December 2023 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for December, 2023

Meet the “Jake” Victory First Signature Series | Raven Concealment + Matt Jaques Collaboration

Friday, December 22nd, 2023

North Ridgeville, OH – December 22nd, 2023 | For Immediate Release

Raven Concealment Systems has announced the launch of their new Signature Series holster, the “Jake.” This series is born out of a 12+ year-long advisory relationship with Matt “Jake” Jacques of Victory First.

The “Jake” is the culmination of all the knowledge RCS gained since their first AIWB holster in 2008. RCS took every lesson learned from their preceding holsters in this category (the ACR, VanGuard 2, and Eidolon), and combined that with the expert input of Matt Jaques, one of the firearms industry’s preeminent concealed-carry gurus.

Matt Jaques, the mind behind Victory First, brought an invaluable perspective to this design. A retired law enforcement officer (with a background in both SWAT and undercover work) who later worked for the Diplomatic Security Service Firearms Training Unit, Jacques ensured that this holster’s design answered the real-world needs of individuals concealing firearms in high-risk environments.

The “Jake” incorporates all the innovative designs that Raven Concealment has pioneered over the last 15 years, such as a user-selectable wedge near the muzzle to keep the rear of the slide from tipping away from the beltline, a new, low-profile claw to tuck the butt of the grip of the pistol into the body, and multiple attachment points for belt hardware like overhooks or soft-loops.

The “Jake” also bears a key feature that Matt Jacques feels is absolutely essential to a proper AIWB holster: A dual body shield. This configuration provides an inboard shield to protect the pistol from sweat, and an outboard shield which protects cover garments from excessive wear from rubbing against slide serrations. This outer shield also helps keep foreign objects from entering the mouth of the holster once the pistol is drawn.

The “Jake” is the natural evolution of Raven Concealment’s approach to AIWB carry, merging time-tested and proven design features with forward-thinking innovation. It’s an ideal choice for discerning shooters in their concealed carry choices. If you’re interested in reading more, or getting one yourself, head over to RCSGear.com.

Posted in Holsters, Press Release | 2 Comments »

EuroOptic Exclusive – Daniel Defense M4A1 Rifle with Vortex AMG 1-10×24 FFP EBR-9 Super Short Scope

Friday, December 22nd, 2023

As soon as the elusive Vortex 1-10×24 Super Short Scope was revealed just over a year ago, folks have been trying to figure out how to get one and now is your chance. There’s a catch, well two catches. The first is that there are only 50 available and the second is that you have to buy a rifle along with it.

Now the rifle is pretty nice as well. It’s a Daniel Defense Daniel Defense M4A1 RIII 5.56mm NATO 14.5″ P&W Bbl Rifle and you also get the Vortex AMG 1-10×24 FFP EBR-9 Super Short Scope with the UK issue Reptilia Mount.

Regardless of the fact that this is a full system purchase at $5595, I expect these to go very quickly.

Here are the details:

Explore the exclusive EuroOptic Daniel Defense M4A1 RIII Rifle package featuring the highly sought-after Vortex AMG 1-10×24 Super Short Scope secured within a custom-designed Reptilia AUS mount. Limited to just 50 units, this package delivers a specialized combination of rifle, optic, and mount, drawing inspiration from the L403A1 weapons system recently adopted by the British Special Operations Forces.

Crafted around the Daniel Defense M4A1 RIII, a semi-automatic 5.56x45mm NATO rifle, this package boasts a 14.5” barrel, complemented by a pinned and welded flash hider, maintaining a 16” overall “barrel length” for non-NFA classification. Representing an enhanced iteration of the popular M4A1 platform, the M4A1 RIII incorporates numerous upgrades to optimize performance and user convenience.

Distinguishing itself with the exclusive RIS III rail system, an evolved version of the esteemed RIS II rail developed by SOCOM, the M4A1 RIII features the robust 6-Bolt, Bolt-Up system capable of enduring the recoil from an M203 grenade launcher. Further enhancing usability, its ambidextrous safety selector, bolt release, and charging handle empower both left and right-handed users to operate the rifle seamlessly without adjusting their dominant grip.

Atop this exceptional rifle, the Vortex AMG 1-10×24 34mm Super Short Riflescope, adorned with an EBR-9 First Focal Plane Reticle, rests within the precision-crafted Reptilia AUS optic mount. This American-manufactured scope, weighing a mere 18.85 ounces and measuring a compact 8.5 inches in length, ranks among the lightest and most compact scopes in its category. The EBR-9 Reticle, designed for close and medium-range engagements, combines an illuminated segmented circle dot for optimal visibility at 1x magnification with Christmas tree-style hold-overs for use at higher magnifications. Notably, this scope is currently exclusively available with the purchase of this rifle and optic package.

www.eurooptic.com/Daniel-Defense-M4A1-RIII-556mm-NATO-145-P-W-Bbl-Rifle-with-Vortex-AMG-1-10×24-FF

Posted in Black Rifle, Optics | 4 Comments »

FirstSpear Friday Focus – Merry Christmas!

Friday, December 22nd, 2023

Posted in FS Friday Focus | Comments Off on FirstSpear Friday Focus – Merry Christmas!

Spike Missile Integrated into Apache Helicopter at Yuma Proving Ground

Friday, December 22nd, 2023

YUMA PROVING GROUND, Ariz. — A primary responsibility of U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground is to support developmental testing to improve existing weapons systems, even on platforms considered the most lethal of their kind.

A recent example of this is testing in support of an airworthiness release that will allow the Spike non-line of site missile to be integrated into the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter.

Always identified with state-of-the-art sensors and precision guidance systems, as well as lethal air-to-surface missiles like the Hellfire, the Apache will now boast a precision weapon with more than four times the range of the iconic missile.

“Our plan is to field next summer,” said Maj. Brian Haley, assistant product manager for Program Manager Apache. “We are going rapidly from this culminating test event to fielding. It is an awesome capability that I think will be a game-changer.”

Over the course of five days in December 2023, testers fired eight full-up rounds in a variety of test scenarios at the proving ground: day and night shots, against both moving and static targets such as a mock SA-22 and a Dodge Dakota truck, at different distances, from hovers close up to more than 30 kilometers away.

In more than one fire, the Apache dropped down in altitude and even turned 180 degrees as the missile sped toward its target to intentionally lose link with the round to verify it would still hit the target on its automatic track: the link was reestablished before impact in one test and intentionally not reestablished in another.

The Spike missile is also able to disable the warhead mid-flight, and one test verified this, hitting a target board like a slug. The test included acoustic sensors to gather sound data on its impact.

“The flight restriction algorithm on the Spike is pretty robust,” said Cole Sutter, YPG test officer. “It has an intended and expected flight area, and when it leaves that expected flight area it induces a roll to land within the surface danger zone.”

Aviation testers appreciate YPG’s vast ranges and variety of realistic targets as they put the weapon through its paces in a variety of situations and altitudes. YPG’s natural desert environment also contributes significantly to the realism of the testing. The Spike had three successful test shots in January 2023 for integration qualification and had been demonstrated at the proving ground in 2019 and during Project Convergence 2021.

“We’ve had a relationship with Yuma for four years now,” said Haley. “It has the range space, the facilities, and frequency management requirements that are specific to us. Other ranges have different resource challenges that we don’t have here.”

Information gathered during the test will not only validate fielding the weapon, but also contribute new insights into reconfiguring existing pods on the Apache to accommodate more missiles, as well as in training combat pilots on how to use the Spike for maximum effect.

By Mark Schauer

Editor’s note: Spike Non Line of Sight (NLOS) is part of the Spike Fire-and-Forget family of missiles manufactured by Israel’s Rafael. It was selected in 2020 by the US Army as their Interim-Long Range Precision Munition.

Here is a Lockheed Martin press release on the test . They accomplished the system integration and offer Spike in the US.

Posted in Army, Aviation, Guest Post, Munitions | Comments Off on Spike Missile Integrated into Apache Helicopter at Yuma Proving Ground

Government of Canada Orders the MQ-9B SkyGuardian RPAS from GA-ASI

Thursday, December 21st, 2023

SAN DIEGO – 19 December 2023 – The Government of Canada has signed a contract to purchase a fleet of MQ-9B SkyGuardian® Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). The order includes the associated Certified Ground Control Stations and support equipment from GA-ASI. The first delivery is expected in 2028.

The SkyGuardian RPAS is interoperable with Canada’s domestic missions and its continental defence missions through NORAD, as well as with Canada’s closest allies – including the Five Eyes Alliance (FVEY) and NATO – for seamless integration with current and future Canadian defence, civil air, and ground assets.

“Canada’s vast territory and complex terrains, including in the Arctic, require a cost-effective multi-mission RPAS solution that can endure long periods on station, fly in harsh weather environments, and safely operate in all airspaces,” said Linden Blue, CEO of GA-ASI. “MQ-9B SkyGuardian delivers those critical capabilities. GA-ASI and Team SkyGuardian Canada are honored by this opportunity to become a key partner to Canada for the very long term in delivering these no-fail defence and security outcomes.”

Team SkyGuardian Canada is a coalition of leading Canadian businesses – including CAE, MDA Ltd., and L3Harris Technologies – that are working with GA-ASI on MQ-9B development, delivery, and sustainment. Canada’s investments in the RPAS Project and Team SkyGuardian Canada are a direct reflection of Canada’s vested domestic interest in pursuing leading-edge RPAS technologies.

GA-ASI has had a long, successful, and proud history with Canadian industry that continues to grow. Nearly every system that GA-ASI has delivered throughout its more than 30-year history has contained some level of Canadian content, including sensors, propulsion equipment, and training/simulation systems and services. CAE, MDA Ltd., L3Harris, and GA-ASI are committed to delivering the world’s premier RPAS capability to Canada while creating domestic economic benefits and work opportunities.

MQ-9B is the next generation of RPAS, delivering exceptionally long endurance and range, with auto takeoff and landing under SATCOM-only control, and will be able to operate in unsegregated airspace using the GA-ASI developed Detect and Avoid system. First customer deliveries of MQ-9B began in 2022 to the U.K. Royal Air Force, and contracts have been signed with Belgium and the U.S. Air Force, in support of Special Operations Command. The Japan Coast Guard is currently operating the MQ-9B for maritime operations, which the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) also selected for its Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) RPAS Trial Operation Project. MQ-9B has additionally supported various U.S. Navy exercises this year, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, and Group Sail.

“We look forward to working with our Team SkyGuardian Canada partners to deliver our industry leading RPAS for Canada’s dynamic mission requirements. GA-ASI is the world leader in reliable, cost-efficient, and sustainable remotely piloted aircraft systems. These aircraft perform advanced interoperable and systems-of-systems operations for our valued customers around the world – all at a fraction of the carbon footprint impact as traditional manned systems performing similar missions,” added Blue.

Posted in Contracts, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Government of Canada Orders the MQ-9B SkyGuardian RPAS from GA-ASI

Rheinmetall Wins Follow-Up Order from Vienna: Austrian Army Procuring More Trucks – Potential Additional Sales of Over €300 Million

Thursday, December 21st, 2023

Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) has just scored another significant sales success in Austria, winning a request for tenders for a further lot of logistic vehicles for the Austrian Army. A corresponding enlargement of the existing framework agreement with Bundesbeschaffung GmbH (BGG) of Vienna, the Austrian procurement organization, envisages delivery of up to 300 trucks, primarily from the HX family of vehicles. The expanded contract for the newly won lot runs for 48 months and offers the possibility of flexible call-offs of vehicles with an aggregate value of over €300 million.
In spring 2023, Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles won all six military lots in a request for tenders for a total of 23 lots of trucks. The resulting framework contract runs for seven years and envisages delivery of up to 1,375 vehicles from RMMV’s HX, TGS and TGM series. Order volume could be as high as €525 million. For Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles, the award of an additional lot brings the framework contract volume to over €825 million.

The expansion of the framework agreement concluded just last spring forms part of a comprehensive modernization of the Austrian Army, whose “Build-up Plan 2023” calls for substantial investment in the country’s military capabilities. Improving the mobility of forces in the field is a key element of the plan, reflected in the now well-endowed BBG framework agreement.

Austrian defence minister Klaudia Tanner recently visited the RMMV plant in Vienna’s Liesing district, where she praised the work of the Viennese staff: “I’m impressed by the professionalism of the work being done here. And I’m very glad that the Austrian armed forces have such a reliable partner as RMMV at their side.”

“The expansion of the framework agreement with Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH is another strong sign that the Austrian Army is modernizing, but this applies all the more so to the Austrian economy”, declares Michael Wittlinger, managing director of RMMV. We’re proud not only of our Vienna plant’s contribution to Austrian value added, but also of being able to enhance the resilience, autarky and sustainment of the Austrian Army.”

The Austrian Army has been a very good customer of RMMV for many years, with vehicles from the company’s TGM, TGS und HX lines successfully in service. Under the new framework agreement, the first half of 2023 witnessed an order of 850 TGM trucks with a double cabin and swap body build-on system as well 15 HX81 armoured recovery vehicles, including an 8-axle trailer. Furthermore, HX trucks with a three-sided tipper build-on and rear crane are slated for delivery in the next few years, as are TGS 8×8 vehicles with a Palfinger hook system. At the end of 2021, moreover, the Austrian Army placed an order with RMMV for exchangeable integrated armoured cabins. These can be mounted on existing HX vehicles in very short order in line with operational requirements.

RMMV is a joint venture company in which Rheinmetall AG holds a 51% stake, with the remaining 49% held by MAN Truck & Bus SE.

Posted in Contracts, International, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on Rheinmetall Wins Follow-Up Order from Vienna: Austrian Army Procuring More Trucks – Potential Additional Sales of Over €300 Million

Wiley X Donates More Than 300 Pairs of Eyewear for Boot Campaign’s Santa Boots Program

Thursday, December 21st, 2023

Eyewear to be distributed as gifts to Veteran and active-duty military families nationwide

FRISCO, Texas (Dec. 12, 2023) — Wiley X, a global leader and pioneer in premium protective eyewear, recently donated 328 pairs of its best-in-glass eyewear to Boot Campaign for the organization’s 2023 Santa Boots Program.

Boot Campaign, a non-profit with a mission to unite Americans in honoring and restoring the lives of Veterans and military families through individualized, life-improving programs, will distribute the eyewear as gifts to Veteran and active-duty military families nationwide as part of its Santa Boots Program.

“Wiley X is known throughout the military community for incredible eyewear for our service members and we are honored they partnered with Boot Campaign to support military families across the country this holiday season,” said Lindsey Lott, VP of Partnerships & Communications for Boot Campaign. “Thank you, Wiley X, for providing sunglasses to each of our family members and bringing joy to those who are serving and those who have served.”

Boot Campaign’s Santa Boots Program was created to unite Americans in showing gratitude to service members during the holiday season by delivering specially curated gifts to veteran and military families.

“Our Veterans, active service members and their families are always deserving of our support and gratitude, and that is especially true around the holidays,” said Dan Freeman, CEO and Co-Owner of Wiley X.

“We’re proud to partner with Boot Campaign and to support the Santa Boots program in bringing joy to so many families across the country.”

To learn more about Wiley X, its product and its efforts to support military families, visit www.wileyx.com. To learn more about Boot Campaign and its non-profit mission, visit www.bootcampaing.org.

Posted in Charity, Eyepro, Press Release, Veterans | Comments Off on Wiley X Donates More Than 300 Pairs of Eyewear for Boot Campaign’s Santa Boots Program

FBI Selects Aimpoint Duty RDS and Aimpoint CompM4s for Rifle Red Dot Sights and Mounts Program

Thursday, December 21st, 2023

Manassas, Virginia – Aimpoint, the leading manufacturer and innovator of red dot sighting technology, has been chosen by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to supply Aimpoint® Duty RDS and Aimpoint® CompM4s optics for their Red Dot Sights and Mounts Program.

Following extensive testing of a broad selection of competitive optics, Aimpoint was awarded a five-year contract with a maximum award amount of $7 million for the compact Duty RDS™ sight, and an additional $4 million award for the larger format CompM4s sight. Deliveries of both sights to the FBI began at the end of 2023.

Designed to meet the demands facing today’s law enforcement officers, the Aimpoint Duty RDS is a high-performance reflex optic in a compact package. The all-new design offers a pressure-forged aluminum alloy housing, flush mounted windage and elevation adjustments with tactile clicks, and digital intensity adjustments for ease of operation under any conditions or while wearing gloves.

The Duty RDS features a one-piece torsion nut mount that attaches to all MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rails and provides an absolute co-witness sight picture with standard height iron sights. The Duty RDS provides 30,000 hours (3 years) of constant-on use using a single CR2032 battery powering a 2 MOA red dot and has 10 operating brightness settings. Compatible with all generations of night vision devices, this sight is also submersible up to 80 feet (25 meters).

The Aimpoint CompM4s is currently used and trusted by top-tier professional end users globally and has been type classified as the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force M68CCO (Close Combat Optic) for over two decades. Offering a 2 MOA red dot, the CompM4s is powered by a single AA battery for over 80,000 hours (8 years) of continuous use and over 500,000 hours in the night vision settings.

For more information on Aimpoint products, visit the company’s webpage: www.aimpoint.us

Posted in Advertiser, Optics, Press Release | 5 Comments »