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Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

BLACKHAWK! Named 2017 Montana Manufacturer of the Year by Montana Chamber of Commerce

Sunday, May 27th, 2018

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Overland Park, KS – May 25, 2018 – BLACKHAWK!, the leading manufacturer of high-tech holsters and tactical accessories, was recently presented with the 2017 Montana Manufacturer of the Year Award at the Manufacturing and International Trade Day event, held by the Montana Manufacturing Association, a subsidiary of the Montana Chamber of Commerce.

“Our team is deeply honored and very excited to receive this recognition,” said BLACKHAWK! Factory Operations Manager Lamont Kotter. “This is a testament to the great work our employees do every day in our factory and in the community.”

The criteria in choosing a winner for the award included factors such as employee engagement, development opportunities for employees and operational excellence. BLACKHAWK! excelled in all categories, showing over 300 continuous improvement ideas generated from employees, clear career path progression for workers, a strong record of safety, as well as a growth of 140 jobs at the facility over the past six years. All of these accomplishments put BLACKHAWK! out front as first choice for the award.

“We believe that as manufacturers and business leaders we have two purposes,” said Kotter. “First, to improve the business year over year. We work to drive out costs, improve the quality of our product, improve the safety and efficiency of our operation and bring the very best products to market. Second, to contribute to the improvement of our community. The entire team is committed to these two missions which guide the rest of what we do. We are excited to be recognized for our efforts and the progress we have made.”

BLACKHAWK! is an engaged community partner that supports efforts to bring people together, honor military and law enforcement, and advocate for the importance of manufacturing jobs. BLACKHAWK! employees work with local schools to help promote an interest in manufacturing and give young people an opportunity to learn first hand about the profession. Working alongside other manufacturers, in 2017, BLACKHAWK! employees helped develop a 10 day curriculum on manufacturing and taught it in one of the local schools in the area. In addition, BLACKHAWK! hosts many student tours of the factory each year and mentors students on engineering projects, believing that young people are the future of the manufacturing business.

BLACKHAWK!, a Vista Outdoor, Inc. brand, is committed to providing the best class of tactical gear. For more information, visit www.blackhawk.com.

Survitec Sponsors Latest Instalment Of Esteemed Naval Proficiency Award

Sunday, May 27th, 2018
ENGINEERING TRAINING SCHOOL QUALIFYING CEREMONY - 27/4/18 Rear Admiral Keith Edward Blount, CB, OBE, FRAeS Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Aviation, Amphibious Capability and Carriers) was the Guest of Honour to present Qualified to Maintain certificates to Air Engineering (AET) and Naval Airman (Survival Equipment) NA(SE) ratings completing their Phase 2B training.  This is point when AETs and NA(SE)s joined the trained strength for the first time. Consent held at RNAS Yeovilton PHOT section

ENGINEERING TRAINING SCHOOL QUALIFYING CEREMONY – 27/4/18
Rear Admiral Keith Edward Blount, CB, OBE, FRAeS Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Aviation, Amphibious Capability and Carriers) was the Guest of Honour to present Qualified to Maintain certificates to Air Engineering (AET) and Naval Airman (Survival Equipment) NA(SE) ratings completing their Phase 2B training. This is point when AETs and NA(SE)s joined the trained strength for the first time.
Consent held at RNAS Yeovilton PHOT section

Safety solutions provider Survitec has once again sponsored the prestigious Neptune Award presented to the highest level of proficiency achieved over the course of a 54-week Royal Navy Survival Equipment Course.

Having first backed the programme when the previous batch of sailors passed out in December 2017, Survitec was on hand to present the latest award to Naval Airman Scott Collins at RNAS Yeovilton at the end of April.

The award was presented on behalf of Survitec by Head of Programme Management Chris Hurley, previously a Lieutenant Commander during a 16-year stint with the Royal Navy.

The previous recipient of the award was NA(SE) Davies.

David Griffiths, Vice President Defence Sales at Survitec Group says: “We have a saying at Survitec that we’re proudly obsessive about safety and survival, which is precisely why we’re honoured to recognise military personnel who display the same characteristics. The Neptune Award embodies discipline, determination and a dedication to treat vital equipment with the respect it deserves.

“As a safety and survival solutions provider, we understand exactly what it takes to make high specification kit that can perform in the most extreme circumstances and save the lives of the personnel wearing and using it. But that’s only half the battle – unless equipment is efficiently maintained and effectively deployed it won’t perform the job it needs to, which is why it is vital that sufficient training is undertaken and maintenance is regularly performed.

“We’d like to personally congratulate Naval Airman Scott Collins and we look forward to continuing our involvement with this worthy award.”
http://survitecgroup.com/

Diamond Age – The Future of Armor

Saturday, May 26th, 2018

Leading edge anti-ballistic armor systems integrating the latest in enhanced multi-hit performance and durability in ceramic armor systems.

McKinney, Texas (May 2018) Diamond Age, a materials science and engineering firm focused on the R&D of leading-edge anti-ballistic armor systems announce their new rifle resistant Bastion Helmet and the Forcefield armor.

In addition to their work with ceramic materials and armor alloys, Diamond Age is a leading producer of boron nitride nanotubes for ceramic reinforcement. Boron Nitride Nanotubes are a nanomaterial that strengthens metal, glass and ceramic composites. Diamond Age is able to offer this material in an 80 – 90% purity and in a dense form (HD-BNNT) suitable for composite production.

“Regardless of the science behind our products, all our customer base of law enforcement and military professionals really want are lightweight products that can be worn all day, in a variety of environmental conditions while offering superior ballistic protection,” Jake Ganor, CEO of Diamond Age said. “It’s our job as engineers to come up with a level of protection that goes beyond NIJ regulations. This is not the next generation of anti-ballistic armor, but the ultimate generation.”

The BASTION Helmet is the first combat helmet that can withstand direct hits from all common rifle rounds including steel core rounds, at muzzle velocities. It has been tested and withstood rounds from 7.62 x 51mm M80, 7.62 x 39mm PS ball, 5.56 x 45mm M855A1, 5.56 x 45mm M193, 5.7x28mm SS190, and various handgun and SMG threats.

It is augmented with an ultra-lightweight carbon fiber and ceramic strike-face and designed for extreme use in the field. The BASTION helmet is completely modular featuring a full 5-plate configuration which covers the entirety of the helmet shell for manning turrets, vehicular patrols and tactical raids and entries. Infantrymen can configure to a lighter set up using on the front and back tiles, while snipers may choose to wear only the front tile. The BASTION accommodates Wilcox® shrouds without sacrificing any coverage and M-Lok rails are also available. The helmet includes the industry’s most advanced padding system, from 4D Tactical, for comfort and optimal performance against high-impact rifle rounds.

The Diamond Age Forcefield armor panel offers superior protection from a variety of high-velocity SMG special threats such as 7.62 x 25 mm Tokarev (over 1700 fps), 5.7 x 29mm (over 2100 fps) and the HK 4.6 x 30mm (over 2000 fps). Further handgun special threats tested and defeated include 80-grain solid copper 9mm SCS rounds. Knives, spikes and needles have also met their match with the Forcefield. The Forcefield also exceeds the military’s requirement for military-grad frag with a V50 against the 16fr RCC tested at over 2180 ft per second.

Yet the Forcefield for all its protective qualities is as thin and light as the average soft armor panel in its class at just 6.8mm and 1.17 pounds per square foot. Designed for uncompromising protection for SWAT, military and high-risk security personnel, the Forcefield is available in BALCS-cut panels and BALCS armor carriers are also available.

Diamond Age is an Associate Member of the National Association of Police Equipment Distributors (NAPED). For more information on Diamond Age anti-ballistic armor, visit www.diamondage.org

SeaWorld Announces Free Tickets for U.S. Veterans

Friday, May 25th, 2018

From May 24 to July 4, 2018, U.S. veterans and up to three guests may enjoy free admission to SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld San Antonio, SeaWorld San Diego, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay or Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Veterans must redeem their complimentary single-day ticket(s) online at www.WavesofHonor.com, and the free tickets are available online only (not available at the front gate for each park).

Since SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment started the Waves of Honor program in 2005, more than 9 million active military, veterans and their families have visited the parks for free, which represents an estimated value of $300 million.

Details about Waves of Honor via SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment

WHO: U.S. military veterans and retirees who have honorably served, and up to three guests.

WHAT: Free admission

WHERE: The free admission offer is available at SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld San Antonio, SeaWorld San Diego, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

WHEN: May 24 to July 4, 2018

WHY: SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment provides several military ticketing offers via www.WavesofHonor.com year-round in appreciation of U.S. military and veterans’ bravery and incredibly important work.

HOW: Veterans must redeem their complimentary single-day ticket(s) online at www.WavesofHonor.com, and the free tickets are available online only (not available at the front gate for each park).

Military families who redeem the Waves of Honor offer will be able to experience some amazing new attractions and events opening this summer at SeaWorld parks, including:

• Electric Eel at SeaWorld San Diego: The tallest, fastest roller coaster in San Diego is here—a multi-launch coaster with high-energy twists, electrifying loops and inversions. Launched on May 10, Electric Eel features accelerations of more than 60 miles per hour in a matter of seconds, rocketing riders skyward nearly 150 feet where they’ll brave an inverted “heartline” roll and a twisting loop for an exciting feeling of airtime as they reach the peak of the coaster before breathlessly returning to the station. Complementing the Electric Eel roller coaster is a hypnotizing live eel habitat featuring a collection of moray eels. The eel habitat, located at the edge of the Ocean Explorer realm already part of SeaWorld, features large viewing windows where guests can plunge into the world of the eel as they swim and dart through the caves and crevasses of their naturalistic deep-ocean environment. Both rider and non-riders can also learn about the elusive eel through an interactive game and an exhibit with real California moray eels. Plus, SeaWorld San Diego have partnered with WILDCOAST to raise awareness for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Guests will be able to learn more about MPAs and the importance of protecting ocean ecosystems in the habitat.

• Battle for Eire at Busch Gardens Williamsburg: An exhilarating new adventure is underway at Busch Gardens® Williamsburg with the recent opening of the innovative virtual reality attraction, Battle For Eire™—Action VR Ride. With Battle For Eire and the 360-degree virtual reality, riders can have a unique experience each time they ride. Battle For Eire is the story of a heroic fairy warrior, Addie, and her quest to rescue the Heart of Eire from evil villain Balor. This one-of-a-kind ride is a marriage of a motion-based theater simulator with state-of-the-art 360-degree virtual reality headsets, creating a thrilling experience unlike any other in the theme park industry. Riders are completely immersed within the story and be able to see, hear and feel actions happening all around them, both through the virtual reality headsets and within the motions of the simulator.

• Electric Ocean at SeaWorld Orlando, San Antonio and San Diego: Enjoy 8 amazing experiences, including shows with live performers inspired by playful sea creatures, an electrifying dance club with world-class DJs, and your favorite SeaWorld attractions and shows like never before – all at Electric Ocean, an exciting nighttime event. The event is returning this year to SeaWorld Orlando (May 24 through September 2) and San Diego (June 16 through September 3) and is brand new to SeaWorld San Antonio (June 15 through August 12).

• Free Beer at SeaWorld Orlando: Now through September 2, from 10:30 a.m. to one hour before park close, complimentary domestic and seasonal beers will be available to guests 21 years of age and older. Guests can visit Mama’s Pretzel Kitchen Patio and receive up to two complimentary 7-ounce beers per visit.  The park will rotate beer offerings throughout the summer starting off with SeaWorld’s very own Mako Red Ale. Bud Light, Coors Light, Miller Light, Yuengling and more will also be featured throughout the summer.

• Free Beer at Busch Gardens Tampa: Now through August 5, guests can get a taste of the park’s beer garden history when they visit the former Hospitality House, now called the Garden Gate Café, to receive two complimentary beers during every visit to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Every two weeks, new featured beer brands will be highlighted.

• Summer Nights at Busch Gardens Tampa: From May 24 through August 5, guests can experience endless energy and thrilling rides from day into night. As the sun goes down, the party heats up at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay during Summer Nights. Explore the park after dark with extended park hours to 10 p.m. on select days. Dance the night away at themed party zones throughout the park and take on Florida’s top thrill rides in the dark. Plus, indulge in delicious food like steak chimichurri, chicken waffle sandwich with blackberry pepper jelly, smoked beef brisket sliders with peach slaw, hummus topped with curry-roasted cauliflower, chilled shrimp with watermelon & tamarind glaze, mini donuts, funnel cakes and more, with special Summer menus.

 

Active Military and Veterans can always receive discounted admission tickets through MWR and ITT offices on U.S. military bases as well as www.WavesofHonor.com. These offers are available year-round. Each park may have various discounted admission products throughout the year that are also available online at www.WavesofHonor.com.

Thyrm Launches PyroVault

Thursday, May 24th, 2018

Sunnyvale, CA —

The metal fluid lighter has been around since the 1930’s. It’s a beloved piece of Americana. But it’s not without fault. Major complaints include the evaporation of fuel, slippery case and lack of an attachment method. Thyrm addresses these issues and takes the traditional metal lighter into the future with the PyroVault.

“We had a blast designing modern-day armor for the classic, fluid lighter. The goal was to create a shell that retained the ability to use fluids available in remote and austere conditions but adds sealing to keep the elements out and the fluid in.” said THYRM CEO Andrew Frazier. “We also wanted a clip to attach it to gear, and grip surfaces so it doesn’t turn into a bar of soap when it’s wet and dirty.”

The PyroVault fits most Zippo-style inserts including butane torch versions. It’s made of reinforced nylon for toughness and an O-ring provides a waterproof seal. The latch is spring-loaded for one-handed operation. The MOLLE/PALS compatible clip means that your lighter will be right where you need it when you need it.

The PyroVault is made in the USA and available for purchase at Thyrm.com and at authorized dealers.

New 10W Radio Frequency Modules For MPU5 MANET Radio

Thursday, May 24th, 2018

Higher transmit power delivers increased range and performance

NEW YORK, N.Y.— Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”) announced today that it has released new 10W versions of its S-Band and L-Band RF modules. The new RF modules leverage cutting edge advancements in power amplifier technology, delivering increased output power and greater power efficiency. The RF modules also implement a more advanced RF filtering architecture providing increased noise immunity in congested and contested RF environments.

“We have taken everything we have learned and every new advancement in power amplifier and filtering technology and completely redesigned our S-Band and L-Band RF modules. Our customers value every bit of range and performance, and these modules truly deliver,” said Eric Stern, Director of Engineering at Persistent.

Solid state radio technology is improving at an unprecedented pace with every new advancement in the commercial wireless world. Persistent specifically designed the MPU5 architecture to be modular and upgradable, so that customers can take advantage of these advancements without needing to purchase a whole new system. The new 10W RF modules represent the first RF module upgrades to the MPU5 system.

For a limited time, Persistent is enabling customers to trade in their existing S-Band and L-Band RF modules and purchase new 10W versions at a significantly reduced cost.

“We expect our customers to achieve many years of service from their MPU5 radios. These upgrades demonstrate our commitment to the MPU5 platform, ensuring that it exceeds our customers’ requirements over the years to come,” said Leslie Hulser, Director of Programs at Persistent.

For more information on purchasing or upgrading your existing MPU5 radios, please reach out to your Persistent account representative.

www.persistentsystems.com

Cubic Introduces the Enhanced DTECH M3X Line of Ultra-Portable Networking Modules at SOFIC 2018

Thursday, May 24th, 2018

Cubic Mission Solutions’ M3X offers powerful networking capability in the most compact, full-featured, scalable package on the market

SAN DIEGO – May 22, 2018 – Cubic Corporation (NYSE: CUB) today announced that its Cubic Mission Solutions (CMS) business division launched the new and improved M3X networking modules from its DTECH product line at the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC) in Tampa, Florida. With the industry’s lowest size, weight and power (SWaP), the M3X product family allows users to operate in austere environments with ruggedized modules consisting of a network switch, router, application server and smart battery power system.

“We are very pleased to unveil the latest enhancements to our recently launched M3X product family at SOFIC this year,” said Michael Barthlow, vice president of secure networking, Cubic Mission Solutions. “Truly a game-changer in the industry, the M3X redefines modularity and represents a new operational capability and configuration system for warfighters and communications professionals, ready to be deployed for any mission, anytime, anywhere.”

The M3X features a raised angle connector (RAC) that allows the modules to interconnect seamlessly without the use of an external Ethernet or external power cable. With an interlocking rail system, the M3X modules easily snap together both vertically and horizontally, allowing unlimited configurations for both tactical command posts and executive travel. Its reduced SWaP is compact and portable enough to be transported within a small messenger bag or backpack. In addition, the M3X offers a scalable and intelligent power system through modules that can be inserted anywhere in the stack, providing user critical feedback on battery and alternating current (AC) power status.

The M3X will be showcased at Cubic’s booth #1135 on the exhibit show floor at the Tampa Convention Center. For more information on the M3X, visit www.cubic.com/m3x.

SNC and Partners Invited to SOFWERX ‘Game of Drones’ Demo

Thursday, May 24th, 2018

X-MADIS Mobile Drone Defeat System Advances in Counter UAS Exercise
SPARKS, Nev. (May 22, 2018) – Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) and its partners, Ascent Vision and RADA Technologies, will participate in the SOFWERX ThunderDrone Rapid Prototyping Event (RPE) III demonstration at Nellis Air Force Base next month. SOFWERX is a Partnership Intermediary Agreement between Doolittle Institute and the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), created to investigate new technology in an effort to put the most advanced capabilities into our warfighters’ hands.

SNC and its partners will participate in the demo, also being called “Game of Drones,” using X-MADIS (eXpeditionary Mobile Aerial Defense Integrated System), which is a self-contained, fully mobile and integrated counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) capability. The C-UAS, radar and Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) equipment is integrated into a commercial off-road vehicle that can detect, locate, identify, track, exploit and defeat an enemy UAS (also known as drone) to protect airports, no-fly zones and other high-value infrastructure.

The SOFWERX RPE demonstration events began in June 2017 and have evaluated more than 450 technological capabilities aimed at bringing sea-, land-, and air-based UAS, tactical swarms, payloads (kinetic/non-kinetic/sensors), and their associated data science applications to the Special Operations Community. ThunderDrone RPE III is the culmination of the events, and X-MADIS is one of just 30 remaining entrants. Only warfighters, interagency partners, and select contributors from industry and academia may participate in RPEs, which are formally evaluated by a government assessment team.

X-MADIS performed flawlessly in the previous RPE II held at Ft. Bragg North Carolina. This event evaluated operational setup time and the system’s capability to detect, locate, identify, track, exploit, defeat, and assess effects on threat representative small unmanned aerial vehicles. The top three participants for the upcoming exercise, called “Game of Drones,” will be awarded prize money based on system performance.

For more information, see the SOFWERX website. X-MADIS will be on display at the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC) in Tampa, Fla., May 22-24, booth #1624.