Troop Performance

Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

Dimension-Polyant Brings Decades of Textile Innovation to the Tactical Frontier

Thursday, November 21st, 2024

Trust only X-Pac® – developed to elevate your mission and redefine what’s possible
For decades, Dimension-Polyant, the global leader in high-performance sailcloth manufacturing, has set the gold standard in advanced textiles.

Its journey began over 50 years ago with a team of passionate sailors and textile pioneers driven by a shared mission: to create materials that defied convention and elevated performance. Today, that same spirit of innovation propels the company forward, solidifying its position as a leader in cutting-edge textile solutions.

Building on this legacy, Dimension-Polyant created the X-Pac® brand of innovative pack fabrics designed with the same precision and performance required for racing sails. Engineered to endure extreme environments, X-Pac® fabrics have conquered Everest, braved the Arctic, and endured millions of miles of rugged exploration. With an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, remarkable durability, and 100% waterproof technology, these fabrics deliver unparalleled reliability, no matter the challenge.

The heritage of innovation meets the future of tactical performance

Upon visiting the SHOT show four years ago, the Dimension-Polyant team was struck by the sheer number of soft goods suppliers and brands catering to enthusiasts, first responders, and professional military operators.

“It was eye-opening to see a market that demands high-performance, quality gear—but much of the equipment was made from commodity-grade, unsophisticated materials, said Taylor North, Dimension-Polyant Global Head of Technical Fabrics. “This revealed a clear opportunity for X-Pac® to make a meaningful impact, Our technology is a perfect fit for the tactical market, offering solutions that add value and address the unique challenges these brands face.”

Dimension-Polyant has now brought its expertise from sea to summit to the tactical market. X-Pac® Tactical fabrics are purpose-built to meet the intense demands of tactical operations, offering operators the lightweight durability, strength, and versatility needed to succeed in mission-critical scenarios.

X-Pac® Tactical range of rugged materials are made in Putnam CT, USA, many of which are Berry Compliant showcasing Dimension-Polyant’s commitment to US-based sourcing and production. They include:

MANTA FABRICS: A revolutionary advancement in tactical textiles. Engineered with a structural core, Manta delivers exceptional strength, stability, and laser-cut precision. Ideal for demanding applications like structural packs, plate carriers, and MOLLE panels. Available in two innovative constructions: woven Dyneema core and Tyra Technology® spread filament core, in Multicam and black.

WX21 – USA-sourced 200d nylon face fabric with an added polyester wrap insert for enhanced low-stretch and rip-stop properties. Ideal for lightweight packs, gear pouches, rucksacks, and every day carry applications. Available in black.

X33 MULTICAM – Tightly woven 330d traditional Multicam® Nylon face-fabric with black post-consumer recycled polyester X-PLY® reinforcement and shiny polyester film backing for a highly abrasion-resistant, tear-resistant, waterproof material.

X50 TACTICAL – The workhorse of the X-Pac® Tactical line-up. X50 Tactical utilizes a rugged 500d CORDURA® face fabric with a 400d aramid X-PLY® which is lighter weight, stronger, than a traditional polyester X-PLY® reinforcement. The result is a highly abrasion-resistant, tear-resistant, waterproof material. Available in black, stealth grey, coyote brown, ranger green, khaki, and woodland camouflage.

X50 MULTICAM – Rugged X50 features a 500d CORDURA® face fabric in a traditional Multicam® pattern for a highly abrasion-resistant, tear-resistant, waterproof material. Available in Multicam Black, Multicam Alpine, and Multicam Tropic.

Dimension-Polyant will be exhibiting at SHOT Week Supplier Showcase in Las Vegas, January 21-22, 2025, to present its new X-Pac® Tactical collection. For more information on X-Pac® Tactical – the ultimate tactical pack fabric – please visit: www.x-pactactical.com

Prometheus Design Werx – SPD CAS OTF v2

Thursday, November 21st, 2024

Special Projects Division CA.lifornia S.pecial O.ut t.he F.ront Auto Knife in MagnaCut

PDW releases their v2 CA.lifornia S.pecialO.ut t.he F.ront automatic knife featuring MagnaCut steel, under their sub-label of Special Projects Division. Compact and legal to carry in the state of California, this knife is precision made from aerospace grade T6061 AL, 6AL4V titanium, Crucible MagnaCut, and Hyperglow.

Details make the design. We produce some of the only OTFs on the market with a milled contoured handle, which requires 3x longer on the CNC to achieve. We designed this OTF handle where the machine screws are in blind holes for an unclutteredand clean presentation side. A titanium pocket clip, and a titanium slider with Hyperglow dot round out the finer details.

The SPD Edition CAS OTF v2 will be available with a 2-tone finished blade and dark gray, OD green, and orange or purple anodized or DLC handles.

PDW Founder and Chief Designer PDW states:

“The CA.lifornia S.pecial OTF exemplifies my design and production ethos. Its functional design strength comes from its simplicity. There are no racing stripes, randomly ground contours, garish decorative elements, superfluous swooshes and silly lines. Despites its diminutive ‘California Special” size, this compact out the front knife is very versatile and highly usable for your daily cutting chores. From opening boxes, stubborn plastic packages, to envelopes, and much more, this knife will easily tackle the job. The action is crisp and satisfying to fire and close. I chose the highest level of materials and held steadfast to our stringent attention to details and highest quality of make. For those who adhere to the philosophy of form follows function, find beauty in finely made edged tools, and demand precision made mechanical objects, the CAS OTF is made for you.”

The SPD CAS OTF v2 is available now for $195.00 via their website, prometheusdesignwerx.com.

Red Cat Announces Production Selection for U.S. Army Short Range Reconnaissance Program

Thursday, November 21st, 2024

Red Cat’s next generation Teal system will be the Army’s Program of Record SRR sUAS, concluding the rigorous, multi-tranche competitive process

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Nov. 19, 2024 — Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat”), a leading American drone technology company, has been selected as the winner of the U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Program of Record. The production selection was made after a test and evaluation process of Teal’s next generation sUAS, completed by the Army Project Management Office for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems, Army Maneuver Battle Lab, Army Test and Evaluation Command, and Army Operational Test Center.

“This is a powerful moment in time, coming after five years of blood, sweat, and tears put into SRR by our incredible team. The long-awaited production selection marks a new era for our company and the future of American drones,” said George Matus, founder of Teal and CTO of Red Cat. “We were selected based on soldier feedback, technical performance, volume manufacturability, and system cost. Our top priority now is to start ramping production of the next generation system, recently announced as the Black Widow and WEB, and give warfighters the tools they need to be successful on the modern battlefield.”

“Warfare has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past two years, with a significant shift towards drone technology, exemplified by the SRR Black Widow. It is an honor to support the U.S. Army by delivering the Black Widow to our warfighters. We believe this advanced technology will enable the Army to shape the battlefield, save soldiers’ lives, and serve as a powerful tool in their arsenal,” said Jeff Thompson, CEO of Red Cat. “This long-term contract will give us the capability to continue to improve the Black Widow, scale production and improve margins.”

“Both the operational and tactical levels of war and maneuver of combat elements have evolved significantly over the past couple of years,” said Paul Edward Funk II, retired Four-Star Army General and Red Cat board member. “Operational success today depends on the ability to seamlessly move data across the battlefield. From a tactical perspective, small unmanned aerial systems that are rucksack portable are playing a vital role in Intelligence Surveillance & Reconnaissance, as well as surgical strike capabilities based on the real-time needs of the warfighter.”

The SRR contract selection builds on significant momentum for Red Cat, with the acquisition of FlightWave Aerospace, the announcement of the ARACHNID™ family of systems, and the creation of the Red Cat Futures Initiative. The company is focused on ramping production of Teal’s next generation system to meet the Army’s currently stated acquisition objective for 5,880 systems, which is subject to change over the 5 year period of performance. Red Cat is also preparing to meet increased demand across the rest of the U.S. DoD, federal government, and allied countries, to support operators and warfighters globally.

For more information about Red Cat and the U.S. Army’s Short-Range Reconnaissance Program of Record, please visit www.redcat.red.

Forsway Secures 2.3 MEUR Funding from the European Space Agency to Build Xtend 5G, an Independent Satellite Connectivity System

Wednesday, November 20th, 2024

Stockholm, November 13, 2024: Forsway, provider of cost-efficient hybrid satellite terrestrial solutions and equipment for broadband connectivity, secures a major development funding contract from the European Space Agency (ESA) with support from the Swedish National Space Agency (SNSA). In the new project, Xtend 5G, Forsway will build a next generation 5G NTN two-way/hybrid satellite connectivity system enabling the combined use of satellite and ground infrastructure to provide seamless connectivity anywhere, regardless of network. Xtend 5G will provide European government, defence, emergency services and critical infrastructure sectors with seamless connectivity anywhere, anytime, in an open or closed network and with full system control.

The Xtend 5G development will be co-funded by ESA’s ARTES 4.0 Space for 5G/6G & Sustainable Connectivity programme line. The Xtend 5G system will be an independent connectivity solution to satellite platforms with the aim of providing a main connectivity source or essential backup for a critical system. The white label solution will enable any security solution being ported on top.

-Tobias Forsell, CEO at Forsway, “We are thrilled to launch this exciting partnership with ESA & SNSA. The new communication system will be a highly beneficial tool for security, government organizations, the energy sector and others demanding secure, robust, and fast communication where full control over the connectivity ecosystem is crucial. Xtend 5G can be employed in an open or closed network format.”

 

“To meet strict requirements of government and public agencies, we will offer a highly customizable and fully secure solution to address their needs. Additionally, Xtend 5G will provide a robust backup connection for critical infrastructure installations that may be vulnerable due to geographical location.”

Antonio Franchi, ESA Head of the 5G/6G NTN Programme Office, “We believe hybrid communication technologies that integrate satellite, 5G NTN and mobile networks will play an important role in future connectivity ecosystems. ESA is interested in supporting private sector companies that can enhance ground segments for future satellite systems in Europe and boost regional capacity with comprehensive, dual-use technology and highly dependable connectivity. We are pleased to support Forsway in this unique project with funding, guidance, and expertise.”

Embracing the Future with Advanced AI and UAV Technology – Made in Wales Dragon Mk3 D-25

Wednesday, November 20th, 2024

Together with our partners, UAVE Ltd, we continue to expand our range of British-designed and manufactured drones.

Consistent with the company policy of CANEI, (Continuous And Never Ending Innovation) we have test flown and confirmed a new heavy lift wing for the Mk3 D-15 to increase payload capacity to 25 kilos.  The D-25.

“The D-25 is identical to the long-established highly reliable Mk3 D-15, which has flown many hundreds of hours. The new D-25 with a larger wingspan of 4.65m has delivered on our expectations.

“Waiting in the wings is also a further spial development from our design and engineering teams, to focus on a twin-enginefurther enhanced D-50 aircraft. This would have a payload capacity of 50 kg and full redundancy across all aircraft systems” explained Philip Slater, MD.

In 1999, BCB in Cardiff designed and made its first VTOL (Vertical Take-off and Landing) micro drone and patented Sense and Avoid Technology so UAVs could be safely flown indoors.

Separately, in 2007, UAVE conducted its airworthiness demonstration flight of the Prion MK3 for the CAA. Thislong-flight endurance fixed-wing drone aircraft has now been operating BVLOS at West Wales Airport and multiple other UK and international locations as a MALE (Medium Altitude, Long Endurance) UAV, long-range aircraft; the Prion Mk3 or, for defence clients, the Dragon15 (D-15).

 

BCB and UAVE, two sovereign-owned, British manufacturing SMEs, joined forces in 2023 to fully engage with UK defence, border and blue light forces and deliver a platform with a global reach of this sovereign strategic capability

The design brief for the D-15 was to ensure that the aircraft should have a capacity of 55 litres of payload space and 15 kilos of payload, be a long-range effector, 1,000 km one-way, and most importantly be able to adapt and fit multiple sensors and payloads/payload agnostic to integrate with future new technologies which become available as required. To date, this spiral development has now seen over 26 differing payloads, including tracking, laser designators, EW, telecoms rebroadcast, and surveying equipment integrated into the D-15 in addition to routine ISTAR capability. All of the aircraft’s critical supply components are manufactured in the UK.

www.bcbin.com

5.11 Releases New Everyday Carry Offerings for Fall 2024

Wednesday, November 20th, 2024

Costa Mesa, Calif. (Nov. 18, 2024) – 5.11®, the global innovator of purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear todayannounced the launch of its latest Everyday Carry (EDC) offerings in time for fall and holiday shopping season. Designed to meet the needs of both tactical professionals and everyday adventurers, this new collection includes a range of versatile tools, accessories, and apparel that are engineered to provide maximum utility, comfort, and style, ensuring that users are always equipped and ready for the demands of their day.

“The EDC line is designed to empower our customers, whether they’re out in the field or navigating daily life,” said Troy Brown, CEO of 5.11. “We understand the importance of gear that performs under pressure, and this collection reflects our dedication to providing dependable solutions for every situation.”

Deploy TL-USB

Deploy PL-USB

Deploy K-USB

The 5.11 Deploy TL-USB, PL-USB, and K-USB lights are compact and versatile lighting solutions built for ideal peace of mind. The Deploy TL-USB ($80) is the largest of the trio, delivering 1000 lumens of powerful brightness for more demanding situations. The Deploy PL-USB ($60) offers a slimmer profile with 300 lumens, making it a great pocket-sized option for quick, reliable lighting. The smallest of the group, the Deploy K-USB ($30), is a keychain-sized flashlight offering 150 lumens of light in an ultra-portable form. All three models feature rechargeable USB-C functionality, durable weather-resistant construction, and multiple lighting modes, ensuring dependability in a wide range of environments. Whether you need maximum visibility or a more compact everyday solution, the Deploy series has a reliable lighting tool for any scenario. All Deploy lights are offered in black, and the Deploy PL-USB and K-USB are also available in ranger green.

Response XR1T

Response XR1C

Response XR1P

Made for high-end, professional performance, the Response XR1 line offers multiple levels of lights designed to meet the varying needs of professionals in high-pressure environments. All three models offer powerful illumination in a compact form, making them ideal for law enforcement, military personnel, and first responders.

The Response XR1T ($75) is the largest of the trio, offering enhanced grip and durability, while the Response XR1C ($65)is more compact than the XR1T, perfect for every day without compromising on performance. Despite being a mostly polymer construction, the Response XR1P ($50) strikes a balance between size and power, offering high performance in a portable form. All models feature multiple lighting modes, are constructed from rugged, impact- and weather-resistant materials, and are dual-fuel 18650 rechargeable compatible.The XR1 series provides reliable, long-lasting lighting in demanding conditions. All Response XR1 lights are offered in black, and the Response XR1P is additionally offered in orange.

Fix It Gift Set

Everyday Gift Set (limited edition)

Covert Gift Set

The 5.11 Fix It, Everyday, and Covert Gift Sets are curated collections designed to provide practical solutions for various lifestyles, making them ideal gifts for outdoor enthusiasts, tactical professionals, and those who pride being prepared every day. The Fix It Gift Set ($30) features a Base 1SF keychain knife, Hardpoint MK1 carabiner, and an EDT Multitool, making it the perfect compact toolset for quick repairs and adjustments. The limited edition Everyday Gift Set ($40) is a knife set featuring both the Icarus DP, a 3.5” blade, and the Base 3DP frame lock knife, a smaller 2.75” blade for added convenience. The Covert Gift Set ($50) is tailored for discretion and style. This set offers low-profile, technical items for users who value both functionality and subtlety. It includes the Icarus RT Mini with a 2.8” reverse tanto blade, a Hardpoint M1+MD two-piece removable carabiner and docking system, an EDT Hex mini screwdriver, and a Steel Jacket Money Clip. Each set reflects 5.11’s commitment to durability, reliability, and versatility, making them thoughtful gifts or stocking stuffers for anyone who values high-quality, mission-ready gear.

Endo.K Insert

The Endo.K Insert ($15) is designed for seeking optimal knee comfort without sacrificing mobility. Engineered with a lightweight and durable design, the ENDO.K Insert offers superior breathability and cushioning, making it ideal for prolonged wear in demanding environments. Its anatomical shape with silicon grip print ensures a secure fit within 5.11 pants and functional gear, while the flexible construction allows unrestricted movement during dynamic activities.

For more information about 5.11 and its full line up of product offerings, or to find a 5.11 store near you, visit www.511tactical.com.

ISTEC Delivers First Batch of Weapon Integration Mounts for the New USAF Grey Wolf Helicopter

Tuesday, November 19th, 2024

ISTEC Services Limited, the British company with 35 years of operationally proven experience in the design, manufacture and supply of complex weapon integration solutions for military platforms, is delivering the first production shipsets (a shipset is a left and right gun mount pair) for the new United States Air Force (USAF) Grey Wolf Helicopter. The USAF Grey Wolf helicopter is a Boeing led programme for the replacement of the famous, but aging, UH-1N Huey helicopter and is built on a Leonardo MH-139A platform. ISTEC has recently delivered the first shipsets to Leonardo and the USAF took delivery of the first low-rate production Grey Wolf helicopter in August 2024.

The Grey Wolf offers significant improvements in terms of speed, range, and payload capacity compared to the Huey. It also features modern avionics, defensive systems, and a more robust airframe, making it suitable for a wide range of missions. The ISTEC weapons mount contract was originally awarded in 2018 and following prototype design and customer testing, to ensure the maximum arcs, ease of use and air safety compliance, final design approval was granted in 2020. Full production started in 2023, and following the delivery of the first shipsets, the remainder of the contract will be aligned with the wider programme delivery schedule.

ISTEC has extensive experience in providing weapons integration solutions for the Land, Sea and Air domains. However, there were many additional elements to the Grey Wolf project such as an external mounting frame that required significant additional design input from the ISTEC team. All the Grey Wolf components are manufactured with a ‘cradle to grave’ traceability process to ensure all raw materials sourced are to aerospace release, with full audit back to the mill, regular composition testing to ensure material alloying elements are above specification and thereby ensuring that the gun mounts meet the rigorous manufacturing standards required to be classed as airworthy and type certified.

Mick Coulson, Manager Director at ISTEC said, “This has been a significant project for ISTEC, supporting a major helicopter replacement programme for the USAF, that we have been privileged to have been involved with from the very start. ISTEC is well known for our universal gun mount systems, especially on vehicles and ships, but I am extremely proud of the design and engineering expertise that has gone into producing this aviation specific system for the Grey Wolf, clearly demonstrating the universal benefits of using our weapon integration systems across all domains.”

Qore Performance Unveils ICEPLATE Backpack Gen 3: Cooling, Heating, and Hydration For All

Tuesday, November 19th, 2024

Knoxville, TN—Qore Performance, Inc. is proud to announce the launch of the ICEPLATE® Backpack Gen 3, an ultra-minimalist environmental inoculation tool that delivers cooling, heating, and hydration to individuals on and off duty in any climate. Whether on the job or out adventuring, ICEPLATE® Backpack Gen 3 helps end-users maintain peak performance and comfort in every environmental condition.

While the versatile, all-in-one system works year-round, ICEPLATE® Backpack Gen 3 is highly differential for anyone who faces temperature extremes—industrial workers, military, law enforcement, first responders, Search And Rescue, outdoor enthusiasts, and more. It provides unmatched thermoregulation and hydration, keeping users cool in the heat or warm in the cold, all while staying hydrated.

“We designed ICEPLATE® Backpack Gen 3 to meet the needs of armed professionals, industrial workers, and civilian adventurers alike—those who push through tough conditions to realize their full potential every day,” said Doug Burr, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Qore Performance. “Whether in a scorching drive-thru, freezing warehouse, on a new desert trail, on patrol, or out landscaping, this backpack ensures you’re hydrated, temperature-optimized, and ready to perform at your best.”

Key Features of the ICEPLATE® Backpack Gen 3:

Cooling, Heating, and Hydration Anywhere: Carrying a single ICEPLATE® Curve, ICEPLATE® Backpack Gen 3 delivers powerful cooling or heating with the drinking water we are already carrying in any environment, making it ideal for a wide range of work and recreational scenarios.

Engineered for Austere Environments: Designed to withstand harsh conditions like conflict zones, drive-thrus, warehouses, construction sites, oil fields, and more, ICEPLATE® Backpack Gen 3 helps workers stay safe, productive, and efficient by weaponizing temperature to create a competitive advantage where none previously existed, but in an ultra-thin, flat form factor that makes for easy maneuvering in confined spaces.

Seamless Chest Rig Integration: ICEPLATE® Backpack Gen 3 effortlessly connects with chest rigs for tactical users, offering cooling, heating, and hydration without compromising mobility. Its easy integration replaces traditional harnesses for those carrying field essentials.

Ergonomic, All-Day Comfort: With a body-conforming design and minimalist profile, ICEPLATE® Backpack Gen 3 offers superior weight distribution, reducing fatigue and enhancing mobility for prolonged use in harsh environments.

Durable and Lightweight Construction: Made from ultralight laminate, ICEPLATE® Backpack Gen 3 is built for extreme durability and long-lasting performance in rugged conditions, ensuring reliable temperature regulation wherever the job takes you.

The ICEPLATE® Backpack Gen 3 Advantage:

ICEPLATE® Backpack Gen 3 is Qore Performance’s most accessible thermoregulation and performance-enhancement solution, providing essential cooling, heating, and hydration for those who need it most. Whether facing brutal heat or a frigid cold, this backpack is designed to keep users safe, comfortable, and performing at their peak—no matter the environment.

As part of Qore Performance’s innovative IceAge Ecosystem, ICEPLATE® Backpack Gen 3 continues the company’s mission of enhancing human performance in extreme environments. It’s more than just a backpack—it’s a tool that helps you conquer the most challenging conditions.

For more information, visit the ICEPLATE® Backpack Gen 3 Product Page.