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Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

PROOF Research Expands PXT Barrel Line with New Competition Barrels, Pre-Fit Options and Caliber Offerings

Tuesday, July 21st, 2026

COLUMBIA FALLS, Mont. – July 21, 2026 – PROOF Research is proud to announce it is building on the successful launch of its PROOF Exponential Twist (PXT) with an expanded lineup. The new offerings introduce a new category of steel competition blanks, additional pre-fit barrel offerings and expanded caliber offerings, including new .243- and .257-barrel options. The latest additions broaden access to PXT technology across more rifle platforms and applications, giving precision shooters, competitors and hunters more access to the PXT’s performance advantages. 

Developed to overcome the limitations of conventional rifling, PXT utilizes an exponential twist profile that gradually engages the bullet, reducing engraving force while improving consistency, accuracy and barrel longevity. Designed to meet the demands of today’s high-performance ammunition, PXT continues to set a new benchmark in rifle barrel technology.

“Since launching PXT, we’ve received tremendous interest from customers looking for additional platforms and calibers,” said Brandon Hulzebosch, director of sales and marketing. “This expansion reflects our commitment to growing the PXT lineup, responding to the demand that we’re seeing and making this technology available to more shooters and their specific needs.” 

Among the newest additions to the PXT lineup are steel competition blanks, engineered to deliver the consistency and performance required by today’s precision rifle competitors. Available in .224, .243, .257, .264 and .308 calibers, the new steel competition blanks offer premium steel barrel options featuring PROOF Research’s innovative PXT technology. 

PROOF Research has also expanded its PXT pre-fit barrel lineup with new offerings for Impact Precision and Terminus actions. Available in both carbon fiber and steel configurations, the new pre-fit barrels include a range of today’s most popular chamberings, including .223 Rem., .22 Creedmoor, 6 ARC, 6 Creedmoor, 6 GT, 6 Dasher, 25 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7 Backcountry, 7 PRC, .308 Winchester and .300 PRC, depending on platform and barrel configuration. These additions provide shooters with more options to pair PROOF’s PXT technology with leading custom rifle actions. 

Further expanding the lineup, PROOF Research has introduced new .243- and .257-caliber carbon fiber bolt barrel blanks, extending PXT compatibility to additional cartridge options. PROOF Research also expanded its AR-type carbon fiber barrel offerings with new configurations in .300 Blackout and .308 Winchester, as well as new AR-type steel barrel offerings in .223 Wylde, .300 Blackout, and 6.5 Creedmoor. 

Beyond these additions, PROOF Research continues to broaden the PXT ecosystem with expanded pre-fit compatibility for Zermatt Arms, Tikka, Defiance Ruckus, Lone Peak and Falkor actions, increasing the number of rifle platforms available with PXT technology. 

The expansion of the PXT lineup reinforces PROOF Research’s commitment to advancing barrel technology through continuous innovation. With broader platform compatibility and expanded offerings, PROOF Research continues to push the boundaries of rifle barrel performance.

For more information about Proof Research, visit ProofResearch.com. Follow along on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

Wing Group CEO Appointed to US Department of Commerce Trade Advisory Committee

Tuesday, July 21st, 2026

Lafayette, CA – The Wing Group is honored and pleased to announce that President and CEO Andrew Branagh has been appointed to serve on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Small Business (ITAC 9). His four-year term became effective on July 16, 2026.

As a member of ITAC 9, Branagh will represent the perspectives of the U.S. small business community. The committee provides industry insights and advice to the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Office of the United States Trade Representative on trade negotiations, the implementations of trade agreements and policies that impact U.S. businesses.

“Manufacturing is a global industry, and thoughtful trade policy plays an important role in supporting innovation, strengthening supply chains, and creating opportunities for businesses to grow, said Andrew Branagh. Far too often, I see situations where there are unfortunate trade policies that create systemic trade barriers. I look forward to contributing the perspective of our industry and working alongside fellow committee members to help shape policies that support U.S. competitiveness.”

Branagh brings more than three decades of executive leadership in manufacturing, operations, and international business. Throughout his career, he has led organizations through global supply chain challenges, strategic growth initiatives, and international market expansion all the while maintaining a strong commitment to domestic manufacturing, workforce development, and product innovation. His experience working with customers, suppliers, and partners around the world provides a valuable perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing U.S. manufacturers and small businesses.

Wing Group is the parent company of Wing Inflatables, Henshaw Inflatables, Patten Company, FabTek Industries, Kokatat and Mustang Survival. Together, these companies design and manufacture specialized products that serve military, public safety, commercial marine, and outdoor recreation markets worldwide. Through decades of engineering expertise and technical manufacturing, the group has earned a reputation for delivering trusted life-saving and mission-critical equipment.

As Europe Faces Rising Heat Waves, Gear Town Named Exclusive EU Distributor for Qore Performance Cooling & Hydration Equipment

Tuesday, July 21st, 2026

The Netherlands — July 16, 2026 — Gear Town, a premier European supplier of professional-grade equipment, has been awarded Exclusive Distribution rights for the complete Qore Performance ICEAGE ECOSYSTEM of thermoregulation technology across the European Union. Operating from their centralized fulfillment hub in The Netherlands, Gear Town manages all retail sales and government procurement pipelines across the EU, with the exception of the Czech Republic, which is served by Rigad.

This exclusive distribution footprint ensures immediate, local inventory within the EU, eliminating transatlantic freight costs, unpredictable delivery timelines, and import customs barriers. As Europe navigates demanding summer heat waves, Gear Town is positioned to provide rapid, localized access to critical cooling and hydration gear when environmental demands are at their highest.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with Qore Performance as their exclusive EU distributor. At Gear Town, our mission has always been to make the world’s best tactical and professional-grade equipment more accessible to European military, law enforcement, government, and industrial end users,” said Marc Mentasti, owner of Gear Town EU. “With Qore Performance’s ICEAGE ECOSYSTEM, we can now provide European customers with direct access to proven cooling, heating, hydration, and thermoregulation solutions from local EU inventory. This partnership allows us to reduce lead times, simplify procurement, remove import barriers, and deliver the level of service and support our customers expect from Gear Town, especially as heat stress and extreme working conditions become an increasing challenge across Europe.”

Dual-Line Solutions for Tactical and Workforce Safety

Through this exclusive channel, Gear Town will support both the defense sector and commercial safety industries with two dedicated product configurations:

  • Military & Tactical Line: Gear Town currently stocks and distributes Qore Performance’s full tactical suite, including ICEPLATE® Gen 3 hard cell 1.55L cooling, heating, hydration bladders, ICEFLASK® 0.5L low-profile hydration canteens, ICEPLATE EXO® plate carrier systems, and ICEVENTS® ventilation pads. These systems integrate directly with standard body armor and combat gear to offload weight and weaponize temperature management during training and deployments in extreme temperatures.
  • HiVis Safety & Industrial Line: To protect industrial laborers, emergency first responders, and aviation ground crews working in extreme conditions, Gear Town also carries the dedicated Qore Performance Safety line. This includes high-visibility, reflective-striped ICEPLATE EXO® HiVis safety vests, the ICEPLATE® Driver Harness, and their ICEPLATE® Gen 3 hardcell thermoregulation and hydration bladders to reduce heat stress injuries and on-the-job fatigue while meeting rigorous safety standards.

Local EU Sourcing and Procurement

Gear Town streamlines the procurement process for large-scale agency contracts, unit orders, and commercial safety acquisitions in Europe. European organizations can bypass the complex international logistics hurdles for sourcing Qore Performance’s American-made thermoregulation technology.

To browse local inventory and explore the product lines for tactical or industrial teams, visit the official Gear Town website..

Arcani’s Acoustic Sensor Featured on General Dynamics New LAV SPH

Monday, July 20th, 2026

ARCANI’s HARK Acoustic Sensor Featured on General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada’s Grizzly LAV Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH) Platform to Enhance Counter-Drone Situational Awareness

[CANSEC, Ottawa] — [14 July 2026] — Arcani Systems today announced that its HARK acoustic sensing system was featured on the recently unveiled Grizzly LAV Self-Propelled Howitzer vehicle, showcasing a passive 360-degree situational awareness layer designed to detect and alert crews to incoming drone threats.

The Grizzly LAV Self-Propelled Howitzer, unveiled by General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada at CANSEC 2026 for the Canadian Army’s Indirect Fires Modernization project, combines a Canadian designed LAV armoured combat vehicle platform with KNDS automated 155mm Artillery Gun Module. The platform has been presented as a highly mobile, survivable artillery system designed for fire-on-the-move operations across contested battlefield environments.

Arcani’s HARK sensor is designed to address one of the most urgent battlefield challenges facing armoured and artillery units: the proliferation of small unmanned aerial systems, including FPV drones, reconnaissance drones, and other low-signature aerial threats. Using acoustic sensing, HARK listens passively for the distinctive sound signatures of drones and provides early warning without emitting radio frequency energy.

Unlike active sensors, HARK does not rely on radar emissions or RF detection. This allows it to contribute to vehicle protection even when hostile drones are operating autonomously, flying pre- programmed routes, or using low-emission tactics. The system is designed to provide 360-degree awareness around the vehicle, supporting crew survivability, tactical decision-making, and integration with wider battlefield command-and-control systems.

“Modern artillery platforms are no longer threatened only by counter fire,” said Harry Howe, Founder and CEO of ARCANI. “They must also survive in an environment saturated with small drones that can locate, track, and strike high-value assets. HARK gives crews an additional passive layer of awareness, helping them detect drone threats earlier and maintain mobility in contested environments.”

This capability demonstrates how compact acoustic sensing can complement existing vehicle protection, electronic warfare, and battlefield management systems. For self-propelled artillery platforms such as the Grizzly LAV, which are designed to fire, move, and reposition rapidly, passive counter-drone awareness can help reduce exposure time and support survivability during manoeuvre.

HARK has been developed as a lightweight, modular sensor package for defence applications across land, maritime, and fixed-site environments. The system is designed to detect, classify, and report drone activity, helping operators understand the exact position and nature of nearby aerial threats before visual contact is made.

ARCANI believes that passive acoustic sensing will become an essential part of layered counter-UAS defence. As drones become smaller, cheaper, and more autonomous, platforms operating close to the front line will require sensor systems that can detect threats without revealing their own position.

Nishati Power Technologies (NPT) Awarded US Patent for Hybrid Power Generation Technology

Monday, July 20th, 2026

GILBERT, Ariz., July 15, 2026 — Nishati Power Technologies (NPT), a leader in tactical hybrid power solutions, today announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued U.S. Patent No. 12,671,257, covering its proprietary hybrid power generation technology. The technology addresses two critical problems for powering operations at the tactical edge: it optimizes rapid and efficient charging of large-format lithium batteries from a low state of charge, and it does so with a single control system, consolidating what traditionally required additional bulky equipment.

As Next-Generation Command and Control (NGC2) systems, unmanned platforms, and battery-powered technologies expand, power demand at the small-unit level is increasing rapidly. Many other small generators currently fielded across the military struggle to manage the high inrush current generated during the initial phase of charging depleted large-format lithium batteries – often requiring additional external electronics or causing generators to stall during the charge cycle.

NPT’s patented technology was specifically engineered to solve that challenge.

Integrated directly into NPT’s Outpost™ Hybrid Generators (OHG), the patented technology enables the generators to manage high amp loads during the start of the lithium battery charging cycle without requiring additional external cables or equipment. The result is a scalable, portable hybrid power solution capable of directly charging large-format lithium batteries while reducing equipment burden on the warfighter.

“Our newly patented technology was built around today’s operational reality – warfighters need less equipment, not more,” said Robert Charette, NPT Chief Executive Officer. “As battery-powered capabilities continue to expand across the battlefield, we created a solution that simplifies how units generate and manage power in the field while remaining portable, scalable, and ready to support next-generation systems.”

At just 127 pounds, NPT’s OHG 2000-DC delivers superior power density versus other similar tactical power generation options, in a reliable, expeditionary package.

Designed for plug-and-play integration with existing battery and DC power architectures, NPT’s DC systems provide standalone, exportable hybrid tactical power. This provides reliable power at the point of need without requiring additional heavy transport equipment or turning tactical vehicles into stationary charging stations, preserving maneuverability.

The OHG’s modular, building-block approach enables warfighters to operate systems individually or in parallel, scaling power generation as operational requirements evolve.

“Our team approached this challenge from both an operational and engineering perspective,” said Rick Schilke, NPT Chief Operating Officer. “We understood the growing power demands facing small units and designed a solution that could move with the warfighter, integrate with next-generation systems, and reliably perform in harsh environments – addressing a challenge that has historically been difficult or impossible for generators of similar size and output.”

The patent builds on NPT’s continued momentum in tactical power modernization, including the selection of the OHG 2000-DC as the Lightweight DC Generator (LDCG) under the Marine Corps’ Small Unit Power (SUP) Program of Record and the early completion of Outpost™ Solar Generator 600 (OSG 600) deliveries. Together, they demonstrate NPT’s commitment to delivering reliable, fielded technologies into the hands of our nation’s ground forces.

Apex Ammunition Introduces Dove Stratified Loads in Lead and Steel

Sunday, July 19th, 2026

Columbus, Miss. (July 15, 2026) – Apex Ammunition is excited to introduce dove loads in its Stratified™ line of hard-hitting, superior patterning shotshells. Featuring layered shot sizes of either L3 high-antimony lead or S3 steel pellets, the Dove Stratified series is designed to deliveroptimal performance at variable ranges – with dense close- and mid-range patterns and increased terminal energy at longer distance – to bring down those speedy highfliers.

“Our move into lead and steel dove loads is the result of tremendous demand from retailers and our customers in the upland community who want Apex’s consistent quality and performance in loads for smaller, more fragile game birds like dove and quail,” said Jason Lonsberry, President and CEO, Apex Ammunition. “We are excited to now offer affordable, high-quality lead and non-toxic steel options for these hunts.”

Features of Apex Dove Stratified:

Layered Shot Payload – Optimized for both close birds and long-range fliers

Deadly Pattern Density – Increased pellet count on target

Customer-Driven Innovation – Built on real-world feedback from the field

Assembled in the USA – Premium components, loaded for peak performance

Dove Stratified L3 Lead

Available in 12- and 20-gauge loads, the Apex Dove Stratified features L3 high-antimony lead shot for a harder, rounder pellet and enhanced pattern efficiency.

MSRP per 25-round box:

12 Ga, 2 ¾” 1 ¼ oz #7 and #8 L3 Lead Shot                         $19.99

12 Ga, 2 ¾” 1 ? oz #7 and #8 L3 Lead Shot                         $18.99

 

20 Ga, 3” 1 ? oz #7 and #8 L3 Lead Shot                             $18.99

20 Ga, 2 ¾” 1 oz #7 and #8 L3 Lead Shot                             $16.99

Dove Stratified S3 Steel

The 12- and 20-gauge Dove Stratified S3 Steel shotshells are loaded with premium S3 zinc-plated steel to ensure pellet consistency and superior pattern performance.

MSRP per 25-round box:

12 Ga, 2 ¾” 1 oz #6 and #7 S3 Steel Shot                            $18.99

20 Ga, 2 ¾” ¾ oz #6 and #7 S3 Steel Shot                           $16.99

All Apex shotshells are produced under heightened quality control processes designed to ensure the most consistent performance possible from shot to shot.

Tesseract Ventures Selected by Defense Innovation Unit for Containerized Autonomous Drone Delivery System (CADDS) Prototype Project

Saturday, July 18th, 2026

TAMPA, Fla., July 14, 2026 — Tesseract Ventures announced today its selection by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to advance in the Containerized Autonomous Drone Delivery System (CADDS) prototype project. This highly competitive initiative aims to accelerate next-generation autonomous capabilities for rapidly deploying, sustaining, and managing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in contested and austere environments.

The CADDS project addresses a critical Department of War challenge: transitioning from a one-operator-per-aircraft model to scalable autonomous systems that deploy and sustain large drone fleets with minimal human intervention. The project prioritizes modular, open-architecture solutions that support distributed military operations and allow rapid technology integration.

Tesseract Ventures will demonstrate its modular autonomous platform, which simplifies the deployment, launch, recovery, and management of multiple drones from containerized systems. Leveraging open systems architecture, advanced autonomy software, resilient command and control, and scalable mission management, Tesseract’s solution increases operational flexibility while reducing operator cognitive workload.

“This selection is an important milestone for Tesseract Ventures and validates our vision of delivering scalable autonomous systems and drones that meet the evolving needs of the U.S. military,” said John Boucard, CEO and founder of Tesseract Ventures. “We are honored to support DIU’s mission of rapidly fielding commercial technology to the warfighter.”

The CADDS project requires solutions capable of transporting, storing, launching, recovering, refitting, and managing diverse autonomous aircraft across land and maritime environments with minimal personnel. The solicitation prioritizes the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) to maximize interoperability, future upgrades, and rapid technology insertion.

Unlike traditional drone operations requiring heavy operator involvement, Tesseract’s approach uses intelligent automation to increase the operator-to-aircraft ratio, enabling persistent autonomous operations while reducing risks to personnel.

As part of this prototype effort, Tesseract Ventures will participate in demonstrations to validate operational performance. Under the Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) process, successful prototypes may become eligible for follow-on production opportunities without further competition.

About Tesseract Ventures 

Tesseract is an American invention company building advanced hardware, software, and AI-driven systems for construction, defense, infrastructure, and agriculture. The company develops integrated platforms combining real-time sensing, digital twins, robotics, and automation to provide organizations a complete operational picture. Tesseract works with field teams, military partners, and enterprise clients to create practical, reliable technologies that improve safety, clarity, and productivity.

For more information, visit www.tesseractventures.io

Mack Defense Receives Additional Order for 115 Heavy Dump Trucks Under US Army’s M917A3 Program

Saturday, July 18th, 2026

ALLENTOWN, PA (July 14, 2026) – Mack Defense today announced that the U.S. Army has placed an additional order for 115 Heavy Dump Trucks (HDTs) as part of its M917A3 HDT program for the National Guard.

This latest order, combined with the 91 trucks ordered last month from the U.S. Army funded with the $47 million secured in the 2026 National Defense Appropriations Act, brings the total to 208 trucks with a combined value of more than $84 million. These recent orders are part of the new five-year contract awarded in June 2025 to Mack Defense for up to 450 trucks, with a total contract value of up to $221.8 million.

Based on the commercially available Mack®Granite® model, the M917A3 HDTs are manufactured at Mack Defense’s dedicated production line at the Mack Experience Center (MEC) in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

“We are deeply appreciative of the U.S. Army and Army National Guard’s continued trust in Mack Defense and the M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck program,” said Derik Beck, senior director of sales and marketing for Mack Defense. “This latest order reinforces the critical value and importance of our long-standing partnership with the U.S. Army. These rugged, mission-ready Granite-based HDTs directly support the warfighter by enabling essential construction, infrastructure maintenance and disaster relief operations worldwide. We are truly thankful for this vote of confidence and remain fully committed to delivering the highest-performing heavy dump trucks that our soldiers and guardsmen rely upon.”

The order enables continued production of the vitally important M917A3 HDTs that support the U.S. military’s construction and infrastructure maintenance capabilities. The HDTs are essential to building and maintaining airfields, roadways, landing strips, supply facilities and motor pools, and they provide critical support during disaster?relief efforts in areas impacted by severe weather.

Spec’d with heavier-duty rear axles, all-wheel drive, increased suspension ride height and other ruggedized features to meet the unique requirements of the U.S. military, the M917A3 HDTs also feature advanced technology including ABS, modern control interfaces and active safety systems.

Mack Defense’s production facility at the Mack Experience Center has been in operation since 2021 following a $6.5 million investment to create a dedicated HDT production line, which leverages the capabilities and production work force of Mack’s main Lehigh Valley Operations (LVO), Macungie, Pennsylvania.

Mack Defense, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mack Trucks, is responsible for the sale of heavy-duty trucks to federal- and ministerial-level customers globally. For more information, please visit www.mackdefense.com.