We began this journey 5 years ago on May 17, 2008 and have published most every day since then. There were a couple of missed days that first year. I hope we’ve lived up to the promise of that first post.
We currently stand at over 35,000 published articles. That’s an average of over six per day. Not too shabby.
New vertical take-off and landing kit expands operational capabilities and streamlines constrained area operations
AeroVironment’s Puma VTOL Kit enables rooftop launch and landing (Image: AeroVironment, Inc.)
ARLINGTON, Va., May 9, 2023 – AeroVironment, Inc. today introduced the Puma™ VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) kit, designed for plug-and-play integration into Puma 2 AE and Puma 3 AE small unmanned aircraft systems (SUAS). The optional Puma VTOL kit expands the operational capabilities of the combat-proven Puma system in complex terrain, as neither runway nor large open space are required for launch and recovery of the VTOL-equipped Puma, allowing operators to launch anywhere, anytime.
Leveraging AeroVironment’s Crysalis™ ground control solution, the added VTOL capability now allows a single Puma operator to execute missions and streamline operations through features like one-button launch and recovery.
“The modern battlefield offers varying types of complex terrain features, both natural and manmade, that can pose challenges to small unit operations and their use of unmanned aircraft. Our new Puma VTOL kit provides the operator with a wider range of launch and land capabilities, enhancing the unit’s mission while further safeguarding its personnel during these periods of transitional flight,” said Shane Hastings, AeroVironment’s vice president and product line general manager for small UAS. “The VTOL kit converts the Puma AE into a highly precise and agile ISR asset where a single operator can effortlessly launch the aircraft from a small space and attain mission-critical information of enemy forces in a timely manner and land on a desired rooftop or other small, targeted areas.”
Integration of the Puma VTOL kit requires minimal one-time modifications to the aircraft’s airframe by qualified personnel. Once modified, the plug-and-play Puma VTOL kit can be easily added or removed in the field within a couple of minutes, allowing operators to quickly transition between a fixed-wing and VTOL platform to suit varying mission needs with a single aircraft.
Available as an add-on option for new Puma 3 AE system orders and as a retrofit kit for already fielded Puma 2 AE and Puma 3 AE aircraft, both fielded and new aircraft can take advantage of this VTOL capability. To learn more about the new operational capabilities of Puma AE and Puma VTOL kit, visit www.avinc.com/pumaae.
Bulk pricing available. IDEAL Zipper Crye Tan 499. Sold per pair. Compatible with Crye Precision JPC 2.0, SPC, AVS, and more.
Made in the USA, A-A-56634 milspec, Berry compliant. Tan 499.
QTY 1 = 2 zippers, 1 left and 1 right. Both pin and slider side included as shown.
20+ $7/pair
10-19 $9/pair
5-9 $10/pair
1-4 $12/pair
Promising “14 acres of Freedom” this year’s NRA Annual Meeting should be interesting. Held in Indianapolis, it runs through this Sunday.
That is all…
HSP’s GP SAW pouch was designed as a dedicated speed reload pouch for the M249 (SAW) 100 round Nutsack but it also accommodates a wide variety of equipment and can be mounted on a plate carrier or on their D3 belt.
When used on their plate carrier, two fit perfectly on their Thorax MOLLE placard offering immediate access to them upfront.
haleystrategic.com/general-purpose-or-saw-ammo-pouch
SPRINGFIELD, MA., (2/28/2023) – Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design, is proud to introduce its new folding pistol carbine, the M&P FPC.
Chambered in 9mm, the optics-ready FPC has a length of 30 inches and a compact folded length of 16 inches. It comes equipped with three double-stack M&P pistol magazines, including one 17-round and two 23-round mags. This new carbine features an integrated recoil buffer system, -28 threaded muzzle, and in-stock magazine storage for making reloading fast and efficient. The horizontal folding mechanism of the FPC provides a locking latch to enable secured transport and prevents interference with most top-mounted optics or accessories.
“The team at Smith & Wesson aimed to design a pistol carbine that was compatible with various M&P series pistol magazines. We exceeded that initial desire by introducing side-folding mechanics that deliver a unique compact feature and allow the user to keep their sight system mounted on the gun both in the folded and extended positions. Extra magazine storage in the buttstock, familiar M&P fire controls and reliable palmswell grip adaptors all make this new pistol carbine a great addition to the M&P family,” said John Myles, Senior Manager of New Products.
Additional features include a handguard with an upper Picatinny rail and M-LOK slots for accessory mounting capabilities, a flat-face trigger design that offers a crisp single-action trigger break, and four interchangeable palmswells for maximum comfort. The M&P FPC also comes with a carrying bag designed with multiple Velcro storage compartments to secure additional equipment for easy transport. This new folding pistol carbine is proudly made in the U.S.A. and has an MSRP of $659.00.
For more information on the new M&P FPC visit www.smith-wesson.com.
(McLean, VA – February 21, 2023) FN America, LLC is pleased to announce the release of four new promotional pistol bundles for the FN 509® and FNX™-45 Tactical that include upgrades like the FN 509 flat-faced trigger and fiber optic front sight. Each pistol includes five magazines packaged inside a premium FN zippered range bag at no added cost. These exclusive bundles will be sold through authorized FN distributors and retailers and are available for a limited time only.
Each pistol will be packaged with three additional extended capacity magazines, where applicable, for a total of five per pistol. The FN 509 Tactical, FN 509 Compact and FN 509 MRD will feature FN’s custom flat-faced precision trigger that breaks vertically at 90 degrees while the FN 509 MRD FOS will feature the green fiber optic front sight found only on the FN Edge Series models.
FN 5 Mag Pistol Bundle Details:
These added accessories and upgrades will be offered at no additional cost to the retail price of the standard models but will be a one-time production run and available only for a short period of time. To purchase, look for the black branded band around the grip at your local retailer. Visit fnamerica.com/promotions/5mags/ to learn more.
