

American Rheinmetall Vehicles has signed a Master Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center (DEVCOM AC). This CRADA allows the DEVCOM AC and American Rheinmetall Vehicles to collaborate on a regular basis to develop integrated combat vehicle weapon, fire control, and ammunition technologies.

Among other research and development tasks, the CRADA provides a conduit for the team to explore integration of the U.S. Army’s XM913 50mm cannon on platforms that are potential candidates for the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) program. American Rheinmetall Vehicles has submitted a proposal in the Army’s Phase II of the OMFV program.
American Rheinmetall Vehicles and DEVCOM AC will leverage their respective expertise to develop armaments solutions which may also be applicable to future weapons systems for other military services, international military markets, and further spin-off applications. The effort may include, but is not limited to, digital engineering, modeling and simulation, and prototyping throughout the design, development, and testing of direct fire armaments systems, cannon mounts, vehicle/armament system interfacing, active/reactive protection systems, programmable munition lethality, ammunition handling, fire control, secondary armaments, robotics, logistics, power management, and manufacturing science.
“This Master CRADA creates a tremendous opportunity to research, develop, and integrate the newest technologies into a modern fire control system for combat vehicles,” said Mike Milner, American Rheinmetall Vehicles Director for Business Development and Strategy. “Specifically, efforts on integration of the XM913 50mm cannon will provide transformational capability and overmatch for our future Soldiers.”

This year, from 28 to 29 August, the Hungarian armed forces are hosting the International Air Show at Kecskemét air force base for the first time since 2013. It centres on the ongoing modernization of the Hungarian military. As one of Hungary’s most important partners, Rheinmetall will be on hand at the event to tell about its current projects and products. These include:
• The Lynx KF41 family of fighting vehicles: Hungary is the first NATO and EU member state to select Rheinmetall’s newly developed infantry fighting vehicle. A total of 218 Lynx systems have been ordered, most of which will be built in Hungary. The Lynx infantry fighting vehicle combines high mobility and lethality, modularity, survivability, networkability and future viability, making it a true standout.
• The StrikeShield active protection system. StrikeShield is the third and newest generation of Rheinmetall’s Active Defence System (ADS) technology, a special variant of a hard-kill APS system. The ADS is a distributed system in which the sensors and countermeasures are integrated into the contours and architecture of the entre vehicle. Among other advantages, the lowest emissions in the electromagnetic spectrum as well as the fastest, most secure and most reliable reaction times in ambush and multiple hit scenarios set the StrikeShield apart from the competition. The Hungarian military has selected StrikeShield for its fleet of Lynx IFVs.
• The HX 8×8 heavy load transporter: Made by Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV), the HX 8×8 semi trailer tractor is powered by an eight-cylinder, 680 HP diesel engine. This gives the high-mobility, all-wheel-drive truck a top speed of 89 km/h and lets it handle gradients of 60 percent. The technically permissible gross train weight comes to around 130 tonnes. A military-off-the-shelf series of products, RMMV’s HX vehicle family is designed for maximum mobility even in the most difficult conditions. Over 15,000 of these vehicles are in service worldwide.
• Air defence: High-mobility ground-based air defence systems are gaining new importance now that NATO armed forces are once again focusing on national and alliance defence. Rheinmetall’s Skyranger systems, armed with 35mm or 30mm automatic cannon as well as other effectors, can be mounted on wheeled or tracked armoured vehicles like the Boxer or Lynx.
• The Mission Master family: Robotics is already changing the face of the modern battlefield. Designed to serve as a weapons platform, Rheinmetall’s unmanned Mission Master SP (Silent Partner) vehicle is already being evaluated by various armed forces around the globe. As recently as June 2021, Rheinmetall unveiled a new member of its Mission Master family – the Mission Master XT. Specially engineered to operate in extreme terrain and to carry heavy loads, the new AUGV will be on view for the first time at a tradeshow in Europe.
In digitizing the modern military, Rheinmetall sets exceptionally high standards, drawing on its expertise as a maker of soldier systems, sensors, effectors as well as its networking and C4I system capabilities. Here, the Düsseldorf-based high-tech specialist for security and mobility continues to extend its lead in the soldier systems field with solutions like the Gladius 2.0.
In the training and simulation domain, too, Rheinmetall is a global leader, making a crucial contribution to enhancing the effectiveness and readiness of modern armed forces and law enforcement agencies. Information on this as well as weapon and ammunition systems for scalable, threat-commensurate firepower and innovative, networkable sensors for applications on land, at sea and in the air round out the array of capabilities on display. We look forward to seeing you at the Kecskemét International Air Show!

In partnership with our dealer U.S. Elite, Arrowhead Equipment announces that its products have now been added to the General Service Administration (GSA) schedule.
This allows for Federal, and participating state/local governments to purchase Sitka Arrowhead products quickly and easily. From base-layers to Wet Weather Protective gear, Arrowhead Equipment’s Modular Combat Layering system comprises of pieces that are both Berry and/or TAA compliant.
Focused on developing and manufacturing purpose-built technical products, Arrowhead Equipment is a natural extension of SITKA Gear. Founded upon SITKA Gear’s DNA and considered approach to design, the program leverages the materials science expertise of Gore to provide purpose-built solutions for the Global Special Operations Forces end-user.
Qualified buyers go here.

This NANO Carrier variant for the ARC Rail was a special request that they decided to bring to everyone. It can be rotated 90° giving you four position options that the MultiTasker NANO is accessible from.
It can be mounted to the Helmet ARC rails found on Ops-Core, Crye Precision and many other ballistic/bump helmets.
Right now they have three NANO Carrier variants in development:
MLOK, Picatinny and ARC Rail.
All three versions are coming along well and they hope to launch them all together.
Sitka Arrowhead sent us this great post in why they rely on YKK waterproof zippers for their garments. The details matter and using the best components creates the best garments.

BLUF: Ounces Equals Pounds
At first glance insignificant, however, small parts and components (commonly referred to as trims in the textile industry), play a major role in the final weight and function of technical apparel. From G-Hooks, zippers and zipper pulls to cords and cord locks. Even down to the granular choice of thread. Trims sourcing and development is a foundational element in all Sitka Arrowhead product development. After all a product, much like a team, is only as strong as its weakest link.

Giant of Small Parts
Within the global apparel industry nobody understands the importance of premium trims more than the Japanese brand who have made focusing on the tiny details their big mission, YKK. Self-reflect and chances are the zipper pull on your jacket has YKK stamped on it? The YKK brand is synonymous with the zipper and all its associated hardware. Dedicating the last one hundred years to developing, engineering, and manufacturing premium zipper systems; that not only continue to function through extended use, but are precisely engineered to not fail you when failure is not an option. Because let’s face it, a jacket without a zipper is essentially useless.
To achieve a true best-in-class Gore-Tex® product, all components of the SITKA Arrowhead Wet Weather Protective (WWP) collection meant focusing on attention to detail holistically, fabrics, trims, fit, form, function and construction. For no-fail zippers that pass the Gore-Tex® Storm Test, we naturally looked to YKK.
AquaGuard® Zipper

YKK® AquaGuard® Zippers have a water-repellent polyurethane film coating that helps shed water from the zipper opening. A DWR treatment to the polyester tape side increases the surface tension and adds an extra level of protection to prevent water leaking through. These zippers are strong, have a smooth operation and can be depended upon to withstand the harsh environments that our WWP Jacket and Pant has been designed for.
ARROWHEAD Application

YKK components selected by SITKA Arrowhead have a matte PU finish and are made in the USA. This makes them purpose built for the current Berry Compliant WWP MDW Jacket and Pant ensemble, soon to be joined by a Half Bib Pant in Winter 2021-22.
To find your ARROWHEAD Dealer – www.sitkaarrowhead.com/retail-locator
Sterling, VA – Thermoregulation and human performance specialists Qore Performance are expanding their team with the recent hire of Ian Stout in the role of Government Sales Specialist. A Marine Corps Veteran and native of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Ian joins Qore Performance with a wealth of experience in getting the men and women of the military, law enforcement and Fire/EMS the equipment they need to do their job effectively. “With both our MIL/LE and our Safety/Device businesses growing at a torrid pace, we needed to bring on additional team members to maintain the level of service we demand of ourselves for our customers,” said Justin Li, Co-Founder and CEO of Qore Performance, “and this is why we are so excited to have Ian onboard.”
Ian brings over 10 years of government sales experience to Qore Performance, supporting some of the world’s most elite units with the equipment they need to conduct operations globally. When asked about why he joined Qore Performance Ian remarked “The forward-thinking design philosophy behind Qore Performance products is what really got me interested. In researching the IcePlate and the IceAge Ecosystem as a whole, I couldn’t believe all of the science required to build tools that prevent heat injuries and boost physiological performance. Their design and problem solving philosophy is totally different than anything I’ve ever seen. It really made me want to be a part of the Qore Performance team.”

Qore Performance is constantly looking to expand its team. Click here to explore current opportunities. For Sales Inquiries, contact:
Doug Burr, Director of Sales and Business Development Ian Stout, Government Sales Specialist
P: 703.755.0724