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Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

Milrem Robotics Excels at First-of-its-kind Ground Robotics Autonomy Trials

Wednesday, July 5th, 2023

Europe’s leading robotics and autonomous systems (RAS) developer Milrem Robotics’ unmanned ground system THeMIS equipped with the company’s intelligent functions kit MIFIK, excelled at comprehensive first-of-its-kind autonomy trials organized by the Estonian Military Academy.  

Last week, under the leadership of the Estonian Military Academy and the supervision of defence and autonomy specialists from Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the UK comprehensive trials of autonomous ground robots took place. 

For two days at the Estonian Defence Forces central training area Milrem Robotics’ intelligent ground system was put to the test throughout increasingly complex scenarios during which observers from the aforementioned countries evaluated the elements needed to autonomously navigate on the road, off-road and in a dense forest – route planning, point-to-point movement, and obstacle avoidance. The tests assessed the technological readiness of the UGV and human-machine cooperation. 

The scenarios included driving on dirt roads, small forest roads, open fields with and without high vegetation and in the forest with moderate to severe density. 

“During the two days, we showcased a really mature autonomous system that is capable of handling very complex environments, succeeding even in the densest forest. Autonomy is a crucial and integral part of unmanned ground systems, especially on the battlefield, since it frees up manpower for other tasks and allows soldiers to concentrate on fulfilling their mission rather than operating vehicles,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics. 

Väärsi emphasized that although Milrem’s intelligent functions can be hailed as a success based on the trials, autonomy development is a marathon, not a sprint and continuous improvements to reliability, features and the UI are being made by the company’s autonomy team and operatively delivered to customers via regular updates. 

The autonomy trials were organized by the Estonian Military Academy in cooperation with other units of the Estonian Defence Forces and included 11 RAS developers from nine countries and visitors from nearly 20 countries. The event was partially funded by the Milrem Robotics’ led EDIDP integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System (IMUGS) project and included the project’s autonomy team as a participant. 

 

New Flash Hiders from Forward Controls Design x Revival Defense

Wednesday, July 5th, 2023

Forward Controls Design and Revival Defense are proud to announce the release of their new family of flash suppressor/suppressor mounts: The 6315RF and 6310RF

The Rearden ATLAS system uses a short, lightweight threaded taper mount muzzle device, which is a popular mounting system. Revival Defense and Forward Controls Design have brought the functionalities and versatilities of the 6315 design to Plan B/Rearden ATLAS compatible mounts. 6315RF (1/2×28) and 6310RF (5/8×24) are the results of the joint development.

The RF series of muzzle devices are based on Forward Controls Design’s 6315 flash suppressor/compensator introduced in 2017. The 6315 design has been incorporated into many popular Dead Air suppressor mounts, such as the 6315KM (Keymo) and 6315XE (Xeno).

6315RF and 6310RF are closed tine, closed bottom flash hider/compensators that are not only durable and capable of consistent suppressor lockup but are also a useful and practical muzzle device without a suppressor mounted.


Flash Suppressor: On most platforms, we prefer flash suppressors for practical reasons. While muzzle brakes provide recoil mitigation, they also produce concussion and flash. RF muzzle devices have identical flash mitigation performance as a standard A2 birdcage, despite being shorter. Internal concentric grooves also increase the surface area of the flash tines without requiring a longer device.

Flash suppression comparison.  For more information, please visit www.forwardcontrolsdesign.com/size-matters-sometimes

Closed Tine: Closed tine devices reduce the likelihood of snagging on vegetation and webbing. Fully enclosed designs are also stronger.

Closed Bottom: A closed bottom acts as a compensator. It also helps to mitigate dust signature when shooting in prone. 6315RF features asymmetric ports with 10 to 15% better muzzle rise compensation over the A2. For more info on closed bottom, please visit this link:

www.forwardcontrolsdesign.com/the-case-for-closed-bottom-muzzle-devices

Suppressor Mount: 6315RF & 6310RF provide a durable and consistent suppressor mount that don’t add weight or length to the front of the firearm. Designed to accept the popular Rearden ATLAS / Q Plan B system, the RF Series is also short enough to maintain compatibility with suppressors that have limited space in the initial blast chamber, such as the CGS Helios QD. These are also designed with a tapered mount, which provides a consistent seal for the carbon, preventing any leakage and keeping the can tight under hard use.

Pièce De Résistance – Rear A2-Style Wrench Slots: Torque specifications matter, and this is particularly true when mounting a suppressor mount to your barrel. RF muzzle devices are compatible with a standard armorer’s wrench and 3/4 wrench, with the wrench flats in the familiar location in rear, behind the ports.. This is beneficial for both installation, or if a suppressor becomes seized on the rifle and additional leverage on the muzzle device with a wrench is needed to loosen the suppressor.

“Revival Defense was established in July 2021 while we were still in California. If someone had told us then that we would have our own product on the market just over a year later, we would have found it hard to believe. Although designing and creating products that have a practical purpose has always been a desire, we did not think it would be a reality this early in our journey.”

– Akshay, Owner of Revival Defense

6315RF and 6310RF can be purchased below:

6315RF – 1/2×28 / .223 Caliber

6310RF – 5/8×24 / 30 Caliber

Timney Announces Partnership with Nee Remington Rifles

Wednesday, July 5th, 2023

AMERICAN ICONS COLLABORATE

Phoenix, Arizona (July 3, 2023) – Starting today, all Remington Model 700 rifles will come standard with Timney Triggers. The Alpha 1 and Police will come with the Elite Hunter trigger, and all other Model 700s will have the new Impact 700 trigger. Timney was asked to build a replacement Remington Model 700 trigger that does not compromise on quality. Timney listened. Timney delivered.  

The Impact 700 trigger is the next evolution of accuracy for the iconic Remington Model 700 rifle. The secret to accuracy? It all starts with an amazing trigger and this trigger is truly amazing – American-made by the incredible craftsmen and women who build, The World’s Finest Triggers™.

Timney’s engineers designed this incredible trigger by machining the parts from billet steel – no skimping with metal injection molding or rolled parts – while still hand-assembling, testing, and calibrating each trigger at Timney’s facility in Phoenix, Arizona.  

This new trigger has a factory set pull weight of 3 – 4 pounds (non-adjustable) that will give you a crisp, clean break and features our Sear Engagement Adjustment Lock design (SEAL’d) which ensures a user-friendly experience.

The new Impact 700 trigger is Timney’s latest, innovative, overnight success – 77 years in the making.

 Impact 700 Tech Specs:

• Factory-tuned pull weight of 3 – 4 lbs.

• Non-adjustable pull weight and overtravel.

• The trigger sear and trigger shoe are precision-machined and heat-treated from premium metal.

• The sear is carbonitrided for maximum lubricity and wear resistance for a lifetime of reliable performance.

• The trigger shoe is coated with black oxide for enhanced corrosion resistance.

• Housing is constructed of Anodized aluminum.

• Sear Engagement Adjustment Lock design (SEAL’d) creates a user-friendly experience.

• This trigger has been hand-assembled, tested, and calibrated at Timney’s facility in Phoenix, Arizona.

• Backed by Timney’s Legendary, No Hassle, Lifetime Warranty.

https://landing.timneytriggers.com/Remington_Timney

NFM AS Sues Mehler Vario System GmbH for Design Infringement in Germany

Wednesday, July 5th, 2023

Oslo, Norway, July 4th 2023 – NFM AS has spent significant time and resources on developing its THOR ® load bearing vests and has developed a range of innovative products such as the modular, scalable, and transformable GRID carrier system which enjoys intellectual property protection in the EU and other jurisdictions.

Mehler Vario System GmbH has earlier this year exhibited a product titled “Grid carrier” to the market at a trade fair in Nuremberg, Germany, which NFM believes to infringe its registered design rights.

To protect its valuable intellectual property, NFM has initiated legal infringement proceedings against Mehler before the Regional Court of Düsseldorf, Germany, (docket no. 14C O 29/2023), requesting a decision which prohibits Mehler from marketing and distributing the products in question throughout the European Union.

The question of whether or not Mehler’s “Grid carrier” infringes NFM’s registered design rights will be decided by the Court.

DroneShield Releases DroneLocator

Monday, July 3rd, 2023

DroneShield is pleased to announce  it has commenced the release of a major firmware update applied to its global fleet of counterdrone (C-UAS) devices.

The introduction of Remote ID legislation globally has seen drone manufacturers develop proprietary remote identification approaches. Remote ID is designed to broadcast critical information about the aircraft, location data, flight information and pilot details. This technology is becoming increasingly important in the management of the low altitude airspace. 
 
DroneShield devices are now capable of detecting a variety of Remote ID signals via the Company’s proprietary DroneLocator technology. These enhancements apply to its man-portable, vehicle/ship and fixed-site products. Most notably DroneLocator can display DJI Remote ID signals previously only available via the DJI AeroScope product.
 
DroneLocator can display critical information such as:

• Drone location (latitude, longitude & altitude)

• Pilot location (latitude & longitude)

• Drone home location (latitude & longitude)

• Drone serial number (unique identifier)

• Drone speed

In addition to DroneLocator, enrolled devices receive a quarterly update to the proprietary DroneShield RFAI Artificial Intelligence engine. While DroneLocator provides a solution for detecting and tracking compliant and legal aircraft, DroneShield RFAI technology continues to provide a solution for unlawful, unregistered, and hostile drones.
 
DroneShield RFAI and DroneLocator can be run simultaneously on a single DroneShield device, with DroneShield products running AI processing on edge. RFAI and DroneLocator can operate in a completely air-gapped (no internet connection) configuration.
 
DroneLocator technology greatly expands the use cases from DroneShield products including an expansion of C-UAS, Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM), Low Altitude Airspace Monitoring, Drone Security and Drone Fleet Management.
 
In addition, this major update includes:

• Greater Performance in High Noise Environments: Major improvements to the detection algorithms including an advanced convolutional neural network, enhances detection performance in complex, cluttered, high noise environments.

• Maps Available on Embedded Devices: DroneSentry-X devices can now load and display a map for added situational awareness.

• Improved Graphic User Interface: Device detection and logging information can now be expanded to provide end users with additional content.

Angus Bean, DroneShield Chief Technology Officer, commented, “The addition of DroneLocator to our detection technology suite is the continuation of our long-term strategy to offer major enhancements to the existing product range via our software subscription model. We are pleased the technology is available immediately for all our existing end user community. This technology has been heavily requested by the C-UAS and adjacent industries.”

Blue Force Gear Enforces Its Trademark Rights

Monday, July 3rd, 2023

POOLER, GA, June 29, 2023—Blue Force Gear, Inc., an industry-leading manufacturer of innovative tactical gear, equipment, and accessories, has asserted its trademark rights and reached a settlement with Green Force Gear out of Finland. BLUE FORCE GEAR is the owner of numerous domestic and international trademarks, including: (1) BLUE FORCE GEAR®; (2) BFG®; (3) “BFG Reticle Design” trademark; and (4) its famous, widely-recognized, distinctive, non-functional and unique cross trademark, which is used in connection with a variety of products, including the TRAUMA KIT NOW!®, MICRO TRAUMA KIT NOW!™, and the HAMMOCK®.

®

Green Force Gear has agreed to permanently discontinue any and all uses of the infringing marks and designs in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe and throughout the world (subject to a phase-out period), and has agreed to resolve the matter pursuant to a settlement agreement and for an undisclosed monetary amount. The specific terms of the settlement agreement have not been disclosed.

BLUE FORCE GEAR is committed to protecting its intellectual property, including its trademarks patents and copyrights, and to ensuring that consumers are able to purchase genuine, non-counterfeit BLUE FORCE GEAR products.  Blue Force Gear’s General Counsel, Justin Charles Ward, stated: “We take the procurement and enforcement of intellectual property very seriously, both domestically and internationally.”

About Blue Force Gear

Blue Force Gear is a leading provider of high-quality tactical gear, specializing in designing and manufacturing advanced gear systems and accessories. The company’s products are used by the military, law enforcement, and civilians worldwide and are known for their quality, durability, and innovative design. To learn more, visit blueforcegear.com.

GA-ASI, CAL FIRE and CA ANG Complete Flight Demo of REAP Pod on MQ-9A

Sunday, July 2nd, 2023

Pod Provides Communications Infrastructure in the Event of Natural Disaster

SAN DIEGO – 30 July 2023 – In collaboration with the California Air National Guard (CA ANG), National Guard Bureau (NGB), AT&T FirstNet, California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES), and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA?ASI) successfully completed a flight demonstration of the Rosetta Echo Advanced Payloads (REAP) Pod on an MQ-9A Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). During natural disasters, it’s fairly common for first responders and residents of affected areas to lose cellular communications due to downed infrastructure. The REAP Pod provides potentially lifesaving communications infrastructure from an aircraft, ensuring lines of communication remain open between providers of emergency services and those desperately needing assistance.

This flight demonstration, held on May 25, 2023, showcased bridged communications networks providing seamless connectivity between airborne and ground participants. The system showcased the ability to bridge VHF/UHF networks, function as a P25 repeater, connect geographically disparate mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs), and most importantly, provide both FirstNet and emergency 911 cellular capabilities.

As California heads into its heavy wildfire season, the REAP Pod on CA ANG MQ-9As will provide needed communications to support CAL FIRE’s rescue efforts.

“GA-ASI is excited to showcase the capabilities of the REAP Pod,” said GA-ASI Vice President of Mission Payloads and Exploitation Satish Krishnan. “The CA ANG MQ-9As with REAP can ensure CAL FIRE and other first responders maintain critical communications infrastructure at a time when it’s most urgently needed and can help save lives.”

The REAP Pod was developed through a collaboration between GA-ASI and Ultra Intelligence and Communications. The system features a suite of advanced communications equipment that helps support disaster relief operations, including VHF/UHF Line of Sight (LOS), P25, MANET, FirstNet Cellular, and a high-bandwidth LOS backhaul. The REAP pod also has the ability to support military waveforms like Link 16.

As manufacturer of the REAP Pod, GA-ASI aims to ensure the successful initial deployment of the pod as an operational proof of concept. This deployment serves a larger objective by advancing the implementation and effectiveness of the REAP Pod and setting the stage for potential adoption by the Air National Guard on the MQ-9A and the Army National Guard on MQ-1C Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

www.ga-asi.com

SK Customs Partners with Omar “Crispy” Avila to Honor our Nation’s Heroes this Independence Day

Saturday, July 1st, 2023

HAYMARKET, Va. June 29, 2023 — SK Customs® is proud to commemorate Independence Day along with with Omar “Crispy” Avila to honor recipients of the Military Badge of Merit, the modern-day Purple Heart Medal.

“As Independence Day approaches, we recognize the sacrifice and unwavering dedication of those who have served our great Nation,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Customs. “Last year, we partnered with Purple Heart Homes, the Purple Heart Integration Project and U.S. Army veteran and content creator, Omar “Crispy” Avila. This partnership pays homage to our combat-wounded veterans through the limited-edition 240th Purple Heart Colt 1911 firearm, representing the spirit of freedom as we celebrate America’s independence.”

After being deployed to Iraq in 2007, Avila’s vehicle was struck by a 200 lb IED, resulting in burns up to 75% of his body and amputation below the knee of his right leg. Sergeant Avila retired from the U.S. Army in 2010 after serving for nearly a decade and devoted his life to serving other Veterans and helping wounded warriors across the Nation.

As a Purple Heart recipient, Avila shows us what it means to commemorate wounded veterans through his video of the Purple Heart Commemorative Colt.

Through the SK Gives Back initiative, SK Customs donates a portion of the proceeds raised by the sale of this production to Purple Heart Homes and Purple Heart Integration Project.

To learn more about SK Guns®, and SK Customs®, visit skguns.com.   ?