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World’s First Thermal 360° Throwable Camera Revealed at NTOA

Monday, September 9th, 2024

BOUNCE IMAGING REVEALS NEWEST TACTICAL CAMERAS AND HIGHLIGHTS INTEGRATION WITH BOSTON DYNAMICS’ SPOT AT NATIONAL TACTICAL OFFICER’S ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE

Bounce Imaging, the leader in 360° situational awareness technologies for tactical and safety applications, revealed the world’s first 360° thermal tactical throwable camera, the Pit Viper 360, today at the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) annual conference.

Unlike other systems that rely on moving PTZ camera motors or bulky, expensive arrays of cameras stitched together to claim panoramic coverage, the Pit Viper 360 (named after rattlesnakes and other serpents that can sense thermal spectra) combines six thermal imaging cores and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to create a truly portable, throwable, stabilized panoramic thermal video camera – all in a package the size of a grapefruit.

OPERATING DIRECTLY IN THE PANORAMIC PROJECTION SEVERAL ORDERS OF MAGNITUDE MORE EFFICIENTLY THAN TRADITIONAL METHODS ALLOWS US TO GENERATE STABILIZED THERMAL PANORAMIC VIDEO WITH LOW LATENCY AND VERY LOW SWAP (SIZE, WEIGHT, AND POWER) REQUIREMENTS.”

-SIETSE DIJKSTRA, BOUNCE IMAGING’S CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER

The Pit Viper 360 will be widely commercially available in early 2025 and joins Bounce Imaging’s portfolio of advanced tactical systems for defense and first response. Bounce Imaging systems are employed every day by the most elite operators around the world to keep themselves and civilians safe.

In addition, Bounce Imaging was joined in its booth at the NTOA conference by Boston Dynamics’ SPOT unmanned ground quadruped as the companies highlighted ways in which their respective platforms can team to keep first responders and warfighters safer in the most complex environments. SPOT’s ability to navigate complex environments and manipulate objects with precision combines with Bounce Imaging’s panoramic situational awareness and ability to extend communications networks to create a powerful tool for clearing the most hazardous environments, as recently demonstrated in a joint training by the companies.

IT IS BECOMING CLEAR THAT THE FUTURE OF UNMANNED SYSTEMS IS TEAMING ACROSS PLATFORMS TO USE EACH TECHNOLOGY’S STRENGTHS TOGETHER TO ACHIEVE A MISSION. PAIRING BOUNCE CAMERAS WITH A CAPABLE UGV LIKE SPOT IS AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF THAT.

-MARK FARGASON, BOUNCE IMAGING’S COO

bounceimaging.com

Posted in NTOA, Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on World’s First Thermal 360° Throwable Camera Revealed at NTOA

Mission First Tactical Introduces ACHRO Chest Pack & Harness

Monday, September 9th, 2024

Horsham, PA – (September 9, 2024) – Mission First Tactical(MFT) manufacturers of state-of-the-art, holsters, firearm accessories and EDC bags is proud to announce the new MFT ACHRO™ Chest Pack & Harness. Designed for the modern outdoorsman, the ACHRO™ Chest Pack & Harness is a multi-functional pack built for performance.

The rugged, adaptable and comfortable MFT ACHRO™ Chest Pack is a versatile platform designed to carry your essential gear. Its rugged construction and adaptable mounting system allow you to customize your setup for any mission. With a designated pistol compartment, it’s also the perfect companion while hunting in dangerous predator situations.

The MFT ACHRO™ Harness provides all-day comfort with its 3D padded mesh and 4-point design for even weight distribution. Quick-release buckles allow for easy on and off, even with one hand.

Features include:

• Ambidextrous Firearm Access: Quick and easy access to your firearm with the designated rear compartment.

• Customizable Fit: Adjust the harness to accommodate various layers, from summer to winter.

• Essential Gear Storage: Securely carry medium to large binoculars and organize your essentials in the spacious main compartment and your rangefinder, GPS, spare magazines etc. in the side pockets.

• Modular Design: Attach additional gear with the bottom MOLLE loops and seamlessly integrate with the MFT Chest Plate (available separately).

• Dual Purpose: Rear hip belt pass through doubles as fleece hand warmer (hip belt not included)

• Durable Construction: Built to last with 1000D KodraCarbonate material.

• Available in: Small/Large and XLarge/XX Large

• MSRP: $149.99

Stay prepared and organized with the MFT ACHRO™ Chest Pack & Harness.

To learn more about the complete product lineup from Mission First Tactical, please visit www.missionfirsttactical.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Load Carrying, Press Release | Comments Off on Mission First Tactical Introduces ACHRO Chest Pack & Harness

Australian Defence Forces Order Polaris DAGOR Off-Road Vehicles

Monday, September 9th, 2024

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Sept. 9, 2024 – The Commonwealth of Australia has awarded a vehicle contract to Polaris Australia for the DAGOR vehicle, an off-road and internally transportable tactical mobility platform from the company’s Government and Defense division. The contract is valued at AUD22 million (USD14.6M) and includes vehicles, mission accessories, technical manuals, spare parts and tool kits, driver and maintainer training and ongoing, in-country support.

Polaris will deliver the DAGOR vehicles to the Australian Defence Force in several variants in support of joint missions worldwide. The four-wheel, all-terrain vehicles will be configured in three different variants – a transport variant for enhanced tactical mobility and greater standoff; an expeditionary reconnaissance variant for continued agility and increased stealth in austere conditions; and a cargo variant with the rear seats replaced with a rear bed extension for increased combat load capacity. Polaris engineered standard mission configuration items, as well as locally engineered and manufactured content, will be integrated onto the vehicles at a Polaris facility in Melbourne.

“We are proud to provide this capability for Australian personnel. The DAGOR all-terrain vehicle will allow teams to move faster, carry more and significantly reduce combat fatigue by navigating complex terrain otherwise covered on foot,” said Michael Cannell, Government and Defense sales and operation manager, Polaris Australia. “Polaris Australia will also provide in-country sustainment, leveraging the global presence of Polaris as these vehicles deploy globally.”

DAGOR comprises an optimal balance of rapid air transportability, payload capacity and advanced mobility and is the most capable military platform in its class for off-road, rugged terrain. The chassis and suspension are engineered for off-road operation at full payload of 1,814 kilograms (4,000 pounds), which also contributes to the vehicle’s overall reliability and durability. DAGOR uses a readily available commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) driveline, controls and components like a diesel/JP8 engine selected for its ideal combination of power, weight and size. DAGOR can produce up to 4.4 kW of exportable power and is heavy-weapons capable. Its weight and size allow it to be internally transportable on a variety of in-service aircraft, including CH-47, C-17 and C-130 and is also airdrop and sling-load certified.

“Collaboration within the global defence community is critical to mission success and equipment commonality helps enable interoperability among joint forces,” said Nick Francis, vice president, Polaris Government and Defense. “Polaris military vehicles have become force multipliers for expeditionary forces by extending mission range while mitigating operator fatigue and increasing mission readiness and capability.

DAGOR’s unique design and use of commercial components allows for ease of operation, maintenance and sustainment in support of combat operations. Allied forces that also have the DAGOR platform include U.S. forces, Canadian forces, and multiple European countries. DAGOR vehicle production is underway, and deliveries will take place over the next two years. These vehicles will augment existing Australian vehicle fleets, which include two other Polaris products: the MV850 and Sportsman 6×6 Big Boss ATVs.

Polaris designs and manufactures the most capable light tactical and all-terrain military vehicles available today with technology development and insertion for the battlefield of tomorrow. No one knows light off-road mobility like Polaris, whose light tactical vehicles – the MV850, MRZR turbo diesel, MRZR Alpha and DAGOR – support more than 50 military forces worldwide which is a testament to the capability gap these vehicles fulfill. These platforms provide unmatched off-road capability while also being intuitive to operate, simple to maintain, highly transportable and easy to globally support.

Posted in Contracts, International, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on Australian Defence Forces Order Polaris DAGOR Off-Road Vehicles

Riton Introduces the 1 Tactix ARD 2

Sunday, September 8th, 2024

TUCSON, AZ – The electro-optics portion of the Tactix family from Riton continues to grow with the addition of the latest ARD (AR-Dot) model.

Designed specifically for use on AR platforms of virtually any configuration, the 1 Tactix ARD 2 offers the kind of adaptability that any shooter can appreciate. From multiple mounting configurations to best match your use, adjustable brightness that includes night-vision-compatible settings, and a multi-reticle to suit your preferences, the 1 Tactix ARD 2 answers the call of a variety of shooters.

“There’s no one way to use an AR in the field, so an optic has to be able to provide flexibility required by users,” said Chris Varas, Assistant Director of Product at Riton. “The 1 Tactix ARD 2 gives shooters a lot of functionality, and does so at a price that isn’t a barrier to entry.”

With an MSRP of just $229.99, the 1 Tactix ARD 2 represents a tremendous value for anyone looking to employ a red dot optic for their long gun.

“It’s fun to bring products to market that offer so much utility and that have so many valuable use cases” Trent Marsh, Marketing Director for Riton, added. “It’s at home on a carbine, an AR pistol, even your shotgun for spring turkey, and it will perform and meet the needs of all of those circumstances. That’s a fun product story to tell,” he concluded.

With two mounting height configurations and a choice between a dot only, or a circle-dot reticle, you are almost certain to have a need for the new Riton 1 Tactix ARD 2.

For more information and full specs of the 1 Tactix ARD 2 visit ritonoptics.com/product/1-tactix-ard-2.

Posted in Optics, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Bleecker Street Publications Hires Staff Writer

Saturday, September 7th, 2024

Bleecker Street Publications is thrilled to announce that Fred Mastison has joined the Athlon Outdoors team as a staff writer.

Fred Mastison is a seasoned national magazine contributor, professional firearms and combatives instructor, and executive protection provider and trainer. He has authored more than 700 articles for 27 different magazines. In his new role, Mastison will leverage his extensive industry knowledge and ability to engage diverse audiences with both humor and technical proficiency, further elevating Athlon Outdoors’ editorial excellence.

“I am both honored and excited to join the team at Athlon as a full-time writer,” said Mastison. “While I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Athlon as a freelancer since its inception, this next step is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I look forward to continuing and expanding my relationships with companies and delivering solid content across a spectrum of topics.”

“We faced a tough decision with so many talented candidates, and we’re grateful to all who applied,” said Emily Long, CEO and Investor of Bleecker Street Publications. “Mr. Mastison brings tremendous passion for our industry, along with his vast experience and insights. He will be a fantastic addition to our team.”

Posted in Industry, Media, Press Release | Comments Off on Bleecker Street Publications Hires Staff Writer

Bass Pro Shops Becomes Official Outdoor Gear Provider for the Army & Air Force Exchange Service

Saturday, September 7th, 2024

Partnership expands on never-ending commitment to veterans and active-duty military members, with tax-free shopping and all exchange earnings going to support military communities

Bass Pro Shops is excited to announce an agreement has been signed to become the official outdoor gear retailer for the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, launching this year at ShopMyExchange.com.

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service, the Department of Defense’s largest military exchange, operates nationwide and in more than 30 countries. Later this year, all active-duty service members, dependents, retirees, Department of Defense civilians and retirees and honorably discharged Veterans who have confirmed their eligibility through ShopMyExchange.com/vets will be able to reel in deals on the best outdoor gear from Bass Pro Shops.

“We can never adequately thank our nation’s heroes for the sacrifice shown in service to our great country, we are all deeply grateful for what they do every day to protect the freedoms we are blessed to enjoy here in the USA,” said noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris. “To be named the Official Outdoor Gear Provider for the Army & Air Force Exchange Service makes this one of the proudest days in the history of our company.”

Veterans, active-duty service members and their dependents will have the opportunity to shop the leading outdoor brands from Bass Pro Shops tax-free, and the prices they see on the shelf will have the 10 percent Legendary Salute military discount Bass Pro Shops is known for already built in. Additionally, 100 percent of Exchange earnings support the military community, including critical quality-of-life programs. This will bring outdoor experiences to our nation’s heroes, with the convenience and savings they deserve.

“Nature leads to healing, to adventure and a lifetime of the best memories,” said Tom Shull, Director/CEO of AAFES. “Together, Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops and the Exchange will help service members and Veterans enjoy the wonder and healing nature offers. Team Exchange looks forward to connecting heroes with the land they fiercely fight to protect.”

Bass Pro Shops’ Commitment to Veterans and to the U.S. Army Community

This partnership is an extension of the support shown by Johnny and Bass Pro Shops – North America’s premier outdoor retailer and three-time honoree as America’s Best Outdoor Retailer by Newsweek – for our heroes in the armed forces.

This commitment stems in part from the respect Johnny holds for his father, John A. Morris, a decorated World War II veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

For decades, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s has been committed to hiring those who have served our nation. Currently, nearly 3,000 veterans or active-duty military personnel are employed as Outfitters.

Legendary Salute Discount

For over 25 years, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s have offered discounts to veterans and active-duty military members as a token of appreciation for our true heroes.

The Legendary Salute Discount offers 10 percent off on almost everything in all Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s locations in the United States and Canada, offered to veterans, active military, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and fish and wildlife officers.

Veterans Tower at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena

One of the most striking features of the new not-for-profit Thunder Ridge Nature Arena is the Veterans Tower, inspired by historic national park and forest service fire and wildlife viewing towers. The breathtaking 12-story tower serves as a tribute to honor of all of our veteran heroes, including John A. Morris.

During the recent Rolling Stones concert, Bass Pro Shops hosted over 1,000 veteran Outfitters and their families from 22 states.

Johnny Morris and Bass Pro Shops Recipient of The National Service Award

The U.S. Army’s Highest Civilian Award

In 2022, Johnny Morris and Bass Pro Shops received the U.S. Army’s highest civilian honor, the prestigious National Service Award, from the Association of the United States Army. This award was presented in recognition of exemplary service and demonstrated enduring support to the American Soldier and the United States Army community, honoring a decades-long commitment to supporting veterans.

The award was presented during a special gathering at the Association’s annual conference in Washington, D.C., attended by more than 40,000 soldiers from across the country and around the world, representing allied armies from 200 nations.

Helping a Hero 100 Homes Challenge

Partnering with the organization Helping a Hero, Bass Pro Shops is improving the lives of disabled American veterans and their families across the country.

Through this partnership, Bass Pro Shops paid the mortgage on 10 specially adapted homes for disabled veterans and issued a challenge grant to fund 25 percent of the construction cost on the next 100 homes built by the organization.

To date, 28 homes have been awarded to deserving veteran heroes, with another 11 planned by the end of 2024.

Folds of Honor

With the support of customers from across the United States, Bass Pro Shops made a $300,000 donation to Folds of Honor in 2021, supporting an organization that provides educational scholarships to the families of fallen U.S. soldiers.

Since the organization was formed in 2007, more than 52,000 educational scholarships have been awarded to the families of American fallen or disabled military and first responders.

Patriots Park

Through charitable donations from Bass Pro Shops and its Legends of Golf tournaments, Patriots Park at College of the Ozarks was created to honor fallen military members. Donations funded Missouri’s Vietnam, Korean and Gold Star Families memorials located there.

Patriots Park sits near the entrance of the College of the Ozarks campus, where The Missouri Vietnam Veterans Memorial honors the 1,410 servicemen and women from Missouri who gave their lives during the war. Built and designed by students, this memorial serves as Missouri’s official Vietnam memorial.

Camp Homefront

Bass Pro Shops is proud to sponsor and support Tom and Jen Satterly with the All Secure Foundation. Its mission with Camp Homefront is to provide Special Operations warrior couples with workshops specializing in results-driven tools and tactics to help them reconnect after living through the effects of war trauma and countless deployments apart.

More than 5,000 Special Operations warriors and spouses have been through programs and training with the All Secure Foundation, with more than 450 individuals attending Camp Homefront.

Other Support

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s also hosts a variety of diverse programs and events to support active-duty military members and veterans, including annual Fishing Dreams outings, serving as a primary sponsor for the Shadow Warrior Project’s golf tournaments, the 2021 Missouri Veterans Fishin’ Contest that connected veterans with outdoor experiences, and providing a free day away annually to hundreds of soldiers at Missouri’s Fort Leonard Wood, with a visit to the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium for those unable to be with their families during holiday block leave.

To learn more about the Exchange program, please visit ShopMyExchange.com.

Posted in Air Force, Army, Industry, Off-Duty, Press Release | 2 Comments »

US Space Force Launches Inaugural Consolidated Officer Training Course for Guardians

Saturday, September 7th, 2024

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

The U.S. Space Force inaugural Officer Training Course began Sept. 3, at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado.

OTC is the Space Force’s initial leader development course created to produce a multidisciplinary officer corps with a broad understanding of mission concepts and a foundational baseline to synchronize effects across the range of Space Force operational missions.

The Space Force will provide a 12-month initial skills training curriculum that delivers the necessary training in satellite, intelligence and cyber operations disciplines, ensuring officers learn to be a Guardian first and specialist second.

“We are establishing this new course to prepare our Space Force officers to deal with the range of complex operational and technical problems that are central to Great Power Competition,” said Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall.

To successfully reoptimize for GPC against advanced adversaries, the Space Force is focused on developing all officers with a broadened knowledge of military operations in the space domain, as well as joint and combined forces planning and employment.

“In order to lead effectively, our officers must have a comprehensive understanding of all elements of space power,” said Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman. “The establishment of OTC gives every officer the baseline knowledge necessary to successfully lead operations in our technically demanding and highly contested environment.”

After OTC completion, officers will be qualified to serve in cyber, intelligence, and space operations positions but will focus in one of the three disciplines, based on their aptitude, preferences, and the needs of the Space Force. All officers will begin in an operational assignment with Force Modernization opportunities as follow-ons.

“OTC’s fusion of the most critical officer skillsets into one comprehensive program reinforces our commitment to reoptimizing for Great Power Competition,” said Maj. Gen. Timothy Sejba, commander, Space Training and Readiness Command. “I’m proud and excited to continue training our world-class Guardians in delivering superior space capabilities.”

The establishment of OTC is just one initiative within the Space Force’s broader efforts to redesign career paths for officer, enlisted, and civilians to meet the high-tech demands of the service and build a combat-credible force.

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Press Release, Profession of Arms, Space | Comments Off on US Space Force Launches Inaugural Consolidated Officer Training Course for Guardians

CAMCOPTER S-100 Obtains First Ever EASA Design Verification Report For Rotary Wing UAS

Friday, September 6th, 2024

Vienna, 5 September 2024 – The CAMCOPTER® S-100 received the first ever Design Verification Report (DVR) by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for a Rotary Wing Unmanned Air System (RWUAS).

The Design Verification Report (DVR) for the specific category of UAS operations was issued after a rigorous evaluation process, including 300 EASA observed flight hours proving airworthiness, safety and enhanced containment, as well as successfully demonstrating laser safety, cyber security features and HIRF (High Intensity Radiated Fields) resistance.

This EASA report enables the French Navy to issue a “Military Operational Type Authorisation” and facilitates the approval processes for S-100 flight operations in all EASA member states.

“Receiving the DVR is a significant milestone for Schiebel and a major step towards fully certifying the CAMCOPTER® S-100 UAS”, said Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group.

The DVR process was set in place by EASA at the end of 2021 and aims at ensuring safe drone operations in Europe.

Posted in Aviation, International, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on CAMCOPTER S-100 Obtains First Ever EASA Design Verification Report For Rotary Wing UAS