FirstSpear

Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

Aries Defense Selected for Marine Corps Program of Record

Tuesday, August 15th, 2023

Aries Defense CheckPoints and RECON 5 OverWatch systems join the Marine Corps TCS-GS Remote Surveillance Imager (RSI) capability set

SUFFOLK, Va., Aug. 15, 2023 — Aries Defense, the leading tactical hardware and software solution provider, today announced the Aries Defense CheckPoints and RECON 5 OverWatch (R5O) systems will be utilized by the United States Marine Corps Ground Reconnaissance, Scout, Sniper and Ground Sensor Platoon communities for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) collection purposes.

The Terrestrial Collections Systems Ground Sensors (TCS-GS) program collaborated with Aries Defense to field the CheckPoints and R5O systems as part of the Remote Surveillance Imager (RSI) capability set. Aries Defense provided exceptional technical expertise, training and customer support during testing and integration phases at the Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic (NIWC Atlantic).

With the selection of the Aries Defense Checkpoints and R5O kits as a Marine Corps program of record, Marines now have the capability to transmit full motion video from virtually any optic with a video output over any tactical radio at their disposal and manage the resulting data within the full suite of TAK products and MCH.

“At Aries Defense, we specialize in tactical-edge video solutions and help manage network bandwidth at the edge. We are honored to be a part of the Marine Corps’ first major update to its core reconnaissance and surveillance gear set in more than 20 years,” said Douglas Pillsbury, President and CEO at Aries Defense. “The Marine Corps is moving in a direction that has greatly increased the lethality and survivability of the warfighter at the tactical edge and enhanced their ability to ‘see first, sense first, and shoot first.'”

The Aries Defense CheckPoints and R5O Kits provide enhanced situational awareness, force protection and a drastic reduction in the latency of information flow between Marines at the edge of the battlefield and decision makers in the rear. These systems are sensor and tactical radio network agnostic and integrate seamlessly with radios and optics already found in Marine Corps unit inventories across the service, as well as new technologies that are currently in the development and procurement process.

The CheckPoints and R5O systems provide operators the capability to integrate with their existing surveillance systems and further increase their effectiveness by adding in Teledyne FLIR Thermal capability as well as networking previously non-networked legacy systems. The Aries Defense systems are supported by Android standalone, MCH Plugins and ATAK Plugins.

For more information about Aries Defense, please visit www.ariesdefense.com.

Smith & Wesson Introduces FDE to the M&P 5.7 Series

Tuesday, August 15th, 2023

SPRINGFIELD, MA., (8/15/2023) – Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design, today announced the release of the new two-tone, FDE M&P5.7 pistol.

Combining features of the tested M&P series with a new gas-operated, locked-breech, Tempo™ Barrel System, Smith & Wesson unveiled the M&P5.7 pistol aimed at offering a more reliable, accurate, and consistent shooting experience in a handgun platform for the increasingly popular 5.7x28mm caliber. Designed to harness the speed of the round, its 5-inch barrel allows for a quicker extraction once the bullet passes the gas port, creating a more secured fireform effect.

In its debut, the series included two models, both with a black polymer frame and black Armornite®  slide finish, available with or without a manual thumb safety. Now joining the M&P5.7 lineup is a sharp two-tone setup of a classic Armornite finished slide and black controls, paired with a tactical Flat Dark Earth toned polymer frame.

The two-tone FDE M&P5.7 is optics ready, has a Picatinny-style rail for added accessories, and includes a 1/2×28 threaded muzzle with a thread protector to allow for suppressed shooting capabilities. Its single-action flat-face trigger maintains a crisp break and is designed to allow for consistent finger placement that translates to more accurate and repeatable shooting. This pistol has an impressive 22-round capacity, ships with two magazines, and is proudly made in the U.S.A. Pick up the Tempo™  with accurate and consistent results from the new-look M&P5.7.

MSRP is $719.00

Check out the two-tone FDE M&P5.7 at www.smith-wesson.com.

UNITY Tactical Expands FAST Line to Support Additional Optics

Tuesday, August 15th, 2023

New FAST™ MicroPrism and FAST™ FTC PA designed specifically for optics from Primary Arms®
BROUSSARD, LA. (Aug. 15, 2023) – UNITY™ Tactical, a designer of components that integrate tactical systems and optimize the human factor, announced the launch of two new FAST™ mounts today, expanding the line to increase compatibility with additional optics.

The FAST MicroPrism positions Primary Arms® MicroPrism™ optics at the established FAST height of 2.26″ to the optical centerline from the rail. It is also compatible with other optics of industry standard mini-prism footprint, though heights may vary depending on the optic.

The FAST FTC PA magnifier mount employs UNITY’s FTC (flip-to-center) technology – already found in the FAST FTC OMNI and FAST FTC 30MM– specifically to bring the Primary Arms MicroMagnifier to the 2.26” FAST height.

“We want to ensure a wide range of end users are able to enjoy the benefits of a heads-up shooting posture,” said Mike Roth, VP of business development for UNITY Tactical. “That means bringing all available optics on the market to the FAST height of 2.26 inches, and we’re glad to support Primary Arms customers with these mounting solutions.”

The FAST MicroPrism and FAST FTC PA are designed to work together with minimal occlusion of the primary optic when the magnifier is stowed.

Both new FAST mounts are available in black or FDE, and mount directly to an M1913 rail. The FAST MicroPrism comes standard with a two cross bolt rail clamp but is compatible for retrofit with a FAST QD Lever. It retails for $186.

The FAST FTC PA comes standard with a FAST QD Lever and retails for $265.

Both the FAST MicroPrism and FAST FTC PA offer a lifetime warranty, and are available for purchase now through authorized UNITY dealers and on UNITYtactical.com.

Rheinmetall’s LUNA NG to See Action in Ukraine –Düsseldorf-Based Tech Group Supplying Air-Supported Reconnaissance System on Behalf of Germany

Monday, August 14th, 2023

Rheinmetall has reached another milestone with its LUNA NG reconnaissance drone. The Group’s next-generation LUNA-NG air-supported short-range reconnaissance system will soon be in action in Ukraine. The system should be ready for delivery in the course of 2023. The order now placed is worth a low double-digit million euro amount. Rheinmetall is therefore making another important contribution to enhancing the effectiveness of the Ukrainian military through advanced technology. The LUNA NG has already clocked on several thousand hours of flying time, to include active deployment.

Experience accumulated during the war in Ukraine shows how crucial having real-time reconnaissance results can be at the operational level. This is precisely the purpose of the LUNA NG, an acronym standing for “Unbemannte Nahaufklärungs¬ausstattung der nächsten Generation” or “unmanned short-range reconnaissance equipment, next generation”. The last word in unmanned air-supported reconnaissance, it can detect, classify and recognize objects in real time.

An unmanned aerial system, the LUNA NG comprises a ground control station and several unmanned aerial vehicles, otherwise known as drones. The system also includes the launch catapult, an optional net equipment for catching the drones when they land as well as equipment for rapid repair. The entire system is mounted on an HX truck with a swap body system made by Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles.

Thanks to their ultralight high-stability design, LUNA NG drones can remain aloft for over twelve hours. Moreover, when fitted with optional StaCom equipment, they have a datalink range of up to 300 kilometres.  It has a reconnaissance capability of several hundred kilometres with sufficient time over the mission area.
The LUNA NG system ordered for Ukraine is part of an extensive military aid package initiated by the German government in July 2023. The Bundeswehr is currently introducing the LUNA NG unmanned reconnaissance system under the name “Husar”.

Now placed, this order represents a major milestone for Rheinmetall’s UAV and the Group’s digitalization strategy. LUNA NG is an advanced sensor component for networked operations, which significantly increases the performance of the sensor-to-shooter chain. At the same time, LUNA NG provides the basis for future development of Rheinmetall’s product portfolio both in the field of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities and in the field of tactical payloads.

B&T USA Announces Commercial Release of its APC9K SD2 US Army Submission

Monday, August 14th, 2023

Tampa, FL (August 14th, 2023) – B&T USA is excited to announce that due to continual requests by those familiar with the project, we have been persuaded to produce a limited number of integrally suppressed APC9K SD2 models complete with its scalable suppressor system. This variant was submitted for consideration during the United States Army Sub Compact Weapon (SCW) trials, with said branch ultimately selecting B&T USA’s APC9K and awarding it the SCW Contract.

“To win a US Government contract, you must submit a product that as closely meets their defined specifications as possible — not necessarily what you think the end user needs or even a product that is scalable to best suit its future needs — as was the case with the SD2; the advanced platform was not what the Army required in 2019, but one we anticipate it may in the future” said Chris Mudgett, Vice President of Marketing, B&T USA.

“At less than 15-inches in overall length, the APC9K SD2 is the shortest integrally suppressed submachine gun currently available. It is optimized for low visibility carriage and discreet deployment; while delivering unsurpassed accuracy, controllability, and ergonomics. With its advanced scalable suppressor system, the SD2 is a solution for your future mission.”

For more information on B&T USA, visit: www.bt-usa.com.

High Speed Gear and Phokus Research Group Achieve Immediate Success Revolutionizing Tactical Gear and Medical Solutions

Monday, August 14th, 2023

SWANSBORO, N.C. –August 14, 2023– High Speed Gear, a renowned manufacturer of top quality tactical gear, has instantly accomplished success with Phokus Research Group, a cutting edge research and development company specializing in tactical medical equipment, by joining forces to create state of the art medical kits. Phokus has implemented the use of HSGI’s revolutionary RAM Pouch, Med Pak, TRiK Bag, and Tourniquet TACO® within select medical kits, benefiting military, law enforcement, and first responder professionals worldwide.

The collaboration between High Speed Gear and Phokus Research Group resulted in the development of an extensive range of advanced tactical gear solutions, incorporating state-of-the-art medical components seamlessly into tactical equipment. This integration has allowed for enhanced medical functionality while providing uninterrupted access to critical gear during high-pressure situations.

The Rapid Access Multipurpose (RAM) Pouch is a versatile pouch with a quick deployment pull tab. Elastic loops on the interior secure a small med kit, including a CAT tourniquet, or other gear. A loop panel on the front allows attachment of hook-backed labels. The pouch can be mounted to either MOLLE or a belt.

The Med Pak is a mid-sized MOLLE mounted pouch featuring a quick-access pull-tab and customizable organization features. Ideal for medical, EOD, or various other supplies.

The Team Response Kit (TRiK) Bag is a full-sized “CLS” waist pack with a padded hip belt and user-centric organization features. It has 2 modes of use, either by opening the top flap to access supplies while wearing the bag or placing the bag on the ground and opening it fully to easily access all supplies. The zipper-stop straps prevent accidental opening. The TRiK bag can hold a variety of medical supplies.

The Tourniquet TACO is designed to retain most windlass tourniquets, such as SAM® XT, C-A-T®, SOF® TT, AND SOF® TT Wide tourniquets, on the market. It features a removable flap allowing covered or open-top use and a loop fastener panel on the front for label patches. This pouch is built to expand and contract like the rest of the TACO family to fit your needs and preferences.

The implementation of 100% USA made and Berry Compliant kits that are lighter, stronger, and more applicable than ever before allowing for more effective usage in all environments. These new medical kits can come outfitted with the most vital medical supplies needed for any situation, courtesy of Phokus Research Group. With the most trustworthy tactical medical supplies on the market being supplied by Phokus, the lifesaving capabilities of these new kits are profound.

Chris Bush, CRO of Phokus Research Group, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “We have sought after a company that makes long lasting, durable gear that we trust will perform in life saving situations. Teaming up with High Speed Gear has presented an incredible opportunity for us to design and manufacture innovative medical solutions that seamlessly integrate with tactical gear. Our goal is to provide mission-critical medical capabilities while ensuring ease of use and quick access to gear under extreme conditions. Together, we bring game-changing products to the market that exceed the expectations of the tactical community.”

With the technical capabilities and applications of HSGI® products from industry leading designers, Phokus is able to supply their tactical medical users with the most up-to-date and efficient treatment kits on hand. The newly designed tactical medical kits prioritize organization in medical emergencies faced by the user. When the difference of seconds matter most, you can turn to these innovative new kits by HSGI and Phokus to have your back.

To purchase the medical pouches with the medical contents included:

AMP – Ancillary Medical Pouch

ORK – Operator Response Kit

TRK “Trick”- Team Response Kit

To purchase the pouches on the HSGI website:

Rapid Access Multipurpose (RAM) Pouch

Med Pak

Team Response Kit (TRiK) Bag

 

Silencer Central Continues Partnership with Buck Commander

Sunday, August 13th, 2023

Sioux Falls, South Dakota – August 11, 2023 – Silencer Central, America’s largest silencer dealer, has announced its continued ambassador partnership with Buck Commander. The Buck Commander guys continue to embody passion for being in the woods and showcase the simple process of owning a suppressor.

The Buck Commander men have established a strong connection over the years, fueled by their unwavering devotion to the outdoors and the thrill of taking down big bucks. With a dynamic group including Adam LaRoche, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Ryan Langerhans, Tombo Martin, Tyler Farr and Willie Robertson, expect endless antics, fierce competitiveness and endless entertainment.

“This partnership has played a vital role in representing Silencer Central and connecting with customers and hunting enthusiasts,” said Brandon Maddox, CEO of Silencer Central. “From events like the Buck Commander Sportsmen’s Camp to the Buckmen visiting our headquarters, we’re excited to expand upon this relationship and showcase silence made simple.”

Through the ambassador program, Silencer Central strives to break the stigma surrounding silencers and showcase how hunting safely means hunting with a suppressor. This ambassador renewal signifies the commitment of Buck Commander and Silencer Central’s shared vision of promoting hunting and encouraging a love for the great outdoors. 

“We’re extremely excited to continue working with Silencer Central and expand upon all they have built,” said Willie Robertson, CEO of Buck Commander. “If you haven’t had the chance to hunt with a Silencer Central suppressor, you’re missing out. The team has created the smoothest process in the game for owning a silencer.”

With a legacy spanning over 18 years, Silencer Central emerged as a pioneer, offering customers a streamlined process for legally obtaining firearm sound suppressors. Today, this industry-leading company plays a vital role in the firearms industry, tirelessly advocating for silencer owners across the nation.

For more information visit SilencerCentral.com, or call 888-781-8778.

Cutting-Edge Defence Capabilities, Ammunition and Equipment for Land Operations Set to be Displayed at DSEI 2023

Sunday, August 13th, 2023

Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) returns to ExCeL in London this year from 12-15 September. Attracting leading companies from the UK and abroad, DSEI will feature the latest advances in land-based technology including new capabilities in high-mobility defence vehicles, lightweight-but-durable armour and respiratory equipment to support armed forces in specialised environments.

Since the start of the Ukraine conflict, the UK has given assistance by supplying Ukrainian forces with equipment such as Challenger 2 tanks (Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land), Mastiff patrol vehicles (General Dynamics) and the highly effective, NLAW light anti-tank weapons (Saab). All the organisations that developed this equipment will exhibit at DSEI.

Supporting Ukraine however goes further, and the British Army has been training Ukrainian soldiers in the UK, with approximately 10,000 people being trained every 120 days. At DSEI, the UK Army will focus on how the implementation of technology can enhance not only military capabilities but also how it can be used to efficiently train forces now and in the future.

The Land Zone is supported by the British Army, which will use DSEI to explore the latest innovations in the Land domain. The Zone will host 73 innovative exhibitors, each showcasing standout solutions to the shifting challenges that modern warfare presents.

Notable companies such as Mercedes Benz Trucks UK will attend for the first time in 12 years. The company is set to showcase its high-mobility defence trucks, tailor-made to meet specific operational or environmental parameters, including its Mercedes-Benz Zetros, an off-road truck for extreme operations.

In addition to well-known names, DSEI will host many hundreds of specialist providers of platforms, products and services. For example, Avon Protection develops market-defining technologies, which protect over 3.5 million users every day across the British Armed Forces and military/first responders in more than 60 countries worldwide. Its mission-critical Chemical, Radiological, Biological, and Nuclear (CBRN) protection solutions represent the best of British technology innovation and will be on display alongside its full range of Team Wendy ballistic head protection systems.

Speaking on the event Grant Burgham, DSEI Director, commented:  

“We are grateful to the British Army for its steadfast support of the Land Zone at DSEI 2023. It is a key platform to see first-hand the latest developments and innovations from both UK and international exhibitors. In addition to companies within the zone, it’s great to see companies from the land domain across the DSEI floor space with Saab, Rheinmetall and Thales all planning a significant presence.”

 

Rear Adm (Ret’d) Jon Pentreath, DSEI Senior Military Adviser (Land) said:

“The war in Ukraine has increased the urgency of modernising the UK’s land forces, ensuring that combined arms warfare can be fought effectively.  This is not all about mere platforms or numbers of soldiers, but includes strengthened stockpiles, true readiness and a resilience in the supply chain that will allow for a sustained use of force. The Army’s response to these challenges will be on full display at DSEI 2023, not only on the show floor but importantly also in the conceptual space in the keynote addresses and other conference sessions.

“The British Army will focus on the Land Operating Concept and being a net contributor to the multi-domain enterprise at DSEI. This will be viewed through the lens of delivering the capabilities we need now and, in the future, and on continuing to build the broad alliances to protect our vital national and international interests.”

www.dsei.co.uk