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AeroVironment Acquires Planck Aerosystems, a Leading Provider of Advanced Unmanned Aircraft Navigation Solutions

Thursday, August 18th, 2022

• Transaction significantly accelerates AeroVironment’s development of advanced autonomy capabilities for the company’s unmanned aircraft systems

• Embedded flight autonomy solution enables intelligent unmanned aircraft system capabilities for operations from moving vehicles and vessels on land or at sea

Planck Aerosystems’ advanced flight autonomy and navigation solutions will be deployed and integrated with AeroVironment’s existing portfolio of intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, such as JUMP 20 medium unmanned aircraft systems. (Image: AeroVironment, Inc.)

ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 17, 2022 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, announced today it has acquired Planck Aerosystems, Inc. (“Planck”), a leading provider of advanced unmanned aircraft navigation solutions. The acquisition will significantly accelerate AeroVironment’s development of advanced autonomy capabilities.

Founded in 2014, Planck has worked closely with customers from the U.S. Department of Defense, security agencies, allied governments and offshore industrials to develop customer-centric unmanned aircraft solutions. Planck’s products include embedded technologies and fully integrated unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and leverage their deep technical expertise in UAS guidance and navigation, autonomy and artificial intelligence.

Planck is a small technology company based in San Diego, California and will be acquired by AeroVironment’s Petaluma-based medium unmanned aircraft systems (MUAS) business segment to focus on integrating its flight autonomy solutions, such as ACE™ (Autonomous Control Engine), into AeroVironment’s offerings to enable safe, autonomous takeoff and landing from moving platforms on land or at sea in GPS-denied environments. Other solutions include AVEM™, a fully integrated mobile tethered sensor platform designed for persistent autonomous operation from moving vehicles and vessels in any environment, and a suite of machine-learning object detection and tracking systems that are customized for specific end-user needs.

“Planck has a compelling product and technology roadmap with valuable capabilities that we plan to deploy and integrate with AeroVironment’s existing portfolio of intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems,” said Wahid Nawabi, AeroVironment chairman, president and chief executive officer. “The Planck team has developed advanced unmanned autonomy and navigation solutions for various defense and commercial customers and by working together, we believe we offer more compelling and differentiated solutions to our customers moving forward.”

“This transaction accelerates AeroVironment’s innovation in flight autonomy, increasing the effectiveness of our solutions in contested environments and reducing the cognitive load of operators, and adds a tethered SUAS to our portfolio of systems, creating exciting opportunities for upcoming programs of record,” Nawabi added.

“AeroVironment’s heritage of creating innovative solutions to meet customer needs is an ideal fit for the Planck team,” said Josh Wells, Planck chief executive officer. “We couldn’t be more excited about joining forces with AeroVironment to deliver innovative, multi-domain unmanned systems to the next generation of U.S. and allied warfighters. AeroVironment’s reach, technical capabilities and portfolio of unmanned systems will enable the Planck team to scale our products to more customers, and to provide better solutions in less time.”

Posted in Industry, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on AeroVironment Acquires Planck Aerosystems, a Leading Provider of Advanced Unmanned Aircraft Navigation Solutions

Thomas Homberg Named CEO of Mehler Vario System Group; Also Managing Director of Mehler Vario System GmbH

Wednesday, August 17th, 2022

FULDA, GERMANY (15 Aug. 2022)—Thomas Homberg has been chosen to serve as CEO of Mehler Vario System Group, Europe‘s market leader for ballistic protection and carrying systems, platform and vehicle protection, and tactical equipment and clothing.

His appointment to the top leadership position took effect at the beginning of August. Homberg also assumed the title of Managing Director of Mehler Vario System GmbH, which he now jointly heads with Dr. Mario Amschlinger.

Homberg brings to his new roles extensive military, defence, and security industry experience. A former German Armed Forces paratroop commander who also received German and French General Staff Service training, Homberg has held board and managing director positions in the European MBDA Group and served as Head of Group Strategy for the Airbus Group.

“I am very much looking forward to my new duties,” Homberg said. “Mehler Vario System Group is a leader in the market and has highly competent teams with decades of experience. Developing the best equipment for those who daily guarantee our safety is an enormous incentive and motivation for me.”

Homberg took the reins after now-former CEO and Managing Director Siegfried Will departed to begin his planned retirement. Will had been with the company 37 years.

Mehler Vario System (MVS) is a globally active group headquartered in Fulda, Germany. Together, the companies of the Group manufacture protection and carrying systems for police, military, and special forces. MVS also is a partner with the German Armed Forces for procurement of the new Modular Ballistic Protection and Carrying Equipment Soldier (MOBAST).

For more than 40 years, the group’s companies have produced protective waistcoats, shields, equipment bags, helmets, and impact and body protection equipment. Additionally, they make an extensive range of high-end protection, carrying, and clothing products that include hard- and soft-ballistic elements as well as bullet, stab, and impact protection.

The Mehler Vario System Group is active in over 40 countries. It is widely recognized as a reliable and innovative partner of the military as well as of national and international security authorities.

For more information about Mehler Vario System, visit: www.m-v-s.com

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KGM Technologies Ranks No. 27 on the 2022 Inc 5000 Annual List

Wednesday, August 17th, 2022

Number 1 in manufacturing
Among America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies

NEW YORK, August 16, 2022 – Today, Inc. revealed that KGM Technologies is No. 27 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The list represents a one-of-a-kind look at the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent businesses. Facebook, Chobani, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.

“We are honored that our hard-working employees have been recognized for their extraordinary effort over the last three years” said Richard Cope, CEO of KGM Technologies. “Our amazing team has demonstrated that manufacturing in America is not only possible but profitable.”

KGM Technologies is the largest designer and manufacturer of weapon suppressors in the country. We are protecting the hearing of shooters everywhere and significantly enhancing the capability of our war-fighters. Our patented technologies and advanced manufacturing methods have allowed KGM to set the new standard of suppression. Additional information can be found at www.kgm-tech.com

The companies on the 2022 Inc. 5000 have not only been successful, but have also demonstrated resilience amid supply chain woes, labor shortages, and the ongoing impact of Covid-19. Among the top 500, the average median three-year revenue growth rate soared to 2,144 percent. Together, those companies added more than 68,394 jobs over the past three years.

Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000. The top 500 companies are featured in the September issue of Inc. magazine, which will be available on August 23.

“The accomplishment of building one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S., in light of recent economic roadblocks, cannot be overstated,” says Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. “Inc. is thrilled to honor the companies that have established themselves through innovation, hard work, and rising to the challenges of today.”

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Smith & Wesson CEO Issues Statement on Anti-Gun Rhetoric

Tuesday, August 16th, 2022

Smith & Wesson President & CEO Mark Smith issued the following statement:

“A number of politicians and their lobbying partners in the media have recently sought to disparage Smith & Wesson. Some have had the audacity to suggest that after they have vilified, undermined and defunded law enforcement for years, supported prosecutors who refuse to hold criminals accountable for their actions, overseen the decay of our country’s mental health infrastructure, and generally promoted a culture of lawlessness, Smith & Wesson and other firearm manufacturers are somehow responsible for the crime wave that has predictably resulted from these destructive policies. But they are the ones to blame for the surge in violence and lawlessness, and they seek to avoid any responsibility for the crisis of violence they have created by attempting to shift the blame to Smith & Wesson, other firearm manufacturers and law-abiding gun owners.

It is no surprise that the cities suffering most from violent crime are the very same cities that have promoted irresponsible, soft-on-crime policies that often treat criminals as victims and victims as criminals. Many of these same cities also maintain the strictest gun laws in the nation. But rather than confront the failure of their policies, certain politicians have sought more laws restricting the 2nd Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens, while simultaneously continuing to undermine our institutions of law and order. And to suppress the truth, some now seek to prohibit firearm manufacturers and supporters of the 2nd Amendment from advertising products in a manner designed to remind law-abiding citizens that they have a Constitutional right to bear arms in defense of themselves and their families.

To be clear, a Smith & Wesson firearm has never broken into a home; a Smith & Wesson firearm has never assaulted a woman out for a late-night run in the city; a Smith & Wesson firearm has never carjacked an unsuspecting driver stopped at a traffic light.

Instead, Smith & Wesson provides these citizens with the means to protect themselves and their families.

We are proud of our 170-year history. We are proud of the commitment of our employees to making a quality product. We are proud to provide law-abiding citizens and law enforcement – our customers – with the tools to provide for their security and independence. We are proud of our responsible business practices.

We will continue to work alongside law enforcement, community leaders and lawmakers who are genuinely interested in creating safe neighborhoods. We will engage those who genuinely seek productive discussions, not a means of scoring political points. We will continue informing law-abiding citizens that they have a Constitutionally-protected right to defend themselves and their families. We will never back down in our defense of the 2nd Amendment.”

– Mark Smith, President & CEO

Posted in 2A, Industry | 12 Comments »

Michael Hefner Joins Geissele Automatics as President

Tuesday, August 16th, 2022

Geissele Automatics is pleased to announce that Michael Hefner is joining our Team as our new President.

Geissele now has 250,000 sqft. of manufacturing space filled with over 135 CNC machines and is preparing for future growth in many facets of the Defense Industry. Mike will take over many of the day to day operations and will work directly with founder Bill in shaping the future of the company.

“I am beyond excited to lead this exceptional organization. Bill and I have discussed many plans and future defense product launches for Geissele Automatics and maybe even a few surprise direction shifts.”

– Mike Hefner

Mike spent 24 years in the US Army, most of which as a Tier One Operator in an SMU. His Army career culminated as a Sergeant Major working in RDT&E and procuring weapon systems and armaments for USASOC. Mike and Bill first met during this time and their first project was bringing the now famous Geissele SSF/SSA triggers into the US Military. There ate many other successful projects that the duo collaborated on prior to Mike’s retirement from the Army in December of 2014.

After military retirement, Mike helped develop suppressors and explosive ignition systems for CGS group. More recently, Mike was President at ZEV Technologies.

geissele.com

Posted in Industry, Press Release | 3 Comments »

Langdon Tactical Partners with Heckler & Koch

Tuesday, August 9th, 2022

(Phoenix, AZ) – Langdon Tactical renowned for their second-to-none trigger jobs and the lowest RDO mounting solution available for Beretta 92s, have partnered with the illustrious Heckler & Koch (HK) to bring Langdon customizations to the P30 and P2000 series of pistols.

With over 200 options to choose from, the LTT P30 lineup will be infinitely customizable to every shooter’s needs and preference. The line-up will include the P30, P30L, and P30SK all in DA/SA and LEM options, along with the California compliant P2000 model in DA/SA.

“We are incredibly excited to bring this project to market” says Aimee Langdon, Vice President “a ton of time, R&D, and hard work went into making this happen, and we are pleased to finally debut these extraordinary pistols!”

Along with the new pistol line up, Langdon will also be offering custom work on existing P30s and P2000s, including their now famous Low RDO solution, night sights, and the LTT trigger job with multiple options for pull weight.

Check out all of Langdon’s HK custom pistols and the full line up of LTT products at www.LangdonTactical.com.

To keep up to date with all things Langdon Tactical, follow LTT (@LangdonTactical) on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.

Posted in Industry, Press Release, weapons | 1 Comment »

B&T USA Partners with MSR Distribution

Monday, August 8th, 2022

Tampa, FL (August 7, 2022) – B&T USA adds firearms supplier MSR Distribution to its network of distribution partners. MSR Distribution will provide B&T USA’s diverse product line to its growing network of retailers.

“MSR Distribution has established itself as a well-respected reseller of top-tier firearms and accessories” said Jon Scott Vice President of Sales, B&T USA. “We continue to forge strong relationships with our existing network of dealers and distributors; our partnership with MSR Distribution furthers that reach by ensuring B&T’s products are more accessible to our growing base of customers.”

“The B&T brand possesses an outstanding pedigree that positions it at the very top of the market segments it chooses to compete within, and we’re excited to offer our vendors the opportunity to carry such a high-quality, technologically advanced product line relied upon by professionals around the globe” said Ross Botha General Manager, MSR Distribution.

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Silencer Central Announces Attendance at 2022 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Thursday, August 4th, 2022

Sioux Falls, South Dakota – August 3, 2022 – Silencer Central, America’s largest silencer dealer, will attend the 2022 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and pre-rally events in Sturgis, South Dakota, beginning August 2. Silencer Central will be present at three locations throughout the event.

“The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has become a tradition for Silencer Central,” said Brandon Maddox, CEO of Silencer Central. “The raucous energy of the rally is incredible and there’s no better place for us to interact with so many of our customers and future customers. And this year, we’ll be bringing a Polaris General XP 1000 that will be topped with a FN M249, which is sure to be popular with attendees.”

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and its pre-rally festivities are an annual tradition that peaks with 10 Days and Nights of riding, street food, and live music performances. More than 50,000 riders, music fans and attendees make the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally a one-of-a-kind event.

Silencer Central will be at the following locations:

• The Rally at Exit 55—July 30 – August 13

• One Eyed Jack’s—August 2-14

• Full Throttle Saloon—August 3-14

• Sturgis Buffalo Chip—August 5-14

• GUNFEST located at Sturgis Buffalo Chip—August 5-7

The Polaris General XP 1000 with its FN M249 SAW will be at Silencer Central’s One Eyed Jack’s location for the duration of the show.

Silencer Central delivers silencers directly to customers in the 42 states where silencers are legal. The shipping process has revolutionized the way suppressors are sold and allows for customers to streamline their purchasing experience by cutting out unnecessary hurdles to silencer ownership.

Customers can buy direct from Silencer Central onsite at the Rally. For more information, call 888-781-8778 or visit SilencerCentral.com.

Posted in Industry, Press Release, Suppressors | Comments Off on Silencer Central Announces Attendance at 2022 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally