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Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

Avon Protection Awarded NATO Contract for CBRN Protective Boots & Gloves

Wednesday, July 19th, 2023

The framework contract will run for three years with two additional one-year options

18 JULY 2023, Melksham, UK: Avon Protection has been awarded a three-year contract, with two optional one-year extensions, by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) for CBRN protective boots and gloves. The framework contract will allow NATO nations and partners to place orders for Avon Protection’s EXOSKIN-B1 boots and EXOSKIN-G1 gloves.

Launched in 2022, the EXOSKIN range of boots and gloves are manufactured from Avon Protection’s proven rubber technology. The range protects operators against Chemical Warfare Agent, Toxic Industrial Chemical and biological threats.

The ambidextrous EXOSKIN-G1 glove features a rubberised outer layer textured to maintain grip in wet conditions, and an intelligent, seamless inner knitted liner that has a conductive tip on both the thumb and forefinger to enable the wearer to handle and operate electronic touch screen devices.

The EXOSKIN-B1 boot provides improved durability and agility in the field, with quick-release straps to secure the garment over standard footwear. A highly textured sole improves the wearer’s manoeuvrability in all underfoot conditions.

Designed for quick donning and doffing, the EXOSKIN range integrates with many protective suit ensembles, delivering advanced dexterity and agility in the field while maximising protection for the operator.

“This contract further underlines Avon Protection’s close partnership with NATO for the provision of CBRN protection capability. To date several nations have actively deployed the FM50 respirator under the ongoing NSPA framework contract for that system,” Steve Elwell, President, Respiratory Protection for Avon Protection, said. “With the new boots and gloves contract, all NATO nations will now have the ability to acquire our EXOSKIN products, allowing them to benefit from our wider portfolio of market-leading technologies and to keep their operators safe in the field during CBRN situations.”

Legend Compression (All Weather) Merino Wool Over-The-Calf Boot Sock Pre-Launched at Modern Day Marine 2023

Wednesday, July 19th, 2023

The LEGEND® technical and product development teams have worked with the Marine Corps, for over two years to develop this compression Over-The-Calf merino wool SEABAG/Combat boot sock. The focus was the use of mild graduated compression to reduce foot fatigue, improve blood circulation, and provide added support throughout the boot sock. Dense terry cushioning throughout the leg, with added cushioning in the seamless toe, foot, heel and shin provide added comfort, support and minimize sock movement to prevent blisters.

Whether the attendee was a young Marine or a Marine Corps Officer; they all had blister horror stories to share. Based upon their past experiences they asked very specific questions as to the user benefits of compression, durability, comfort, features to help to eliminate blisters, stay up in their boots, anti-microbial, and wicking ability.

Invariably, at the end of each conversation the young Marines asked when the style would be available at the Exchange and the Officers asked the Marine Corps program development status.

Production has begun, inventory is being built to supply retail orders and potential, projected, future Military needs.

The LEGEND® Compression Tactical Boot Sock program is Proudly “Made in USA” and is Berry Amendment Compliant!

www.legendcompressiontactical.com

Bundeswehr Contracts with Rheinmetall for Several Hundred Thousand Artillery Shells; Order Worth Around €1.3 Billion

Tuesday, July 18th, 2023

The need to replenish stores of ammunition caused by the war in Ukraine is resulting in major artillery ammunition contracts for Rheinmetall. 


The German Bundeswehr has just issued a large-volume order for service and practice artillery ammunition worth around €1.3 billion, including value added tax. Two contracts to this effect have now been signed at the Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) in Koblenz. 
Rheinmetall has been awarded a new framework contract for the supply of 155mm artillery ammunition, while an existing framework contract has been expanded. In all, the scope of delivery encompasses several hundred thousand shells of various types, including fuses and propelling charges. Set to run until 2029, the new framework contract represents potential order volume of around €1.2 billion, including VAT. 

Furthermore, the Bundeswehr has expanded an existing framework agreement for DM121 ammunition. In addition to the framework contract cited above, this represents order volume of around €137 million, once again including VAT. The volume of the existing framework contract thus increases from €109 million to a total of €246 million, including VAT. 
Featuring insensitive characteristics, the DM121 high-explosive shell is used for training and exercise purposes. 

The first call-offs for service and practice ammunition from the framework contract cited above came as soon as the contract was signed. Delivery of shells worth €127 million (including VAT) is due take place shortly. 

Ever since its foundation over 125 years ago, Rheinmetall has been a reliable partner of the artillery corps. Even today, the pressing and drawing process invented by company founder Heinrich Ehrhardt is used for producing modern artillery barrels. Rheinmetall’s family of artillery ammunition includes, among other ordnance, the high explosive DM121, the DM125 smoke/obscurant shell, the DM121 SMArt search-fused round (jointly developed with Diehl Defence), as well as the RH68 practice version and the range-optimized RH1901 and RH1902 smoke/obscurant shells. The Group’s product portfolio also encompasses the versatile Assegai family of 155mm artillery ammunition made by Rheinmetall Denel of South Africa. It includes insensitive munitions (IM), conventional high  explosive (HE) rounds, as well as smoke/obscurant, illumination, infrared illumination, and other shells. With its boat tail (BT) and base bleed (BB) configurations, the Assegai family displays a ballistic equilibrium, ensuring that the entire ammunition spectrum can be used at its maximum effective range of approximately 40 kilometres. Under the framework contract, the Bundeswehr will be introducing the tried-and-tested Assegai ammunition family.  

The latest orders underscore once again Rheinmetall’s technological lead as a developer and producer of ammunition in Europe. Furthermore, the framework contracts will help to assure a secure supply of ammunition to the armed forces of Germany and other NATO nations, enabling better planning of production processes and optimum utilization of capacity. Moreover, thanks to assured long-term production of various types of ammunition during the lifetime of the contract, resulting in availability at short notice, the framework contract also offers logistical advantages to other 155mm artillery users. For Rheinmetall, the framework agreement means a basic level of capacity utilization at its ammunition production plants for years to come. 

Introducing ROMEO-X Series Red Dot Sights from SIG SAUER Electro-Optics

Tuesday, July 18th, 2023

NEWINGTON, N.H., (July 18, 2023) – Introducing the all-new ROMEO-X series of optics from SIG SAUER Electro-Optics; inspired by the recently released mil-spec ROMEO-M17 the ROMEO-X delivers military grade performance, reliability, and durability for civilian everyday carry.  The ROMEO-X series of red-dot sights is offered as a ROMEO-X Compact for micro-compact pistols to include the P365 and a ROMEO-X Pro for full-size pistols to include the P320.

“The ROMEO-X family of red dot sights is completely optimized for everyday carry and built using the same technology and testing standards of our mil-spec optics that are designed to withstand the rigors of the battlefield,” said Andy York, President, SIG SAUER Electro-Optics.  “The ROMEO-X Series is designed for ease of use beginning with the side battery placement leading to an overall low deck height of the sight.  This profile gives the optic an extremely low position when mounted to the slide for a full sight picture and co-witness with the existing standard-height iron sights.  The ROMEO-X Compact and ROMEO-X Pro are engineered, tested, and built-in Oregon to be the ultimate aiming solution for EDC.”

The SIG SAUER Electro-Optics ROMEO-X Series red-dot sights are available in a compact version (ROMEO-X Compact), to fit micro-compact pistols, and a Pro version (ROMEO-X Pro), to fit full-size pistols, featuring a distortion-free aspheric glass with a patent-pending Beryllium Copper flexure-arm adjustment system, in 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum housing with machined anti-reflection grooves on shooter facing surfaces.   The ROMEO-X Series optics incorporate a high-efficiency point source red LED emitter with 2 MOA dot / 32 MOA circle reticle, side independent brightness adjustment buttons, 15 brightness settings including night vision settings, and a side-mounted CR1632 battery compartment with a threaded battery cap so the optic does not need to be removed from the pistol for battery changes.  Additionally, the ROMEO-X Series offers a low deck height for standard-height iron sight co-witness, has a minimum continuous runtime of 20,000 hours at medium brightness setting and utilizes MOTAC™ (Motion Activated Illumination), MAGNETAC™ (Magnetic Activation), and D.A.R.C™ (Dark Adaptive Reticles & Coatings) technologies.

ROMEO-X Compact:
Clear Aperture Diameter: 24mm
Reticle: 2MOA Dot / 32 MOA Circle
Lens Type: Asphere
Illumination Settings: 15 ( 12 Day / 3NV)
Overall Length: 1.62 inches
Overall Width: .94 inches
Overall Height: 1.23 inch
Mounting Footprint: SHIELD™ RMSc
Weight (w/o battery): 1.0 ounce
MSRP: $519.99

ROMEO-X Pro:
Clear Aperture Diameter: 24mm
Reticle: 2MOA Dot / 32 MOA Circle
Lens Type: Asphere
Illumination Settings: 15 ( 12 Day / 3NV)
Overall Length: 1.84 inches
Overall Width: .94 inches
Overall Height: 1.23 inch
Mounting Footprint: DeltaPoint™ Pro
Weight (w/o battery): 1.15 ounces
MSRP: $589.99

Like all SIG SAUER Electro-Optics the ROMEO-X Series includes the Infinite Guarantee, an unlimited lifetime guarantee that requires no warranty or receipt should your optic need to be replaced at any time.

For complete information about the SIG SAUER Electro-Optics ROMEO X-Series or watch the product video visit sigsauer.com. The ROMEO X-Series optics are now available at retailers and sigsauer.com

Unity Tactical Expands FAST Line with MRDS Mount and Improved Accessories

Tuesday, July 18th, 2023

New FAST™ MRDS and Updated FAST™ Modular Accessory Suite expand capabilities for shooters using micro red dot sights

BROUSSARD, LA. (July 18, 2023) – UNITY™ Tactical, a designer of components that integrate tactical systems and optimize the human factor, announced today the launch of its FAST™ MRDS mount, as well as additions to its FAST Modular Accessory Suite. These products all optimize the shooting experience and afford more configuration options when using micro red dot sights.

The FAST™ MRDS mount, in conjunction with any of the Optic Adapter Plates in the FAST™ Modular Accessory Suite, brings compatible micro red dot sights to the established FAST™ height of 2.26″ to the optical centerline.

The FAST™ Modular Accessory Suite, which has previously included four Optic Adapter Plates and an Offset Optic Base that mounts secondary optics at 36 degrees, now also boasts two additional Optic Adapter Plates for micro red dot sights with Holosun™ 509T, Holosun™ K and Shield™ RMSc footprints.

Updates to the FAST™ Modular Accessory Suite now also allow mounting in conjunction with an EOTech® when mounted on a FAST™ Optic Riser, which previous models did not.

An MRDS Top Ring for the FAST LPVO also joins the accessory suite, attaching any number of micro red dot sights directly to the top of the LPVO scope mount. When used with a FAST Optic Adapter Plate, the micro red dot will sit at the 12 o’clock position.

“We saw a gap for end users who want to mount micro red dots at the 12 o’clock position in combination with other optics, and we always aim to fill gaps when we see them,” said Mike Roth, VP of business development for UNITY Tactical. “The FAST MRDS and the FAST Modular Accessory Suite afford several configuration options, giving end users the flexibility and customization to mount primary and secondary optics in a variety of ways.”

FAST™ MRDS is available in black or FDE. It mounts directly to an M1913 rail and comes standard with a two cross bolt rail clamp, but is compatible for retrofit with a FAST™ QD Lever. It retails for $152.

The MRDS Top Ring for FAST LPVO is available in black or FDE and in 30mm or 34mm, and retails for $56. The FAST Offset Optic Base is available in black or FDE and retails for $69. All six FAST™ Optic Adapter Plates come in black and retail for $36.

Both the FAST MRDS and FAST Modular Accessory Suite offer a lifetime warranty, and are available for purchase now through authorized UNITY dealers and on UNITYtactical.com.

GA-ASI’s Unmanned Aircraft Cross 8 Million Flight Hours

Monday, July 17th, 2023

>New MQ-9B SkyGuardian®/SeaGuardian® Models Add More Than 4,000 Hours

SAN DIEGO – 14 July 2023 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA?ASI) today announced that its family of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), which includes the Predator®, Reaper, Gray Eagle, Avenger®, and MQ-9B SkyGuardian®/SeaGuardian® lines, has surpassed eight million flight hours. GA-ASI aircraft have completed 566,000 total missions in nearly 40 countries around the world.

Adding to the total are 13 MQ-9B SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian UAS that have flown more than 4,000 flight hours, including the new Protector RG Mk1 being delivered to the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force. The first three Protectors are currently undergoing Integrated Test, Evaluation, and Acceptance trials. In addition, MQ-9Bs are being operated by the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) and Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF), as well as supporting various U.S. Navy exercises.

“GA-ASI continues to be a leader in developing reliable, cost-efficient, and sustainable unmanned aircraft systems that perform advanced operations for our customers around the world,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden P. Blue. “Eight million flight hours is another achievement on our list of historic firsts, which demonstrates our relentless commitment to quality.”

The exact aircraft and customer that achieved the milestone is unknown, as it’s estimated that more than 50 Predator-class Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) RPA are airborne worldwide every moment of every day.

GA-ASI aircraft average 40,000 hours per month, supporting programs with the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, NASA, the Italian Air Force, the UK Royal Air Force, the French Air Force, the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, the Spanish Air Force, the Royal Netherlands Air Force, the Indian Navy, the Polish Air Force, JCG, JMSDF, and others, with more customers coming online soon. Missions include helping protect ground units on the battlefield, supporting first responders in the wake of natural disasters, and providing critical ISR around the world. These aircraft systems continue to maintain some of the highest mission-capable rates in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army aircraft inventories.

GA-ASI has produced more than 1,000 aircraft and nearly 500 Ground Control Stations (GCS) in more than three decades of business. In addition to UAS and GCS, GA-ASI produces Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination (PED) systems, as well as sensor payloads that deliver radar and video imagery, detect moving targets on the ground and over water, and provide Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) on signals of interest. GA-ASI has also developed a Detect and Avoid (DAA) system to facilitate the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems into civil airspace in addition to combat environments.

The Predator-series family includes Predator A and Predator XP, Predator B/MQ-9A Reaper, Predator B Extended Range (ER), Guardian, Gray Eagle, Gray Eagle ER, Predator C Avenger/ER, and MQ-9B SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian.

Tactical Games Return to Iowa, Hosted by Brownells

Monday, July 17th, 2023

GRINNELL, Iowa (July 14, 2023) – The Tactical Games returns to Iowa, with 180 competitors scheduled to compete at the Big Springs Range in Searsboro, Iowa, July 15 and 16. 

Founded in 2018, the Tactical Games combines shooting with active physical fitness — as competitors perform physical challenges including runs, obstacle courses and weightlifting before engaging targets at various distances with rifles and pistols — all under time.

Competitors are organized into different divisions based on experience, age, sex and skill level.

Hosted by Brownells, the July 2023 games marks the second time the Tactical Games has operated a competition in the Hawkeye State, less than a year after the inaugural Iowa edition of the games back in October 2022. 

“We are very happy to be part of the Tactical Games again,” said Brownells CEO Pete Brownell.  “The Tactical Games challenges athletes to be excellent in many different activities from running and lifting, to climbing and shooting.  The intensity is inspiring and the community spirit is awesome. It’s a perfect partnership, and we hope folks come watch these games at Big Springs range this Saturday and Sunday”

Spectators are welcome during the two-day event, and there will be parking available at the Big Springs Shooting Complex located at 4945 IA-146 near Searsboro.

Spectators are strongly encouraged to bring their own eye and ear protection, as there will be ongoing live fire on the various ranges at Big Springs throughout the Tactical Games

To learn more about the Tactical Games, visit the Tactical Games website.

SITKA Gear Introduces Core Merino Wool Collection

Monday, July 17th, 2023

New Merino wool base layers create an intuitive, durable three-tiered system for outdoor enthusiasts

The refreshed Merino base layer collection creates a simple, intuitive and easy-to-shop system featuring all of the properties consumers love about wool with the added value of a more durable, longer lasting ArmorSpun wool material.
 

BOZEMAN, MT. (July 17, 2023) – Merino wool base layers have long been relied on for key features like temperature regulation, breathability and odor resistance properties, with one drawback—longevity. Now, SITKA, the leader in high-performance hunting apparel, is introducing its new ArmorSpun Merino Wool that allows for the best of both worlds with materials built for rigorous, extended use while maintaining the properties of wool that outdoor adventurers demand in the field.

The Core Merino Collection features a simple, intuitive and easy-to-shop three-tiered system that allows consumers to easily adapt their comfort level given their day-to-day needs. Unlike other wool products, the easy-care Merino fabric is pre-shrunk and can be washed with other active gear with options in three weights – 120 gram, 220 gram and 330 gram – the SITKA Core Merino Collection offers endless possibilities when worn on their own during warmer early season temperatures or as foundational base layers in colder late season weather.

“Merino wool base layers have long been sought out by outdoor enthusiasts for their exceptional qualities. However, longevity has been a common concern,” said Chris Derrick, Product Manager at SITKA Gear. “With our ArmorSpun Merino Wool, we have bridged the gap, creating materials that improve durability while preserving the properties of wool that are indispensable.”

Core Merino 120 Series
The Core Merino 120 Series, the lightest of the three series, is expertly designed for demanding outdoor activities. Whether worn independently during early season warmth or as a foundational base layer as temperatures drop, the 120 series offers a range of options, including four men’s and two women’s variations, to suit individual preferences.

Men’s Core Merino 120 LS Crew
• Low-profile integrated thumb holes for easy layering
• Snag-preventative stitching along sleeves resists abrasion from your pack
• Total weight: 6.1 oz.
MSRP: $119

Men’s Core Merino 120 SS Crew
• Snag-preventative stitching along sleeves resists abrasion from your pack
• Total weight: 4.8 oz.
MSRP: $89

Men’s Core Merino 120 Hoody
• Snag-preventative stitching along sleeves resists abrasion from your pack
• Contoured hood for coverage and concealment
• Breathable merino wool mesh facemask for concealment
• Zippered chest pocket safely stores your valuables
• Low-profile integrated thumb holes for easy layering
• Total weight: 8 oz.
MSRP: $169

Men’s Core Merino 120 Bottom
• Low-profile flatlock stitching for next-to-skin comfort
• Total weight: 4.7 oz.
MSRP: $119

Women’s Core Merino 120 LS
• Low-profile integrated thumb holes for easy layering
• Total weight: 4.4 oz.
MSRP: $119

Women’s Core Merino 120 Bottom
• Low-profile flatlock stitching for next-to-skin comfort
• Total weight: 3.5 oz.
MSRP: $119

Core Merino 220 Series
The Core Merino 220 series is built for rigorous use and is the middle of the three weights, making it the most versatile. It’s perfect on its own in mild conditions or as a foundational base layer when the weather gets cold. The 220 series includes three options for men and a half-zip in women’s sizes.

Men’s Core Merino 220 Half-Zip
• Snag-preventative stitching along sleeves resists abrasion from your pack
• Zippered chest pocket safely stores your valuables
• Low-profile integrated thumb holes for easy layering
• Total weight: 11.1 oz.
MSRP: $199

Men’s Core Merino 220 Bottom
• Low-profile flatlock stitching for next-to-skin comfort
• Total weight: 7.8 oz.
MSRP: $129

Men’s Core Merino 220 Boxer
• Low-profile flatlock stitching for next-to-skin comfort
• Total weight: 4.6 oz.
MSRP: $60

Women’s Core Merino 220 Half-Zip
• Zippered chest pocket safely stores your valuables
• Low-profile integrated thumb holes for easy layering
• Total weight: 8.5 oz.
MSRP: $199

Core Merino 330 Series
The Core Merino 330 series is built for rigorous use and is the warmest of the three weights. Built with a recycled synthetic interior, the result is an ideal foundational base layer that prevents the clammy and itchy feeling often associated with heavyweight wool.

Men’s Core Merino 330 Half-Zip
• Snag-preventative stitching along sleeves resists abrasion from your pack
• Zippered chest pocket safely stores your valuables
• Low-profile integrated thumb holes for easy layering
• Total weight: 15 oz.
MSRP: $219

Men’s Core Merino 330 Hoody
• Contoured hood for coverage and concealment
• Low-profile hand warmer pocket
• Breathable merino wool mesh facemask for concealment
• Snag-preventative stitching along sleeves resists abrasion from your pack
• Zippered chest pocket safely stores your valuables
• Low-profile integrated thumb holes for easy layering
• Total weight: 18.7 oz.
MSRP: $249

Men’s Core Merino 330 Bottom
• Low-profile flatlock stitching for next-to-skin comfort
• Total weight: 11.3 oz.
MSRP: $139

Men’s Core Merino 330 Zip-Off Bottom
• ¾-length design eliminates bunching around your boot tops
• Full-length side zips make for easy on/off without removing your boots
• Color coded waistband tabs for correct alignment of side zippers
• Low-profile flatlock stitching for next-to-skin comfort
• Total weight: 10.9 oz.
MSRP: $159

Women’s Core Merino 330 Half-Zip
• Snag-preventative stitching along sleeves resists abrasion from your pack
• Zippered chest pocket safely stores your valuables
• Low-profile integrated thumb holes for easy layering
• Total weight: 12.4 oz.
MSRP: $219

Women’s Core Merino 330 Hoody
• Contoured hood for coverage and concealment
• Low-profile hand warmer pocket
• Breathable merino wool mesh facemask for concealment
• Snag-preventative stitching along sleeves resists abrasion from your pack
• Zippered chest pocket safely stores your valuables
• Low-profile integrated thumb holes for easy layering
• Total weight: 16.8 oz.
MSRP: $249

Women’s Core Merino 330 Legging
• Low-profile flatlock stitching for next-to-skin comfort
• Total weight: 8.8 oz.
MSRP: $139

Merino 330 Glove
• Touch screen compatible Ax® Connect thumb and forefinger
• Total weight: 2.2 oz.
MSRP: $49

Merino 330 Beanie
• Total weight: 1.7 oz.
MSRP: $40
Available: July 17th, 2023

Learn more about SITKA Gear here.