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Multi Weapon Aiming Device from MATBOCK

Tuesday, May 31st, 2022

MATBOCK has finished the development of their Multi Weapon Aiming Device (MWAD), which was designed to shorten the kill chain for end users of indirect fire weapons, initially 40mm and 60mm platforms. Full system testing was completed on current operational weapon systems such as the M320, MK19, and M224 60mm mortar systems. MATBOCK is testing and evaluating recent updates to ballistics on 81mm and 120mm mortars in addition to other crew served weapons (CSW) which have been traditionally used solely as direct fire weapons systems.  Through end user input and testing MATBOCK has learned there is a significant use case for CSW platforms for “plunging fire” applications on systems such as the M2 .50 Caliber Machine Gun.

Here is a brief Targeting Overview video:

The MWAD is a multi-platform capable ballistic computer that digitally displays range and azimuth for indirect fire weapon systems. The MWAD provides real-time ballistic solutions that account for environmental conditions, round type, platform, and lot deviations.  This allows the user to put rounds on target with superior accuracy and faster than legacy aiming systems. Full integration into ATAK architecture allows direct input and receipt of call for fire missions, enhances situational awareness by broadcasting point of aim for entire teams, and enables accurate engagement and first round hits on moving targets. Software modifications can be made on request to include any direct fire weapons system.

Features:
• Simple manipulation with gloves and at night
• More rounds on target faster without the guesswork
• Integrates directly into ATAK
• Waterproof & shockproof
• ATAK device not included
• ATAK software provided via .apk file on delivery

How to use
• Mount the MWAD (In a garrison environment similar to zeroing a optic)
• Calibrate the system
• Select the weapon system on device; ie 320
• Select the ammunition being used; ie HEDP
• Raise the weapon system and engage targets.
• Target destroyed

For more information about the MWAD checkout:

www.matbock.com/products/multi-weapon-aiming-device

FN 509 Midsize Tactical

Monday, May 30th, 2022

FN America unveiled their new FN 509 variant, the Midsize Tactical during last weekend’s NRA Annual Meeting in Houston.

It combines their full size tactical slide cut with the Low-Profile Optics-Mounting System and midsize grip frame. The 4.5″ barrel is cold hammer forged and threaded.

Offered in Flat Black and FDE, it comes with a 15-round magazine but FN also offers a 24-round magazine.

www.fnamerica.com

SCUBAPRO Sunday – SEALs Birthday

Sunday, May 29th, 2022

On 25 May 1961, President John F. Kennedy, addressing a joint session of Congress, delivered a speech that most people remember as his challenge to the country to put an American on the moon before the end of the decade. The most important part of that speech you seldom hear about. But, it mandated that the military broaden its numbers and the use of Special Operation in all branches of service: “I am directing the secretary of defense to expand rapidly and substantially … the orientation of existing forces for the conduct of … unconventional wars. … In addition, our special forces and unconventional warfare units will be increased and reoriented. …

The East Coast and West coast teams have always joked about what team is older, Team One, or Team Two. Team Two says they are because of the 3-hour time difference, and the west coast says they are because they supposal received their message to commission first.  But this isn’t really about that. The SEAL Teams use 01 Jan 1962, the day the teams were commissioned as their birthday. But if you look through old messages, you can find about different dates that you could say should or could be the birthday of SEAL Teams. Before Kennedy gave his speech, the Navy and all the other branches had already started to plan for a new kind of warfare and a new group to fight it. The U.S. has just ended significant involvement in Korea and sent advisers to Vietnam around 1955, so we had an idea of what the next generation of warfare might look like.  

To augment present naval capabilities in restricted waters and rivers with particular reference to the conduct and support of paramilitary operations, it is desirable to establish Special Operations teams as a separate component within Underwater Demolition Units One and Two. An appropriate cover name for such units is “SEAL” being a contraction of SEA, AIR, LAND.

– Vice Adm. Wallace M. Beakley,
Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, 05 Jun 1961

I love that the name “SEAL” started as a cover name, I am sure they never thought of what that name would come to mean. I say that in a good way and also a little wrong. I miss the days of being quiet professionals.

The Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Arleigh Burke, in a memo dated 11 Jul 1960, tasked Vice Adm Beakley with studying how the Navy could contribute to unconventional warfare. Beakley responded to that tasking in a memo dated 12 Aug 1960, saying, “Navy Underwater Demolition Teams and Marine reconnaissance units were the logical organizations for an expanded naval capability in unconventional warfare.” Beakley further recommended that a working group be formed to study how the Navy could “assist or participate” in covert operations. Then, on 13 Sept 1960, an Unconventional Activities Working Group was formed. Like the military now, the progress was slow, and on 10 Mar 1961, when the Navy’s Unconventional Activities Committee presented a mission statement for the new special operations unit and officially used for the first time the acronym “SEAL.”

Beakley sent another memo saying, “If you agree in the foregoing proposals, I will take action to establish a Special Operations Team on each coast.” Burke wasted no time in giving the green light. On 05 Jun 1961, the CNO issued a letter notifying the commanders in chief U.S. Atlantic, U.S. Pacific, and U.S. Naval Forces Europe about the Navy’s intentions regarding SEAL units. So, if you look at all the about dates, you can choose 25 May, 05 Jun, 13 Sept, 10 Mar or 01 Jan.  I do not really care about what date that it happened on; I am just glad that it did, and I think it is good to look back at the process that went from idea to a finished product.

Oh, and Team Two is the Oldest Team.

Rheinmetall Supplies Austrian Armed Forces with Counter-sUAS System for Evaluation

Sunday, May 29th, 2022


The Austrian armed forces have selected Rheinmetall’s C-sUAS system for a six-month period of testing and evaluation. In May 2022 Rheinmetall Air Defence AG shipped the latest version of its rapidly deployable counter-small unmanned aerial system (C-sUAS) to the Austrian military. The system comprises two shelter units, enabling rapid deployment on standard trailers and trucks. The sensor unit elevates automatically and can be equipped with various detection technologies, including X-band and S-band radar, passive emitter locator, ADS-B receiver and others if required. An integrated, stabilized 360° electro-optical PTZ sensor provides state-of-the-art verification and tracking capabilities.

Based on the tried-and-tested Oerlikon Skymaster command and control system, the separate C2 shelter is a fully fledged operator workstation. Skymaster delivers an outstanding level of sensor data fusion and multiple operational functions, including scalability to integrated target cueing devices and effectors for different countermeasures as well as links to higher echelons.

The Austrian armed forces will put the Rheinmetall C-sUAS system through its paces at several locations in Austria, gaining valuable expertise and experience by simulating air base protection, integration into other military units and providing C-sUAS protection in urban areas – a wise approach give the proliferation of emerging aerial threats. A major highlight will be a public demonstration of the C-sUAS at the renowned AIRPOWER 2022 air show at Hinterstoisser Air Base, home of the Eurofighter, near Zeltweg, Austria.

Rheinmetall Air Defence will lend its support throughout the next six months to ensure that Austria gets the maximum benefit out of the project.

NRAAM 22 – Nightforce Optics

Saturday, May 28th, 2022

Nightforce has given us a real treat. It’s not often we get to see government contract optics paired with the actual weapons they were procured to work with. Nightforce had three set ups depicting their USSOCOM wins for the Ranging – Variable Power Scope (R-VPS), Precision-Variable Power Scope (P-VPS), and Squad – Variable Power Scope (S-VPS) contracts. As you can see, all of the optics are Dark Earth color for these contracts.

First up is the SU-393/PVS R-VPS which is an ATACR 4-20×50 F1 and used as an enabler for the Knights Armament Co SR-25 in 6.5 Creedmoor.

Next, the SU-296/PVS P-VPS is an ATACR 7-35×56 F1 optic paired with the Barrett MRAD, known as the Mk22 Advanced Sniper Rifle within DoD.

Last but not least, the SU-294/VPS S-VPS is a 1-8×24 ATACR F1 optic and used in conjunction with the M4A1 carbine which is also equipped by SOCOM with the Geissele Upper Receiver Group Improved (URGI).

Joint Venture Between High-Tech Rheinmetall AG and DEMALOG, Germany’s Biggest Biometrics Company

Friday, May 27th, 2022

The technology enterprise Rheinmetall AG and DERMALOG Identification Systems GmbH, Germany’s largest biometrics firm, have contractually agreed to set up a joint venture. The new company, Rheinmetall Dermalog SensorTec GmbH, should begin operating in early summer 2022. Rheinmetall will hold a 65% stake in the partnership, with DERMALOG accounting for the remaining 35% share. Creation of the company still requires approval by the merger control authorities.

The strategic objective is to integrate biometric technology, artificial intelligence software, and digitization solutions in three different areas: driver monitoring, security, and industry. For Rheinmetall, the joint venture marks an important step in the transformation to digitization technology and expanding into driver monitoring solutions.

Furthermore, the new joint venture enhances the Düsseldorf-based technology group’s future-oriented diversification into biometrics applications geared to the security sector and industry. The move also adds to its existing digitization and software expertise. Importantly, the partnership reinforces Rheinmetall’s capabilities in five strategic technology clusters: automation, sensors, digitization, alternative mobility, and artificial intelligence.

“Setting up this joint venture is an important step in our transformation strategy, one which will enable us to offer cutting-edge monitoring, authentication, and security technology to our customers in the automotive sector and other industries”, states René Gansauge, CEO of Rheinmetall’s Sensors and Actuators division.

Rheinmetall Dermalog SensorTec GmbH will fuse Rheinmetall’s proprietary radar technology, which will be used for interior monitoring, with DERMALOG’s software, camera, and fingerprint technologies. In addition, an industrial application is already planned for the company access system at a Group-owned plant.

The majority-owned joint venture’s activities will be domiciled in Rheinmetall’s Sensors and Actuators division, which is spearheading the Group’s electrification strategy and applying new developments to the “Beyond Automotive” realm and industry in general.

DERMALOG Identification Systems GmbH
Headquartered in Hamburg, Rheinmetall’s new cooperation partner has been actively pioneering biometric products and solutions for 25 years. During this period, the company has evolved into Germany’s largest maker of biometric systems and devices and is an innovation leader in the world of biometrics. Best-in-class technologies characterized by high speed, precision and reliability are a hallmark of DERMALOG. In 2021 the company took the coveted German Innovation Award, just the latest is a serious of national and international prizes in various categories.

“The joint venture with Rheinmetall AG transfers biometrics into the field of automotive applications. Driver monitoring in particular will help to avoid accidents caused by distraction,” says Günther Mull, founder and managing director of DERMALOG Identification Systems GmbH in Hamburg about the joint venture with the technology group Rheinmetall.

Ever since the company’s foundation, it has been winning prestigious orders around the globe and carrying out major international projects. To date, the company has won 65 awards for its outstanding achievements in the field of biometrics, including the German Innovation Award Gold 2021 for its biometric cameras and the LivDet 2021 for its liveness recognition technology for differentiating between live and false fingers placed on a scanner for identification. Furthermore, following long years of successful cooperation, the company has succeeded in gaining a strong, experienced partner in Germany’s Bundesdruckerei, or Federal Printing Office, with a participation of 22.43%.

The company’s portfolio includes automated biometric identification systems and automated fingerprint identification systems; the latest fingerprint scanners; biometric border control systems; IDs and passports; and voting systems. Its customer base is extensive, encompassing law enforcement authorities, government residency registration offices and election authorities, vehicle registration offices, health and security companies, access control and data security firms, authorization and authentication services, mobile security organizations, government agencies, as well as public and private companies and banks around the globe. Among other things, DERMALOG offers solutions such as “FingerLogin”, “FingerPayment” and “FingerBanking”. The company is active in over 100 countries, serving clients not only in Germany and Europe, but also in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. For more information on the company, please go to: www.dermalog.com.

 

TNVC Presents: TNVC Motor Sports 

Friday, May 27th, 2022

High performance night vision and high performance cars, a natural pairing!

TNVC recently had a very special opportunity to hit the racetrack for some no-light racing with L3Harris GPNVGs, available to the commercial market through TNVC. Standby for more to come!

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Remembrance

Friday, May 27th, 2022

This Memorial Day, we at FS take time to reflect on the sacrifice’s on behalf of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. The price of freedom isn’t free.