January 2024 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for January, 2024

GA-ASI Completes First Lifetime for Full-Scale Fatigues Test on MQ-9B

Friday, January 5th, 2024

SAN DIEGO – 03 January 2024 – On Dec. 5, 2023, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) completed a major milestone with the full-scale fatigue testing of an MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). The team completed the “first lifetime” of fatigue testing – which is equivalent to 40,000 operating hours – and represents an important step in validating the design of the airframe system. The testing is part of the aircraft certification to the NATO standard STANAG 4671, where the aircraft will be ultimately be tested through three lifetimes, thereby proving the 40,000 hour lifetime of the airframe.

The full-scale fatigue test simulates the aircraft’s design service through the application of repeated structural loading on the assembled airframe. The testing identifies any potential structural deficiencies ahead of fleet usage and assists in developing inspection and maintenance schedules for the airframe. The results of the test will be used as a part of the documentation for certification, as well as form the basis for in-service inspections of structural components.

MQ-9B is GA-ASI’s most advanced RPA and includes the SkyGuardian® and SeaGuardian® models, as well as the new Protector RG Mk 1 that is currently being delivered to the U.K. Royal Air Force.

“Full-scale fatigue testing is an integral part of validating the airframe design and a key input to the certification of the airframe prior to going into service,” said Chris Dusseault, Vice President of MQ-9B in Europe. “The completion of the fatigue test builds confidence for our MQ-9B customers that the SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian airframe meets the stringent design rigor and is a mature system at Entry into Service.”

The testing is the validation of years of design and analysis efforts. This is the first of three lifetimes of testing for the airframe. Two of the lifetimes simulate the operation of an aircraft under normal conditions, and the third lifetime has intentional damage inflicted on the airframe’s critical components to demonstrate its resistance to operational damage that may occur in the lifetime of the air vehicle.

Testing was conducted Dec. 13, 2022-Dec. 5, 2023, at Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research in Wichita, Kan. The airframe tested is a production airframe purpose-built to support the test campaign.

Posted in Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on GA-ASI Completes First Lifetime for Full-Scale Fatigues Test on MQ-9B

Catch Up With Ocean State Innovations At The SHOT Show Suppliers Showcase

Friday, January 5th, 2024

Ocean State Innovations is excited to welcome you to our SHOT Show Suppliers Showcase Booth 52240, at The Venetian 5th Floor, Palazzo Ballroom, Las Vegas, Nevada on January 22 – 23, 2024. We have the following products to review with you and your production team:

• CORDURA® TrueLock™ Solution Dyed Fabrics – 500D & 1000D.
• Curv® Tactical – Innovative Curv® Thermoplastic Composite Technology
• ITW® Military Products & Hardware
• Velcro® Brand Hook 89 & Loop 1100
• Velcro® Brand Loop in MultiCam®
• OSI Printing Services – Woven Fabrics & Velcro® Brand Loop
• Innovative Textile Developments

Stop by and say hello to the OSI Team members or reach out to make an appointment:

Peter Raneri – peter@osinnovate.com

Geoff Senko – geoff@osinnovate.com

Nick Boulis – nick@osinnovate.com

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Materials, SHOT Show | Comments Off on Catch Up With Ocean State Innovations At The SHOT Show Suppliers Showcase

Vets Tactical Showcases Groundbreaking CUPOLSTER at SHOT Show

Friday, January 5th, 2024

Transforming Vehicle Holster Solutions

January 4, 2023, Castle Rock, CO – Vets Tactical, a leading innovator in firearm accessories, is excited to introduce its patent-pending Cupolster® vehicle cup holder holster at their inaugural exhibit during the 2024 NSSF® SHOT Show in Las Vegas, NV, from January 21 to 26 in booth #43952. Precisely engineered with an ergonomic cant, the innovative Cupolster BRAVO SERIES by Vets Tactical vehicle holster raises the bar for swift firearm access and user comfort within a vehicle.

Vets Tactical CEO Craig Washburn describes Cupolster’s transformative potential. “Its design, positioning, and angle create a strategic staging area for your handgun, facilitating swift and efficient retrieval from your vehicle’s existing cup holder. When seconds matter most, your sidearm is easily accessible without hindering your field of view. Say goodbye to awkward bending or reaching—your firearm is right at your fingertips, ready to defend you and your loved ones.”

Washburn explained the convenience of customization without the need for adhesives or screws, “Customize your vehicle’s cup holder with our sizing tools. No need to worry about permanent alterations to your car’s interior—pop it in, and it securely stays in place. Plus, it’s easily transferable between vehicles,” he said. To address in-vehicle safety, the ambidextrous Cupolster BRAVO SERIES features a fully covered trigger guard allowing cross-draw positioning adapted to right or left-handed drivers and front-seat passengers.

Acknowledging the discomfort of driving with traditional holsters, Washburn added, “Whether IWB or OWB, driving with a holstered firearm can be uncomfortable. The Cupolster addresses that issue, providing a seamless and efficient solution for firearm carry within vehicles.”

Cupolster BRAVO SERIES Vehicle Holster Features

• Swift and ergonomic access: The 20-degree cant optimizes the holster’s position in vehicle cup holsters, providing unparalleled accessibility and an ergonomic fit for swift handgun access.

• Universal compatibility: The BRAVO SERIES offers versatility for a wide range of firearm sizes.

• Customized fit: Each Cupolster includes a magnet and sizing accessories, allowing users to tailor the fit to their specific cup holder.

• Easy installation: No tools, screws, or glue required.

• Adaptable: Enhance compatibility with smaller vehicle cup holders using the CHARLIE ALPHA Cup Adapter (sold separately), expanding the Cupolster’s adaptability across many vehicles.

• Ambidextrous: Can be configured for cross-draw positioning, catering to right and left-handed users.

• Four options: Different sizes ensure the perfect fit for specific handguns.

• BRAVO ONE: Fits most large to medium-framed semi-auto handguns with slide widths up to 1.05”

• BRAVO ONE LIMA: Designed for handguns with attached Streamlight TLR-1, TLR-7, Surefire 300x, Olight Valkyrie, and similar structured lights with slide widths up to 1.05”

• BRAVO ONE MICRO: For smaller framed semi-auto, micro, compact, and subcompact handguns with slide widths up to .88”

• BRAVO ONE XL: Ideal for extra-large-framed handguns with slide widths from 1.06” to 1.25”

• MSRP: $69.95

Check your local and state laws for vehicle firearms transport regulations.

Click here to make an appointment with Vets Tactical CEO Craig Washburn during the 2024 SHOT Show. To see the entire Cupolster assortment, visit SHOT Show booth #43952 or the New Product Center on Level 1 of the Venetian Expo to see the Cupolster BRAVO SERIES by Vets Tactical.

Posted in Holsters, Mobility, Press Release | 23 Comments »

EAA Corp & Girsan Firearms Now Shipping 2024 Products in January

Friday, January 5th, 2024

Cocoa, FL – EAA Corp and Girsan Firearms proudly announces the imminent release of its highly anticipated products, starting in the beginning of January: the MC1911 Influencer™, MC1911 Untouchable™, and MC9 Disruptor™. EAA’s new line of firearms is set to disrupt the small arms market by offering a series of pistols that bring a unique blend of features, quality and affordability.

The MC1911 Untouchable™ Our competition offers you a striped down 1911 at a competitive price. EAA/Girsan offer you a truck load of features and top shelf quality at a competitive price. Our Untouchable™ line comes standard with ambidextrous safety, extended beavertail, accessory rail, long hole hammer, 3 configurations, multiple finishes, multiple calibers and still priced like our competition. Don’t settle for a striped down 1911 – get your Untouchable™.

The MC1911 Influencer™ represents the pinnacle of the 1911, boasting optic compatibility (RMS/RMSc), an accessory rail, extended beavertail, ambidextrous safety, magazine well, and a variety of sizes, calibers, and finishes and a trigger pull that you would find on guns costing three times as much. This is not your grandfather’s 1911; it’s a game-changer for the modern firearm enthusiast.

The MC9 Disruptor™ is set to shake up the competition, featuring all the upgraded bells and whistles at a budget-friendly cost. From optics compatibility and accessory rail to a threaded barrel and a choice of Black or OD-camo finish, the MC9 Disruptor™ sets a new standard for striker-fired firearms with value and functionality.

Experience these groundbreaking products in person at SHOT Show 2024, booth #12054, and see for yourself why EAA is first in price and first in quality. EAA will also be attending Industry Day at the Range for SHOT, Booth #SR21, where media can live test fire current and upcoming products for 2024.

Posted in Firearms, Press Release | 3 Comments »

FirstSpear Friday Focus – Who We Are

Friday, January 5th, 2024

Established in 2010, FirstSpear is a pioneering tactical equipment manufacturer that was born out of a vision to provide cut-ting-edge gear for military personnel and law enforcement agencies. Our founders, a team of experienced industry professionals and former U.S. servicemen, recognized the urgent need for innovative solutions that would enhance operational effectiveness on the front lines.

Driven by our deep understanding of the challenges faced by those who serve, we embarked on a mission to revolutionize load carriage systems. Our relentless pursuit of excellence led us to develop an industry-changing innovation known as FirstSpear Tubes. These quick-release hardware systems have completely transformed the way tactical gear is worn and utilized.

The FirstSpear Tubes allow for rapid donning and doffing of equipment, streamlining critical gear adjustments and improving overall efficiency. This breakthrough design has garnered widespread acclaim from professionals in the field for its unmatched ease of use and unwavering reliability. We take great pride in knowing that our Tubes have become an indispensable part of the gear arsenal for countless military and law enforcement personnel.

Our journey creating the FirstSpear Tubes involved tireless research, development, and collaboration with end users. Drawing upon our collective expertise in designing and producing tactical equipment, we set out to create a load carriage solution that truly met the demands of modern warfare. By actively seeking feedback from those who rely on our gear, we ensured that the Tubes offered unparalleled functionality, durability, and adaptability to various mission requirements.

In recognition of our groundbreaking design, FirstSpear was granted the US Patent Number US 10,051,984 for the FirstSpear Tubes. This patent serves as a testament to the unique value and ingenuity of our design, solidifying our position as an industry leader. It reaffirms our commitment to pushing boundaries and continually developing cutting-edge solutions that enhance the safety and performance of those who trust in our gear.

Building upon our success, we remain dedicated to serving those who serve. Our relentless pursuit of excellence drives us to constantly push the boundaries of innovation in tactical gear. We are committed to providing top-notch equipment that empowers professionals in high-stakes situations, be it on the battlefield or in law enforcement operations.

At FirstSpear, we understand that the lives are on the line. That’s why we pour our passion, expertise, and unwavering commitment into every product we create. Through continuous research, collaboration, and attention to user feedback, we will continue to lead the way in advancing tactical gear and developing ground-breaking technologies that address the ever-evolving needs of our customers.

With FirstSpear by their side, professionals can trust that they have the most innovative and reliable gear, Built For The X.

Visit FirstSpear to find America’s Premier kit and accessories.

Posted in Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post | Comments Off on FirstSpear Friday Focus – Who We Are

Soldiers Conduct First Touch Point for Long Range Assault Aircraft

Friday, January 5th, 2024

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. — Program Executive Office, Aviation conducted a Future Long Range Assault Aircraft Soldier touch point the last week of November at the Bell Flight Research Center in Arlington, Texas.

Led by the FLRAA Project Office, the touch point was the first of up to twelve events the Army plans to conduct to optimize both human and system performance while ensuring mission ready capabilities are delivered to the warfighter. Soldier touch points involve gathering data and feedback early in the design and development process to shape future prototypes and fielded capabilities. The events are part of an iterative process to identify, refine and verify system hardware and software designs and functional capability requirements.

“Soldier touch points are key to FLRAA’s program strategy. In the past, this has included Army pilots flying both demonstrator aircraft,” said Col. Jeffrey Poquette, FLRAA project manager. “Today, the focus is on crewmembers and combat Soldiers who are representative of the FLRAA’s passengers. These interactive events provide our team with crucial feedback to build transformational capabilities for FLRAA.”

An infantry squad and two Black Hawk crews from the 1st Cavalry Division supported the event. During the STP they practiced embarking and disembarking from a FLRAA fuselage mockup in a variety of simulations and scenarios. The squad began their practice sessions without any equipment and added tactical and squad level equipment as the STP progressed.

“The STP was incredibly valuable and is paramount to the successful development of the FLRAA,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Tylor Enright, an aviator with 1st Cav. “It’s great that they are willing to hear about what Soldiers and crewmembers actually need for future missions in these aircraft to be successful.”

As the infantry squad members completed their exercises, the aircraft crew members practiced entering and exiting the mockup cockpit and stowing equipment, as required, in a series of tests that added more equipment and tasks for each iteration.

Representatives supporting the STP included the Future Vertical Lift Cross Functional Team, the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command, the Redstone Test Center and Special Operations Command.

“These Soldier touch points are a criticality important way to ensure we get the requirements right and inform design decisions early,” Maj. Jeremiah Webb, FVL CFT Future Long Range Assault Aircraft lead.

The data gathered from the STP will directly inform FLRAA preliminary design as well as the development and delivery of virtual prototypes of the aircraft.

A tiltrotor aircraft, FLRAA will have the hybrid capabilities of planes and helicopters. When fielded, it will expand the depth of the battlefield by extending the reach of air assault missions and enable ground forces to converge through decentralized operations at extended distances. FLRAA’s inherent reach and standoff capabilities will ensure mission success through tactical maneuver at operational and strategic distances while the aircraft’s speed and range will nearly double the Army’s patient evacuation capability during the “Golden Hour.”

The FLRAA is intended to eventually replace part of the U.S. Army’s UH-60 Black Hawk fleet, which has been in service for more than four decades.

-US Army

Posted in Army, Aviation, Guest Post | 3 Comments »

Optimus Arms, a Division of Point One USA, Acquires HEXMAG

Thursday, January 4th, 2024

The newly formed HEXMAG USA, LLC will produce and market HEXMAG brand products and SENTRY Solutions products to commercial, law enforcement, and military markets.

Virginia Beach, VA. and Boise, Idaho (January 2024) – Optimus Arms (OA) acquires Hexmag and Sentry Solutions from SENTRY Products Group forming HEXMAG USA, LLC. The new entity will manufacture and sell the entire line of HEXMAG brand products, including the Sentry Solutions dry lubricants which are well-established in the firearms and knife industries.

“We have had a relationship with Point One for several years supplying sewn goods, and have seen their expansion with Optimus Arms USA,” said Terry Naughton, president of SENTRY Products Group. “They have excellent reach across a much broader audience globally, including military, law enforcement, and other government agencies, and I believe establishing HEXMAG USA in this structure will provide the resources and relationships necessary to help grow the HEXMAG product lines within the shooting, hunting, and outdoor sporting segments.”

Point One USA is a defense contractor that has built a stand-out company within the special operations and law enforcement communities. They offer advanced training and extensive product lines to a growing list of government and defense agencies and have recently started a new commercial line of products through their commercial division called Optimus Arms (OA). OA provides custom weapons for private and government customers as well as an entire line of firearms accessories, including optics.

“This partnership is an opportunity for Point One and one of our commercial divisions to expand the HEXMAG brand within the commercial firearms industry, as well as expand our ability to provide the best possible products, training, and equipment to the warfighter and law enforcement personnel who put their lives on the line daily to protect Americans and keep America safe! We will continue to grow the HEXMAG product line and ensure the finest quality materials and workmanship persist across the HEXMAG brands, just as we have for Point One and OA over the past decade. Point One and OA could not be prouder to welcome HEXMAG into our family of products, equipment, and services,” said Bob Brush, Founder/CEO of Point One and President of OA.

HEXMAG produces a full line of specialized magazines and grips for use in a variety of firearm platforms using a proprietary advanced composite (POLYHEX2) and an advanced carbon fiber polymer. The HEXMAG brand is well known across the firearm industry as a top-of-the-line performer that stands up to the toughest environments. Also, under the HEXMAG brand will come the entire cleaning and lubrication line of products called SENTRY Solutions. These products are the industry leader for dry lubrication and cleaning to protect mechanical assemblies and ensure reliability when it matters most.

HEXMAG plans to continue fulfilling orders without interruption as they transition the manufacturing and warehouse operations from Boise, Idaho to Virginia Beach, Virginia. They anticipate completion of the transition by the end of the 1st quarter of 2024. You can visit HEXMAG.com for more information and any updates about the transition and new products coming soon.

If you are interested in becoming a HEXMAG Dealer, please contact us at contact@hexmag.com for a dealer application.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Press Release | 1 Comment »

SIG SAUER to Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the P226 in 2024

Thursday, January 4th, 2024

NEWINGTON, N.H., (January 4, 2024) – SIG SAUER is pleased to announce the commencement of the yearlong 40th Anniversary celebration of the iconic P226 pistol.

“With a legacy of accuracy and reliability, and millions upon millions of rounds of proven performance, the P226 has earned its reputation as the premiere service pistol, and is the standard by which all other combat pistols are measured,” began Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, SIG SAUER, inc. “To celebrate the rich military and law enforcement history of the P226, we will commemorate the 40th Anniversary with a special edition pistol and release a historical video series detailing the development and service of the P226. We will also have an official declaration of February 26, 2024 as P226 Day, as well as programs and promotions throughout 2024.”

SIG SAUER developed the P226 to compete in the U.S. Military’s XM9 service pistol trials. Even though it was not ultimately selected, the performance and capability of the P226 captured the attention of the elite U.S. Navy SEALs. They would officially adopt the P226 in 1989 to become the MK25, and it would serve throughout the Global War on Terrorism as their official service pistol. The selection by the SEALs marks the beginning of a rich history between SIG SAUER and the U.S. military and the P226 became the cornerstone of several future successful partnerships to include the M17, M18, and the Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) program. Today, the legendary P226 has seen decades of refinements and is highly regarded for its enduring quality, superior reliability and accuracy amongst law enforcement professionals, military units, collectors, and shooting enthusiasts.

To learn more about the P226 or models currently in production or locate a SIG SAUER authorized dealer visit sigsauer.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Firearms, History, Press Release | 2 Comments »