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Archive for the ‘Optics’ Category

FirstSpear Friday Focus – Vision Augmentation System Soft Harness

Friday, May 22nd, 2020

Today we are getting a closer look at an impressive night vision system capability from FirstSpear. Based off the popular FS Helmet Cover the Vision Augmentation System Soft Harness was designed to function as an extremely low profile and discreet method of wearing night vision goggle systems without the use of a traditional ballistic helmet or bump lid.

Fully Adjustable 4 point adjustment matched with the Boa® Fit System, the end user can find a perfect fit based off the equipment weight and profile they are using. Loop fields can be used to attach counter balance or batteries as well as strobes or FS Cell Tags. Available in Black, Coyote, and Multicam. 100% Made in the USA. Shroud included.

Features:
• Attaches to single or multi-tube systems
• Fully adjustable soft harness with shroud
• Comfortable fit
• Adjustable chin strap with positive lock hardware
• Boa® Fit System
• Easy cable management
• Attachment fields for IFF and the FirstSpear Battery Pack

www.first-spear.com/vas-vision-augmentation-system-soft-harness

Posted in Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Optics | 3 Comments »

Trillium Engineering Tests New HD55 Gimbaled Camera System for Tactical Drones

Tuesday, May 12th, 2020

Replacing older HD50 model, HD55 houses sharper EO and IR cameras for better target ID

HOOD RIVER, Ore.—May 12, 2020—Trillium Engineering, an industry leader in gimbaled camera systems for small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), announced today that it has begun airborne testing of its lightweight, high-definition HD55 system.

Designed for use on Group 2 and smaller Group 3 UAS, the new HD55 employs electro-optical (EO) and cryogenically cooled mid-wave infrared (MWIR) cameras, as well as an onboard image processor – all in a gimbal just 5.5 inches in diameter and weighing 1750 grams.

“At Trillium, we are constantly on the hunt for state-of-the-art technology,” said Rob Gilchrist, cofounder and president of Trillium Engineering, “and the development of the HD55, the newest addition to our family of gimbaled systems, exemplifies this approach.”

The HD55 replaces the end-of-life HD50, which came in four configurations and was first delivered to customers in November 2014. The HD50-MV was the smallest cooled MWIR gimbaled camera system on the market.

The new and improved HD55 will have the same swept volume as its predecessor but will be slightly lighter and more capable than the trailblazing HD50. “The HD55 has a narrower field of view than the HD50, allowing the new system to get a closer, more actionable look at targets,” Gilchrist said.

Trillium personnel have been flight testing the HD55 on various airborne platforms, including a small multi-rotor drone and a manned Cessna aircraft, which serves as a surrogate for a fixed-wing tactical UAS. The next step, say company officials, is to begin testing on the real thing.

“We are already getting interest from major platform providers,” Gilchrist said.

trilliumeng.com

Posted in ISR, Optics, Press Release | No Comments »

First Colorado Agency Implements Viridian Gun Cameras

Monday, May 11th, 2020

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – May 11, 2020 – The Kit Carson County Sheriff’s Office has deployed the FACT Duty™ Weapon-Mounted Camera (WMC™). Sheriff Tom Ridnour has been working to equip his force for modern policing over the last year. Every sworn deputy of the Eastern Colorado county now has a Weapon-Mounted Camera in the field to compliment body cameras.

The rural force is responsible for patrolling over 2,000 square miles that includes the border with Kansas. Sheriff Ridnour has been working to implement Viridian gun cameras, and was able to get them deployed on March 1 of this year. That timing coincided with the first time footage from Viridian’s gun camera was used in an officer-involved shooting (OIS) trial in Texas. A jury quickly convicted the defendant of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a public official. The WMC provided the critical evidence in the case by showing the defendant pointing a sawed-off shotgun at Vernon, Texas Police Corporal T.J. Session.

“The Weapon-Mounted Cameras provide a new layer of visibility and perspective for our deputies,” said Sheriff Ridnour. “As a rural force, we cover a huge area with a limited number of personnel. The range of responsibilities our deputies have is equally as great—and knowing we now have the FACT Duty gun cameras in the field gives us even more coverage and awareness.”

Viridian has created an important category for law enforcement with the introduction of the Weapon-Mounted Camera. This distinctive camera provides an unobstructed view of critical use-of-force events from the end of the firearm, addressing limitations officers can face with body cameras.

“Sheriff Ridnour has been dedicated to bringing the latest technologies to his department, and we’re thrilled he added the FACT Duty,” Viridian President and CEO, Brian Hedeen, said. “Our technology can be a supplement or alternative to body cameras as a mandatory evidentiary tool to provide the critical evidence in an officer involved shooting. We commend Sheriff Ridnour for being the first to deploy in Colorado and wish him and his deputies the best during these unprecedented and challenging times for all first responders.”

The highly advanced WMC employs a 1080p full-HD digital camera with a microphone and 500 lumen tactical light. Viridian’s proprietary INSTANT-ON® technology automatically activates the camera and microphone whenever the officer draws the firearm from its holster. Not only does this eliminate risk of failure to manually turn on the camera during a critical event, but it also keeps the officer from fumbling with cumbersome equipment.

More information on the FACT Duty can be found here or by contacting Viridian directly at [email protected].

Posted in LE, Optics, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | 2 Comments »

Introducing the New X3 Tactix MPRD from Riton Optics

Friday, May 8th, 2020

Tucson, AZ (6 May 2020)- Veteran owned optics company, Riton Optics, is proud to announce the release of their new pistol red dot optic, the X3 Tactix MPRD.

As a variation from their 2019 released X3 Tactix PRD, this smaller frame micro pistol dot was engineered and tested at the Riton headquarters in Tucson, AZ. True to their core values, Riton’s X3 Tactix MPRD was created as a high-quality product that can withstand the most rugged applications, while also providing the highest level of functionality and absolute best value.

In contrast to many pistol red dots on the market that are made from polymers, the X3 Tactix MPRD is made from 6061 aircraft grade aluminum and has fully multi-coated, HD glass lenses for optimal clarity and long-lasting performance. It is also waterproof fog proof and shockproof up to 1500Gs.

With a Shield RMSc footprint, the X3 Tactix MPRD features an ultra-precise 3 MOA dot, 10 levels of red illumination, and an auto shut off after twelve hours. Utilizing one CR2032 battery, this red dot has an approximate battery life of 50,000 hours.

Riton’s Director of Sales, Todd Neice explained, “The new X3 Tactix MPRD is a great addition to our current line of high-quality, best value optics. The addition further diversifies the Riton line and provides our customers with more options to suit their needs.”

The X3 Tactix MPRD retails at an industry’s best value of $299.99 and is backed by the company’s unbeatable, unlimited lifetime warranty: The Riton Promise Warranty, which includes no proof of purchase, no registration and rapid new product replacement.

For more product information, please visit ritonoptics.com.

Posted in Optics, Press Release | 9 Comments »

Vortex Optics – Impact 1000 Rangefinder

Thursday, May 7th, 2020

THE IMPACT® 1000 – EASY TO USE. EASY TO LOVE.

BARNEVELD, Wis. – The next evolution in the Impact® line of laser rangefinders offered by Vortex® gives hunters and recreational shooters the affordable, angle-compensated rangefinder they’ve been looking for.

Simple to use and easy to carry, the Impact® 1000 offers features bowhunters will love—like angle compensation and ranging as close as five yards—and the power range lovers need to go out to 1,000 yards.

It also features three ranging modes: Angle compensated Horizontal Component Distance (HCD), Line of Sight (LOS), and Scan, giving users the choices they need to get range for a shot, or distance for a calculation. It’s all packaged in an intuitive interface that won’t get in the way in the field.

The Impact® 1000 packs a whole lot of value into a small package. And, like all our optics and electronics, it’s covered by the Vortex® VIP Warranty. Now, there’s no excuse for entering the field without a rangefinder.

MSRP:
$269.00 – Impact® 1000 Rangefinder

Range Reflective (yards) 1000 yds
Range Tree (yards) 800 yds
Range Deer (yards) 500 yds
Magnification 6x
Linear Field of View 341 feet @ 1000 yds
Angular Field of View 6.5 degrees
Eye Relief 15 mm
Operating Temperature -10 C to 55 C
Length 3.8 inches
Width 1.4 inches
Weight 5.5 oz

Tags: Vortex Optics
Posted in Optics, Press Release | No Comments »

Reptilia Corp – Saddle Mount

Monday, May 4th, 2020

Introducing the Saddle Mount by Reptilia. Designed at the request of a U.S. military customer seeking a more durable miniature red dot solution for machine gun applications, the Saddle Mount allows attachment of Aimpoint® Micro T-1/T-2 and CompM5™ optics to the Elcan® SpecterDR 1.5-6x and 1-4x Optical Sights. The Saddle Mount has been tested and validated by a 3rd party for use on the Mk 17 SCAR, M240, and Mk 48 machine guns, and is now shipping to the DoD via the Tailored Logistics Support Program (TLS-SOE).

For more information, visit www.reptiliacorp.com.

Posted in Optics, Weapon Accessories | No Comments »

VORTEX Optics to Offer 40% Off to Medical Staff

Tuesday, April 28th, 2020

BARNEVELD, Wis. Before COVID-19, doctors, nurses, and frontline medical personnel were already heroes. After the outbreak, their bravery has been what we need to find hope in a troubling time.

Vortex Optics would like to honor their courage and their commitment. For the next 60 days, from April 27 to June 26, frontline medical personnel get 40% off on up to two optics, up to two optics accessories, and up to five items of Vortex Wear apparel. They will also receive free shipping.

As America isolates at home, medical professionals have pushed to the frontlines to battle this unprecedented threat. Thank you for being the heroes we need.

To receive the discount, simply create an account on ExpertVoice.

Posted in Optics, Press Release | 2 Comments »

Leupold and L3 Team Awarded Contract to Deliver Prototypes to U.S. Army For Next-Gen Squad Weapon Fire Control Solution

Monday, April 27th, 2020

BEAVERTON, Ore. — Leupold & Stevens, Inc., provider of the world’s most rugged, lightweight, and clear riflescopes, is pleased to announce that L3Harris has been awarded a contract in partnership with Leupold to deliver 115 production prototypes to the United States Army for the Next Generation Squad Weapon Fire Control (NGSW-FC) Program. The NGSW-FC will replace traditional direct view optics currently fielded by the Army.

“Leupold is excited to be teaming with L3Harris to deliver the highest-quality optical solution to the U.S. Army. We are the top manufacturers in our respective fields,” said Bruce Pettet, President and Chief Executive Officer for Leupold & Stevens, Inc. “Leupold brings more than a century of optical expertise and unrivaled domestic manufacturing capacity to the table, and L3 has a proven track record of performance with high-volume government contracts for night vision, electro-optics, and laser aiming devices. The U.S. military requires the very best, and this partnership will deliver it – with optics that are designed, machined, and assembled in the United States.”

The NSGW-FC provides an integrated approach to targeting by combining range-finding capability, ballistic computation, and environmental sensors that increase the probability of accurate targeting while decreasing the time to engage a threat. Leupold and L3 have partnered to deliver a game-changing solution to the United States military. The optic ultimately selected for the NGSW-FC will support many of the current and future weapon platforms utilized by the Army. Both Leupold and L3Harris have held numerous military contracts in the past.

“L3Harris is proud to offer the U.S. Army a revolutionary fire control solution that will increase soldier lethality and enhance situational awareness,” Lynn Bollengier, President, Integrated Vision Solutions, L3Harris said in a press release, “Our solution leverages nearly 30 years of expertise in fire control technology, enabling faster identification and target acquisition, ensuring soldiers achieve overmatch capability on the battlefield. Additionally, we have teamed with Leupold & Stevens to integrate their superior optical assemblies and high volume, domestic manufacturing capabilities to ensure we meet the high quality and capacity requirements set forth by the Army to field this technology alongside the Next Generation Squad Weapons program.”

For more information on Leupold products, please visit us at Leupold.com.

Posted in Contracts, Optics, Press Release | 4 Comments »