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Gentex Corporation Announces Development Program for Accessory Providers for Ops-Core RAILINK Power and Data ARC Rail System

Tuesday, January 30th, 2024

Integrated Headborne Platform unveils program for development partners.

CARBONDALE, PA, January 30, 2024 – Gentex Corporation, a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, emergency responders, and industrial personnel, announced today that it is launching a development partner program for accessory providers for its patented RAILINK system.

Participants meeting the requirements to enroll in the program will gain access to a royalty-free license to the Interface Control Documents needed to integrate electronic accessories into the RAILINK system.

“RAILINK is capable of powering and integrating a broad range of sensors and information gathering devices” said Rafe Bennett, Vice President of Product Management at Gentex Corporation, “By implementing the development partner program we are able to offer access to RAILINK’s extensive patent portfolio and our ICD on a royalty-free basis to selected companies, enabling them to develop their own interoperable accessories for the RAILINK system. Our intent is to harness ideas from industry and utilizing RAILINK’s capability, rapidly expand the ecosystem of available accessories. This will result in enhancements in the system’s overall capabilities for the end user.”

To learn more about becoming a RAILINK Development Partner and sign up for future RAILINK announcements click www.gentexcorp.com/introducing-railink

Posted in Advertiser, Helmets, Industry, Press Release | 2 Comments »

Spectra Group Launch Their Groundbreaking Radio GENSS, Heralding a New Era of Tactical Radio Communications

Tuesday, January 30th, 2024

Spectra Group (UK) Ltd, a specialist provider of secure voice, data and satellite communications systems, is extremely proud to announce the launch of their revolutionary new tactical radio communications solution, GENSS (pronounced genesis /j?n??-s?s), at the mobile deployable communications conference in London.

GENSS is a significant advancement in the field of tactical radio communications due to its modular core framework and software-defined flexibility. GENSS heralds a new era in communication technology, integrating multi-mission and multi-mode functionalities for robust battlefield connectivity, with modular design, open architecture, and unparalleled adaptability. It offers superior interoperability and is a comprehensive tactical radio solution for voice and data communication on the battlefield, to meet both today and tomorrow’s requirements.

GENSS has been designed and developed collaboratively by experts in tactical communications with specialist military operational experience, and with some of the very best scientists and engineers in the UK. Together, they have redefined and further reconceived the parameters of what a tactical radio could or should be. This innovative, agnostic, modular hardware radio system adapts through simple software reprogramming to meet the specific requirements of its varied user roles. GENSS is capable of operating across HF, VHF, UHF, and satellite bands (L-Ku) as required and its secure, high-capacity design is built to navigate Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) challenges, and facilitate Communications on the Move (COTM), offering a resilient agile solution for voice and high-bandwidth data transmission across all service platforms on Land, Sea and Air.

Secure by design, built using the highest possible specifications, and integrating the latest most advanced technological hardware means, GENSS not only delivers maximum performance while minimizing its size, weight and power, but also delivers a future-proofed capability. This revolutionary radio solution can stand alone or be integrated into any existing radio infrastructure, unleashing superior interoperability and flexibility to meet the demands of today and the future. It is simple to operate and configure, with an easy-to-programme user interface, resulting in an overall reduced training burden.

GENSS boasts high-capacity, network sensing capabilities and has increased data rates over 25kHz LTAC channels, scaling up to 90kBps. It has adaptive modulation waveforms, which automatically adjust through network sensing techniques, to meet the tactical situation (on the move and in combat vs at the halt scenarios). Through novel engineering techniques, voice and low data rate solutions can be applied in the contested communications space to minimise detection.. With the proliferation of MANET data solutions, routing through GENSS will enable the extension of data bubbles to facilitate rapid data management applications delivering timely tactical updates to strategic command locations.

Simon Davies, Chief Executive at Spectra Group said: “For many years my passion has been to create the ultimate radio, which is easy to use, lightweight, modular and supremely adaptable to meet the challenges of today and the demands of an everchanging military and technological landscape. After several years of painstaking development, I am very proud to launch GENSS today. Building on years of experience, expertise and learning from our award-winning SlingShot systems, our team have designed every component with the end user in mind and the result is extremely exciting. I believe GENSS’s utility is vast and employable beyond tactical military applications, and its ability to integrate into existing communications networks opens up a world of endless opportunities.”

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Matt Campbell Joins SIG SAUER: Vice President, Field Operations

Monday, January 29th, 2024

NEWINGTON, N.H., (January 29, 2024) – SIG SAUER, Inc. is pleased to announce Matt Campbell has joined SIG SAUER, Inc. as Vice President, Field Sales and Operations. In this position Campbell will be responsible for managing all field sales operations and staff supporting local retailers and distribution.

“SIG SAUER is the leader in the shooting, defense, and hunting markets and drives the industry with innovative products and programs that fulfill the needs of our consumers”, said Matt Campbell, Vice President, Field Sales & Operations, SIG SAUER, Inc.. “I look forward to leading the SIG SAUER field team and reinforcing the relationships I’ve developed in this industry over the past 25 years and building new ones. Together we will continue the expansion of the commercial field sales team to respond to demand in the market and grow our commercial footprint.”

Campbell comes to SIG SAUER after serving in various roles at Winchester Ammunition over the past 25 years including experience overseeing global sales to commercial, law enforcement, and military customers. Most recently Matt served as the Vice President of Sales & Marketing. Matt successfully managed a billion-dollar portfolio across the major Winchester brands by leveraging partnerships and developing teams to expand market share resulting in exponential revenue growth. Prior to Winchester, Matt worked in national sales roles for Anheuser-Busch.

“SIG SAUER is experiencing tremendous growth due to the demand for our innovative products and programs across all business units. Matt’s experience with retail customers and distribution, coupled with his proven track record of developing long term strategic partnerships will be an asset to our organization as we grow and our global footprint expands,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales, SIG SAUER, Inc.

Campbell will split time at the SIG SAUER Headquarters in Newington, New Hampshire and in St. Louis, MO where he will have good access to travel to all customers across the U.S. He will report to Jack Barnes, Senior Vice President, Commercial Sales at SIG SAUER.

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The Communication Platform TACTICAL CORE by blackned has Passed Functional Tests Under Combat-Like Conditions

Sunday, January 28th, 2024

It is a milestone for the implementation of the program “Digitalization of Land-based Operations” (Digitalisierung Landbasierte Operationen, D-LBO): Following laboratory tests, the digital communication platform TACTICAL CORE by military IT provider blackned has now also completed the final testing phase under combat-like conditions – and is now considered operational.

The digitalization of armed forces is developing at a high rate. As part of the program “Digitalization of Land-based operations” (D-LBO), the military IT provider blackned, based in Heimertingen in Swabia, was awarded a contract by the German Armed Forces in 2021 to develop a software for an effective network that connects all units involved on the battlefield. TACTICAL CORE, which consists of several software components, has now passed the final tests under combat-like conditions. Even after the first laboratory tests, feedback by the developer and the German Armed Forces was positive throughout. Thanks to its core feature, TACTICAL CORE is a significant part of the D-LBO program. “TACTICAL CORE therefore meets all the requirements to be put into operation”, says Timo Haas. The CEO of blackned is proud of his team that reliably developed the TACTICAL CORE communication system in such a short time span. “The software architects, the product managers, the project leaders, and the development team have all completed their tasks in a target-oriented, effective, and passionate manner. I would like to thank them.”

The superiority of armed forces is increasingly dependent on the availability of centrally hosted digital services that ensure the optimal exchange of data between all systems within the operation. “Software and artificial intelligence (AI) are critical enablers of modern military operations, lead the evolution towards multi-domain operations, enhance interoperability among allied forces, and support the achievement of information superiority and decision-advantage against adversaries”, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) writes in its report “Software-defined Defence: Algorithms at War” (February 2023). With a background in high-tech software and specialized military IT systems, Blackned GmbH is a leader in the development of communication and control systems that make Software-defined Defense (SDD) possible. TACTICAL CORE combines three software components. XONITOR is a monitoring and management tool, RIDUX ensures a reliable and efficient data and communication infrastructure, while the patented MeshFLOW system enables seamless connectivity, even when soldiers dynamically move across the battlefield. The Federal Office for Security in Information Technology (Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik, BSI) has certified TACTICAL CORE’s data transfer for the highest security level “NATO Restricted” – proof of safe and authorized communication.

During the final functional tests, blackned and the Military Technical Center examined the operability in simulated deployment scenarios. During the tests, units consisting of vehicles and personnel used TACTICAL CORE in combat-like conditions. “The collaboration with the Military Technical Center and the German Armed Forces was a success, and the results of these tests are an important step forwards for the D-LBO program”, comments Haas.

The main challenge during the development of TACTICAL CORE was the multitude of systems that are deployed on the battlefield, the outermost tactical regions, and in operational command centers. The interaction and exchange of data, or the communication between analog radios with digital devices such as smartphones, is only possible with the help of an interoperable IT network. Similarly, joint operations between different units and armed forces, as well as the use of an increasing amount of digital equipment, technologies, and systems, has created an IT complexity that necessitates effective interoperability to exchange data in an expedient and safe manner. This is what TACTICAL CORE is capable of.

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2024 SHOT Show Concludes with Record-Breaking Success

Saturday, January 27th, 2024

LAS VEGAS — The 46th Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade ShowSM (SHOT Show®), owned and operated by NSSF® — The Firearm Industry Trade Association — concludes with resounding success, setting new benchmarks for industry innovation, collaboration and engagement. With an expanded show floor, a record-high number of exhibitors, and an array of new features and networking opportunities, the 2024 SHOT Show was the largest to date.

More than 55,400 industry professionals packed the 13.9 miles of aisles over four days at The Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum, eager to view new, innovative products used for target shooting, hunting, outdoor recreation and law enforcement.

“The energy on the SHOT Show floor this year was off the charts,” said Chris Dolnack, NSSF Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer. “The feedback we’ve received from our exhibitors and attendees has been amazing, and we can’t thank them all enough for helping us make the show what it is: the greatest trade show in the world.”

This was the largest SHOT Show ever, marking the third year of expanded exhibit space at Caesars Forum, in addition to The Venetian Expo. More than 2,600 companies displayed products and services in booths covering more than 821,000 net square feet and attracting attendees from 117 countries and all 50 states.

Sentiments from the Show Floor

“When we’re here, we’re able to network with our customers, we’re able to see all of our dealers. There really is no better place for us to be during this time,” said Shaundi Campbell of Browning.

“SHOT Show 2024 was filled with tremendous excitement that our industry needs,” stated Kevin Paulson, Founder of Huntinglife.com. “When talking with companies and individuals on the floor the energy was palpable from the moment the show opened all the way through Friday afternoon. As the publisher for Hunting Life Magazine, it is great to see new companies coming into the show floor and the industry growing together.”

“It’s been a great show with a great return for us,” said Aaron Deckert of Infiray Outdoor. “We keep coming back for the connections and great attendance at SHOT Show.”

“I can’t tell you how many people I’ve seen that are familiar, but I hadn’t had the chance to connect with yet. So, getting numbers, making those acquaintances, and just driving my business forward, that wouldn’t be there without this venue,” said Risky Chrisky of Leviathan Group.

“This was my first SHOT Show,” said Jordan Zwart, President of RubLine. “It was absolutely awesome, absolutely overwhelming, but in the best way possible. Everything that you can think of, you are going to find here.”

“SHOT is really beneficial to law enforcement. Every year I come back there is new equipment, new optics, new gear to try out,” said Kevin Boyd of C&G Holsters. “It’s great for networking, providing us the opportunity to meet with multiple different departments and agencies.”

“I could not even recap all the amazing people I saw, conversations I had, and relationships that were built. A very productive week for me, and just feeling really motivated and hungry for this next year,” said Marissa LaRen, Staccato Brand Ambassador.

Government Officials and the Outdoor Industry

The 2024 SHOT Show facilitated dialogue and collaboration between government officials and outdoor industry professionals at both the State Attorneys General Forum and the 3rd Annual Governors’ Forum. The first-ever Attorneys General Forum was a resounding success. One of the most well-attended special events, the 3rd Annual Governors’ Forum was standing-room only, where seven governors discussed the importance of firearm businesses to their economies and their efforts to attract firearm- and ammunition-related companies to relocate to their state. Across America, the $80.7 billion firearm industry supports more than 393,000 jobs.

All-new Archery Pavilion

This year, the SHOT Show introduced the all-new Archery Business Pavilion, featuring exhibits from leading manufacturers and suppliers in the archery industry. The new area of the show provided a focused environment for archery retailers and industry professionals to explore the latest trends, products, and business opportunities in the archery sector.

“This is our first year here; the floor traffic has been great,” said Eric Griggs, Owner and President of GAS Bowstrings. “It’s been great to see a lot of crossover folks who are thinking about adding an archery department or already have one. Everybody comes to SHOT, so having an archery-specific section provides a level of convenience. I imagine this section will really take off in years to come.”

Honoring Industry’s Leaders

NSSF announced its 2024 Hall of Fame inductees, honoring three industry leaders who left indelible marks on the industry and the shooting sports. The NSSF Hall of Fame was launched at the 2020 SHOT Show to honor industry leaders for their contributions to NSSF, SHOT Show and the heritage of target shooting and hunting in America. This year’s inductees were Don Gobel, Grits Gresham and Bob Morrison.

NSSF presented its highest honor — the Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award — to Steve Hornady, President of Hornady Manufacturing Company, for his long-term commitment to the success of the industry and his support of NSSF’s mission to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports.

SHOT Week Supplier Showcase

The SHOT WeekSM Supplier Showcase, a two-day event and a key component of the SHOT Show, garnered widespread acclaim for its success in connecting suppliers with manufacturers, fostering collaboration, and driving efficiency across the supply chain. This year featured over 560 OEM third-party suppliers meeting with exhibiting manufacturers and exploring their needs for extrusions, fabrication, fabrics, machinery, metal, plastics, software, logistical support and tools.

“Having suppliers available is a big deal because I have different options for product now that I didn’t have yesterday,” said James Mark BusBee of CSAT Tactical Shooting Supply.

“You need to come to SHOT Show to see the latest and greatest technology, new designs and what people’s needs are so you can provide them a nice solution to get their product launched,” said Ron Natale, Precision Laser Technology.

“We came to find potential new suppliers, meet up with all our current suppliers and get new ideas and insights into industry trends. It’s one of the most important shows for us,” said Petra Polson of Benchmade Knife Co.

Education Sessions

Education sessions for firearm retailers, shooting range operators, exporters and law enforcement professionals continue to be an important segment of the SHOT Show. With SHOT University™, Law Enforcement Education Program (LEEP) – in partnership with American Cop – and Export Training Sessions offering in-person classes on compliance, marketing, training, exports, operations and much more.

Dedication to Firearm Safety

The topic of suicide prevention had high visibility at this year’s show, with NSSF’s Have a Brave Conversation booth and the announcement of the all-new BraveConversation.org website. NSSF’s Project ChildSafe® also exhibited, along with NSSF’s partners, the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Off-Site SHOT Week Highlights

Many official show events cluster around the four days of the SHOT Show, creating SHOT Week. Among them was the NSSF/Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA) Golf Classic in support of HAVA, a firearm industry-run charitable organization that helps the healing of disabled combat veterans through participation in hunting and the shooting sports.

Also, Industry Day at the RangeTM on the day before the SHOT Show gives invited media members and buyers a truly exclusive opportunity to preview and test the latest guns, gear and gadgets before anyone else in the industry. This year featured over 120 exhibitors and over 2,300 media and buyers, a record-high attendance.

Expanded Networking Opportunities

Networking took center stage at the show, with the return of the popular SHOT After Dark, All-Star Jam Concert and nightly industry networking receptions. This expanded lineup of events and opportunities facilitated meaningful connections and collaborations among industry stakeholders.

“We are thrilled to see the tremendous success of the All-Star Jam Concert at SHOT Show. The energy and enthusiasm from all who attended was phenomenal, and we’re proud to have been a part of this fantastic experience alongside NSSF,” said Matt Hutchings, President and CEO of Outdoor Sportsman Group.

Recognizing the Show’s Sponsors

Major sponsors of this year’s show were Daniel Defense, USCCA, C&H Precision, Outdoor Sportsman Group, SAR Firearms, Silencer Co., Silencer Shop and TrueTimber.

Preparations have already begun for next year’s 47th SHOT Show, which is slated for January 21-24, 2025 in Las Vegas.

Posted in Press Release, SHOT Show | 18 Comments »

Starting gun sounds for Germany’s advanced short- and very short-range air defence system – development contract awarded

Friday, January 26th, 2024

Germany’s military procurement agency, the Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), signed a development contract today with the Short- and Very Short-Range Air Defence System Consortium (ARGE NNbS) for the “Air Defence System, Short- and Very Short-Range”, or LVS NNbS. Set up in 2021, ARGE NNbS has three member companies: Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH of Bremen, Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG of Überlingen, and Hensoldt Sensors GmbH of Taufkirchen. The contract is worth around €1.2 billion (including VAT), with Rheinmetall accounting for €607 million, Diehl for €339 million, and Hensoldt for €284 million, reflecting their respective workshares.

Making sure that Germany lives up to its role as NATO’s lead nation in ground-based air defence and the European Sky Shield Initiative, the introduction of the LVS NNbS is a decisive step, closing one of the Bundeswehr’s significant capability gaps.

The core objective of the LVS NNbS development project is to optimize medium-range air defence as well as developing high-mobility air defence capabilities for protecting manoeuvre forces from aerial threats – even when on the move.
Key objectives include achieving the necessary networking of individual components; integration of the medium-range IRIS T-SLM guided missile; assuring interoperability; and extending the intercept zone to include short-range threats.

Networking will enable connection to the IRIS T-SLM fire units currently under procurement as well as to the Skyranger 30 ground-based mobile air defence system, to be procured in future.
The project is in the hands of the German defence industry; ARGE NNbS is the German government’s contract partner.

By bundling complementary core capabilities – including those of other German defence contractors – ARGE NNbS brings together the foundational knowledge, capabilities and expertise needed to meet the requirements. In the process, key technologies will stay in Germany, where they will be preserved and perfected.

Rheinmetall and its Electronic Solutions and Vehicle Solutions divisions bring technological know-how and longstanding experience in the development and delivery of defence systems, especially in combat vehicles, communications and systems integration.

Diehl Defence specializes in developing and fabricating guided missiles. Thanks to its advanced system solutions for ground-based air defence, it is established force in the international market.

A supplier of key national technologies, Hensoldt brings to the working group its expertise and tried-and tested products such as radar systems. These products feature comprehensive commonalities based in part on product family concepts, primarily in airspace surveillance, classification and identification.

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Browning Ammunition SUB22 Subsonic Rimfire Now Available

Friday, January 26th, 2024

Arnold, Mo., (January 25, 2024) – Browning Ammunition SUB22, a subsonic 22LR ammunition purpose built for use in semi-auto pistols equipped with a suppressor is now available.

Ideal for target shooters and small game hunters using a suppressed pistol, SUB22 ammunition features more reliable functioning in semi-auto pistols while also achieving maximum noise suppression.

• Designed to remain subsonic through pistol length barrels

• Optimized to function in suppressed semi-auto pistols

• Black copper plated lead round nose bullet

• 100 round box

SUB22 ammunition is now available at an outdoor retailer or dealer near you. Learn Learn more about the full line of Browning Ammunition at www.browningammo.com.

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SOUND Foods New High Calorie Lightweight Combat Rations

Friday, January 26th, 2024

SOUND is committed to improving combat effectiveness by both increasing caloric intake and reducing the size and weight of the warrior’s battle load. SOUND has invented an entirely new way of quickly and gently forming food products using only ultrasonic energy, or sound waves. This ultrasonic agglomeration process allows for the creation of a calorically dense bar (300 Calories, 50 g, 6 cal/g) with great taste and texture.

SOUND bars have been approved by the Department of Defense (DOD) for the first generation Close Combat Assault Ration (CCAR) which is scheduled to replace the First Strike Ration later this year as well as by the Joint Services Operational Rations Forum (JSORF) for the larger Meals Ready-to-Eat (MRE) program.

SOUND has relaunched its direct-to-consumer products as DOWN RANGE Mission Ready Bars with a focus on offering the exact products developed for the U.S. warfighter directly to the American consumer. Headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, the company operates with a commitment to helping people get through their day whether during military operations or everyday life.

SOUND has partnered with S.O.Tech / Special Operations Technologies Inc of Carson, CA, an innovator in military survival and medical systems and Bridgford Foods, a leading provider of Ready to Eat combat ration sandwiches. SOUND’s DOWN RANGE bars will be on display at SHOT Show in SOTech’s booth 20059 and SOUND CEO Don Dillon will be at the booth on Tuesday, January 23rd and Thursday, January 25th from 1PM to 3PM. The DOWN RANGE bars will also be on display at Bridgford Foods’ booth 42052.

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