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Archive for July, 2024

OKSI Announces their AI/ML Technology Portfolio for Unmanned Airborne Platforms: OMNISCIENCE

Tuesday, July 9th, 2024

Los Angeles, CA, July 9, 2024 –

OKSI has announced the release of OMNISCIENCE, theirautonomy portfolio for unmanned airborne platforms. OMNISCIENCE is a modular and containerized software suite of autonomy and computer vision technologies that work together to provide intelligence to virtually any air platform. OMNISCIENCE is offered as both individual containerized capabilities or tightly coupled interoperable modules, providingnext-level autonomy and adaptability to UAS/UAVs. Some of the available modules include OMNInav for GPS-denied navigation, OMNIseek for Automatic Detection and Recognition (ATD/ATR), OMNIlocate for providing CAT I/II target coordinates in denied environments, and OMNItarget for terminal guidance. These individual modules can work together to provide true autonomy when managed and controlled by the mission executive module, OMNImind. OMNImind provides conditional behavior logic and adapts to dynamic missionenvironments on the fly.

OMNISCIENCE provides the operator the option to plan and fly, truly autonomous missions completely passive with no external dependencies on GPS or RF communications. For platforms with enough processing power, OMNISCIENCE is ready for rapid integration into any air platform. Manufacturersand system operators can hand-select the custom software modules based on customer or mission requirements or integrate the entire OMNISCIENCE software stack for full mission autonomy. The OMNISCIENCE software portfolio brings autonomy at scale, unlocking capabilities such as true autonomy and affordable mass integration.

“OMNISCIENCE sets a new standard for unmanned aerial autonomy, enabling mission success in any environment without external dependencies,” says Chris HolmesParker, CEO, OKSI.“Our technology ensures that warfighters stay ahead with true intelligence and adaptability.”

The OKSI team is expert in GPS-denied navigation, targeting, and autonomy. The OMNISCIENCE software enables platform developers to achieve the new gold standard in autonomy: Intelligence by OKSI. OKSI encourages UAS/UAV manufacturers and government entities to reach out to discuss integration so they can elevate their platforms with capabilities that allow them to operate anytime, anywhere, without fear of being jammed or emitting detectable signals.

OKSI has been revolutionizing the AI/ML defense landscape in recent years. However, what industry and end-users may not realize is that OKSI boasts a rich history spanning over 30 years in developing and integrating AI and computer vision technologies. Formerly known as Opto-Knowledge Systems Inc., OKSI’s roots lie in government R&D, specializing in “knowledge systems”—the early foundations of AI—alongside EO/IR systems, with many of these technologies now commercialized and fielded. Throughout their history, OKSI has collaborated with every government agency dedicated to advancing defense and aerospace technologies.

OKSI is known for pioneering passive and autonomous technologies designed for integration and adaptation into future warfare systems. They recognize the critical need to outpace adversarial advancements, ensuring the US and allied nation’swarfighters maintain the advantage on the battlefield. Manufacturers and systems integrators should look to improve their capability and reliability by equipping their platforms with Intelligence by OKSI. They can do so by contacting solutions@oksi.ai.

Posted in AI / ML, Press Release | Comments Off on OKSI Announces their AI/ML Technology Portfolio for Unmanned Airborne Platforms: OMNISCIENCE

Sneak Peek – Large Becker Patrol Pack from Bongo Gear

Tuesday, July 9th, 2024

Bongo Gear reports that the Large Becker Patrol Pack (LBPP) has completed prototyping and field testing and it is now in production. It goes on sale tomorrow, 10 July in Green and Tigerstripe.

Bongo Gear’s owner Tom G has worked with Ethan Becker, the originator of the Becker Patrol Pack and several knife designs, to produce a modern version of the famous pack and Ethan has approved this new design.

The LBPP was a project Tom decided to take on after multiple requests regular BPPs users who required more capacity. The answer was to go with a larger, external-frame version of the BPP with a few more outside pouches with a goal of 65 liters / 90 lbs capacity.

He related to SSD, “I was averse to adding more outside pouches because I’ve read studies which suggest five or six places is about the maximum for most people for remembering where things are. I know from experience too many pockets/pouches on a pack can be a bad thing.”

He found that his concerns weren’t an issue with the LBPP considering the lid registers as a separate entity while the main body, with its combination of buckled and zippered pouches, categorizes things into smaller groups (buckled and zippered) making it easier to remember what’s where.

Above you can see the new LBPP side-by-side with the current Mk II and the MOLLE 4000 while below is a great comparison of the two BPP models.

The LBPP will be supplied with an internal frame sheet and end-users can set it up with their preferred external frame. Tom says this is because, just like favorite flavors of ice cream, people have different favorite external frames. The pack can utilize legacy ALICE frames, the Marine Pack frame / MOLLE 4000 ruck frame (DEI 1606-MC), and the newer DEI 1622 Arch frame, among others.

bongogear.com

Posted in Design, Packs, Tigerstripe | 11 Comments »

Vertx Tactical Tuesday – Tackle the Elements

Tuesday, July 9th, 2024

Stay prepared to tackle the elements. Every aspect of the Integrity Shell Jacket is focused on keeping elite operators and their gear at peak efficiency, regardless of the weather. Powered by 37.5® Technology, the Integrity works with you to keep warm and dry when needed, and also works to reduce humidity when things start to heat up. No matter what she throws your way, Mother Nature is no match for the Integrity Shell Jacket.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, Guest Post, Materials | 1 Comment »

Engineer Charged with Obstructing a Criminal Investigation into the Cause of the USMC Yanky 72 Plane Crash

Tuesday, July 9th, 2024

OXFORD, MS – A former Robins Air Force Base employee has been arrested for making false statements and obstructing justice during a federal criminal investigation into a 2017 military plane crash that claimed the lives of 16 service members.

On July 10, 2017, a United States Marine Corps KC-130 transport aircraft known as “Yanky 72” crashed near Itta Bena, Mississippi, resulting in the death of fifteen Marines and one Navy Corpsman. On Tuesday morning, JAMES MICHAEL FISHER, formerly of Warner Robins, Georgia and currently residing in Portugal, was arrested on an indictment issued by a federal grand jury in the Northern District of Mississippi charging him with obstruction of justice and false statements during a criminal investigation into the cause of that crash.

According to the indictment, FISHER, 67, a former propulsion engineer with the C-130 program office at Robins Air Force Base, engaged in a pattern of conduct intended to avoid scrutiny for his past engineering decisions related to why the crash may have occurred. Specifically, the indictment alleges that FISHER knowingly concealed key engineering documents from criminal investigators and made materially false statements to criminal investigators about his past engineering decisions.

FISHER is charged with two false statements and two obstruction of justice charges. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge would determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner of the Northern District of Mississippi; and Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), and Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) made the announcement.

AFOSI, DCIS, and NCIS are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Leary and Philip Levy are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Mississippi

Posted in Aviation, Press Release, USMC | 1 Comment »

Smart Magnetics Innovation by Exxelia: Enhancing Next-Generation Resonant and Bidirectional Power Converters

Monday, July 8th, 2024

Exxelia, global manufacturer of complex passive components and subsystems introduces groundbreaking innovations in smart magnetics technology, specifically tailored for resonant bidirectional power converters. These advancements are set to redefine efficiency and performance standards across a spectrum of applications.

The advent of electrification, especially in electric or hybrid mobility including EVTOLs, buses, heavy vehicles, military/defense applications, off-road vehicles, and space thrusters, as well as electric energy storage systems & Smart Grid networks, implies the management and storage of large quantities of electrical energy. This necessitates the use of specific architectures such as DAB, LLC, and interleaved converters. These structures enable very high efficiencies.

EXXELIA SMART MAGNETICS INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY

Combines an inductor and a transformer into a single ultra-compact/miniaturized, lightweight component, regardless of the inductance value, for a seamless integration.

• High Power Applications (up to 300kW)

• High Frequency (10-500kHz): fits next-generation semiconductors (SiC, GaN) : Enables compact, lightweight designs.

• High Efficiency: minimizing losses, achieving efficiencies above 99% even at high frequencies.

• Lower Total cost of ownership: Ensuring straightforward integration and optimized system costs.

• EMI Reduction: Enhances electromagnetic compatibility for reliable operation.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

3 Phase 24 kVA Integrated Component (Transformer + Inductors) 360/27 V @ 100kHz

– Incorporates Series Inductors (18?H)

– Withstands Net Bias Current 10% of Load Current

– Size 1085cc, Mass 3.86kg

Dual Active Bridge Transformer 2kW / 10:1 / 300 kHz and Chokes 10?H

– Incorporates Series Inductors 10?H ? Size 40x40x40 mm, Mass 250g

Meet the Challenges in Converter Development:

• Miniaturization: Designing smaller systems without compromising performance.

• Thermal Management: Efficiently managing heat to enhance durability and efficiency.

• Cost-Effectiveness: Balancing efficiency enhancements with cost-effective solutions.

Exxelia’s commitment to the development of these new technologies shows its willingness to anticipate the needs of advances power electronics.

For more information on Exxelia’s smart magnetics innovations, visit Exxelia’s website.

This project was financed by the government as part of the Recovery plan.

Posted in International, Materials, Power, Press Release | Comments Off on Smart Magnetics Innovation by Exxelia: Enhancing Next-Generation Resonant and Bidirectional Power Converters

The Evolution of Shooting Optics: Exploring Variable Prism Scopes

Monday, July 8th, 2024

As the world of shooting continuously evolves with technological advancements, a new development has spurredthe interest of both enthusiasts and professionals—the impending arrival of variable prism scopes. This innovative category of optics merges the robustness and clarity of traditional prism scopes with the adaptability of variable power optics, such as Low Power Variable Optics (LPVOs). Let’s explore why this emerging group of products might be the next ‘big thing’ in the shooting community.

Why Consider a Prism Scope?

Prism scopes have established a niche in the shooting market due to their compact, durable design and superior optical quality. Unlike traditional riflescope systems that rely on a series of lenses, prism scopes use a prism to fold light and create an image. This design allows them to be more compact and enhances their ability to produce clearer images with minimal optical distortion.

Key Advantages Over Traditional Scopes:

• Etched Reticles: Prism scopes feature reticles that are laser etched directly onto the glass. This allows for more detailed designs that can include bullet drop compensation. Unlike red dot sights, where the red dot is projected onto a lens, an etched reticle remains visible even if the battery powering the illumination fails, ensuring reliability in critical situations.

• Wider Field of View: The design of prism scopes generally allows for a wider field of view compared to traditional scopes at similar magnification levels, offering a better situational awareness.

• Compact Size: The internal prism design helps keep these scopes shorter than conventional designs, making them ideal for dynamic shooting scenarios where agility is crucial.

• Astigmatism Friendly: Many shooters with astigmatism find that red dot sights produce a blurred or distorted dot. Prism scopes, however, offer a crisp and detailed reticle, making them a superior choice for those with this common eye condition.

• Enhanced Durability: Known for their rugged build, prism scopes can withstand the rigors of heavy field use, making them particularly beneficial for users who require a more durable, versatile optic.

Building Curiosity and Anticipation

While the market has yet to experience the full introduction of variable prism scopes, the anticipation is mounting. These scopes could potentially offer an unforeseen combination of durability, clarity, and flexibility, appealing to a broad spectrum of users from law enforcement professionals to recreational shooters.

The promise of variable prism scopes represents a significant leap forward in optical engineering. As we await further developments, it’s an exciting time to discuss and speculate on how these innovations could reshape the landscape of shooting optics. Keep an eye on this space; the future of precision optics is just around the corner, and it looks clearer and more versatile than ever before.

Wherever you are in the world, we have you covered.

ZeroTech. Be Confident. Contact us: sales@zerotechoptics.comYou can visit the company website at: www.zerotechoptics.com

Socials: www.instagram.com/zerotechoptics

Posted in Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on The Evolution of Shooting Optics: Exploring Variable Prism Scopes

The Black Powder Red Earth x Opie Way MultiCam Black Hi-Top is Now Available for Pre-Order

Monday, July 8th, 2024

Inspired by court and baseball shoes built between 1920 and 1970, this collab is very much a classic American shoe and represents both brands commitment to building products of unequaled quality. Everything sourced in the USA minus the sole (which is made in Italy).

Handmade in America, each pair is stitched with A&E #69 Bonded Nylon Thread, and features MultiCam Black Cordura lined with black lightweight 100% cotton canvas, a black Italian cupsole, leather reinforcement, Poron insole for cushioned support, 100% cotton American Legacy natural glazed laces, and American made black nickel eyelets.