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MATBOCK Monday Rifle Mag Pouches

Monday, July 20th, 2020

Good morning and Happy MATBOCK Monday!

The Multi-Caliber Rifle Pouch is designed to accept any size magazine from single or dual 5.56, 7.62, .308 etc. Easy size adjustment, lightweight, MATBOCK Tabs on back and integrated belt loop are just a few of the additional features that make this the most versatile rifle mag pouch on the market.

The pouch is designed to hold 2 x 30 rd 5.56mm magazines. Both magazines, or only the back magazine, can be secured in place with the bungee retention lanyard for quick removal of the first mag without fear of losing the second.

The pouch is designed to hold 3 x 30 rd 5.56mm magazines, side-by-side. Specifically designed to be mounted to MOLLE or worn on an operator’s belt.

The pouch is designed to hold 1 x 30 rd 5.56mm magazines.

Don’t forget to tune in on Monday at 4:30 PM EST as we go live to demo our Mag pouches!

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Load Carrying | 1 Comment »

Army Futures Command Announces ‘Software Factory’ in Austin

Monday, July 20th, 2020

AUSTIN, Texas – U.S. Army Futures Command announced the establishment of the first Soldier-led Software Factory today.

The Austin-based Software Factory is a first-of-its-kind concept for the Army that will leverage a train-with-industry pipeline to empower Soldiers and Civilians to scope and solve problems with modern software practices.

This new capability will allow units to act faster and mitigate unforeseen risk inherent in multi-domain operations. It will teach Soldiers and Civilians how to solve Army problems with cloud technology and modern software, and to better prepare Soldiers for disconnected warfare in 2028 and beyond.

“The capability to develop software at the lowest tactical levels will help us provide better software products,” said Gen. John M. Murray, commanding general of Army Futures Command. “We anticipate long-term cost savings and expect the Software Factory to help us maintain a competitive advantage across Army modernization efforts.”

This new software factory complements the Army’s digital talent initiative based at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Penn. Army professionals will attend data science and engineering graduate programs, and 12 Soldiers will attend a boot-camp-style fellowship for cloud technicians to help solve Army problems through agile and secure software development processes.

“All of these efforts will develop and sustain the digital talent the Army needs for the future,” Murray said. “The CMU-trained engineers will build the data environment the Army needs. The technicians will maintain that environment. And the Software Factory will develop the skills to operate in that environment.”

By Army Futures Command

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Tac Apps | Comments Off on Army Futures Command Announces ‘Software Factory’ in Austin

Purdue University – New Explosive Materials to Usher in Nontoxic Ammunition

Sunday, July 19th, 2020

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Every time a gun fires, lead leaches into the air. A scientific advancement could provide a comparable replacement for lead-based explosive materials found in ammunition, protecting soldiers and the environment from potential toxic effects.

Purdue University researchers, in collaboration with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command’s Army Research Laboratory, developed two new lead-free materials that function as primary explosives, which are used to ignite powder inside a gun cartridge.

The work, funded by the Army Research Office, appears in a paper published in Chemistry – A European Journal.

“Right now, whenever you are shooting, you’re going to be spreading lead into the air around you,” said Davin Piercey, a Purdue assistant professor of materials engineering and mechanical engineering. “Any use of lead is going to end up polluting the environment in small amounts. The more lead you remove, the better it is for the environment.”

A past study found that people who have been shooting a lot could have elevated lead levels. But so far, the use of lead in explosives has been inevitable.

Matthew Gettings, a Purdue Ph.D. candidate, holds a cup containing silver salts, a new lead-free explosive. (Purdue University photo/Jared Pike)

When a gun trigger is pulled, a metal firing pin strikes a cup containing a primary explosive. The force from the firing pin deforms the cup, crushing the primary explosive and causing it to detonate. This explosion sets off a secondary explosive that burns and helps complete the rest of the firing sequence, accelerating the bullet out of the gun.

An experimental test shows the ability of silver salts to detonate just as well as commonly-used primary explosives. (Purdue University video/Jared Pike)

Because primary explosives are found in the cartridge of just about anything that fires a bullet, the Army has been searching for solutions for many years to develop lead-free versions of these explosives that satisfy environmental regulations associated with lead contamination.

“The development of these materials provides a potential pathway toward lead-free technology,” said Jesse Sabatini, an Army researcher who led the project’s investigation of which molecules to use for these new materials.

What enables the materials to be lead-free is a chemical structure that has not been used in primary explosives before. One material is made of silver salts while the other material contains no metal at all – just the basic ingredients for an explosive. These ingredients include carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen.

“Toxicity-wise, silver is an improvement over lead, but it’s still a little toxic. So we also made a nonmetal material that does not have heavy metal toxicity associated with it. Metal is dead weight, energetically speaking, and doesn’t contribute much to an actual explosion,” Piercey said.

The chemical structure used in these materials makes them very dense, meaning that only a small amount of either material would be needed to create an explosion.

Researchers at the Army Research Laboratory modeled these materials to get a sense of how explosive they would be. Piercey’s lab at the Purdue Energetics Research Center (PERC) made the materials and conducted experimental tests demonstrating that they work as primary explosives.

According to the researchers’ calculations, the materials they created have a detonation performance similar to or higher than commonly-used primary explosives.

The CCDC-Armaments Center at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey, is interested in exploring these compounds for primary explosive-based applications for bullets and gun propellants. Purdue and Army researchers will continue to gather the data needed for determining which lead-based weapons systems these materials can replace.

“At PERC, our theme is ‘molecules to munitions.’ Our labs can do everything from designing and testing molecules to formulating and manufacturing those molecules into a useful compound,” said Steve Beaudoin, director of PERC and a Purdue professor of chemical engineering.

“Our partners can then take that useful compound and put it into a warhead, missile, rocket or whatever it needs to be.”

A provisional patent has been filed for this technology (track code 2020-PIER-69143) through the Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization.

Posted in Ammo, Disruptive Tech, Guest Post, Materials | 2 Comments »

SCUBAPRO Sunday – Twin Jet Fins

Sunday, July 19th, 2020

If you have been diving for a while now, you have come across the SCUBAPRO Twin Jet Split Fins. They have a unique patented split fin propeller technology, which provides maximum propulsion with minimal effort underwater. With those main features, they can enhance your dives while avoiding cramped leg muscles and strained ankles.

The revolutionary patented design of the SCUBAPRO Twin Jet Open Heel Split Fins was inspired by the dynamic propulsion of the humpback whale. The blades unique shape and angle provide symmetrical power to help you create a smoother, more stable kicks without wearing you out or causing drag. At the same time, it allows you to move more quickly and effortlessly while swimming at great depths, despite the long blade length—all without sacrificing control.

As a diving fin, the SCUBAPRO Twin Jet is made with both an open-heeled and a full-foot (closed heel) version. The Open Heel comes with a broader foot pockets and offers a more customizable fit for those wearing dive boots for use in colder, deeper waters or military style boots for over the beach operations/ VBSS. Having strapped fins gives you the chance to adjust the fit as your boots start to compress at greater depths when diving.

The fin straps come with quick-connect swivel buckles, which makes donning and doffing easier. You can also change the rubber heel strap out, to take advantage of the optional spring heel straps. The SCUBAPRO Twin Jet open-heeled fins are one of the most comfortable fins on the market.

They come in different Colors and Buoyancy Options. SCUBAPRO has kept different types of divers in mind when they designed the Twin Jet Fins line. You’ll find that the fins come in multiple color options—black, blue, gray, and yellow—but it’s also important to note that the different colors signify differences buoyancy also.

The black fins are the best, for military divers, as they are negatively buoyant and provide a more traditional fining experience with its rigid blades. But if you’re looking for more flexible blades and don’t mind having slightly positively buoyant fins.

Product Features:
• Monprene® Construction
• Patented Split-Fin Propeller Technology
• Extra-Wide Foot Pocket
• Extended Soleplate
• Drag-Reducing Vents
• Quick-Connect Swivel Buckles
• Compatible with Spring Heel Straps

Key Benefits:
• Powerful Propulsion with Minimal Effort
• Smooth and Stable Kicks
• Preserves Energy
• Reduces Drag
• Fits Boots
• Easy Donning and Doffing
• Highly durable and Will Last a Lifetime

One of the only drawbacks for the Twin Jet fins is if you have to push something thru the water besides just you or you are fighting a current. But add something like pulling a buddy or ruck. Then you might want to go with a stiffer fin like the Jet fin’s, Seawing Nova Gorilla or the Go Sport. That being said the Spilt Fins are one of the most popular fins used by the military and countless divers around the world.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Maritime | Comments Off on SCUBAPRO Sunday – Twin Jet Fins

Kit Badger On Custom Bolt Guns

Saturday, July 18th, 2020

Our friend Ivan takes on Custom Bolt Guns in his latest video series. He goes over how to get one made.

It’s in two parts:

kitbadger.com/rifle-301-by-sawtooth-rifles-part-1

kitbadger.com/rifle-301-by-sawtooth-rifles-part-2

Here’s a taste.

Posted in Firearms, Guest Post | Comments Off on Kit Badger On Custom Bolt Guns

Saab to Provide $100m in Carl-Gustaf Ammo & AT4 Systems to US Army

Friday, July 17th, 2020

The US Army has awarded a $100 million (USD) contract to Saab for delivery of Carl-Gustaf ammunition and AT4 systems. It’s an “indefinite-delivery, “indefinite quantity” (IDIQ) contract, which EG will have to explain if you want details, but essentially the Big Army, the USMC, and JSOC can reportedly buy more than $400 million worth of them during a 5-year period.

Remember the testing in Sweden last year?

The advent of the new Carl-Gustaf munition ? assuming this is in fact the new laser-guided system ? will is probably more exciting news for more people than the new deal for AT4s. After all, the DoD has purchased well over half a million of them since the heady days of Rick Astley’s debuy album and the very first appearance of The Simpsons.

Back in 2018 the US Army announced it would be acquiring the latest version of the M4 “Goose”, the M3E1. Note that this is M4 is not that other M4 SSD readers might be thinking of. That one, which is much smaller and shoots 5.56mm instead of 84mm, is far more ubiquitous but not as much fun to use.

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration also recently announced the approval of Carl-Gustaf systems to Latvia, Estonia, and other countries over a ten-year period.

Erik Smith, President and CEO of Saab in the US, says,

“The Saab family of shoulder-fired munitions provides the U.S. Armed Forces with effective capabilities against a wide area of targets. With these systems, soldiers and Marines gain reliable, easy-to-use technology optimized for complex environments and engagements.”

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration also recently announced the approval of Carl-Gustaf systems to Latvia, Estonia, and other countries over a ten-year period.

The M3 MAAWS (Multirole Anti-armor, Anti-personnel Weapon System) has been in the US inventory for several years now. As with any weapon system, there is (or should be) an ongoing interest in increased lethality and more efficient use.

No immediate references could be found as to whether the new ammunition is thought to mitigate concerns of brain injury to those shooting the recoilless rifle, or if that was even a necessary or valid consideration. The most recent reference easily accessible was this report from the Blast Injury Research Program at Ft. Detrick. It’s nearly a decade old, and the helmet sensors formerly fielded to combat troops have since been withdrawn.

You can find additional details and confirmation at the Saab Group website.

From Defense Web TV:

Talk to me Goose.

By David Reeder

Posted in Contracts, Guest Post, weapons | 2 Comments »

FirstSpear Friday Focus – VEP Modular Panel

Friday, July 17th, 2020

This Friday we are getting a look at a specialized pack from FirstSpear that offers an incredible amount of configurability to give operators one assault pack that can be tailored to meet their individual needs and rapidly changing mission sets. Meet the VEP Modular Panel featuring genuine 6/12 Laser Fused Platform and Quick-Release Tubes System.

The VEP Panel can be set up and worn in multiple configurations and includes four 2” Tubes straps to attach directly to the plate carrier keeping the underarms clear. The advantage of using FS Quick-Release Tubes lets the user don / doff the pack in mere seconds and even quickly throw the pack over the head or around the side when riding in vehicles or to access the pack contents without a teammate.

The entire system is remarkably thin, lightweight and configurable thanks to the 6/12 laser fused platform. Opposite of the 6/12 side is an adjustable mesh beaver tail pocket that is also removable. The panel is 100% user configurable and can be set up with the beaver tail side out or the 6/12 side out by simply adjusting a few buckles. The large 6/12 panel allows the operator to mount any style pocket or pouch where desired, perfect for the medic to the breacher and everyone in-between. There is one large internal zipper access the inside of the panel and works great for up to a 3L hydration bladder.

If all that was not enough FirstSpear also included two simple backpack straps you can quickly switch out and transform into a standard backpack worn with or without a plate carrier. Another innovative American made product from FirstSpear, available now in Multicam, Coyote Brown, Ranger Green, and Black. Pockets, hydration, and cell tag sold separately.

www.first-spear.com/platforms/vep-modular-panel

Posted in Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Packs | Comments Off on FirstSpear Friday Focus – VEP Modular Panel

MARCORSYSCOM Launches Digital Platform for Marine Feedback

Friday, July 17th, 2020

QUANTICO, Va. —

Marine Corps Systems Command recently launched an easy-to-use, Common Access Card-enabled website that allows fleet Marines to provide feedback on the command’s communication equipment.

Equipment Feedback Portal offers an avenue for Marines to virtually submit feedback on Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance gear in real-time. C4ISR equipment includes MCSC-fielded systems such as ground radios, tactical tablets, satellite systems and more.

“The website gives fleet Marines the opportunity to provide Marine Corps Systems Command program offices with insight into the equipment they use every day,” said Kenneth Hess, MCSC’s Manpower Personal Training lead for the Program Manager for Command and Control Systems, who spearheaded the project.

In addition to helping Marines, the website assists program offices in identifying, maturing and adopting key technical capabilities to advance and revolutionize C4ISR information and spectrum capabilities. The information gathered through the site can be leveraged to influence future system upgrades and enhancements.

How it works:

Equipment Feedback Portal fosters open communication between the maker and the user. The process of submitting information begins with Marines, who provide feedback ranging from technical difficulties to ideas for enhancing the gear.

MCSC’s Portfolio Manager for Command Element Systems receives and analyzes the feedback. Leveraging existing processes between the fleet and acquisition and requirements communities, PfM CES will make recommendations to Combat Development and Integration for potential updates to systems.

Timelines for action vary depending on the complexity of the idea, but the Marine who submitted the feedback will be updated throughout the process.

“When Marines submit a message, they will receive an automatic response explaining the next steps in the process and that the program office will be in touch if we need more information,” said Hess.

While Equipment Feedback Portal is currently limited to CES equipment, Hess said MCSC may expand the site’s options in the future to include technologies within other portfolios and programs. This would allow more Marines to offer critical feedback on gear.

“The success of the pilot will allow us to judge whether or not to open the site across all of SYSCOM.”

Discovering new capabilities:

The moment that sparked the idea for Equipment Feedback Portal occurred in 2018, when Hess attended a New Equipment Training exercise for Networking On-the-Move—a satellite communication system that enables Marines to communicate while mobile—aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California.

While there, Hess learned that a young Marine discovered a way to connect a network cable from the NOTM server to the flight deck of a KC-130 aircraft, giving the flight crew internet access, including weather updates. It was a capability the crew did not have previously.

However, the unidentified Marine’s NOTM innovation did not become a widespread utility because no mechanism for sharing the idea existed for MCSC-fielded equipment. Hess felt the command should launch a site that encouraged creative ideas for enhancing system capabilities.

“As we continue to equip the warfighter, we must listen intently to the warfighter.”

Sgt. Maj. Robin Fortner,
MCSC command sergeant major

“That was the moment that led to this idea,” said Hess. “We should be taking good ideas from Marines who use these systems and implementing them across the Marine Corps.”

Each day, Marines are employing equipment in ways beyond the intended mission. They are discovering new capabilities not realized when CD&I developed the requirement. Because Marines continue to push the capabilities of equipment, the need for a proactive program that solicits their feedback is paramount, said Hess.

The MCSC-run website will enable Marines to provide ideas that could be implemented throughout the Marine Corps.

“In many cases, we’re not capturing good ideas from Marines before they leave the service,” said Hess. “This is a mechanism to capture those ideas.”

MCTSSA involvement:

In 2019, Hess travelled to the Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, to support a NET exercise for Tactical Service Oriented Architecture. There, he shared his idea for creating a platform designed to solicit Marine feedback with Maj. Lucas Burke, the director of MCTSSA’s Warfighter Support Division.

Burke suggested the WSD host the site.

“He mentioned his idea of creating a portal for user input,” said Burke. “I told him MCTSSA could help him host that on our site, because any Marine with a CAC can get to our site.”

MCTSSA’s WSD is responsible for hosting, developing and supporting this initiative through their current self-help website. Their CAC-enabled platform provides 24/7 support to Marines using more than 65 tactical systems.

“The MCTSSA Support Center is the single point-of-contact for FMF issues with MARCORSYSCOM C4I equipment,” said Burke. “It provides a platform for the entire Marine Corps—from the MEFs to Training Command—to reach back to MARCORSYSCOM directly and engage with system analysts, engineers, logisticians and program offices in a highly efficient manner to solve their problems.”

Rick Bobst, information systems manager for the WSD, helped Hess create the new Equipment Feedback Portal.

“With subject matter experts and professional interoperability experts contributing to the site daily, warfighters throughout the DOD can access and solve their issues, without the need to call or chat,” said Bobst. “We felt this was the ideal location to hang a submission form for this equipment feedback project.”

Senior leadership support:

MCSC senior leaders have expressed support for a platform like Equipment Feedback Portal, including Sgt. Maj. Robin Fortner, the command’s sergeant major.

Fortner supported MCTSSA’s efforts to communicate with the Operating Forces prior to Fleet Feedback Portal. She and other senior officials have discussed at length how MCTSSA’s initial efforts should expand to more Programs of Record.

“I was very happy to hear about the equipment feedback project from PfM CES,” said Fortner. “This is essential to speed and relevancy.”

Fortner understands the value of Marine feedback and how their opinions can benefit the Marine Corps. Since she assumed her role with MCSC in 2018, Fortner has emphasized the need for steady communication between the program offices and Marines to enhance and sustain equipment.

Equipment Feedback Portal supports this vision.

“As we continue to equip the warfighter, we must listen intently to the warfighter,” said Fortner. “I hope this program can bridge some of those communication gaps and that the feedback provided can help increase the capability of the equipment. We owe it to the warfighter.”

Marines can submit feedback by visiting Equipment Feedback Portal at mceits.usmc.mil/sites/MCTSSA/innovation/Pages/Equipment-Feedback-Portal. The website requires a CAC and is optimized for use with Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome.

By Matt Gonzales, Marine Corps Systems Command

Posted in Guest Post, MARCORSYSCOM, USMC | 1 Comment »