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Aurora And MIT Celebrate Nine Years Of Student Robotics Program Success

Monday, August 14th, 2017

Zero Robotics engages students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)
through computer programming and space research

Cambridge, MA, August 11, 2017 – Middle school students across the country today participated in a live interactive broadcast of NASA astronaut Jack Fischer operating satellites developed by Aurora and MIT aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The basketball-sized, battery operated satellites were controlled using computer code written by the students as part of the Zero Robotics summer learning program.

Founded by MIT’s Space Systems Laboratory and run in partnership with Aurora and the Innovation Learning Center, Zero Robotics is a robotic programming competition for middle and high school students. Students learn to write software to autonomously control the SPHERES satellites aboard the ISS. Each year, the Zero Robotics competition challenges students to address a real spaceflight operational scenario.

“Aurora is proud to partner with MIT on this innovative and engaging STEM-education program,” said John Langford, Aurora Chairman and CEO. “Zero Robotics has introduced thousands of students over the years to the wonders of spaceflight and robotics. With this next generation of scientists and engineers at the helm, the future of NASA’s space program looks exceptionally bright.”

Aurora built the SPHERES satellites and has partnered with MIT on the Zero Robotics program since its inception in 2008. Over the years, Aurora’s involvement has evolved to encompass competition coordination support, student mentoring, instructor education, and curriculum development.

This year’s middle school finals comprised of 13 teams hailing from 12 U.S. states and Russia. Zero Robotics is also open to high school students, with a tournament held each year between September to December for students grades 9-12. The Middle school competition is sponsored by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), the Northrop Grumman Foundation, and NASA. To learn more about the Zero Robotics program, and to view results from today’s competition, visit www.zerorobotics.mit.edu. To learn more about Aurora’s SPHERES program, visit www.aurora.aero/SPHERES.

Tags: Aurora Flight Sciences, MIT
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Craig Morgan, Spirit of Blue Foundation Present Safety Equipment Grant to Dickson County Sheriff’s Office.

Saturday, August 12th, 2017

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – August 10, 2017 – Yesterday, the Spirit of Blue Foundation partnered with country music star Craig Morgan to present a safety equipment grant to the Dickson County Sheriff’s Office. The grant includes 70 tourniquets along with tactical belt holders that will be issued to all patrol division and reserve deputies that serve the county. Craig formerly served as a Deputy with the Sheriff’s Office in Dickson County before embarking on his country music career and was on hand to present this grant to the Sheriff’s office in his hometown. The grant, with a combined value of $4,238, is the first of Spirit of Blue’s 2017 Tourniquet Project campaign and was funded by a generous donation from Law Enforcement United (LEU). LEU is an organization of over 1,000 active and retired police officers who honor fallen officers and raise funds to assist charitable organizations that serve the law enforcement community.

The Dickson County Sheriff’s Office received a grant for 70 tourniquets and duty belt holders from Spirit of Blue. Receiving the grant (left to right) were Chief Deputy Jerone Holt and Sheriff Jeffrey Bledsoe. Presenting the grant (center) was country music star Craig Morgan and Spirit of Blue Executive Director Ryan T. Smith. Representing the grant sponsor, Law Enforcement United, (right to left) were Metropolitan Nashville Police Department Officer Joshua Black and Sergeant Anthony Brooks.

“Having served as a Deputy with the Sheriff’s Office, I know firsthand how critical it is to have this kind of lifesaving equipment available for all of our men and women on the force,” said Craig Morgan, following the event. “I’m glad for the opportunity to take part in this donation to Dickson County and proud to help kick off Spirit of Blue’s Tourniquet Project Campaign.”

Tourniquets are vital pieces of medical equipment that officers and deputies require on the road in the event of a traumatic injury to an extremity. When only precious minutes exist to treat such an injury, tourniquets are able to be applied individually or on a co-worker to prevent excessive blood loss until that individual can be placed into medical care. As a secondary benefit, officers and deputies who carry a tourniquet are also able to use them to rescue a member of the community who may have experienced a similar type injury as happened with the Monroe County (NY) Sheriff’s Office in July of this year with tourniquets that Spirit of Blue granted to them in October of 2015.

“Being the recipients of this grant from Spirit of Blue means a tremendous amount to a sheriff’s office of our size. We operate on a limited budget and being able to supply all of our deputies with a new piece of equipment isn’t always feasible,” commented Sheriff Jeffrey Bledsoe of the Dickson County Sheriff’s Office. “The tourniquets and duty belt holders we are receiving will be an asset to each of our deputies. Dickson County has a lot of areas that are rural and remote. These tourniquets could mean the difference between life and death for any one of our deputies who are out there putting their service to Dickson County ahead of themselves on a daily basis. We are very appreciative of what Craig Morgan and the Spirit of Blue are doing for us here.”

The C-A-T Tourniquet, manufactured by North American Rescue, has proven to be 100% effective in occluding blood flow in both upper & lower extremities by the U.S. Army’s Institute of Surgical Research and has been the official tourniquet of the U.S. Army since 2005. The duty belt holder, manufactured by Blue Force Gear, is constructed with their proprietary, lightweight ULTRAcomp material and was specially designed for Spirit of Blue’s Tourniquet Project Campaign to hold the C-A-T Tourniquet. Spirit of Blue has granted 463 C-A-T Tourniquets since its first tourniquet grant in 2014. In 2017, Spirit of Blue has a goal of granting another 1,000 tourniquets to officers who need them across the country. To learn more, or participate in the campaign, visit: www.spiritfoblue.org/TQ

Tags: Spirit of Blue, Spirit of Blue Foundation, The Spirit of Blue Foundation
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ASA Statement Regarding Potential ATF Determination On Modular Suppressors

Friday, August 11th, 2017

ATLANTA, GA – Over the past week, multiple claims have stated that the BATFE’s Firearms and Ammunition Technology Division (FATD) is in the process of issuing an industry wide determination on the legality of modular suppressors. After speaking at length to several of our contacts within ATF, ASA has concluded that these assertions stem from misinterpreted comments made by ATF officials at a recent industry conference. According to our contacts at ATF, these are the facts related to three separate areas of discussion:

Modular Suppressor Design – FATD is in the process of reviewing a request from an independent industry representative regarding a single, specific modular suppressor design. The representative is seeking a determination regarding their specific product, not a blanket determination that would apply to other existing modular designs. The issue in question is whether or not the suppressor being reviewed has the ability to assemble more than one functional suppressor out of the component parts that are supplied as a single suppressor to the end-user.

ATF 29P – On May 4, 2016, ATF published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) in response to an eight year old request by the National Firearms Act Trade & Collectors Association (NFATCA) made in 2008. In the ANPRM, ATF sought to specify that manufacturers must mark the outer tube of suppressors, not just any externally visible part. The ASA, along with many members of the industry, submitted comments to the ATF opposing ATF 29P. We have been told by ATF that 29P is no longer being worked on by the Bureau, as many current suppressor designs without an outer tube have made the proposed rules within 29P obsolete.

NFA Handbook – The NFA Division and Firearms & Explosives Industry Division are working on a long overdue update to the NFA Handbook. Within the updated handbook, new language will be included that addresses the repair or replacement of modular suppressor components. This language will be consistent with previously published guidance, which states that the serialized component of a suppressor cannot be replaced without the filing of a new Form 2 by the manufacturer, and a new Form 4 by the consumer, including the payment of applicable transfer taxes. Unmarked components of a modular suppressor may be replaced by a licensed manufacturer on a one-for-one basis, just as previously allowed in the silencer FAQ published by ATF on April 17, 2008.

In summation, there are currently no widespread determinations set to be issued by ATF with regards to modular suppressors.

americansuppressorassociation.com

Tags: American Suppressor Association
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ADS Issues Statement Regarding Civil Suit Settlement With DoJ

Friday, August 11th, 2017

ADS, Inc Settles Civil Investigation With US Department of Justice

Virginia Beach, Va. – Virginia Beach-based ADS, Inc. has agreed to settle a civil investigation brought by the Department of Justice (DOJ) as a result of a qui tam lawsuit filed by a private party.

The settlement marks the end of the DOJ’s investigation into the company’s past eligibility to bid on federal set aside contracts, and other allegations regarding bidding on contracts. ADS believes it has always complied with standards promulgated by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Notwithstanding any incorrect comments to the contrary, the DOJ did not intervene in the case, ADS settled the matter with no admission of liability on any of the allegations underlying the investigation, and there were no such findings, including any of fraud. ADS made the decision to settle after incurring millions of dollars in legal fees and countless hours of time value over three years responding to interrogatories and burdensome document requests by the government, hindering the company’s ability to continue serving its customers and employing its people.

“After spending many months cooperating closely with the government’s investigation, we concluded that our company, our customers, and our employees would be best served by putting this matter behind us. We are pleased that we were able to settle the matter amicably and that the settlement does not impede in any way ADS’s continuing service to all of its customers under its current contracts,” said ADS Communications Director, Caitlin Stojanovich.

“ADS strives and will continue to strive to assure compliance with all legal requirements and our Office of Compliance will work to keep meeting that critical goal,” stated Nikki Williams who leads the Office of Compliance for ADS and is responsible for ensuring the company continues to operate in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

“We are focusing on the future of our business as we move ahead and continue to be committed to doing the right things for our customers and our employees,” Stojanovich added. “ADS has always taken the very best care of our men and women in uniform and that is what we will continue to do.”

Tags: ADS Inc, DoJ
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Gunwerks Announces Caylen Wojcik As Director of Training, Strategy and Business Development

Friday, August 11th, 2017

Gunwerks, LLC announced today the addition of Caylen Wojcik as Director of Training, Strategy and Business Development. “With almost 20 years of experience in the world of long range shooting and professional firearms instruction, Caylen is an excellent fit with our strategic goals,” said Aaron Davidson, Gunwerks founder and CEO. “He brings significant leadership skill, in addition to valuable industry connections to our already talented team. We’re very excited to have him on board.”

Wojcik served 8 years as a United States Marine Scout Sniper, amassing 80 weeks of formal sniper skills training courses. During his time in the scout sniper community, Caylen served in almost every billet available, as well as serving as a sniper instructor on both basic and advanced levels. He has trained snipers in all branches of the armed forces, as well as dozens of law enforcement agencies. He completed 3 overseas deployments, one of which was a combat deployment where he sustained injuries that led to the end of his military service. “Gunwerks is a pioneer and industry leader in long range hunting and shooting. I couldn’t think of a better company to align myself with,” said Wojcik. “I believe I bring a lot to the table with my background. I look forward to helping Gunwerks in its continued growth and furthering the discipline of long range shooting.”

In 2011, Caylen took a position with Magpul Industries Corp as the Director of Training for Precision Rifle Operations, and most recently held the role of Director of Operations for Magpul CORE. While living in Washington, Caylen began hunting the west, and learned the incredible rewards of backcountry backpack hunting. Caylen is recognized as a subject matter expert in the areas of long range shooting and wilderness travel. He is a published author for several industry publications, and is a long range shooting competitor. He has a passion for adventure and is attracted to all things in life that require perseverance and fortitude to succeed. Caylen spends his free time skydiving, working on his skills as a climber and alpinist, and pursuing adventure with his family in whatever way possible.

Gunwerks, LLC is a Cody, Wyoming based manufacturer and provider of premium long range hunting rifles, optics, shooting systems and training. Learn more at www.gunwerks.com.

Tags: Caylen Wojcik, Gunwerks
Posted in Industry, Press Release | 7 Comments »

Colt Introduces the Colt Trooper Patrol Carbine

Thursday, August 10th, 2017

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (August 8, 2017) – Colt continues to expand on its legendary M4 platform, which has been duty-tested by the world’s most elite Military and Law Enforcement agencies, with the introduction of the new Colt Trooper® Patrol Carbine. The Trooper®, based on the class-leading LE6920, offers customers another great point of entry into the world of duty-grade Colt AR-15® carbines.

“The Trooper® offers a really great opportunity for fans of the Colt AR-15® platform?,” said Justin Baldini, Product Director for Colt. “We set out to create something that is right in line with what today’s Colt M4 customer wants, so we started with our industry-standard LE6920 and worked with Centurion Arms to develop a new M-LOK® capable free-floated forend just for the Trooper®. The result is a modernized pro-quality carbine that’s ready for your choice of optic or iron sights. It represents an exceptional value to folks looking to get into the world Modern Sporting Rifles and another excellent option for enthusiasts looking to add another Colt to their stable.”

The Trooper® Patrol Carbine is offered in 5.56 x 45 NATO, and features a 16.1” barrel and a 13” M-LOK® capable Centurion Arms forend with a Picatinny rail at 12 o’clock, and M-LOK® mounting slots at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. It features a standard M4 buttstock and an A2 pistol grip, and comes with a 30-round Magpul® P-MAG® Magazine. The Trooper® (SKU – LE6920-R) retails for $1,049 MSRP.

www.colt.com

Tags: Colt
Posted in Black Rifle, Press Release | 4 Comments »

Catalyst Arm Introduces Bipod Leg Locking Levers

Thursday, August 10th, 2017

Beaverton, OR – Catalyst Arms, LLC, a firearms accessory company, has introduced ambidextrous Leg Locking Levers to significantly improve the performance of Harris HBR series bipods. Made for Harris bipods without “notched” legs, these new Leg Locking Levers allow the shooter to make rapid and efficient leg height adjustments with one hand while behind the rifle. The new Leg Locking Levers easily install on top of the factory leg adjustment knobs. To use in the field, simply pull the leg to the desired height and flip the lever to the locked position with the same hand. To release, simply flip the lever the opposite direction. Designed from experience in competition shooting and hunting, these are a significant upgrade for this style of bipod.

Machined from 6061-T6 aluminum, the new Catalyst Arms Leg Locking Levers are lightweight and install with a single screw without any modification or disassembly of the bipod. With the bipod legs in the folded-up position they are conveniently out of the way to keep from getting hung up on each other or gear. The new Catalyst Arms Leg Locking Levers are now available in black (hard coat anodized), Red (anodized) and Tan (Cerakote®) with an MSRP of $39.95.

Check out the video here.

For more information go to www.catalystarms.com

Tags: Catalyst Arms LLC
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Federal Launches a New Line of Dual-Purpose Train + Protect Versatile HP Ammunition

Thursday, August 10th, 2017

ANOKA, Minnesota – August 1, 2017 – Federal Ammunition is pleased to announce its launch of Train + Protect, a new line of handgun loads designed for both practice and personal protection. The competitively priced ammunition features Federal’s versatile hollow-point (VHP) bullet and is available in three popular handgun cartridges and weight options. Shipments of this new ammunition are being delivered to dealers.

The Federal Train + Protect VHP bullet design provides both precise, practical performance at the range, and instant, reliable expansion on impact. The result is the ideal combination for training as well as defending yourself and your loved ones. The new ammunition proudly honors the American birthright to bear arms with patriotic U.S.A. graphics on its packaging.

Features & Benefits
• VHP bullet based on proven Federal hollow point design
• Reloadable Federal brass case
• Extremely reliable primer
• Loaded to produce consistent performance on the range and in defense situations

Part No. / Description / MSRP
TP9VHP1 / 9mm Luger 115-grain VHP, 50-count / $30.95
TP40VHP1 / 40 S&W 180-grain VHP, 50-count / $35.95
TP45VHP1 / 45 Auto 230-grain VHP, 50-count / $35.95
TP9VHP2 / 9mm Luger 115-grain VHP, 100-count / $56.95
TP40VHP2 / 40 S&W 180-grain VHP, 100-count / $66.95
TP45VHP2 / 45 Auto 230-grain VHP, 100-count / $66.95

Federal Premium is a brand of Vista Outdoor Inc., an outdoor sports and recreation company. For more information on Federal Premium, go to www.federalpremium.com.

Tags: Federal
Posted in Ammo, Press Release | 6 Comments »