March 2024 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for March, 2024

GM Defense’s ISV Completes United Arab Emirates Armed Forces Summer Trials

Thursday, March 7th, 2024

GM Defense’s Infantry Squad Vehicle completes grueling off- and on-road tests across complex terrain

WASHINGTON, D.C. — GM Defense LLC, a subsidiary of General Motors (GM), announced its Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) completed the 2023 UAE Armed Forces Summer Trials hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) General Maintenance Corps. Held over several days, Summer Trials evaluates whether vehicles can meet the technical and tactical needs of UAE Armed Forces and other regional countries. The UAE continues its evaluation post-vehicle exercise to officially recognize completion status. The ISV received certification of completion stating the vehicle successfully passed Summer Trials following both phases of evaluation.

GM Defense’s ISV completed all phases of the Summer Trials, which included traveling nearly 2,000 kilometers across highways, sand dunes, soft sand tracks and rocky walls. The phases, which include continuous driving with maximum payload capacities, are designed to test vehicle capability in rugged combat conditions, including extreme climate and diverse terrain. In addition to the mobility trials, the ISV completed the Maintenance Trial, which included two days of field repairs testing, and maintenance and recovery evaluation to help potential customers assess ease of repairs and sustainability.

“This was GM Defense’s first time sending a vehicle to UAE Summer Trials, and our successful completion is a testament to the strength of our ISV and to the expertise and dedication of our team,” said Steve duMont, GM Defense president. “Through completion of all phases, we’ve demonstrated that we can successfully leverage the advanced technologies of our parent company, General Motors, to deliver a highly capable off-road vehicle that can meet the needs of defense and government customers in the UAE and throughout the region. Our Summer Trial achievements are a key step forward in our planned growth in the region as we seek to offer the ISV and its variants to this important customer base.”

“Our completion of Summer Trials is a tremendous accomplishment for the ISV program and will give defense and government customers in the region great confidence in the capabilities GM Defense can deliver to meet mission requirements,” said Bradley Watters, vice president of International Business Development. “I was on the ground with other ISV team members, supporting the vehicle as it traveled in deep soft sand, hard-packed surfaces and over rocks, successfully completing eight consecutive days of testing in extreme heat (132 degrees Fahrenheit/56 degrees Celsius). Completing all phases of the mobility and maintenance trial will help open the doors to new growth in the Emirates.”

The completion of UAE Summer Trials follows GM Defense’s announcement of a signed cooperative agreement with Tawazun Council at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference in February 2023. The agreement facilitates business with the shared objective of delivering efficient and advanced solutions to military, security and government customers from the UAE and across the region in key technology areas of integrated vehicles; power and propulsion — including fuel cell and power generation; and autonomy and connectivity. For the latest GM Defense news, please visit www.GMDefenseLLC.com and follow GM Defense on LinkedIn.

Posted in International, Mobility, Press Release | 4 Comments »

Rheinmetall’s New Pistol Tactical Aiming Laser and Venom Multiple Tactical Aiming Laser

Thursday, March 7th, 2024

During Enforce Tac Rheinmetall launched two new weapon aiming lasers, the Laser Light Module-Pistol Tactical Aiming Laser and Venom Multiple Tactical Aiming Laser for rifles.

Made by Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics in Stockach on Lake Constance, the Pistol Tactical Aiming Laser (LLM-PTAL) is a compact lightweight build-on module specially designed for handguns.

For target illumination, an infrared close-range illuminator and white light are available to the operator for use in all operational situations.

In addition, the LLM-PTAL is equipped with an IR aiming laser and a visible (selectable red or green) aiming laser, integrated next to each other in a laser block.

Despite its compact dimensions (L/W/H 76 × 45 x 30 mm) and low weight of just 115 g, the newly developed module produces a powerful laser output of up to laser class 3B, permanently controlled via a monitor diode and electronically regulated. The build-on module features a dongle interface for an eye-safe training Dr. phil. Jan-Phillipp mode and effective force-on-force training.

Besides ergonomic, two-handed fingertip operability, the module can be attached to the weapon in various ways and can be adapted to different holster types. The single CR123 battery can be exchanged via the lamp head when the module is mounted.

The MTAL Venom features an extremely powerful visible green or red laser target pointer, an IR target point laser, an electronically focusable IR illuminator and IR close-range illuminator. All these functions are aligned in the factory in a fully integrated laser block, making adjustment on the weapon easy. Like all Rheinmetall laser and laser light modules, the MTAL Venom can be configured to meet customer specifications, e.g., with SWIR lasers. Moreover, the MTAL Venom is compatible with all standard residual light amplifiers. Watertight, light and stable, the MTAL Venom’s metal housing has an integrated MIL-STD 1913/STANAG 4694 interface. Including the two IEC CR17345/CR123 batteries, the complete device weighs less than 210 grams.

Thanks to its compact dimensions (113 x 64 x 46 mm L/W/H), it protrudes only 28 mm above the assembly rail, and does not interfere with line-of-sight optical aiming. Depending on the choice of laser class (up to three on the device here), the MTAL Venom remains watertight for at least two hours at depths of up to 30 metres. Furthermore, thanks to the Group’s new BEACON battlefield identification system, the Venom can interact with all other Rheinmetall laser and laser light modules.

Tech data derived from Rheinmetall press releases.

Posted in Enforce Tac, International, Lights | 4 Comments »

3d MLR| At the Forefront of Marine Corps Innovation

Thursday, March 7th, 2024

MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLOWS, HI —

With modernization and pacing threats challenging the Marine Corps to improve in new ways, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment remains at the forefront of innovation. One such advancement in the regiment’s training methodologies and warfighting tactics is the Littoral Reconnaissance Team concept. From January 18-25, 2024, Marines with 3d Littoral Combat Team spent a week at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, experimenting with the LRT concept.

“An LRT is a low-signature, easily deployable team that uses multi-discipline sensors and collection sources for reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance in the littoral zone,” said Sgt. Jordan James, chief scout with 3d LCT. “During this field operation, the LCT used an LRT to test day and night data collection and share assets on naval vessels.”

Within an LRT are Signals Intelligence/Ground Electronic Warfare Marines, Scout Marines, a Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems team, and a Maritime Surveillance Team. Most of these elements are already organic to 3d LCT’s intelligence section. The sections traditionally work independently, but when employed together they can enhance 3d LCT’s capabilities in a way that better fits the requirements of stand-in force operations.

“We are using the landward portion of the littorals to establish an expeditionary base and conduct operations for maritime domain awareness in support of the Joint Force’s ability to conduct sea denial and sea control.”

CWO4 Corey Sullivan, Signals Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Operations Officer with 3d MLR

The Marines also made sure to have real targets by working with the U.S. Coast Guard to have vessels pass by at random throughout the day – their transportation routes and hull sizes unknown to the Marines. When the vessels were detected, the LRT locked-on visuals, sent the Stalker VXE30 sUAS to get surveillance imagery, used artificial intelligence object recognition to identify the type of vessel, pinpoint its exact location, and surveyed radio activity using electromagnetic spectrum radars – all while broadcasting live updates to its higher headquarters.

“A Marine can see a ship on the horizon and launch the sUAS in a couple of minutes or less,” said Sullivan. “These programs cut down the time required to relay information, thereby speeding up the sensor-to-shooter kill web.”

“We may be using computer programs and artificial intelligence to reduce some of our workload, but it still takes diligence and determination from the Marines,” said James. “We’re here, in the Pacific, ready to answer any call to action that comes.

In doing this training and having this skill and mindset, 3d MLR expands the potential of the LCT and pushes the bounds of what it means to be “in the air, on land, and sea.”

Story by Sgt Jacqueline Parsons | 3rd Marine Division

Posted in Forces Focus, Guest Post, USMC | Comments Off on 3d MLR| At the Forefront of Marine Corps Innovation

Blaser Introduces New Rimfire Conversion Kits for Blaser R8 Rifle

Wednesday, March 6th, 2024

San Antonio, Texas (March 5, 2024) – Rimfire conversion kits for the Blaser R8 rifle are now available in .17 HMR, .22 WMR, .17 Hornet and .22 Hornet, in addition to 22 LR.

The modular Blaser R8 rifle – renowned for its reliability, repeatability, speed, and precision – is one of the most versatile rifles in the world, and these conversion kits with barrel, bolt head, and magazine allow hunters to easily convert their larger caliber, centerfire R8 to a rimfire caliber to hunt small game or practice. Converting to a rimfire also offers the benefit of less expensive ammunition and reduced recoil at the range for those who train extensively with their hunting rifle.

“There are millions of possible combinations in the Blaser R8 platform and the versatility is extraordinary,” said Jason Evans, CEO, Blaser Group. “R8 owners can hunt varmint and dangerous game with the same rifle which can be quickly converted from a .17 HMR to large centerfire calibers such as .375 or .458. Those who hunt multiple species at home and abroad will appreciate the ease with which they can adapt calibers to their needs with conversion kits, in the case of rimfire, or extra barrels and bolt heads in centerfire calibers. And when target shooting, you have the advantage of practicing with lower recoiling calibers with the same gun and trigger pull.”

For more information, visit: R8 Rimfire Conversion Kits.

MSRP: $1,714.00

Posted in Firearms, Press Release | Comments Off on Blaser Introduces New Rimfire Conversion Kits for Blaser R8 Rifle

8th Annual Whiskey & War Stories Operation Lightning Dawn

Wednesday, March 6th, 2024

This year is Operation Lightning Dawn, the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips from Somali pirates in 2009. This is our first year relocating to Virginia Beach, VA. Several of our guest speakers who participated in our past Whiskey & War Stories ™ will be attending. Our past events included:

• Operation Thunderhead
• Operation Urgent Fury
• Operation Ivory Coast/Kingpin
• Operation Eagle Claw
• Operation Acid Gambit

Gala Night Details

Who: The Silent Warrior Foundation

What: 8th Annual 8th Annual Whiskey & War Stories ™ Fundraising Gala and Auction

Where: Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Reserve

When: Saturday, April 13, 2024, doors open at 5 pm. Event ends at 10 pm.

Why: Fundraising to support the Silent Warrior Foundation

VIP Night Details

When: 5pm to 9pm Friday, April 12, 2024

Where: Military Aviation Museum, 1341 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23457

What: An informal gathering with our guest speakers over food and drink at the military aviation museum in Pungo. A flight demonstration of the museum’s AD-1 Skyraider and unlimited tour of the museum for all attendees. Attendees can indulge in cigars after the flight demo.

A chartered bus will leave for the Aviation Museum from the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort and depart from the museum at 9 pm for those who’d like the convenience of not driving.

silentwarriorfoundation.com

The Silent Warrior Foundation is an all-volunteer 501c3 charity serving SOF veterans and their families. SWF funds Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, provides scholarships, service K9’s through HomefrontK9 and emergency assistance.

Link to purchase tickets: 8th Annual Whiskey & War Stories | Auction Frogs

Contact info@silentwarriorfoundation.com to donate auction items or inquire about sponsorship.

Posted in Charity, Fundraising, Guest Post, History, Veterans | Comments Off on 8th Annual Whiskey & War Stories Operation Lightning Dawn

Heckler & Koch – MR308 A6

Wednesday, March 6th, 2024

Debuting at last week’s Enforce Tac in Germany, the HK MR308 A6 is the latest iteration of their 417 platform.

Offered in .308, it offers a two stage match trigger and a 16.75″ barrel. The rifle also features H&K’s latest color craze, Sniper Grey which featured heavy on the offerings in the booth. The handguard has MLOK at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock and there’s a full-length Picatinny Rail along the top of the receiver which also runs the length of the handguard and has 20 MOA inclination.

As you can see, the MR308 A6 features a very short, 45 deg throw from safe to the semi-auto, fire position. You’ll also note HK’s polymer magazine which was first seen during Enforce Tac in 2019. This .308 version of the magazine is offered in 10 or 20 round capacity and is DPMS pattern. The collapsible stock is adjustable comb as well as length of pull and the pistol grip has three, swappable, palm swells.

Unfortunately, the only example out front in their booth was under glass so the images aren’t as crisp as I’d like. Consequently, I’ve scanned the sales sheet and included the images.

Posted in Enforce Tac, International, weapons | 6 Comments »

The SIG SAUER 1911-XSERIES: Classic Design Meets Modern Innovation

Wednesday, March 6th, 2024

NEWINGTON, N.H., (March 6, 2024) – While the wait seems like a day short of forever, it’s definitely worth it. SIG SAUER is pleased to announce the introduction of the 1911-XSERIES; the long-awaited pistols that blend the beloved features of the 1911 that made the platform iconic, with the modern necessities the enthusiast desires.

“America has a love affair with the 1911; the platform has a rich history that has withstood the test of time,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales, SIG SAUER, Inc. “The 1911-XSERIES honors the standard and delivers XSERIES innovation and ingenuity to the platform. The pistols are available in carry and full-size, come optic-ready, have a smooth flat trigger, and are loaded with feature-rich upgrades straight from the factory.”

The SIG SAUER 1911 X-SERIES are stainless steel, 45 ACP hammer-fired pistols with an optics-ready XSERIES slide, X-RAY3 Day/Night sights, a serrated flat trigger, custom engraved and checkered G10 grips, extended slide release and ambidextrous safety levers, and each ships with (2) 8-round steel magazines. The pistols are available in the 1911-XCARRY and 1911-XFULL sizes in either black or coyote tan; both sizes offer the option of a factory installed ROMEO-X red dot optic. The 1911-XFULL is now shipping to dealers, with Carry models expected to start shipping summer 2024.

1911-XFULL:

Caliber: 45 ACP
Capacity: 8 rounds
Overall length: 8.7 inches
Overall height: 5.6 inches
Overall width: 1.4 inches
Barrel length: 5.0 inches
Sight Radius: 6.5 inches
Weight (w/magazine): 42.1 ounces

1911-XCARRY:

Caliber: 45 ACP
Capacity: 8 rounds
Overall length: 8 inches
Overall height: 5.5 inches
Overall width: 1.3 inches
Barrel length: 4.2 inches
Sight Radius: 5.75 inches
Weight (w/magazine): 39.1 ounces

The 1911-XSERIES ROMEO-X models feature a factory installed ROMEO-X red-dot sight from SIG SAUER Electro-Optics; the optics is crafted from 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum featuring machined anti-reflection grooves on shooter-facing surfaces with distortion-free aspheric glass and a patent-pending Beryllium Copper flexure-arm adjustment system. The ROMEO-X incorporates a high-efficiency point source red LED emitter with 2 MOA dot / 32 MOA circle reticle, side independent brightness adjustment buttons, 15 brightness settings including night vision settings, and a side-mounted CR1632 battery compartment with a threaded battery cap so the optic does not need to be removed from the pistol for battery changes. Additionally, the ROMEO-X offers a low deck height for standard-height iron sight co-witness, has a minimum continuous runtime of 20,000 hours at medium brightness setting and utilizes MOTAC™ (Motion Activated Illumination), MAGNETAC™ (Magnetic Activation), and D.A.R.C™ (Dark Adaptive Reticles & Coatings) technologies.

1911-XFULL ROMEO-X:

Caliber: 45 ACP
Capacity: 8 rounds
Overall length: 8.7 inches
Overall height: 6 inches
Overall width: 1.4 inches
Barrel length: 5.0 inches
Sight Radius: 6.5 inches
Weight (w/magazine): 42 ounces

1911-XCARRY ROMEO-X:

Caliber: 45 ACP
Capacity: 8 rounds
Overall length: 8 inches
Overall height: 6 inches
Overall width: 1.3 inches
Barrel length: 4.2 inches
Sight Radius: 5.75 inches
Weight (w/magazine): 39 ounces

ROMEO-X Compact Red Dot Sight:

Clear Aperture Diameter: 24mm
Reticle: 2MOA Dot / 32 MOA Circle
Lens Type: Aspheric
Illumination Settings: 15 ( 12 Day / 3NV)
Overall Length: 1.62 inches
Overall Width: .94 inches
Overall Height: 1.23 inch
Mounting Footprint: 365 and SHIELD™ RMSc
Weight (w/o battery): 1.0 ounce
Battery: CR1632

The 1911-XSERIES pistols are now shipping and available at retailers. To learn more about the pistols, or watch the product video, visit sigsauer.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, weapons | 2 Comments »

Gentex Corporation Announces Additional Order for Ops-Core RAILINK Power and Data ARC Rail System

Wednesday, March 6th, 2024

Integrated Headborne Platform receives second USSOCOM order.

CARBONDALE, PA, March 5th, 2024 – Gentex Corporation, a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, emergency responders, and industrial personnel, announced today that they have received a second-round order for the Ops-Core RAILINK power and data system from US Special Operations Command.

“When operating within the unique SOF environment, there is no margin for error. With a second delivery order coming immediately after completion of the first delivery order, it is clear that our nation’s elite SOF operators see that RAILINK delivers on the features and benefits they specified at the beginning of the RAILINK development program” said Tom Short, Vice President of Ground Systems at Gentex Corporation.”

The RAILINK platform facilitates integration of a broad range of unique functionality on the headborne system. Powered by a central helmet power center, feeding power to, and sharing data between, an array of smart nodes and a VAS/NVG interface RAILINK improves protection and lethality by increasing the effectiveness of the user and reducing their burden.

To learn more about RAILINK, visit: www.gentexcorp.com/introducing-railink

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, Helmets, Power, Press Release, SOF | Comments Off on Gentex Corporation Announces Additional Order for Ops-Core RAILINK Power and Data ARC Rail System