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Archive for June, 2024

Revolutionary Advances in Ceramic Armor Systems: Adept Armor Founder Jake Ganor Publishes New Methodology

Thursday, June 27th, 2024

Jake Ganor’s latest research article, “A Facile Method for the Estimation of Ceramic Performance in Light Armor Systems,” has been recently published by The American Ceramic Society.

Tulsa, Okla. (June 2024) – Jake Ganor, the founder of Adept Armor, the most innovative company in leading performance body armor, has published a research article titled “A Facile Method for the Estimation of Ceramic Performance in Light Armor Systems” with The American Ceramic Society. This article introduces an innovative empirical equation that offers a significant advancement in the prediction of ballistic performance for ceramic armor materials. For professionals in law enforcement, military, security, and defense industries, this article presents a significant leap forward in the development of lightweight, high-performance ceramic armor.

Key Insights Include:

• Challenges with Traditional Methods: Traditional ballistic armor development has relied heavily on finite element models, which are computationally intensive and often fail to accurately predict the performance of ceramics, especially novel materials.

• Novel Empirical Equation: The new methodology provides a simpler, more cohesive way to estimate ballistic performance from mechanical properties, addressing the limitations of previous models.

• Performance Correlation: This approach successfully defines performance relations between different ceramic materials and identifies which mechanical properties correlate with ballistic efficacy.

• Implications for Development: The novel equation enables rapid development and optimization of more effective ceramic armor materials, marking a pivotal shift in armor material science.

Understanding and applying this new methodology can lead to more effective protective gear, enhancing the safety and performance of personnel in the field. Read the full article here: ceramics.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ces2.10227.

For more information on Adept Armor and its range of innovative protective solutions, visit its website.

Explore Adept Armor Body Armor plates:

• Colossus™ – Beyond RF3 – Level IV Body Armor

• Thunder – RF2

Posted in Armor, Press Release, Research | 1 Comment »

Prototypes Come to Life in MakerSpace Challenge

Thursday, June 27th, 2024

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center wrapped up its center-wide MakerSpace Challenge to encourage the use of the lab’s unique capabilities. The four-week long competition pitted the CBC workforce’s potential mission-related prototypes against each other, all while leveraging the various 3D printers offered by the lab.

The competition was touted as a way to promote MakerSpace’s full potential as being the center’s main hub for proof-of-concepts to take shape. All CBC employees were encouraged to participate in creating their own physical or virtual model to be evaluated, as long as it pertained to mission readiness. Competitors were judged by a panel from CBC’s Innovation Council with winners announced in several categories during a Coffee with Colleagues poster session in late May.

CBC acquired its first 3D printer in 1989, just four years after the first commercial grade printer became available to the public. While those antique, hulking machines cost nearly half a million dollars then, MakerSpace now offers 28 machines encompassing 7 different processes, varying from cost-effective tabletop plastic filament models that retail closer to $1,200, to larger units capable of printing with metals.

Bradley Ruphrecht, the MakerSpace lead and an engineering technician at CBC, has been working with additive manufacturing for over 20 years. He says that the MakerSpace challenge offers the chance for all employees to try their hand at experiencing the significant advantages that a physical prototype of one’s own design can offer.

“We had an open house this past November to spread the word on what our lab can offer,” said Ruprecht. “We have a couple of experts here that are always ready to give a quick introduction to our printers to help everyone get started on their first iteration of whatever their trying to achieve.”

Curtis Kreuziger, a general engineer from CBC’s satellite campus located at Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, was one of several participants and teams selected on the merit of their initial proposals to the competition. Kreuziger had a novel solution to develop a 3D printed, plastic version of the tool that Soldiers use to perform maintenance on their M53A1 protective mask. The valve cassette removal tool — currently a proprietary part that retails for about $2,500 — could possibly now be replicated by utilizing a cost-effective and field-ready solution.

“The challenge announcement gave me an outlet — and an excuse — to go after this prototype I’ve been thinking of for a while now,” said Kreuziger. “This new tool I’m developing can hopefully cut down cost by up to 90 percent for this tool that gets pretty regular use.”

Kreuziger traveled to CBC’s Edgewood, Maryland, headquarters specifically for the MakerSpace challenge due to its multiple printer solutions and material types. He also anticipated his prototype to be created using FDM machines due to their ubiquity in the field. These designs can be utilized from a database, thus making them an ever-ready staple that Soldiers can have access to wherever they have access to a printer.

“The ability to print via multiple techniques and materials cannot be understated,” said Kreuziger. “Some portions of my design, such as the smaller protruding tabs, are just inherently difficult for certain machines due to cooling time or their specific manufacturing process. I would never have known about that until physically holding it. Thankfully I have access to all the different types of printers as the intent is to try them all out.”

– Courtesy of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Chemical Biological Center (CBC).

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Materials | Comments Off on Prototypes Come to Life in MakerSpace Challenge

Netline Presents Its New DF Sensor – Directional Detection of Drones Regardless of Their Spectral Signature

Wednesday, June 26th, 2024

Addressing the rapid changes in drone threats, Netline’s new DF sensor detects and locates standard, non-standard and DIY drones. “A robust, comprehensive solution for elusive drone threats with unknown spectral signatures”

June 25, 2024 – Netline Communications Technologies Ltd. – a leading developer and manufacturer of high-end electronic warfare and tactical spectrum dominance systems for defense forces and homeland security agencies, presents a novel approach to drone detection with its new non-database direction-finding (DF) sensor.

Netline’s new development is designed to detect all dronethreats in the covered area – including various non-standard and DIY drones, which are the most elusive threat in recent war zones and conflict areas.

“Netline is stepping up to meet the growing field demands for a comprehensive system that can identify and locate all potential drone threats”, asserts Mr. Shai Palti, Netline’s CEO. “As the drone industry evolves, defense forces face new and complex challenges. Netline’s new approach provides our clients with a robust solution for detecting, locating, and mitigating every threat in the spectral area, even if it’s a new drone with unknown spectral signatures or communication links”.

“Innovative and Adaptive Algorithm with No Specific Data”

The new version of Netline’s DF sensor is based on three detection steps. First, the sensor scans the spectrum for all radio frequencies (RF) in the relevant bands, then separates targets from the spectral noisy environment using a hybrid algorithm, and finally tracks the suspicious targets to define their threatening level according to different parameters.

The strategic deployment of two or more DF sensors in the covered area empowers users with precise localization abilities. This is achieved through the intersection of the two direction lines, ensuring a comprehensive and effective drone detection and localization system.

These abilities join Netline’s battle-proven drone mitigationsystems. Based on SDR technology, Netline’s jammers disrupt the communication between the drone and its operator, block GNSS signals, and cover all potential drone frequencies.

“At Netline we constantly learn and monitor the evolving threats in different war zones around the world to develop critical and rapid solutions. Our R&D teams have developed this innovative and adaptive algorithm that recognizes common factors of airborne threats, indicating their existence without needing specific data”, summarizes Mr. Palti.

For more information on Netline Communications Technologies Ltd, please visit the company’s website: www.netlinetech.com

Posted in International, Press Release, Sensors, UAS | Comments Off on Netline Presents Its New DF Sensor – Directional Detection of Drones Regardless of Their Spectral Signature

4th of July Sale at Primary Arms

Wednesday, June 26th, 2024

www.primaryarms.com

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GM Defense Provides Battery Electric Technology for Future Military Platforms

Wednesday, June 26th, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. — GM Defense, a subsidiary of General Motors, is providing commercial battery electric technology in support of the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) Pulsed Power and Energy Laboratory (PPEL) and Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD). The project, Evaluation of Electric Vehicle Batteries to Enable Directed Energy (EEVBEDE), is funded by the Operational Energy Innovation office of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), through its Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund (OECIF). UTA PPEL will evaluate the technology to understand current capabilities of commercial automotive batteries under dynamic discharge and charge scenarios. The team’s evaluation of the technology will help provide pathways and options for domestically supplied energy storage for future use in military platforms.

GM Defense is leveraging GM’s Ultium Platform propulsion architecture, for evaluation and testing. The Ultium Platform can deliver power, range and scale beyond any previous GM hybrid or extended range EV technology. Modular and scalable, the Ultium Platform can use different chemistries and cell form factors, making it adaptable to changing needs and new technology insertions as they become available. Utilizing the battery technologies of its parent company, GM Defense can help solve the DoD’s energy and energy storage challenges. The work performed in this new effort will provide insights into the performance and design considerations when batteries are used in more dynamic, high-power operations than would be faced by more typical applications. OECIF support plays a key role in the development of new power and energy technologies, which provide the DoD with advanced capabilities and help prevent power and energy from being a limiting factor.

“The Department of Defense can benefit from billions of dollars in GM investments to develop and manufacture transformative battery technologies,” says Steve duMont, president of GM Defense. “These technologies offer significant potential to enhance operational capability, whether at the tactical edge or on installations throughout the world. GM Defense welcomes the opportunity to support this important project and to help transition our global defense and government customers.”

“We are excited to work with GM Defense to test the Ultium Platform to determine its potential for use in future warfighting applications. PPEL has a long relationship with the DoD and the Office of Naval Research for testing the limits of batteries used in high power applications, and we are in a unique position to evaluate this technology and make recommendations for future use cases,” said David Wetz, a professor of electrical engineering at UTA and director of the PPEL.

“As a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA is committed to working with industry to better develop and understand the potential of new technology. This collaboration between PPEL, GM Defense and the DoD will not only improve our nation’s military capabilities, but also adds to our workforce development efforts producing next generation engineers who will solve our nation’s complex problems,” said Peter Crouch, dean of UTA’s College of Engineering.

GM Defense previously announced its participation in the Defense Innovation Unit’s Jumpstart for Advanced Battery Standardization (JABS) project. Similar to EEVBEDE, JABS is designed to evaluate and test high voltage battery systems to optimize commercial technologies. GM Defense provided a prototype of a battery system based on GM’s Ultium Platform for the project. Under the same contract, GM Defense demonstrated mission power capabilities by integrating a high-voltage battery pack into a light tactical utility vehicle. Key learnings from JABS will help inform the integration requirements of future battery electric defense solutions. To learn more about GM Defense projects, visit www.gmdefensellc.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Posted in Contracts, Power, Press Release | Comments Off on GM Defense Provides Battery Electric Technology for Future Military Platforms

Silencer Shop Exclusive B&T USA SRBS Suppressors + Free Tax Stamp

Wednesday, June 26th, 2024

Tampa, FL (June 26, 2024) – B&T USA is excited to announce that it has partnered with Silencer Shop to bring to market three exclusive SRBS (Slimline Reduced Backpressure System) suppressors — SRBS 556 & SRBS 762 constructed of 718 Inconel and the SRBS 762 Ti made from 100% Titanium. These high-flow suppressors offer incredible performance, valueand material design. For a limited time, Silencer Shop is offering a free tax stamp with the purchase of any of these exclusive SRBS suppressors.

“When Silencer Shop approached us about offering an exclusive high-flow suppressor to their customers, we jumped at the opportunity and pulled out the stops” said Chris Mudgett, Vice President of Marketing for B&T USA. “Silencer Shop Exclusive features include a Direct Mount HUB assembly backward compatible with any 1.375×24 TPI HUB devices; high-temp matte black Cerakote; Print-X tube texturing; an updated low-flash endcap and finally B&T’s high-performance, patent-pending Star baffle system — finally available in 3D printed form. Look for more products exclusively from Silencer Shop in the future.”

“B&T is a trusted name in the industry and Silencer Shop is thrilled to partner with them to bring these three new silencers to customers and dealers. The SRBS lineup offers something for everyone, and the quality and performance are exactly what you’d expect from B&T” said Dave Matheny, Silencer Shop CEO.

For more details, visit silencershop.com and B&T USA.

Posted in Press Release, Suppressors | Comments Off on Silencer Shop Exclusive B&T USA SRBS Suppressors + Free Tax Stamp

SIG NEXT – P226 X5 Reserve

Wednesday, June 26th, 2024

Looking for a new Tuxedo gun? Then the P226 X5 Reserve is for you. Featuring a Black polished DLC coating, it weighs in at 48.1 oz to keep you on target, shot after shot. Part of that is thanks to the brass grips for added weight.

The trigger is adjustable in three ways:

Position of Shoe
Take up
Poundage

Finally, the P226 X5 Reserve features a suppressor height XRAY3 front sight with removable, adjustable rear sight making an easy set up for red dot optics like the new ROMEO3 MAX PRO with a 3 or 8 MOA red dot.

Coming soon from sigsauer.com

Posted in Advertiser, weapons | Comments Off on SIG NEXT – P226 X5 Reserve

Ventus Tests Apple Vision Pro on the Range: A Soldier’s First Look

Wednesday, June 26th, 2024

Ventus Respiratory Technologies recently tested Apple’s Vision Pro headset on a shooting range, exploring its potential for military applications and soldier system integrations. Integrating their TR2 tactical respirator, ear pro, helmet, and comms, they evaluated the headset’s capabilities in “shoot, move, communicate” scenarios on a static range.

Key Takeaways:

• Intuitive Interface: The headset is remarkably user-friendly, even without prior experience.

• Comfort & Integration: The Vision Pro’s design is comfortable for extended wear and integrates seamlessly with existing tactical gear.

• Immersive AR & Passthrough Video: The augmented reality overlays and real-time video feed provide a unique perspective for training and operations.

• Hands-Free Control: The hand-eye control interface allows soldiers to maintain focus on their weapons and surroundings.

• Endless Potential: Ventus envisions a wide range of applications, including mission planning, battlefield management, and telemedicine/tele-training.

Immediate Applications:

• Live Shooting Scenarios: AR overlays can augment dynamic training environments with key information such as distances, wind, hit-no-hit, and speed of moving targets.

• Performance Analysis: The headset can track and analyze shooting techniques in real-time, offering instant feedback for improvement as well as offering tele-training capabilities

• Soldier Health Monitoring: Biometric sensors and telemedicine capabilities could monitor soldier health in the field.

While the Vision Pro shows promise, Ventus notes that further iterations are needed to address specific military requirements like RF signature management, battery life, and ruggedness. The potential for this technology to revolutionize soldier training and operations is undeniable, with the Apple Vision Pro being similar toan off-the-shelf IVAS system.

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Ventus Respiratory Technologies is a veteran-led innovation company specializing in respiratory protection solutions. It is known for developing cutting-edge technology designed for demanding environments and professions where respiratory hazards are a concern.

The TR2 is Ventus’ flagship product. The TR2 is a tactical respirator designed for military, law enforcement, and other first responders. It offers a lightweight, low-profile design that doesn’t hinder movement or communication while providing effective protection against airborne threats like dust, breaching debris, toxic particulates, and specific chemical hazards.

ventusrespiratory.com

Posted in Guest Post, Optics | 4 Comments »