Whether you’re an American or an ally who is inspired by our Independence Day, set aside a little time today to reflect on what led our founders to take matters to hand and declare independence. Their sacrifices were enormous.

Of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, 56 men who pledged “to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor,”  nearly all of them were poorer at the end of the war than at the beginning. Fortunately, none of them died at the hands of the British, despite one-third serving as militia officers during the war. Unfortunately, four of the men were taken captive during the war. It could have gone a lot worse, and they knew it. But if they hadn’t accepted the risk, the world would be without the torch of freedom that is the United States of America.

I’d like to address the recent issue of the comments feature turned off on posts. It’s not by design.

WordPress recently updated their app and new posts automatically default to no comments allowed and there’s nowhere to address the issue via the app, which I use most of the time, unless I’m having issues talking to the server which is a recent hassle due to my new Webhost. I’ve been so used to comments being automatically turned on, I sometimes forget to go back to the desktop version of WordPress to turn them back on.

I apologize for any confusion. Feel free to comment, just please keep it civil.

Tactical communications expert INVISIO announces plans to add wireless comms capability to its intercom system, providing unlimited mobility in the field whilst maintaining unrivalled situational awareness.

 The wireless capability, INVISIO Link™, is expected to be released first half of 2025, and augments the INVISIO Intercom system by bridging the gap between dismounted and mounted users through seamless wireless communications. It follows the recent release of the INVISIO Control™ app, which provides the ability to tailor and adjust the intercom system pre-mission or on the go.

The solution adds a dongle to the existing INVISIO body worn kit along with a base station to the INVISIO Intercom System. Both products are lightweight and small, ensuring portability, ease of use and installation.

INVISIO Link™ offers the following key attributes:

Tailored connectivity: INVISIO Link™ means users are wirelessly connected to tailored user and group communication.

•Unlimited mobility: No tangled cords give users free mobility in platforms and their proximity.

•Seamless comms: INVISIO Link™ provides seamless transitions between mounted and dismounted scenarios as well as wired and wireless. It also allows auto-connect for easy use in the field.

•Uncompromised wireless quality: INVISIO Link™ provides uncompromised speech intelligibility along with strong connectivity, also in challenging environments.

•Secure & lightweight: The new wireless solution is unparalleled in size and weight, with a body-worn INVISIO Link™ dongle weighing just 70g. AES 256 encryption ensures the system remains secure, and detectability can be adjusted thanks to adjustable transmitting power.

•Mount anywhere: INVISIO Link™ can be installed anywhere, either as a fixed installation, on molle webbing or in a bag. Weighing just 270g and measuring 78 x 100 x 30mm, the INVISIO Link™ station has a small footprint that ensures ease of use, with the option for an external antenna for specially challenging RF installations.

Jacob Tranegaard, Director Intercom Product Management at INVISIO, says: “INVISIO Link™ gives users more freedom and mobility than ever and provides hassle-free transitions between mounted and dismounted scenarios.”

“Wireless often comes with concerns around audio quality, but INVISIO Link™ provides uncompromised speech intelligibility that is as clear as wired systems.”

“We know wireless communication is the next step forward in our industry and are delighted to add this to our offering.”

INVISIO Link™ is announced at EUROSATORY and is expected to be available first half of 2025. Visit INVISIO at Hall 5A – stand C126 or for more information, contact us at info@invisio.com or get in touch with your local INVISIO representative.

I’ve been so busy I didn’t even realize today is the anniversary of our founding. A reader just informed me at the NRA Annual Meeting.

The USSOCOM Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program will soon be accepting submissions for:

PHASE I:
SOCOM244-007: Thermal Barrier Minimal Deflection Handguard

The objective of this topic is twofold. First, research thermodynamics involved in an over the suppressor handguard design. Secondly, designing a handguard with a toolless means of mounting. The Sig Sauer Rattler .300BO weapon system and the Sig Sauer SLH Suppressor is the host weapon associated with this SBIR.

SOCOM244-008: Ruggedized Additive Mobile Manufacturing Unit (RAMMU)

The objective of this topic is to develop applied research toward an innovative capability to use additive manufacturing in a deployed environment with the ability to decrease down time for foreign and non-standard weapons parts, motor pool parts, and dental accessories.

On 14 May, SOFWERX will host a virtual Q&A session for the areas of interest. RSVP to the Q&A session here.

Submissions Open 21 May 2024 12:00 PM ET (Noon)

LENGGRIES, GERMANY (23 February 2024) – Lindnerhof-Taktik will introduce the Shikari – Series, ultralight abseiling and climbing gear, tomorrow.

This updated Series features an ultralight torso mount, consisting of an integrated or a quick-drop Chest Harness in combination with the Shikari Grid Harness, either with Cobra or Triple-Lock closure and optional leg loops. Developed for efficient on-rope operations, allows for quick mounting and detachment while being fully protected and free to move with unobstructed gear access.

Developed in collaboration with Edelrid, a leader in climbing gear, these products were engineered to change the experience of climbing and abseiling in the long term. The design is uncompromisingly focused on safety and comfort, allowing the users to tackle their mission.

The Shikari – Series contains the following products:

• Edelrid SE Shikari Grid with Cobra buckle

• Edelrid SE Shikari Grid with Triple Lock buckle

• Edelrid SE Shikari Grid Leg Loops

• Edelrid SE Quick-Drop (available soon)

• Edelrid SE Integrable

The main focus within the new series is on the Shikari Grid, either with Cobra- or Triple-Lock buckle closure. An ultralight, 2 in 1 Product – for one a warbelt that can be individually equipped with various kind of pouches by means of its MOLLE slots and also has the approval for a sit harness in conjunction with the leg loops.

Another Highlight is the Edelrid SE Quick-Drop, a chest harness, that can be easily attached to any existing plate carrier or protective vest by means of back-to-back Velcro tape, rubber bands or the LHT “Anbindungsschließe”. It offers ultralight and comfortable torso support with wide belay loop for efficient rope movement and fast descent with full protection and unrestricted access to equipment.

Learn more about the latest products from Lindnerhof Taktik today and enjoy the numerous features and the modern design.

Debuting at SHOT Show, the Frag Spud Pouch is a M67 grenade sized version of the popular SPUD Pouch. Thanks to the scrim cover flap, you’ll find it will fit a variety of essentials.

Coming soonish.

www.spiritussystems.com

Ohio Ordnance Works has released additional details on their new Recoil Enhanced Automatic Rifle (REAPR), a lightweight beltfed medium machine gun chambered in .338 Norma Mag but swappable to 7.62 NATO.

The REAPR weighs 26.8 lbs and has an overall length of 51.7″ with stock collapsed and 54.5″ with the stock extended. However, the stock can also be folded and in that case, it’s just 44.25″ in length. It can be configured for right or left hand feed and features a patented sliding feed tray and cover which means you can use optics with a larger footprint.

The operating system is a roller delayed mechanism and the 24.5″ barrel can be quickly changed without the need to depress a button or lever.

Above and below, you can see how it can be carried in a backpack and quickly configured for firing.

Developed initially to answer a United States Special Operations Command requirement for a Lightweight Medium Machine Gun, it will compete with True Velocity and SIG SAUER in the next few months. The Marine Corps is also interested in the capability and the US Army and several NATO countries are monitoring the program.