New from Reptilia – Introducing the Socket Mount M-LOK® Sling Loop attachment point. Driven by the request of a military end user group, for an anti-snag, low profile, quiet M-LOK attachment.
Available online at reptiliacorp.com now in black and FDE.
Cyber Assignment Incentive Pay (CAIP) is designed to provide high-performing Soldiers with an incentive to pursue further professional development and certification. It is available to commissioned officers, warrant officers and enlisted Soldiers in the active Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard in designated cyberspace work roles in approved units.
CAIP compensates Soldiers with specialized skills to meet readiness challenges and support national security objectives.
CAIP currently ranges from $200 to $1,500 per month based on assignment, certification and skill level, and determined on a tiered proficiency scale (basic, senior or master) within designated work roles and units.
For more information visit www.army.mil/armycyber and www.arcyber.army.mil/About/About-Army-Cyber
The Tracer Anorak Tracer is Helikon-Tex’ first unisex anorak camouflage jacket. Unlike the Woodsman Anorak it is based upon, it will incorporate camo patterns. The design features eight pockets as well as full pit zips.
Currently offered in Black, RAL 7013 and Polish Woodland pattern. Unfortunately, the two-tone isn’t available yet. Look for more colors and patterns soon.
www.helikon-tex.com/en_pln/ku-trr-sp-tracer-anorak-jacket
During the recent SIG NEXT event in New Hampshire SIG announced that they would not only introduce an MCX SPEAR chambered in 6.8×51, but that they are also increasing the types of 277 FURY cartridges as well as offering a 6.8 ammunition for commercial sale.
277 FURY / 6.8 x 51mm Ammunition
The cartridge is unlike anything else out there and was developed by SIG Ammunition in 2017 at their plant in Arkansas. The design is 23.5% lighter than the weight of an equivalent energy cartridge (270 WSM) which exceeds the Army’s goal of a 20% weight reduction for the Next Generation Squad Weapon program.
In addition to being lighter, the case is also stronger. It features a unique hybrid case design which is made of two components, a brass body and steel head. Combined, you get more strength in the head where you need it, and a malleable case which works very well in the firing cycle. This allows the cartridge to withstand very high pressures, in excess of 80,000 psi, and right along with it, you get very high velocities.
277 FURY is the SAAMI certified equivalent of the US Army’s new 6.8 x 51mm hybrid-cased cartridge developed for NGSW. The commercial 277 FURY ammunition has been around for a while now and incorporates the 150 grain Nosler AccuBond projectile. It’s a boat tail bullet, featuring a polymer tip, copper-alloy jacket with a lead-alloy core and a thick heel. With this cartridge expect 3,000 FPS from a 16” barrel and an additional 30 FPS for every additional inch of barrel.
SIG Ammunition’s new 113 grain 6.8 ball cartridge from SIG is as close as you are going to get to the new XM1188 solid copper projectile ammunition being procured by the US Army for NGSW. It comes off of the same line and it’s produced to the same specs, meaning, you’ll see the same performance. Expect muzzle velocities above 3200 feet per second from a 16” barrel from this hybrid cartridge.
All told, you’ll have access to 6.8×51 hybrid ball in can (460) or crate (920), 277 SIG Fury Venari Hunting 130gr soft point (non hybrid), and 277 FURY hybrid match 155gr OTM as well as the currently available 277 Accubond and 277 ball (non hybrid).
There are a lot of rumors floating around out there about the NGSW program. One of them is that SIG isn’t delivering enough ammunition to the Army. This isn’t true. In fact, the availability of this commercial ammunition is proof that it isn’t so.
6.8 MCX SPEAR
When the Army adopted SIG new ammunition they also adopted two new weapons to fire it, the XM250 Automatic Rifle which is actually a belt-fed machine gun replacement for the current Squad Automatic Weapon and the XM7 Rifle which will replace the M4 carbine in units like the Infantry and Cav Scouts across the service.
Along with the commercial 277 FURY ammunition, the bolt action SIG CROSS has been available for a couple of years. In addition, you’ll now also have a semi-auto rifle chambered in 277 FURY. They are expanding the caliber selection of the popular MCX SPEAR platform to include 6.8 / 277 FURY in addition to the currently available .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor.
Just like the XM7 version, the 6.8 MCX SPEAR features a 13.3″ barrel so it’s an SBR. However, they are planning to introduce a pistol version now that stabilizing braces are back on the menu as well as a standalone upper for those who already own an MCX SPEAR rifle in .308. As with the 6.8 ammunition, the 6.8 MCX SPEAR is as close as you are going to get to NGSW without joining the Army and being assigned to one of the close combat units receiving the new gear.
Look for these new options soon.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The Integrated Fires Mission Command Project Office, under Program Executive Office Missiles and Space, received the first complete Integrated Battle Command System delivery as part of the low-rate initial production on April 22, 2024.
Integrated Battle Command System, or IBCS, is the cornerstone of air and missile defense modernization efforts, providing transformational mission command with increased capabilities to the battlefield faster.
“The completion of this first delivery is the result of unparalleled dedication from amazing professionals. It has been a privilege to lead a team with such a high level of skill and commitment,” said Army Col. Chris Hill, IFMC Project Office project manager. “This accomplishment is an excellent example of what we can achieve when our military, industry partners, government civilians and contractors successfully collaborate on our mission.”
The Integrated Air and Missile Defense program was among the first Army efforts to enter the DOD agile software pathway process. Agile software development, coupled with warfighter prioritization and hardware development, has enabled faster adaptation to new capabilities and threats, ensuring increased consistency across all aspects of production. The program is at the forefront of the Army’s renewed vision of digital transformation.
IBCS is comprised of three major end items: the Integrated Collaborative Environment, the Engagement Operation Center and the Integrated Fire Control Network Relay. The ICE is a modular shelter that provides a collaborative environment for battlefield mission command. The EOC is an integrated fire control center that provides the engagement operations function for IBCS. The IFCN Relay performs dual functions, providing the interface for the adapted sensors and weapons and serving as a communications relay to extend battlefield operations distances.
“IBCS is the critical mission command component of our Army’s modernized air and missile defense capabilities. It is the cornerstone of our efforts to integrate future components and qualify the architecture within our annual Integrated Fires Test Campaign,” said Army Brig. Gen. Frank Lozano, Program Executive Officer Missiles and Space. “This delivery is the result of excellent work by the entire team focused on modernizing our air and missile defense systems while getting this equipment to our Soldiers as quickly as possible.”
The IFMC Project Office is helping to modernize the US Army by integration, synchronization and collaboration between all air and missile defense components. Integration efforts leverage legacy and future sensors and shooters, allowing for a single integrated air picture and coordination between fielded assets.
The fusion between existing joint systems and future developmental programs with IBCS increases overall effectiveness, dramatically enhancing the ability to track, identify, engage and defend against diverse threats. These capabilities not only help modernize the Army’s AMD capabilities, but also the capabilities of our allies across the globe who modernize to the new IBCS architecture.
By NATHANIEL PIERCE
SAN DIEGO – 22 July 2024 – The United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force (RAF) now has two Protector RG Mk1 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) operating at RAF Waddington. The secondProtector has started its ground trial at RAF Station Waddington with first flight expected in August.Protector is based on the MQ-9B SkyGuardian®RPA developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), and is specially configured for the RAF. The RAF has taken delivery of 10 of their total order of 16 Protectors from GA-ASI, with eight aircraft currently undergoing RAF crew training, test, and evaluation in the United States.
“We’re thrilled to see a second Protector operating at Waddington,” said Chris Dusseault, GA-ASI’s vice president of MQ-9B in Europe. “The Royal Air Force is a great partner for GA-ASI, and we look forward to additional MQ-9B aircraft operating in the U.K. and more broadly across Europe.”
Simon Holford, Uncrewed Air Systems Delivery Team Leader at Defence Equipment & Support, said: “Seeing delivery and assembly of the second Protector aircraft in the UK is yet another measure of the significant progress on this project and testament to the hard work of everyone involved. Together with the three aircraft we have already taken delivery of in the US (which remain in the US for use in trials and/or training), we have now taken delivery of five of the sixteen aircraft we have ordered.”
Officer Commanding 31 Sqn, Wing Commander Maccoll said, “I’m delighted to see another RAF Protector assembled at RAF Waddington, thanks to the hard work of our Programme team, Defence partners, contractors, and the skill of 31 Squadron personnel. This Summer, Protector will undertake further test and evaluation and we expect more aircraft arrivals before the end of the year. “
In another program milestone, the first of four cadres of RAF aircrew completed training on April 29, 2024, at GA-ASI’s Flight Test and Training Center (FTTC) in Grand Forks, North Dakota. TheGA-ASI training involved RAF Operational Conversion Units (OCUs), which are comprised of eight crews, including pilots, sensor operators (SOs), and mission intelligence coordinators (MICs) from 31, 54, or 56 Squadrons.
The scope of the training is focused on foundational skills required to operate the Protector air vehicle and its equipment, including the Multi-Spectral Targeting System (MTS), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Mission Intelligence Station (MIS), and System for Tasking and Real-Time Exploitation (STARE). Training involves building solid foundations for both normal and emergency operations in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems, instrument flying, and Automatic Takeoff and Landing Capability (ATLC).
With the completion of the Protector Technicians course at GA-ASI facilities in Southern California on May 16, 2024, Number 31 Squadron now has another 21 qualified maintainers. As part of their training course, the RAF maintainers were able to directly support the training flights for their aircrew counterparts who were completing the live flying element of their Operational Conversion course from North Dakota.
MQ-9B is GA-ASI’s next-generation RPA System (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. In addition to the RAF, contracts have been signed with Belgium, Canada, Taiwan and the U.S. Air Force in support of the 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) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Trial Operation Project. MQ-9B has additionally supported various U.S. Navy exercises, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, and Group Sail.
S&S Precision has offered a sneak peek of their upcoming new breaching tool quivers.
Hoolie Tool Quiver
Bolt Cutter Quiver
Sledge Tool Quiver
Coming soon to www.sandsprecision.com.
(A Special Operations Mission Sustainment Team member with 27 Special Operations Wing demonstrates firing from cover. Source: 371 Special Operations Combat Training Squadron)
Highlights:
• Milestones completed in collaboration with the 371st Special Operations Training Squadron.
• Technology integration supports future developments for Enhanced Situational Awareness combined with small unmanned aerial systems.
• ARC artificial intelligence-enabled weapon sensors support training for austere airfield defense within Agile Combat Employment.
Washington, DC – July 22, 2024 – Armaments Research Company (ARC) announced today that it has successfully completed a prototyping effort with the United States Air Force Special Operations Command to enhance training for austere airfield defense.
“Over the past year, we’ve worked to develop and demonstrate a tool that will enable connectivity, situational awareness, and decision-making at our tactical echelon. In future conflicts, the USAF must rapidly maneuver our bases and elements across the battlefield to generate combat air power in an expeditionary environment. That level of maneuver requires our tactical leaders command and control their forces, secure their location, and generate combat power.” – Lt Col Sean M. Williams, 371st Special Operations Combat Training Squadron Commander.
Through ARC’s Engage capability, Airmen are enabled to collect tactical scenario training data in real-time related to orientation of weapons, ammunition consumption, and maneuver of friendly forces.
The effort focused on leveraging advanced technologies and simulation systems to replicate real-world scenarios, providing aircrew members with immersive training experiences that closely mirror operational environments. AFSOC aims to empower its personnel with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in high-intensity, rapidly changing combat situations within emerging Agile Combat Employment doctrine.
