

The symposium provided a venue for FAOs to network, improve their understanding of U.S. military equities, exchange information, and improve professional capacities, in order to strengthen connections and European security throughout the U.S. European Command area of responsibility.

“In our very small global world, partnerships and alliances are key to success,” said Gen. Christopher Cavoli, the Commander of U.S. European Command, and Supreme Allied Commander Europe. “Working with allies and partners is extremely important for achieving U.S. national security objectives in this theater and globally.”

USAREUR-AF leaders led participants in panels on threat security, defense strategies and plans, capabilities development, and the shared understanding of the Army Campaign Plan.

“You have to be a communicator across national alliances, across U.S. organizations and national lines, you have to have the skills to develop and cultivate relationships,” Cavoli said, speaking directly to the FAOs gathered. “Your personality, reputation, and integrity as a Soldier is more important than your position or title and is directly tied to your effectiveness.”

FAOs are commissioned officers selected from any of the six branches of the United States Armed Forces. In 1997, the U.S. Army transformed the FAO branch into a single-track career field, allowing them the concentration needed to become regional experts, specializing in political-military operations. They possess a unique combination of strategic focus, regional expertise, with political, cultural, sociological, economic and geographic awareness, and foreign language proficiency. There are more than 1,000 FAOs serving in more than 150 countries around the world. They are commissioned officers deliberately selected, trained, educated, and developed to meet worldwide Department of Defense requirements.

“FAOs are often called strategic scouts because they work independently and in complex forward situations,” said General Darryl Williams the Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, and the Commander of NATO’s Allied Land Command. “The FAOs in this theater are no exception. They provide a key element that allows us to of our Allies and partners; a deeper understanding providing key elements and strengthening their abilities to conduct the large-scale operations and training across Europe.”

FAOs have extensive roles and varied responsibilities, and serve in overseas assignments such as military attachés, security cooperation officers, or as a political-military planners in a service’s headquarters, joint staff, geographic combatant commands, or in agencies of the Department of Defense. They provide expedited communication connections with Allies and partners to coordinate foreign military sales, policies, cooperative research, military training for partner nation service members, and engage in diplomatic meetings between military leaders.

“Each FAO has individualized experiences working in various embassies, and through these symposiums, they are able to connect and share combined experiences with others in the career field,” Lt. Col. Oksana Grisko said, a FAO and Branch Chief for the Central European region in the International Operations Division at U.S. Army Europe and Africa.

The symposium addressed major efforts made to improve upon a shared understanding of how FAOs are shaping the European security environment.

“The FAOs who work for the embassies, and in the USAREUR-AF headquarters, facilitate contact with our Allies and partners – we do that on a day-to-day basis,” Grisko said. “From a security standpoint, and from the Department of Defense standpoint, we’re on the front line, FAOs continually push the importance of the Allies and partners and continued support to the alliance.”

For more information on U.S. Army Europe and Africa please visit: www.europeafrica.army.mil

By Casey Slusser

Posted in Army, Guest Post | Comments Off on US Army Soldiers Participate in Foreign Area Officers Annual European Symposium

New R3D 2.0 and Minimalist Tritium Night Sights for SIG SAUER, Springfield Armory, and FN Pistols

Friday, September 15th, 2023

Fort Worth, Texas (September 12, 2023) – XS® Sights now offers its new, second-generation R3D 2.0 and Minimalist tritium night sights in standard and suppressor-height for select SIG SAUER, Springfield Armory, and FN pistols.

R3D 2.0 Tritium Night Sights

These new and improved second-generation tritium self-defense sights are brighter, stronger, and even easier to install than the original R3D models. Designed for improved speed and accuracy in any light, the R3D 2.0 features a notch and post design with two rear tritium dots and a high-contrast, Orange or Green dual-illuminated Glow Dot front sight that is wider than many on the market at 0.145”. The Glow Dot’s self-luminous tritium vile glows in low or no light for 12 years and is surrounded by XS’ proprietary photoluminescent dot material that absorbs ambient light to glow in low light. This makes the front sight brighter than the two rear tritium dots and, combined with the wide notch, provides more visible indexing for increased precision and accuracy.

R3D 2.0 improvements over the Gen-1 models include:

• Bigger and brighter rear tritium dots

• PVC rings surround the rear tritium dots for a more defined edge to improve sight picture and differentiate the front and rear sights

• EasyPress features eliminate the need for filing and hammering and reduce the force needed for installation by up to 50%.

• BlackNitride finish with double the corrosion resistance of the original black oxide surface treatment for increased durability.

Retail Price: $131.99 Standard Height, $142.99 Suppressor Height

Minimalist Night Sights

The Minimalist Night Sights are equipped with a self-illuminating tritium, Orange or Green Glow Dot front sight and serrated, anti-glare, non-tritium rear sight. Designed to be as minimalist as possible, this sight drives focus to the front sight. The dual-illuminated Glow Dot front sight features a self-luminous tritium vile surrounded by XS’ proprietary photoluminescent Glow Dot that absorbs ambient light to glow in low light. The pairing ensures the front sight will glow brightly in low light and contrast well against the blacked-out rear in bright light conditions.

Retail Price: $59.99 Standard Height, $69.99 Suppressor Height

R3D 2.0 and Minimalist Night Sights both feature a rear sight ledge for one-handed racking of the slide and are available with Orange or Green Glow Dot front sight in standard or suppressor-height models for the following pistols:

SIG SAUER

P320, P365, P225, P226, P228, P229, SP2009, SP2340, X-Macro, X-Compact, P365XL

Springfield Armory

XD, XD-M, XD-S, XD-S MOD.2, XD-E, Hellcat

509

All XS sights are backed by a 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee. The company also offers a 12-year warranty on all tritium products and a limited lifetime warranty on all other products. For more information, visit www.xssights.com.

Posted in Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on New R3D 2.0 and Minimalist Tritium Night Sights for SIG SAUER, Springfield Armory, and FN Pistols

Griffin Armament Announces the MK2 AR-15 Series

Friday, September 15th, 2023

Watertown WI, Sept. 14th, 2023 –

Using intellectual property developed by Griffin circa 2013, the Griffin MK2 AR-15 Series improves on the features of the MK1 by upgrading the foundation of the rifle; its lower receiver. The Griffin MK2 fully ambidextrous lower receiver is manufactured using state-of-the-art aerospace manufacturing techniques to achieve sub-mil-spec tolerances and unparalleled quality.

The MK2 AR-15 lower receiver is CNC-machined from a custom 7075-T6 aluminum forging with exacting tolerances at Griffin’s Watertown, WI manufacturing facility. In-machine probing, tool setting, machining, and premium deburring & de-flashing ensure a premium fit and finish and unparalleled quality. Finished in Type 3 black hardcoat anodizing, with a 60-degree flared magazine well, and built in all-weather trigger guard, the MK2 series lower is the premium foundation of an excellent fighting rifle.

The tuned gas system and suppressor optimized buffer system ensure a soft, yet reliable gas system during suppressed or unsuppressed use. The nitrided, 416R SS barrel provides improved accuracy and exceptional durability. Internal testing of this barrel to 47,000 suppressed rounds yielded zero baffle strikes, and intact rifling until the barrel was retired due to extension lug wear. Other case studies, such as multiple M24 SWS barrels holding 0.35 MOA to 20,000+ rounds in army testing provide further evidence that 416R SS is an extremely durable barrel material.

Griffin MK2 rifles are available in two rail styles, both featuring M-LOK compatible mounting interfaces throughout. The Low Profile rail is a rigid yet slender option for ideal ergonomics; featuring internal supporting ribs, this rail has extremely minimal flex, we measured at 30% of alternative market systems, and therefore is very accurate with laser systems and clip-on rail mounted night vision devices. The Griffin SR rail is a suppressor optimized hex rail allowing suppressors of 1.5” of diameter to free float under the handguard providing better hand holds with short, suppressed barrels.

The Griffin MK2 lower receiver’s controls are mirrored on both sides affording full-ambidextrous capability and vastly improved functionality for left & right-handed shooters. Ambidextrous controls include:

• Ejection Port Side Bolt Catch & Release

• Non-Ejection Port Side Magazine Release

• Safety Selector Kit

• SN-ACH™ Charging Handle

“It is satisfying to finally release these, ten years after my original design of the Ambi Lower suite. The Mk2 is everything the MK1 should have been – forged, ambidextrous, better than mil-spec dimensions, with the classic lines we all know and appreciate. It was great to be able to fully control quality this time around and give this project the attention to detail required to make these parts exceptional as they should be. It’s a great feeling to put the part in your hand and realize one of the nicest lowers you’ve ever handled is the product of your company.”

– Austin, Product Development Manager, Griffin Armament

MK2 rifles are machined in Griffin’s Watertown Wisconsin facility by freedom loving Americans.

Key points:

• Griffin 416R SS HEDP™ Barrels

• Griffin Enhanced BCG

• Griffin Forged Upper & Lower Type 3 Black Hardcoat Anodized

• Griffin Full Ambidextrous Lower w/ 60-degree Flared Magazine Well and Integrated Trigger Guard

• Griffin A3 Grip and Enhanced Trigger Guard

• Griffin Contour Connect QD End plate

• Griffin Maritime Receiver Extension™

• Griffin AR-SOB (Suppressor Optimized Buffer)

• Griffin ECS™ Extreme Condition Stock

• Griffin RailShield™ 4 Piece Panel Kit

• Griffin Low Pro Rail System

• Griffin Primo Gas Block (pinned)

• Griffin Silencer Mount Muzzle Device

• Griffin Dimpled Takedown Pins

• Warrantied for life with Griffin’s Perpetual Lifetime Warranty

Models Available:

MK2 Recce 16” Carbine .223 Wylde MSRP: $1,720.00

MK2 Patrol 14.5” Carbine .223 Wylde MSRP: $1,720.00

MK2 CQB 11.5” SBR .223 Wylde MSRP: $1,720.00

MK2 PSD 9.5” SBR .223W or .300BLK MSRP: $1,720.00

MK2 CQB 11.5” Suppressed SBR .223 Wylde MSRP: $1,720.00

MK2 PSD 9.5” Suppressed SBR .300BLK MSRP: $1,720.00

To find out more on Griffin Armament’s entire product line, please visit their website at www.GriffinArmament.com

Posted in Black Rifle, Press Release | Comments Off on Griffin Armament Announces the MK2 AR-15 Series

Milrem Robotics’ New Combat UGV with Loitering Munitions Allows Engagement Farther Behind Enemy Lines

Friday, September 15th, 2023

The European leading robotics and autonomous systems developer Milrem Robotics unveils a new THeMIS Combat Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) equipped with loitering munitions that allow engaging targets farther behind enemy lines.

The new system is equipped with Hunter 2-S tactical swarming drones by Halcon and features artificial intelligence that offers frontline forces the ability to locate, track and accurately eliminate soft targets, light vehicles and armoured vehicles from safe distances in challenging battlefield conditions.

“Units can manoeuvre the THeMIS Combat with Hunter 2-S drones closer to the enemy line. This allows them to engage closer targets faster or venture farther behind the lines to find suitable targets,” explained CPT (res) Jüri Pajuste, Defence R&D Director at Milrem Robotics.

The Hunter 2-S is able to autonomously follow a flight plan to an intended target area, coordinate with other drones in the swarm and loiter while seeking and classifying targets until engagement by a man-in-the-loop.

“Deploying robotic systems across enemy lines is considerably faster and more efficient than using manned units for the same task,” Pajuste said and added that using loitering munitions also enhances a unit’s situational awareness and ISR capabilities.

Hunter 2-S drones carry a payload of 2 kg each, can reach a cruising altitude of 500 m and cruise at an indicated airspeed of 25 m/s with a total available flight time of 45 minutes.

The mission-proven THeMIS UGV, which is part of robotics programs in 16 countries, is intended to support dismounted infantry units. It comes equipped with MIFIK – Milrem’s Intelligent Functions Kit that allows for independent mobility of the system, including point-to-point navigation, follow me, obstacle detection and avoidance.

The THeMIS Combat and other Milrem Robotics’ solutions are presented at DSEI 2023 in London and can be found in stand no H4-122.

Milrem Robotics is the leading European robotics and autonomous systems developer and systems integrator, with offices in Estonia, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands and the US. The company is known for their THeMIS and Multiscope UGVs, the Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle and the MIFIK autonomy kit.

Posted in International, Press Release, Robotics | Comments Off on Milrem Robotics’ New Combat UGV with Loitering Munitions Allows Engagement Farther Behind Enemy Lines