Archive for September, 2023
FirstSpear Friday Focus: 9/11
Friday, September 8th, 2023Britain’s Commandos to Get New Assault Rifles
Friday, September 8th, 2023
Britain’s elite Royal Marine Commando Forces will be stealthier and deadlier thanks to a new assault rifle.
The Knight’s Stoner 1 (KS-1) rifle (designated L403A1) headlines a host of new kit additions for the UK Commando Forces in ‘lead strike teams’ – those responsible for raiding and amphibious operations worldwide.
More than a thousand of the new rifles have been bought from US producers Knight’s Armament Company and come with advanced optical and thermal sights as well as suppressor (silencer) systems to make Commandos harder to trace and more formidable in combat.
The Commando Force regularly deploys around the globe in all extremes of environment – arctic, desert and jungle – reacting to crises and conducting a range of complex operations, including counter piracy and terrorism, drugs busts and humanitarian aid and disaster relief.
It means there is a need to put top-end kit in the hands of these specialist warriors to give them the upper hand on the battlefield.
A new rifle, night vision goggles, tactical communications systems, battlefield vehicles and ‘survivability systems’, including new helmets, communications and suppressors which make the force more difficult to detect, are to be rolled out as the Royal Navy makes an initial investment in new kit for its elite, very high readiness fighting force, with plans for a longer-term procurement programme from 2024.
Captain Nick Unwin RN, Commando Force Programme Director, said: “Delivery of quality equipment such as we see today is a genuine increase in capability and capacity for the UK’s Commando Force Strike Teams and offers significant tactical advantage to the user.
“The Commando Force Programme is delivering change across all areas of amphibious operations; this is just one small part of the wider change programme we are all embarked upon as we adjust to evolving threats and challenges.”
Alongside this new rifle and a new helmet made by Gentex, Commando Forces will take delivery of the new Fused Binocular Night Vision Device produced by L3Harris, giving them a significant advantage over their adversaries in night-time littoral operations, or as they move in darkness through confined spaces during boarding operations.
Again, more than a thousand have been procured and the systems feature advanced low-light image intensification with a fused thermal input – which means the devices include both night vision and thermal sensor superimposed into a single image for the operator – that far outperforms older systems currently used by the UK’s Armed Forces.
Commando Forces are also exploring how to use the night vision kit alongside digital communications systems, providing a live feed to the goggles to help commanders assess the battlefield and make decisions.
Meanwhile, advances are being made with upgrades to the Sharpshooter rifle.
The Lewis Machine and Tool L129A2 rifle is an improvement on the well-established Sharpshooter with new Leupold scopes and HuxWrx suppressors, making it more accurate and quieter.
It is also equipped with an Envision Technology ballistic calculator and a Pixels-on-Target thermal sight. Each Commando Strike Team will comprise two designated expert shooters equipped with these upgraded rifles.
Royal Marines
Safety Bulletin: Light Bearing Holsters for Pistols
Thursday, September 7th, 2023NEWINGTON, N.H., (September 7, 2023) – SIG SAUER is reminding consumers about the risks associated with the use of light-bearing holsters, which have been involved in a number of alleged unintentional discharge incidents. Due to the large openings in these holster designs around the trigger (necessary for accommodating the bezels of attached weapon lights), fingers or foreign objects may be able to enter these holsters and contact the trigger. This vulnerability may be exacerbated by the use of a light-bearing holster without a compatible weapon light attached.
Placement of a firearm in a holster does not relieve the user from the requirements of proper trigger discipline, and safe firearms handling practices.
Selection of a proper holster is the responsibility of the user and special care must be taken to ensure a chosen holster complements safe handling practices (including adequate trigger protection) and other philosophy of use considerations. Holster manufacturers routinely publish warnings about the vulnerabilities of light-bearing holsters, including warnings printed directly in the manuals for these products, and stand-alone bulletins. Examples are reproduced below. If you choose to use a light-bearing holster with your firearm, you should review these warnings closely and ensure the additional risks are acceptable given your intended use.
Blackhawk! T Series Holster Manual Warnings
SAFARILAND 7TS Series Holster Manual Warning
Safariland Service Bulletin | Advisory for Handguns with Lights and/or Lasers Attached (published October 21, 2005)
Certain specific models of light-bearing holsters have also recently been subject to Safety Bulletins issued by the manufacturer relating to firearm retention issues. These retention issues have been observed to contribute to a risk of unintentional discharge of holstered firearms under certain conditions. Any concerns regarding such holster issues should be directed towards the holster manufacturer directly.
Safariland Safety Bulletin | Safariland® 7TS™ GEN 2 ALS Light Bearing Holsters for Sig P320 / P320C and Surefire X300U (published August 15, 2021)
Safariland Safety Bulletin | Safariland Duty Holsters 7000 Series for Streamlight TLR 7 and similar-sized light attachments (published November 8, 2021)
Safariland Safety Bulletin | UPDATE: Safariland Duty Holsters 7000 Series for Streamlight TLR 7 and similar-sized light attachments (published March, 18, 2022)
Saab’s New Camouflage Feature Solves Communications Challenge
Thursday, September 7th, 2023Saab announces a new feature for its Barracuda Ultra-lightweight Camouflage Screen (ULCAS) giving armed forces the possibility to combine protection from the enemy with the possibility to communicate with friendly forces.
Barracuda camouflage nets provide vital protection for a soldier, hiding the operator from for example radar sensors. However, the same characteristics that provide that protection, also limits the use of GPS and/or VHF communications to and from underneath the net.
Saab’s new Frequency Selective Surface technology (ULCAS-FSS) allows selected radio frequencies to pass easily either way through the camouflage net, while protecting against the higher frequencies of electromagnetic waves used by radar systems.
The represents a significant advancement in modern signature management technology.
“Thanks to our expertise within signature management, we are taking camouflage to the next level with this novel feature. It changes how soldiers communicate while keeping multispectral protection, and so introduces a new era of tactical communication flexibility, offering unparalleled capabilities,” says Henning Robach, head of Saab’s business unit Barracuda.
Saab’s camouflage solutions, including the ULCAS with FSS feature will be shown during the DSEI 2023 event in London, 12-15 September at stand H7-210.
Safariland Launches Exclusive Kryptek Highlander Holsters
Thursday, September 7th, 2023Jacksonville, 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 has announced the release of a limited edition holster lineup featuring the Kryptekâ Highlander pattern. The new holsters, available in the 6354RDS, 6304RDS, and 6354RDSO models, are designed to provide peak protection and performance for both hunting and tactical operations.
Kryptek Highlander uses multi-directional configurations and colors that blend seamlessly into both urban and natural backdrops. For outdoor enthusiasts seeking a top-tier holster capable of effortlessly adapting to any environment, the limited edition Kryptek Highlander pattern is an essential choice in the field.
“Most of the camoflauge patterns Safariland uses for holster wraps have deep military roots,” said Eric Gasvoda, GM of Duty Gear for Safariland. “Kryptek Highlander, combined with premium 6000 series holsters, creates a bridge that will prove optimal for both hunting and tactical operations.”
Safariland’s 6354RDS, 6304RDS, and 6354RDSO holsters include the Automatic Locking System (ALS®) to secure the firearm. They are red dot sight compatible, with the 6304RDS also employing the proven self-locking system (SLS) pivoting hood. The RDSO series utilizes an open pocket design that protects the optic without the use of a flip-up dust cover.
To learn more about Safariland’s extensive line of holsters and equipment, visit Safariland.com.
As World’s Hottest Temperatures Continue, Qore Performance, Inc.’s Thermoregulation Products Protect Those Operating in Harsh Environments
Thursday, September 7th, 2023The company’s wearable ICEPLATE®-enabled vests, sleeves, and backpacks have nearly eliminated heat stroke and other heat-related health and safety issues while increasing productivity.
Knoxville, TN — With the World Meteorological Organization declaring earth just experienced the hottest three months on record, and with extreme heat still here in September, Qore Performance, Inc. www.qoreperformance.com, offers a solution to beating the heat with its wearable hydration and thermoregulation technologies. As summers continue to get longer, as previously recorded in 2021 and 2022, Qore Performance’s products offer a multi-purpose hydration and cooling solution for your body, designed for those who face extreme weather-related work conditions, as well as those who participate in outdoor sport activities.
“Our products harness a concept we refer to as ‘consumable thermoregulation’ which is a completely unique approach to thermoregulation,” says Justin Li, Co-Founder and CEO of Qore Performance. “From wearable safety vests and plate carriers, to sleeves, backpacks and wearable flasks, we’re improving and changing how people function in harsh environments.”
Invented out of necessity by Justin Li, Co-Founder and CEO of Qore Performance, who was a former law enforcement officer in Southern California, he needed a solution to maintain an ideal body temperature so he could function at his best ability in harsh climates. Fast forward to today, Qore Performance provides products, such as the ICEPLATE® Curve, a hard cell water bottle that carries your drinking water while simultaneously using it as a cooling element for your body. Fill the ICEPLATE® Curve with water and freeze it overnight before placing it within a variety of Qore Performance’s ICEPLATE EXO® Military Plate Carriers or Safety Vests for a multi-purpose cooling and hydration solution. For cold weather applications like skiing, snowboarding, and hunting, ICEPLATE® Curve can be filled with hot water.
Those who wear personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hazmat and CBRNE suits, safety vests, fire-resistant clothing, body armor, and helmets worn by soldiers can experience restricted airflow as PPE traps heat, making it difficult for the body to regulate its temperature. This can lead to overheating, dehydration, and even heat exhaustion or heat stroke. According to a report from the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Branch, there were over 1,800 heat-related illnesses among US military personnel in 2019 alone. The total cost of these injuries in terms of medical expenses, lost productivity, and disability payments is estimated to be over $1 billion annually.
In civilian settings, heat injuries are also a major concern for workers who wear safety vests in hot and humid environments. According to a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the estimated annual cost of heat-related worker injuries and illnesses in the US is around $2 billion, with most of these costs due to lost productivity and wages rather than medical expenses.
“Since 2017, our commercial customers have worked more than 5,000,000 hours without a single heat incident, preventing hundreds of hospitalizations,” says Li. “Our products are designed to keep those facing extreme conditions safe while maximizing comfort and productivity.”
For instance, one of Qore Performance’s top customers is Dutch Bros Coffee Arizona. The summer before Dutch Bros Coffee Arizona purchased and implemented the use of Qore Performance ICEVESTS, they had over 30 heat-related incidents. Some team members required more advanced medical treatment, not only creating a labor shortage, but also affecting productivity and long-term employee health. After using Qore Performance’s vests, they had zero heat-related issues. Work capacity increased by 15-25% with less rotation of outdoor staff required.
Qore Performance’s commercial clients include Boeing, FedEx, and Gopher Resources as well as fast food workers at Raising Cane’s, Shake Shack, HTeaO, and 7Brew Coffee, among others. For more information and to view the company’s full product offerings, visit www.qoreperformance.com.
Quiet Down with FN’s New Rimfire Suppressor – The Catch 22 Ti
Thursday, September 7th, 2023September 7, 2023 – McLean, VA) FN America, LLC is pleased to announce the release of the FN Catch 22™Ti, the company’s first rimfire suppressor and second installment in its suppressor lineup following the FN Rush™ 9Ti released in 2022. The rimfire Catch 22 Ti is a lightweight, durable and quiet suppressor that has been optimized for versatility, spinning up to all suppressor-ready rimfires like the FN 502 Tactical. Designed for unmatched reliability, the Catch 22 Ti turns a normal day on range into an incredibly quiet blast.
“With the successful release of the 9mm Rush 9Ti last year, tackling the rimfire category is the next logical step as we expand our suppressor lineup and develop accessories that enhance our suppressor-ready firearms,” said Chris Cole, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for FN America, LLC. “The FN Catch 22 Ti is an extremely small and tough rimfire suppressor with very effective sound reduction and impressive reliability given the wide variety of .22 ammunition. While it delivers all these benefits to shooters in a compact and lightweight package, it’s also a blast when paired with an FN 502 Tactical.”
Reliability, especially when paired with the FN 502 Tactical, was a key performance metric in the development of the suppressor given the wide variability that is common with .22 ammunition. The Catch 22 Ti was subjected to an extremely rigorous endurance testing paired with the FN 502 Tactical and other .22-caliber firearms along with a variety of common rimfire ammunition loads to ensure functional reliability and platform adaptability would rise above the current products in market.
“During testing, FN ran the FN 502 Tactical suppressed with the FN Catch 22Ti to very high round counts, stopping only to perform routine cleaning and lubrication along the way,” said John Ryan, Director of Product Management for FN America, LLC. “The combination ran flawlessly from start to finish with zero malfunctions, which speaks volumes about the robust design of the Catch 22.”
Considering the effects of environmental elements and ammunition velocity, the pairing of the FN 502 Tactical with the Catch 22 Ti produces a significantly reduced sound signature that dramatically improves the shooting experience and is especially notable when paired with supersonic ammunition. The usual crack that is heard during unsuppressed fire is all but eliminated and the loudest sound that can be heard is the impact on steel.
“While we don’t publish decibel reduction ratings for our suppressors due to the variability in sound capture methods, meters and ammunition types, multiple sound tests prove the FN Catch 22 Ti is extremely effective in reducing the report of .22LR and other rimfire loads,” said Rich Spalla, Suppressors Product Manager for FN America, LLC. “When we compare Catch 22 Ti head-to-head with all other rimfire suppressors, sound reduction performance puts the newest FN suppressor at the top of its class, suppressing the signature high-pitched crack.”
Weighing in at just approximately 5 ounces and 5.25-inches in length, the titanium-hybrid construction of the Catch 22 Ti provides the perfect balance to the FN 502 Tactical. Similar to the Rush 9Ti, the Catch 22 Ti features a titanium tube with a robust Cerkote™ coating rated for high temperatures. The baffle stack is comprised of a stainless-steel blast baffle tempered for heat resistance and an aircraft-grade aluminum baffle stack for the ultimate strength to weight ratio. The included tool enables quick removal of the end cap and baffle stack, making cleaning and maintenance fast and simple.
“Serviceability is critical with rimfire suppressors and .22 rimfire ammunition is notorious for producing a lot of fouling and build-up. We wanted to ensure that owners could easily disassemble their Catch 22 Ti to thoroughly clean each component,” added John Ryan, Director of Product Management. “The included disassembly tool makes maintenance fast and simple – using the tool, unscrew the end cap and slide the entire baffle stack out.”
The slim 1.1-inch tube clears the suppressor-height sights easily on the FN 502 Tactical and mounts securely to any platform via the 1/2×28-inch threads and is rated for rimfire firearms chambered in .22LR, .22 Mag, .22 WMR and .17 HMR.
Specifications:
• Caliber Rating: .22LR, .22 Mag, .22 WMR and .17 HMR.
• Overall Length: 5.25 inches
• Tube Diameter: 1.12 inches
• Weight: ?5 ounces
• Mount: 1/2×28” TPI
• Included end cap/front cap assembly tool
• Titanium tube, high-heat stainless steel blast baffle, aircraft-grade aluminum baffle stack
• Available in Flat Dark Earth or Black HT Cerakote™
• Limited lifetime warranty
Allen-Vanguard Deepens its ECM Support to Somalia with an 18-month Contract Extension for its Field Service Representative (FSR) Team
Thursday, September 7th, 2023
Allen-Vanguard, a global leader in providing customized solutions for defeating Radio Frequency (RF) based terrorist and extremist threats, has a long-established relationship of providing vital ECM and counter explosive threat support to Security Forces across Somalia. This support has recently been increased with the provision of additional ECM hardware to the region and the formal 18-month extension of the in-country Field Service Representative (FSR) team based in Mogadishu. Allen- Vanguard will be at DSEi 23 on stand H2-820 to discuss all their RF dominance solutions.
Since 1991, the civil war and related power struggles between warring factions and various extremist groups has created one of the highest risk areas of operation for government security forces and international peacekeeping troops in the world. For those required to operate in the region, either military or diplomatic, the risk of injury or death from explosive related devices either intentionally detonated or accidentally triggered remains significant and therefore it is essential, in order to protect those trying to bring peace to the region, to have access to the necessary ECM hardware, training and in-country support.
Allen-Vanguard has been working in Somalia supporting national Security Forces and working with other peace keeping nations since 2018, helping to defeat the RF threat by supplying high quality but cost-effective ECM protection, such as our SCORPION and 3XXX suite of protection. The 3XXX offers an internally modular and easily upgradeable architecture with a raft of protection measures. The 3XXX series is robust, simple to operate and maintain, and can be vehicle mounted or used at a static location so is perfect for use in the region. The SCORPION has similar technology and capability but in a highly flexible manpack form, maximising its utility. These features combined with their outstanding performance make both ideal for security forces but also major Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Other Government Departments (OGDs).
Allen-Vanguard is committed to providing the best possible service and outcomes for their customers and they aspire to create indigenous force protection capability through comprehensive training (recently they provided additional Explosive Threat Reduction Training in Somalia) and through their dedicated in-country FSR team. This team has the necessary Allen-Vanguard specialists to provide a tailored mission support service for all their ECM systems updating and testing. They offer a range of support options to optimize algorithms specific for every user’s needs and to combat threats specific to the region of operations. The Somali team have been in Mogadishu since August 2021, and has just been extended for a further 18-months.
Bobby Strawbridge, Director Business Development for Allen-Vanguard said “We at Allen-Vanguard are very conscious that ECM equipment alone does not defeat the threat. Our vision is to create local capability, share knowledge, provide training and help to develop regional expertise so that those facing the greatest risk in peace keeping operations get the maximum possible protection. As one of the highest risk operational theatres in the world and building on a decade’s worth of supporting peacekeeping operations in Somalia, Allen-Vanguard’s footprint has recently grown considerably, reinforced with a permanent presence on the ground delivering OEM support at the ‘sharp end’ of operations.”
