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American Rheinmetall Supports Successful Test of M109 Self-Propelled Howitzer Modified with Rheinmetall’s Combat-Tested 52-Caliber Cannon

Thursday, October 19th, 2023

Rheinmetall and BAE Systems have successfully completed a live fire test of the M109 Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH) modified with Rheinmetall’s L52 155mm, 52-caliber cannon. The M109-52 is a significant, low-risk, high-performance upgrade to the current 39-caliber cannon and provides additional range required in large-scale operations. The test, conducted at Camp Ripley, MN, proved the compatibility of the L52 cannon with the M109A7 platform during the live fire exercise.

“Integrating Rheinmetall’s world-class, battle-tested L52 artillery cannon system into the M109 platform will return tactical fires overmatch to the U.S. Army in a capability assured, timely, low-risk manner,” said Joe Chan, VP of Business Development at American Rheinmetall Munition.
Rheinmetall’s L52 artillery cannon system is currently the backbone of nine NATO and allied partner nations’ tactical artillery forces. By integrating this world class, combat proven system on the M109 platform, the US will achieve expanded interoperability on day one with battlefield partners. Notably, the cannon system has become a favorite for Ukraine due to its accuracy, range and durability in combat.

The M109-52 offers a low-risk pathway to rapid development, putting this significantly improved capability in the hands of our warfighters quickly to ensure overmatch on the battlefield. By combining two mature systems, Rheinmetall and BAE Systems avoid many of the technical risks associated with similar lethality upgrade efforts. The criticality to deliver improved artillery capabilities is underscored by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and is a key part of the Army’s number one modernization priority – long-range precision fires.

The team plans to conduct additional testing in 2024, which will highlight extended range across a variety of ammunition combinations.

www.rheinmetall-us.com

Posted in Ammo, Press Release | Comments Off on American Rheinmetall Supports Successful Test of M109 Self-Propelled Howitzer Modified with Rheinmetall’s Combat-Tested 52-Caliber Cannon

GA-ASI Advances Aerial Recovery for SUAS and ALE

Wednesday, October 18th, 2023

SAN DIEGO – 10 October 2023 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) recently advanced its Aerial Recovery System for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems/Air-Launched Effects (SUAS/ALE) by deploying and retracting a towline with a “smart end feature” from a GA-ASI MQ-20 Avenger® Unmanned Aircraft System in flight. The demonstration took place on Sept. 20, 2023, over Dugway Proving Ground, Utah.

During this demonstration, a hoist from Breeze-Eastern equipped with GA-ASI’s smart end feature was integrated into Avenger’s payload bay. While in flight, the towline was deployed away from Avenger to the optimal distance for aerial recovery. The smart end feature was able to wirelessly transmit its position back to Avenger, confirming its ability to transmit the data to a nearby SUAS/ALE for aerial recovery. The smart end feature’s “deployed” position correlated to GA-ASI’s multi-degree-of-freedom finite element catenary models, confirming its potential for SUAS/ALE aerial recovery.

“Integrating air-launched UAS from Group 5 unmanned aircraft is possible, in part, thanks to advances in relative navigation technology, complex towline analysis, and multi-aircraft control being pioneered by GA-ASI,” said Mike Atwood, Vice President of Advanced Programs at GA-ASI. “We are excited to see this technology enable long-range kill chains from today’s manned and unmanned systems supporting operations in highly contested environments.”

Beyond just captive carry back to base, the SUAS/ALE can be refueled, recharged, and/or rearmed and then redeployed. Redeployment can occur from the host aircraft, enabling SUAS/ALEs to conduct their own orbits from airborne launch and recovery positions. Aerial redeployment allows UAS like GA-ASI’s Avenger or MQ-9A Reaper to serve as mobile command centers for a network of SUAS/ALEs in a persistent, expansive grid for surveillance, electronic attack, enemy air defense suppression, communication pathways, or joint all-domain mobile command and control for days or weeks at a time.

Breeze-Eastern’s commercial-off-the-shelf helicopter rescue hoists, with performance capabilities that meet or exceed system requirements, provide a high Technology Readiness Level (TRL), and offer a low-risk solution to ensure SUAS/ALE aerial recovery. Throughout the hoist integration and flight testing, Breeze-Eastern provided technical and logistical support.

Ian Azeredo, Breeze-Eastern’s Chief Engineer, commented, “With this milestone demonstration, GA-ASI has once again awed the aerospace industry. The professionalism and surgical ingenuity shown in the integration phase by the Aerial Recovery team all but guarantee future program success.”

The novel aerial recovery concept utilizes a towline and smart end feature, which serves as a beacon and mechanical interface for aerial recovery. The SUAS/ALE calculates its precise position relative to the smart end feature for navigation into towline intercept, followed by a maneuver to capture the end feature. Once secure on the towline, the SUAS/ALE folds its wings and stops its engine to transition into a passively stable towed body. A podded hoist aboard the capital ship reels in the SUAS/ALE to a captive carriage state where the two platforms return to base together.

Posted in Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on GA-ASI Advances Aerial Recovery for SUAS and ALE

SIG SAUER Releases CROSS Magnum Bolt-Action Rifle

Tuesday, October 17th, 2023

NEWINGTON, N.H., (October 17, 2023) – After years of research and development, and countless months of testing in the harshest environments, comes the SIG SAUER CROSS Magnum; the release answers the call to bring magnum-class calibers to the CROSS family of bolt-action rifles while building on the foundation and innovation that made the CROSS a leader in its class.

“The development of the CROSS Magnum pushes the boundaries of innovation for a bolt-action platform and delivers on precision, power, and performance” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales. “Starting with the receiver design, the CROSS Magnum allows for easy barrel changes while keeping your scope and pic-rail mounted, adds a new folding hinge for easier, intuitive folding, better stock-retention and a stronger lock-up, includes a full-length ARCA and M-LOK rail for maximum tripod and bipod usability and adjustment in the field, while the integrated radial compensator design reduces the felt recoil of the magnum caliber by forty-five percent. The CROSS Magnum is feature-rich, performance built, and ready for the hunt.”

The SIG SAUER CROSS Magnum is a bolt-action rifle chambered in 300 Win Mag with a 24” user changeable 5R barrel, aluminum coyote anodized frame, and a two-stage match trigger. The rifle features the new magnum action receiver with a free-floating handguard, a full-length M-LOK™ and ARCA™ rail handguard, forward angle PRS style grip and right thumb rest safety, a folding adjustable precision stock and ships with a 6-round AICS magazine.

SIG SAUER CROSS Magnum:

Caliber: 300 Win Mag
Overall Length: 45.2 in
Overall Height: 7.25 in
Overall Width: 3.25 in
Barrel Length 24 in
Barrel Twist: 1:9
Weight with Magazine: 8.9 lb.

The SIG SAUER CROSS Magnum is now shipping and available at retailers. To learn more about the CROSS Magnum and CROSS family or rifles visit sigsauer.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, weapons | 1 Comment »

New Online Video Shows Off the Amazing GPOTAC 45 Spotting Scope

Tuesday, October 17th, 2023

RICHMOND, Va. (Oct. 13, 2023) — GPO USA, a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-quality, affordable sporting optics, has a new 6:57 video online that showcases the features and benefits of the incredible GPOTAC45 15-45×60 tactical spotting scope.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and designed specifically for precision long-range shooters both on the range and in the field, the waterproof GPOTAC45 15-45×60 spotting scope features a custom first-focal plane reticle that provides accurate sub tensions at all magnifications, Picatinny rails, fully multi-coated Porro prism lens system, both fine and coarse focus adjustments, and a unique honeycomb objective filter lens cap which minimizes objective lens reflection, ensuring your view remains clear and unobstructed, even in challenging lighting conditions. It is tripod mountable, measures 5.5×3.3×10.9 inches, and weighs it at a svelte 44 oz.

Notable are the Picatinny rails on both the side and top, allowing you to quickly and easily mount a Kestrel unit on the side and a red dot sight on top. As a special bonus, the PLR reticle in this spotting scope perfectly matches the first focal plane reticle found in the GPOTAC 4.5-27x50i riflescope. This seamless integration creates the ultimate scope and spotter combination, providing you with an unparalleled advantage in the field.

This informative video is available now at vimeo.com/manage/videos/872486102, as well as also live on the YouTube Precision Rifle Network, www.youtube.com/results?search_query=precision+rifle+network, and www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBDWis8ayKM.

Backed by GPO’s lifetime warranty, MSRP for the GPOTAC45 rangefinder is $1349.99. It’s available from GPO USA dealers nationwide, as well as on the company’s website, www.gpo-usa.com, where you can find information about the company’s entire line of high-quality, affordable riflescopes, binoculars, laser rangefinders, accessories, and much more.

Be sure to register for the GPO “Gear Up for The Range” Sweepstakes prize package which includes a GPO GPOTAC 4.5-27x50i premium tactical riflescope, a Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical in 6.5 PRC, 10 boxes of Hornady 6.5 PRC 147 grain ELD Match ammunition, a Vanguard Endeavor L 303 CGM full-size carbon fiber shooting tripod with gun mount, a Vanguard Porta-Aim and Talley Picatinny scope rings. One lucky winner will win the entire sweepstakes package. Entering the contest is easy. Simply go to the GPO Facebook page www.facebook.com/gpousaoptics or Instagram page www.instagram.com/gpo_usa and find the sweepstakes post and click on it, or visit the GPO promotional page located at gpo-usa.com/promotions.

Posted in Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on New Online Video Shows Off the Amazing GPOTAC 45 Spotting Scope

GM Defense and Anduril Announce Teaming Agreement

Tuesday, October 17th, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. — GM Defense LLC, a subsidiary of General Motors (GM), and Anduril Industries, Inc. announced a teaming agreement, establishing a framework to collaborate on defense program capture activities. The team is focused on delivering autonomy solutions, battery electrification and other new propulsion technologies, as well as those integrating the full range of Anduril technologies onto GM Defense mobility solutions.

During the Association of the U.S. Army tradeshow in Washington, D.C. both companies showcased variations of the proven and fielded Infantry Squad Vehicle. GM Defense had a four-seat Multi-Mission and Logistics ISV equipped with Anduril loitering munitions. Anduril hosted GM Defense’s nine-Soldier ISV, currently fielded to the U.S. Army’s 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, in addition to Lattice, Anduril’s sensor, network, and system-agnostic open software platform, for land systems command and control.

“GM Defense has a strong strategic alignment with Anduril as we are both focused on bringing disruptive new technologies into the defense and government marketplace to deliver innovative solutions for our customers,” said Steve duMont, GM Defense president. “We feel this is a powerful team, and together we can make a strong offering for key U.S. defense programs while assessing other global opportunities.”

With experience in ground vehicle autonomy, sensing, vehicle safety systems and connected vehicle fleet analytics, GM Defense develops solutions based on the advanced technologies of its parent company, General Motors, that help advance warfighter capabilities with some of the most advanced technologies available on the commercial market.

Anduril is a leading provider of advanced defense technologies, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and integrated defense solutions. “We are thrilled to be working with GM Defense to produce new capabilities for land systems. Advanced software for mission-level autonomy can transform ground systems, and GM Defense will be a critical teammate to deliver next-generation land systems for warfighters around the world,” said Anduril Industries CEO, Brian Schimpf.

For the latest GM Defense news, please visit www.GMDefenseLLC.com and follow GM Defense on LinkedIn.

Posted in Industry, Mobility, Munitions, Press Release | Comments Off on GM Defense and Anduril Announce Teaming Agreement

Vista Outdoor Enters into Definitive Agreement to Sell Sporting Products Business to Czechoslovak Group for $1.91 Billion

Tuesday, October 17th, 2023

ANOKA, Minn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Vista Outdoor Inc. (NYSE: VSTO) (“Vista Outdoor”), the parent company of 41 renowned brands that design, manufacture and market sporting and outdoor products to consumers around the globe, today announced a definitive agreement to sell its Sporting Products business to Czechoslovak Group a.s. (“CSG”) for an enterprise value of $1.91 billion in an all-cash transaction subject to customary closing conditions. This transaction represents the next step in Vista Outdoor’s plan to split the company into separate entities, which was previously announced on May 5, 2022.

CSG is a leading industrial technology holding company, operating within five strategic business segments, including defense, aerospace, ammunition, mobility and business. CSG is 100% owned and led by Michal Strnad, who has transformed it into a leading Czech industrial group with a strong international footprint. CSG employs more than 10,000 people worldwide and it owns and manages a diverse portfolio of industrial and trade companies across the defense and civil sectors.

“This is an important strategic step for our company in creating value through separating our Outdoor Products and Sporting Products segments,” said Gary McArthur, interim CEO of Vista Outdoor. “The previously announced plan to separate our businesses has positioned us to execute seamlessly on this transaction, which we believe is the best path to maximize value for our stockholders, while better positioning Sporting Products and Outdoor Products for future success.”

“We are confident that CSG is a great home for our leading ammunition brands,” said Jason Vanderbrink, CEO of Sporting Products. “The company is fully committed to our iconic American brands and expanding our legacy of U.S. manufacturing, support for military and law enforcement customers, and investments in conservation and our hunting and shooting heritage. We are excited to work closely with the CSG team as we enter this next phase and position our brands for long-term success.”

Added Michal Strnad, CEO of CSG, “Jason and the Sporting Products leadership team have a strong heritage of delivering high quality products, and we are pleased to welcome them to the CSG family of companies as we partner to support their next chapter. We look forward to building on the company’s success in delivering innovative, quality products and are confident in the long-term value we can create together. We are committed to expanding their legacy of U.S. manufacturing and providing resources to accelerate their growth.”

Transaction Details

The transaction values the Sporting Products business at an enterprise value of $1.91 billion, on a cash-free, debt-free basis with a normalized level of working capital, and is supported by $1.11 billion of fully committed debt financing with the remaining amount funded by CSG. The valuation is approximately 5x enterprise value to Sporting Products FY24 EBITDA, including estimated standalone costs. To effect the transaction, Vista Outdoor will separate its Outdoor Products business from its Sporting Products business, and CSG will merge one of its subsidiaries with Vista Outdoor (holding only the Sporting Products business), with current public stockholders of Vista Outdoor receiving shares of Outdoor Products (recently rebranded as Revelyst) and approximately $750 million in cash in the aggregate. This will be treated as a taxable sale of a stockholder’s Vista Outdoor shares for the Outdoor Products shares and cash consideration they receive in the merger, allowing stockholders to recover tax basis and recognize built-in gain and loss in their Vista Outdoor shares. Relative to a divestiture of Sporting Products as an asset sale, this structure has corporate level tax of approximately $50 million versus approximately $380 million for a divestiture as an asset sale and allows for the tax-efficient return of cash to stockholders.

The transaction is expected to close in calendar year 2024, subject to approval of our stockholders, receipt of necessary regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

Upon closing, Vanderbrink will remain CEO of the Sporting Products business and the U.S. headquarters will remain in Anoka, Minnesota. In connection with the transaction, the company’s approximately 4,000 employees who represent four factories and the consumer brands CCI, Federal, HEVI-Shot, Remington and Speer will continue their heritage of community and conservation support through local and national organizations.

Outdoor Products

Upon completion of the sale of the Sporting Products business to CSG, Vista Outdoor’s Outdoor Products business will become Revelyst, Inc. (“Revelyst”), an independent publicly traded company trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “GEAR.” Revelyst will leverage meticulous craftsmanship and cross-collaboration across its portfolio of category-defining brands. Brands include Fox, Bell, Giro, CamelBak, Camp Chef, Bushnell, Simms Fishing, Foresight Sports, Bushnell Golf and more. Eric Nyman will continue as CEO of Outdoor Products and become the CEO of Revelyst upon transaction close.

Leadership Update

Joining Vanderbrink on the leadership team at Sporting Products will be Al Kerfeld, CFO; Jeff Ehrich, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary; and Mark Kowalski, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer. Andy Keegan, currently vice president and interim CFO of Vista Outdoor, plans to join Revelyst as CFO.

For full financial disclosure, visit news.vistaoutdoor.com/newsroom/press-releases/press-release-details/2023/Vista-Outdoor-Enters-into-Definitive-Agreement-to-Sell-Sporting-Products-Business-to-Czechoslovak-Group-for-1.91-Billion

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | 10 Comments »

Armasight Unveils the Ultimate Night Vision Kit for Unmatched Performance

Monday, October 16th, 2023

For Immediate Release – Northbrook, IL – Armasight, a pioneer and leading authority in thermal and night vision optics, proudly announces the launch of the Ultimate Night Vision Kit, setting a new standard in night vision offerings. This all-encompassing kit features a range of exclusive Armasight products, carefully curated to elevate the night vision experience. The Premium bundle is now available online and at select retail outlets, providing enthusiasts and professionals with an unparalleled night vision solution.

The Armasight Ultimate Kit represents a field-ready night vision bundle, catering to a variety of Armasight products including the PVS-14, BNVD-40, or BNVD-51 goggles, each available in Gen 3 White Phosphor. There’s also a Sidekick 320 or 640 thermal monocular option, coupled with either a MNVD-51 or PVS-14. Emphasizing simplicity and readiness, each night vision device is bundled with a unique and exclusive Armasight Gray color Team Wendy EXFIL bump helmet, the Armasight G95 Mount Designed and Engineered by Wilcox Industries exclusively for Armasight, the Watchman IR Illuminator, and a custom-designed Otte Gear helmet bag in Armasight Gray.

The objective of this comprehensive bundle is to streamline the process of achieving fully operational night vision capabilities, offering users a complete solution for their nocturnal adventures.

Armasight has proudly partnered with Elbit Systems of America, the largest US manufacturer of Gen 3 image intensifier tubes and the supplier of premium night vision to the US Military Special Operations Community. This collaboration ensures our customers have access to the finest, most reliable night vision tubes on the market. The battle-proven PVS-14, MNVD-51, BNVD-40, and the BNVD-51, known for their unmatched performance, durability, and reliability, come with the Armasight 3-year limited warranty, providing peace of mind and exceptional support.

The Armasight Ultimate Kit is now available for purchase at Armasight.com and through select dealers, empowering enthusiasts and professionals to experience the ultimate in night vision technology. Don’t miss this opportunity to equip yourself with the best in the industry.

Packages contain:

? Choice of White Phosphor PVS-14 Pinnacle, PVS-14 Pinnacle 2376, MNVD-51 Pinnacle, MNVD-51 Pinnacle 2376, BNVD-40, BNVD-40 2376, BNVD-51 Pinnacle or the BNVD-51 Pinnacle 2376

Plus, these items:

• Team Wendy EXFIL LTP Bump Helmet Rail 3.0 in Armasight Gray

• Armasight by OTTE Gear Night Vision Helmet Bag

• Armasight G95 NVG Mount Designed & Manufactured by Wilcox Industries

• Rayvn Rail + 2 PODs bridge for Sidekick systems

• Watchman IR Illuminator (NV systems only)

• 30mm Ring Mount (NV systems only)

• Battery Pack #206 for BNVD-51 & BNVD-40 systems

MSRP:

Armasight PVS-14 Pinnacle Premium Night Vision Bundle – $6,399

Armasight PVS-14 Pinnacle 2376 Premium Night Vision Bundle – $7,399

Armasight BNVD-40 Pinnacle Ultimate Kit – $9,999

Armasight BNVD-40 Pinnacle 2376 Ultimate Kit – $9,999

Armasight BNVD-51 Pinnacle Premium Night Vision Bundle – $9,999

Armasight BNVD 51 Pinnacle 2376 Premium Night Vision Bundle- $9,999

Armasight PVS-14 Pinnacle + Sidekick 320 Premium Night Vision Bundle – $8,499

Armasight PVS-14 Pinnacle 2376 + Sidekick 640 Premium Night Vision Bundle – $9,499

Armasight MNVD-51 Pinnacle + Sidekick 320 Premium Night Vision Bundle – $6,999

Armasight MNVD-51 Pinnacle 2376 + Sidekick 640 Premium Night Vision Bundle – $7,999

Video: Team Wendy / Armasight Helmet Kit – Available Now – YouTube

www.Armasight.com

Posted in Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on Armasight Unveils the Ultimate Night Vision Kit for Unmatched Performance

Qore Performance launches CATAMARAN (Universal MOLLE Plate Carrier Ventilation Adapter Panel)

Monday, October 16th, 2023

Knoxville, TN — Wearing a plate carrier can be oppressively hot and uncomfortable. Any gear that keeps bullets out naturally also traps heat in. One of the few ways to find necessary relief is to get air flowing between your body and the plate carrier, but getting that airflow to be constant and persistent without lowering your defenses is a huge challenge. It’s a challenge for manufacturers as well; very few plate carriers today are built with any type of stand-off ventilation capability (our ICEPLATE EXO® is one of a few exceptions). Instead, many manufacturers use dense foams and other inferior technologies like spacer mesh to provide a soft feel – but which trap heat and retain moisture.

ICEVENTS® Classic Plate Carrier Ventilation Pontoons facilitate air flow and eliminate hot spots between your carrier, your armor plates, and your torso. But up to this point, they haven’t been compatible with most carriers, as they required plate bags equipped with loop Velcro fields on the interior face (a small number of carriers have this feature) or plate carriers that were modified with aftermarket sewn-on Velcro loop (a heavy, if sometimes impossible, lift). Today, that changes with the launch of our all-new CATAMARAN Universal MOLLE Plate Carrier Ventilation Adapter Panel. CATAMARAN brings the magic of our ICEVENTS® Classic Plate Carrier Ventilation Pontoons to every MOLLE-equipped plate carrier on the market today (and even some that are not equipped with MOLLE).

Like any great tool, CATAMARAN solves a complex problem, but it is incredibly simple to use. CATAMARAN works as an ultralight interface that attaches securely to the MOLLE field on your plate carrier and provides a Velcro-loop field interface to secure ICEVENTS® Classic Plate Carrier Ventilation Pontoons in place. Constant airflow. Hotspots gone. On all carriers – in an incredibly easy to install package.

CATAMARAN is now available for purchase exclusively on QorePerformance.com. For more information or media inquiries, please visit www.QorePerformance.com or contact Qore Performance via email or by calling 703.755.0724.

Posted in Advertiser, Armor, Press Release | Comments Off on Qore Performance launches CATAMARAN (Universal MOLLE Plate Carrier Ventilation Adapter Panel)