•HYPERION dropping 1st April 2023•
•Working on State Department approval for export. This will not be ITAR•
Archive for the ‘Optics’ Category
Cleared Hot Releases Heavy Yield Pylon Extension Rail Integrated Opticians Node
Saturday, April 1st, 2023Introducing the Saddle Mount for Steiner Optics MPS & Aimpoint ACRO for Beretta 1301 & A300
Friday, March 31st, 2023
Introducing the Saddle Mount for Steiner MPS & Aimpoint ACRO Optics for the Beretta 1301 & A300 line of shotguns. Machined from billet 7075-T6 aluminum and finished with Mil-spec type III hardcoat anodize, the Saddle is the lowest possible mounting solution for miniature red dot optics utilizing the Aimpoint ACRO footprint, allowing the user to co-witness the factory Beretta iron sights.
Shipping now in black anodize finish.
Like all Reptilia products, the Saddle Mount is 100% made in the USA and carries a full lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects. Click here to buy now.
Compatible with:
Aimpoint® – ACRO P1 and P2
Steiner Optics® – MPS
Technical Specifications:
• Material: Billet 7075-T6 Aluminum
• Finish: Type III MIL-SPEC Anodized
• Compatibility: Beretta 1301 & Beretta A300
• Weight: 0.8 oz.
• MADE IN USA
• MSRP: $119.95
HENSOLDT Optronics Builds New Plant in Oberkochen
Wednesday, March 29th, 2023Oberkochen/Germany, 28 March 2023 – The sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT today broke ground for the construction of a new plant in Oberkochen. The new building is the HENSOLDT Group’s response to the steadily growing demand for high-performance military equipment for the German Armed Forces and members of NATO, and to the ever-increasing demand from manufacturers of lithography systems for the semiconductor industry, who source high-precision optronic measuring equipment from HENSOLDT Optronics. The total investment volume is around 100 million euros. The company plans to move into the new location in 2025.
With the help of an innovative and sustainable energy concept, 70 percent of the electricity required in the new plant will be covered by the company’s own renewable sources. This share is to increase to 100 per cent in the long term. The total energy demand (heating, cooling, electricity) will be covered by regenerative sources, but mainly by geothermal probes working as heat pumps and photovoltaic systems. With its advanced energy concept, HENSOLDT is aiming for sustainability certification from a renowned institute.
“The focus of our growth plans is to expand our capacities in order to be able to supply the German Armed Forces quickly and to the required extent. I am pleased that this new location will create highly qualified jobs for the entire Ostwürttemberg region and beyond. As we grow, we will continue to invest in our employees and the environment in which we operate,” said HENSOLDT CEO Thomas Müller at the groundbreaking ceremony. “The new building will not only help us to handle the upcoming orders even better. It will also help us to better communicate the pride we as HENSOLDTians have in ourselves, our work and our service to the Federal Republic of Germany to the outside world.”
“All work areas, from administration, research and development, to assembly and integration areas will be synergetically stacked in the new location and interconnected due to the structure of the building,” explains Andreas Hülle, Division Manager Optronics & Land Solutions and Managing Director of HENSOLDT Optronics GmbH. “From 2025, around 850 employees will be able to take advantage of an innovative working environment in a “high-tech campus”. Flexible expansion options for the building structure and internal design will enable further growth in the long term.
“With more than 800 employees in Oberkochen and Aalen, HENSOLDT stands for the development, construction and production of state-of-the-art optical and optronic devices, including the necessary processing of sensor data. The new construction of the ultra-modern and particularly sustainable HENSOLDT Optronics Campus and the associated investment of around 100 million euros are a clear commitment to the Ostalbkreis innovation location,” said Dr Joachim Bläse, District Administrator of the Ostalbkreis. “The lessons learned from recent history show us that developments for security technology, civil and also military applications must be driven forward in equal measure. A beacon for this is being built in Oberkochen.”
TangoDown Lens Guard for the Aimpoint ACRO P2 (Direct Cut Slides)
Tuesday, March 28th, 2023
TangoDown® Inc. is pleased to announce the release of the Lens Guard for the Aimpoint® ACRO P2 optic for use with Direct-Cut Slides (AALG-002). The AALG-002 is made of aerospace grade aluminum and finished with a Type III hard coat anodize. The lens guard sits at the lowest position, but offers complete optic lens protection. This lightweight addition to your optic is easy to install (please read installation instructions first).
**The AALG-001 does NOT fit the ACRO P1 optic.
**For use with direct-cut pistol slides ONLY.
**Please read installation instructions prior to installing.
For more information on the AALG-002, visit:
tangodown.com/aalg-002-lens-guard-for-aimpoint-acro-p2
MSRP: $42.00
Customer Questions: sales@tangodown.com
Vortex Introduces the DEFENDER-CCW Micro Red Dot
Friday, March 17th, 2023
BARNEVELD, Wis. – From increasing your effective range to shooting faster without sacrificing precision, the benefits of running a red dot on handguns are numerous and proven. The new Vortex® Defender-CCW™ lets anyone packing a full-size, subcompact, or even a micro-compact for self-defense experience the speed and accuracy advantage that’s so critical when facing a threat with nowhere to run.
Meant for people who prioritize personal protection, the Defender-CCW™ is focus-built for the demands of modern concealed-carry users. Ultra-compact and tough, it delivers the biggest sight window in its class for “both eyes open” shooting and enhanced peripheral vision. The smooth, slim profile means no extra bulk or width for a no-snag draw from under clothes and less chance of printing, so the only one on the street who knows you’re packing is you. Other design benefits include:
•LARGE ASPHERICAL LENS for distortion-free sight picture and truer colors
•SHOCKSHIELD™ polymer insert to protect against hard, daily abuse
•FAST-RACK™ textured front face that adds grip for racking slide
•ADJUSTABLE BRIGHTNESS for customizable illumination settings
•AUTO-SHUTOFF to preserve battery life
•MOTION ACTIVATED for instant readiness when you need it
•SHIELD RMS FOOTPRINT eliminates costly retro-fitting, extra plates, drill and tapping
•3 or 6 MOA red dot reticles available
Rugged. Reliable. Ready to defend. Trust the Defender-CCW™ (MSRP $349.99 / MAP $249.99) to help you carry discreetly and with more confidence, keeping you prepared for personal self-defense when the stakes are high.
To see more from Vortex®, visit VortexOptics.com
IVAS’ Production and Fielding Remain on Track
Tuesday, March 14th, 2023Over the past year, the Army tested, evaluated and refined the Integrated Visual Augmentation System’s (IVAS) capabilities in a manner that will result in improved systems being incrementally fielded to Soldiers over the next several years – IVAS 1.0, IVAS 1.1 and IVAS 1.2 variants.
Last June, IVAS completed its Operational Test, during which Soldiers trained on IVAS 1.0 systems in company-level missions and live-fire exercises. The Army determined that IVAS demonstrated several transformational capabilities, but three areas prevented the systems from achieving Soldier acceptance: reliability, low-light sensor performance and form factor.
The Army and its industry partner, Microsoft, used the lessons learned from testing to address concerns and adjust its fielding plan. To specifically address reliability, in November 2022 Microsoft and the Army incorporated a new software release into IVAS 1.0 resulting in a more stable and reliable user experience. Software improvement is a continuous effort that will transcend all current and future versions of IVAS.
IVAS 1.0 systems will be fielded to training and doctrine units next year to support the Army’s Campaign of Learning, an ongoing process that gathers and incorporates user feedback from user studies, user assessments, Soldier Touch Points and operational demonstrations to improve IVAS’ performance.
IVAS 1.1 upgrades reliability and features an improved low-light sensor that performs comparable to the PVS-14 night vision goggles. These systems will be delivered and fielded in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024.
The Army awarded an IVAS 1.2 technology insertion effort to Microsoft in December 2022, with the anticipation of moving to production in late FY2024 and fielding to operational units beginning as early as 4Q FY2025. The majority of the close combat force will receive IVAS 1.2; this version features an improved form factor in addition to reliability and low-light sensor upgrades, as well as a lower profile heads-up display (HUD) with distributed counterweight for improved user interface and comfort.
In recent exercises the Army has shown a number of different ways IVAS can be used on the battlefield, ranging from ingesting video and data from small Unmanned Aerial Systems to integrating with ground and air platform sensors to provide Soldiers the ability to see what the platform drivers, commanders and pilots see before dismounting into a hazardous situation.
The Army remains fully committed to IVAS. Despite some revisions to the fielding timeline, the developmental process for IVAS will result in fielding several years ahead of standard acquisition programs.
By PEO Soldier PAO
Vortex Acquires GeoBallistics
Thursday, February 23rd, 2023February 23, 2023
BARNEVELD, Wis. – Vortex® today announced the acquisition of GeoBallistics®, a Dallas, Texas based business providing ballistic mobile application software. The GeoBallistics® philosophy closely aligns with the Vortex® mission of creating the best possible experience for their customers. GeoBallistics® products will be added to the Vortex® portfolio to continue to enhance and simplify hunting and shooting while providing critical information quickly and accurately.
“We’re always looking for new ways to help Vortex Nation™ enjoy unforgettable experiences in the field,” said Joe Hamilton, Vortex® CEO. “Acquiring GeoBallistics® allows us to offer both consistency in our product line and make long-range ballistics simpler and more accessible for everyone.”
For shooters already utilizing the GeoBallistics® suite, nothing in the software and app experience will change. The biggest change you can expect is that Vortex® will now be providing customer service and support.
Sneak Peek – SIG SAUER ROMEO9T
Thursday, February 16th, 2023During our SHOT Show coverage there was a Red Dot Optic in the corner of a photo of SIG’s Next Generation Squad Weapons, leading many to ask what it is.
The ROMEO9T from SIG SAUER Electro-Optics is a Red Dot Optic designed specifically to satisfy an operational requirement for use with firearms chambered in .300 BLK. It offers the user the option of two separate zero settings.
These can be used to accommodate sub- and super-sonic ammunition, but could also be used for any situation where loads have different points of impact such as training and operational ammunition. Naturally, it can be used with weapons chambered in other calibers as well.
To accommodate the different points of impact, it features two different reticles (2 MOA Dot or 65 MOA Circle with 2 MOA Dot) with one emitter Red and the other Green. Consequently, there are two sets of windage and elevation adjustment dials.
The ROMEO9T is intended for night shooting, is NVG compatible, and features zero light leakage. Thanks to design and lens coatings, it doesn’t cast energy out the front.
Powered by a single CR123 battery, it features 15 dot brightness settings. Three are for night vision, with 15 daylight intensity settings. Additionally, there is a night vision override setting.
The adjustment buttons include slight protrusions indicating whether the button increases or decreases the intensity of the LED. These tactile adjustment buttons are also found on the ROMEOM17, an RDS designed for use with the Modular Handgun System.
The battery will run for 50,000 hours but there’s an internal battery on the circuit board which offers about another 10 hours and is great for battery swaps.
Above you can see the underside of the 7075 Aluminum housing along with the Mil Std 1913 attachment.
The ROMEO9T has been under development for the past couple of years but was delayed, like so many other projects in industry, due to COVID. However, this optic relies on the US supply chain including lens and circuit boards. That’s right, even the lens is from a domestic source. However, there is a Titanium shroud, but it’s machined here and everything is assembled in Oregon. It’s going to be expensive and will eventually be available commercially but was designed for a very demanding customer and they get first dibs.
