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Alpha TARAC with Dope Cheat Sheet

Saturday, July 31st, 2021

The Alpha TARAC is an patented aftermarket accessory designed to enhance a rifle’s max point-blank range. It allows you to engage long-range targets just like in video games, aiming on the target versus somewhere above the target. Instead of holding over the target, the device shifts the target image to be at your holdover; that simple.

For targets exceeding 300 yds (or three football fields), flip the Alpha and Aim Center as far as 5/600 yds without holdover, range estimation, or thinking.

Simple familiarization with no formal training is required. Double hit-rate probability on long-range targets, increasing from 1:5 to 1:2 with less than 1 min of training (practicing solid fundamentals). Empirically verified by USASOC.

Cross-compatible across optics, zeroes, munitions, and platforms.

Checkout www.tacomHQ.com for details, SOF-user reports, and to automatically calculate the optimal unit based on your setup.

Posted in Optics | 6 Comments »

TD Inc Trijicon RMR Mount for SIG Sauer P320

Tuesday, July 27th, 2021

TangoDown® Inc. continues to expand the available product line for the SIG® P320. Introducing the TD® Trijicon® RMR® Mount for SIG Sauer® P320 Models (SSM-03). The SSM-03 provides a stable platform to mount your RMR® optic.

Combining the SSM-03 with your RMR® and premium backup iron sights (available separately) will set up your P320 for competition, EDC, or duty use.

The SSM-03 is made from the same durable ordnance grade steel with a rust-resistant Melonite finish like our other optic mounting plates. Mounting fasteners are supplied and have a Vibra-Tite VC-3 thread locking compound pre-applied.

For more information on the SSM-03, visit: TangoDown Trijicon RMR® Mount for SIG Sauer® P320 Models – SSM-03 – TangoDown

MSRP: $78.00

Customer Questions: sales@tangodown.com

Join us on Instagram: TangoDown Inc (@tangodowninc) • Instagram photos and videos

**Please read installation instructions prior to installing. If you are not familiar with modifying your firearms, seek appropriate assistance from a certified Armorer or Gunsmith.

Posted in Advertiser, Optics, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on TD Inc Trijicon RMR Mount for SIG Sauer P320

TNVC Publishes White Paper on WFOV NVGs

Tuesday, July 20th, 2021

WFOV (Wide Field of View) NVGs have been a hot topic lately since the release of the Noise Fighters Panobridge, and more than a few folks have asked for our opinion, enough that it seemed worth it to put together a WFOV NVG White Paper.

BLUF: WFOV is awesome, but it comes with some significant penalties—with true PNVGs, it’s weight, complexity, and ultimately cost. With the Panobridge, the WFOV feature results in about 20-30% loss of performance, with resolution taking the most significant hit.

This means unless you’ve got ridiculously high performing tubes, you’re talking about a *significant* reduction in detection and PID capabilities, whether you’re talking about potential threats or important terrain features (especially when driving).

That being said, the Panobridge can be useful in static observation, especially when scanning wide areas, and it has one advantage most other dedicated WFOV systems do not—you can quickly return it to a conventional 40 degree configuration once you find something that you want to give some more attention, or if you want to transition into dynamic activities and want/need the full performance your tubes can provide. That being said, they’re still, at the end of the day, bridged PVS-14s, and still have all of the issues inherent to that kind of setup.

Author Augee Kim is a VP at TNVC.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Optics | 1 Comment »

SIGHTRON Announces the New SVIII 5-40×56 ED Premium Riflescope Line

Thursday, July 15th, 2021

Youngsville, NC- July 15, 2021 – SIGHTRON, one of the world’s most innovative optical observation and aiming device companies, is proud to announce the launch of the new SVIII 5-40×56 ED line of premium riflescopes. SIGHTRON is one of the most recognized brands in modern, high-powered long-range and precision shooting competitions today.

SIGHTRON’s high performance SVIII 5-40×56 ED line of riflescopes take performance and innovation to the next level. Designed for competition, long-range shooting and hunting, the new SVIII 5-40×56 ED riflescope line has all the features for success, including a close focus of just 10 meters. The SVIII 5-40×56 is SIGHTRON’s newest zero-stop first image focal plane (FFP) riflescope. This new SVIII model features an all new internal zero-stop mechanism that provides an audible positive stop for dead-on zero settings. The new SVIII offers your choice of an LRM or MH-6 illuminated reticle. The SVIII offers a generous adjustment range that provides 20 MILS of windage and 40 MILS of elevation utilizing .1 Mil tactical turrets. The windage and elevation knobs have a total of 10 MILS per revolution. The all new 40mm main tube is waterproof, shockproof and nitrogen charged. A high-quality set of 40mm rings for a picatinny rail are included.

We are very excited about the new riflescope line,” said Mack Matsumoto, President of SIGHTRON. “The SVIII 5-40×56 is SIGHTRON’s first 40mm main tube riflescope. It’s also, the first to utilize the new MC-777 coatings on every air-to-glass surface throughout the entire optical system.”

For superior performance, SIGHTRON created a new MC-777 multi-coated lens coating for increased light transmission and improved clarity. SIGHTRON’s patented ExacTrack windage and elevation system is standard on all models. All reticles in this premium line are illuminated with a side-mounted 11-position on/off rotary-type dial which uses a standard CR2032 Battery. Another standout feature is the side-mounted focus system that has been redesigned for improved minimum focus performance.

Be sure to visit an authorized SIGHTRON dealer to get one before they are gone!

Features:
• Precision tactical turrets with internal zero-stop
• 11-position on/off side-mounted illumination dial
• NEW MC-777 Fully Multi-coated optics
• Exclusive ExacTrack windage and elevation adjustment system
• Illuminated MH-6 and LRM FFP designs
• Screw-in aluminum lens covers
• 40mm mount rings for picatinny rail
• Sightron Lifetime Warranty

Included in Box:
• 3-inch sunshade
• CR2032 battery
• Screw-in aluminum lens covers
• Allen wrench for knob and zero-stop adjustments
• 40mm mount rings for picatinny rail
• T-15 wrench for 40mm mount rings

Specifications:
• FOV @ 100 yards: 23.7-2.9 ft. Range of adj. windage/elevation @100 meters: 20/40 MRAD
• Eye Relief: 3.8-3.7” Knob Style: Precision Tactical with internal Zero Stop
• Click Value @ 100 meters: .1 MRAD Tube Diameter: 40mm
• Minute per revolution: 10 MRAD Weight: 49 oz
• MSRP: $3,099.00 Length: 16.8”

For more information on the SVIII 5-40×56 ED riflescopes and the complete product line from SIGHTRON, please visit sightron.com or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sightroninc.

Posted in Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on SIGHTRON Announces the New SVIII 5-40×56 ED Premium Riflescope Line

Army Launches IVAS Integration Into Aircraft

Monday, July 12th, 2021

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — Army researchers are expanding the reach of the high-tech Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) to deliver capabilities to Soldiers onboard aircraft.

IVAS integrates next-generation situational awareness tools and high-resolution simulations to enable Soldier sensing, decision making, target acquisition and target engagement. The device provides Soldiers with a single platform to fight, rehearse and train.

During the research and testing phases, the Army initially focused on bringing the technology to dismounted Soldiers. During the next step, scientists and engineers developed a capability for Soldiers to maintain situational awareness using IVAS during transport in ground combat vehicles such as the Bradley and Stryker.

Now, Army Futures Command (AFC) and Project Manager IVAS are testing the system to deliver the technology for aircrews and paratroopers in Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters.

“The Army is investing in resources to broaden the emerging capabilities of IVAS to improve effectiveness and safety of airborne Soldiers en route to their mission,” said Dr. Navin Mathur, IVAS platform integration project engineer with the Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center — a component of AFC’s Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM).

The first aircraft integration operational test with paratroopers using IVAS occurred in May at Experimentation Demonstration Gateway Event (EDGE) 21 — a precursor to Project Convergence 21 — with the 82nd Airborne Division aboard two Black Hawks. The same Soldiers finished testing IVAS weeks earlier during Soldier Touch Point 4 at Fort Bragg and incorporated what they learned in preparation for EDGE 21.

They received real-time video feeds to their IVAS headsets, from a camera mounted to the bottom of helicopters, while flying to the objective site. By pushing a button on the headset, they could toggle among the screens, making the images larger or smaller. Two squad leaders in separate Black Hawks also coordinated a mid-flight change of mission plans using the system.

Research is now focused on providing video feeds from Air-Launched Effects (ALE), small unmanned aerial vehicles released in flight from helicopters, to paratroopers and aircrew wearing IVAS. Soldiers could also use the headsets to control ALE instead of carrying a tablet.

“During the development phases for these current and future ground and air platforms, we’re focused foremost on the putting together the user experience,” Mathur said. “The team is getting their feedback during exercises like EDGE and making quick upgrades. We’re continually refining designs to meet their needs.”

By Dan Lafontaine, DEVCOM C5ISR Center Public Affairs

Posted in Army, Aviation, Digitization, Guest Post, Optics | 1 Comment »

USAF First to Order on Army’s Direct View Optic Contract

Wednesday, July 7th, 2021

According to a source close to the program, the US Air Force has placed the first order on the US Army’s Direct View Optic program, obligating $49 million. This fulfills an Air Force requirement for a variable power optic that has been on the books since at least 2018, although at the time, the service stated that it desired a 1-8 optic rather than the 1-6 capability of DVO. DVO will replace the M68 Close Combat Optic and other systems within the service’s ground combat forces which number nearly 50,000 including the Special Warfare enterprise and around 40,000 Security Forces Airmen.

The Army’s requirement is reportedly still in draft status.

The DVO contract was awarded at the close of Fiscal Year 2020 to SIG Sauer Electro Optics for the 1-6×24 TANGO6T. There are currently three different versions of the TANGO6T adopted by the US military. The initial buy was for the Squad Designated Marksmanship Rifle, next was USSOCOM’s Squad-Variable Power Scope and finally, DVO.

The SDMR and S-VPS variants feature a standard tube length, but the DVO version is slightly shorter based on the Army’s OAL requirement. Some of this length is made up via a narrower diopter.

Each one of the optics features a different reticle. Here’s the breakdown:

DWLR-6 First Focal Plane: Dual Wind, Long Range 6 is currently fielded on the SDMR. Calibrated for the M118LR fired from the SDMR, the DWLR6 provides users with range estimation capability, holdovers for various distances and 5mph and 10mph wind holds out to 1000m.

DWLR-556 First Focal Plane: Dual Wind, Long Range 556 will be the DVO reticle. Similar in design to the DWLR6, the DWLR-556 is calibrated for M855A1. The reticle provides users with range estimation capability, holdovers for various distances and 5mph and 10mph wind holds out to 800m.

FL-6 Second focal plane: This is the SVP-S reticle. The FL-6 is calibrated for M855A1 fired from a customer specific rifle. The reticle provides similar range estimating capability as the others by using horizontal bars equivalent to 20” targets at various distances. When zeroed at 300m these holdovers represent 400, 500, 600 and 700m drops. The horizontal stadia provides directional indictors and holds for engaging moving targets of various speeds.

Posted in Advertiser, Air Force, Contracts, Optics | 3 Comments »

OCCAR Awards Consortium of HENSOLDT and THEON SENSORS with the Delivery of Binocular Night Vision Goggles for Belgian Defence and German Army

Friday, July 2nd, 2021

Wetzlar and Athens, 01 July 2021 – The multinational procurement organisation Organisation Conjointe de Cooperation en matière d’Armement (OCCAR) has contracted a consortium of HENSOLDT and THEON SENSORS for the production and delivery of Binocular Night Vision Goggles (BNVG) under the Night Vision Capability Programme. The first phase alone will amount to a high two-digit million euro value.

The contract includes 4,550 for Belgian Defence and 5,000 for the German Bundeswehr, as well as an option for another 20,000 BNVG for Germany. A full maintenance and repair service for up to 15 years is also included, as well as a series of accessories that will be delivered to the users. Deliveries will start in 2021.

Offering THEON SENSORS’ Mikron 16 mm BNVG, the consortium prevailed in an international open tender process.

Mikron is a spin-off from the well-known NYX family of THEON SENSORS. Using 16 mm tubes, the size and most importantly the weight of this binocular are reduced by up to 20 per cent without any major reduction in performance. Mikron is already in operation with various European end users. This is the first major contract that THEON SENSORS receives, through the consortium with HENSOLDT, for this new state-of-the-art system.

The consortium of HENSOLDT and THEON SENSORS is an ideal solution for the two states currently participating in the Night Vision Capability Programme, as both companies have proven track records in the field of image intensifier technology. With the combined production capacities in Wetzlar, Germany, and Athens, Greece, very large lot sizes can be produced in short time and on short notice. A transfer of technology from Athens to Wetzlar will enable HENSOLDT to not only assemble the BNVG locally but also to fulfil the contractual ILS obligations from a local site to Belgian Defence and the Bundeswehr, ensuring short ways and quick reaction times.

Andreas Hülle, Managing Director HENSOLDT Optronics GmbH, stated “The successful cooperation between HENSOLDT and THEON SENSORS is a win-win situation for Belgium, Germany and our two companies. This is undoubtedly a great success in an extremely important and great competition. This also opens the doors for synergies and co-operation in other areas within Europe. As a proud supplier to the German Bundeswehr with our sights and scopes for the Future Soldier Programme IdZ, we are happy to extend our portfolio with Binocular Night Vision Goggles and to continue to supply the Belgian Defence.”

Christian Hadjminas, CEO of THEON SENSORS and President of EFA GROUP, added: “THEON SENSORS’ consortium with HENSOLDT is in line with the vision of a strong and joint European defence industry and we will continue to work towards its development and implementation. This large contract is the culmination of THEON SENSORS’ hard work and effort in the field of Night Vision. Given that it is the largest contract ever signed for night vision equipment in the European market and, in general, the largest direct order to a Greek defence industry, we believe that this contract is a turning point for the Greek defence industry and its potential, but also for the country itself. At the same time, this contract is not only an important turning point for us in our history, but also a starting point for evolving THEON SENSORS from being a leading company in man portable night vision systems and thermal products, to a company also for integrated systems and platforms that enable interoperability and real-time information exchange with speed and security. Systems that drastically improve flexibility in decision-making in conducting military operations. This will be achieved through THEON SENSORS’ consistent policy of building strategic alliances especially in Europe.”

OCCAR’s Night Vision Capability Programme offers the possibility for other EU and non-EU countries to join via an established process.

Posted in Contracts, International, Optics, Press Release | 1 Comment »

ANR Design – UKON V2 Mounts for SIG ROMEO4T

Friday, July 2nd, 2021

The ANVL UKON V2 mount for the SIG ROMEO4T red dot optic incorporates a single focal plane absolute co-witness backup iron sight. The integrated rear sight is paired with a standard type AR-15 adjustable front sight post.