XC3 Weaponlight

Archive for May, 2025

Shell Shock’s Next-Gen 7.62×51 Ammo Crushes Military’s Most Demanding Live-Fire Evaluation

Wednesday, May 7th, 2025

Zero failures across the harshest testing conditions at the Naval Surface Warfare Center confirm NAS3 case technology’s battlefield readiness.

Eubank, KY (March 2025) – Shell Shock Technologies, LLC. (SST), a leading innovator in the ammunition industry, is proud to announce a critical achievement in its mission to redefine military-grade ammunition performance. The company’s 7.62x51mm NAS3 cartridge cases have successfully completed rigorous testing at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, one of the most demanding environments in the defense sector. The results: zero case failures.

The tested ammo used a 155-gr bullet, loaded at 50,000 psi, and had velocities of 3000 ft/sec. It was tested under extreme pressure and velocity in belt-fed machine guns, including the 240 Bravo and Minigun platforms, SST’s 7.62×51 cases passed with flying colors, even under the violent conditions of automatic fire and harsh ejection cycles. Testing was conducted at ambient temperature, -40°F and +160°F, with all pressure and velocity benchmarks met or exceeded.

“This milestone underscores the durability, consistency, and tactical advantages of our NAS3 case technology,” said Peter Foss, Managing Director and CEO of Shell Shock Technologies. “Zero case failures in such unforgiving conditions is not just a win for us – it’s a validation for every warfighter and defense partner looking for lighter, faster, and more accurate ammunition.”

The 7.62x51mm success joins a growing list of calibers, including 300 BLK, 5.56, 6.5 Creedmoor, and the promising early results from .338 Lapua, that are reshaping battlefield expectations. The company is now ahead of schedule with initial test samples for the .338 Norma, and tooling is officially underway for .50 BMG. The 7.62x51mm will be available in Summer 2025.

Together, these advanced case offerings deliver a generational leap in combat performance:

Reduced weight for increased mobility

Higher velocity and extended range

?Improved accuracy and consistency

SST continues to drive innovation in ammunition design, helping international defense and ammunition manufacturers gain a critical edge in today’s most complex operational environments.

Keep up with Shell Tech’s advanced ammunition on the website.

US Army Trains with Latest Maritime Domain Awareness Capabilities Alongside Philippine Partners During Balikatan 25

Wednesday, May 7th, 2025

SAN ANTONIO, Zambales, Philippines — The 1st Multi-Domain Effects Battalion from the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force conducted drone, high altitude balloon, and electromagnetic warfare training alongside Philippine counterparts at Palawan and Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui during the annual 2025 Balikatan exercise.

The battalion is honing its skills on reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition and non-kinetic effects using ground-based EW systems, ultra-long endurance, solar powered Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and High-Altitude Balloons (HABs).

A key highlight of the training includes extending network communications for retransmission of signals between multiple aerial capabilities.

“These long-range high endurance UAS are capable of establishing network connectivity between multiple aircraft at long distances,” said Maj. Malcolm Royer, Electronic Warfare Sensing Company commander. “We’re continuing work to extend that range.”

Prior to Balikatan 2025, the unit was at Yakima Training Center in Washington, conducting Static Focus 3, the Army’s first battalion-level All-Domain Home Station Training exercise. This training, held from March 3-14, 2025, was the first time Soldiers were able to operate all MDEB capabilities in a completely live environment. The soldiers were able to bring this knowledge with them to Balikatan 25.

“Static Focus is our annual training and risk reduction exercise to build multidomain teams with capabilities for all domain operations from every company across the MDEB,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Joe Mroszczyk, 1st Multi-Domain Effects Battalion Commander, “Our Soldiers are identifying best practices and training our headquarters elements to operate at dispersed locations ahead of doing the same in the Philippines.”

During Exercise Balikatan 25, the unit trained alongside members of the Philippine Air Force, conducting multiple training balloon launches and UAS sorties. They also coordinated with PAF airspace controllers to deconflict airspace for both Philippine and U.S. air traffic, supporting reconnaissance for the HIMARS live-fire operations conducted by their sister Long Range Fires Battalion. This seamless coordination supports the combined U.S.-Philippine force land-based counter maritime capabilities.

As part of the training, the unit mounted a UAS launch cradle onto the roof of a Philippine Air Force vehicle, showcasing the potential for future collaboration with the PAF in conducting fixed-wing launches from an airstrip.

This type of collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines during Balikatan 25 enhances our interoperability and helps strengthen our partnership and commitment to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.

Balikatan is a longstanding annual exercise between the U.S. and Philippine armed forces designed to strengthen the alliance, showcase the capable combined force, and demonstrate the commitment to regional security and stability.

By MAJ Ian Sandall

SOF Select 15 – Mystery Ranch Gunfighter Armor Attach 2.0

Tuesday, May 6th, 2025

Coming soon from Mystery Ranch is an update to the Gunfighter Armor Attach pack.

Made from 330D Cordura, they’ve added a removable compression panel, expanded primary access to bag and made the shoulder straps stowable. Additionally, it comes with zip-on PALS adapters.

SOF Select 25 – Silynx CLARUS MSG

Tuesday, May 6th, 2025

Silymx has developed a new version of their CLARUS Push to Talk called the CLARUS MSG with the MSG standing for messaging.

In tunnels the IDF has faced a threat from voice comms drawing fire. Consequently, they developed a PTT with pre-recorded voice messages which can be heard through the radio and headset but are otherwise inaudible.

The front and center button is for the messaging function with four preset messages available. Two clicks through five clicks select each message. While it comes with pre-recorded messages in a calm, female voice, the user can add their own messages.

The CLARUS headset features an internal mic as well as external mics (switchable), and the system conducts a leakage test when it is first turned on.

SOF Select 25 – Platatac

Tuesday, May 6th, 2025

Coming soon in a dozen patterns is the SOF Smock from Platatac.

SOF Week 25 – Anduril Industries Pulsar-L EW System

Tuesday, May 6th, 2025

No larger than a 3kw portable generator Anduril Industries’ new Pulsar-Light is a software-defined Electromagnetic Warfare (EW) system designed primarily for counter drone operations, combining detect, ID, track, and defeat all in one box.

Deployable in two minutes, Anduril is fielding two configurations of Pulsar-L:

– Airborne, designed for airborne EW missions

– Expeditionary, built for every warfighter

Like other versions, Pulsar-V (vehicle), Pulsar Alpha (airborne) and the fixed-site emplacement, this new Light model can be operated independently or integrated with Lattice. It is also compatible with other C2 and Common Operating Picture solutions, including TAK.

SOF Week 25 – Crye Precision LPV Slick

Tuesday, May 6th, 2025

The Crye Precision LPV SLICK vest features a low-profile construction that creates a discreet vest system—ideal for covert operations. It’s also available in a tactical version. Look for availability after SHOT Show 2026.

The unique construction enables a nearly seamless profile at the top of the vest when plates are inserted. Designed to provide a lightweight, form-fitting solution that ensures both comfort and concealability, it accommodates both Low-Vis and Level 4 standalone plates, making it adaptable for various operational needs. The top-loaded padded plate closure maximizes comfort, while openings for cable pass-through enhance functionality. Multiple cummerbund attachments offer flexibility and customization for the user.

Offered in sizes Small – XLarge in MultiCam, Ranger Green, Coyote, Black, and Grey.

2025 Special Operations Force Week

Tuesday, May 6th, 2025

Welcome to SOF Week 2025, presented by Global SOF Foundation.

There have already been several new product announcements associated with the show and we’ve got even more to share with you.