Rheinmetall and AeroVironment, an American unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) manufacturer, have teamed to take part in a NATO special forces project. Group subsidiary Rheinmetall Technical Publications GmbH and AeroVironment have applied to participate in a procurement programme for a small UAS intended for special operations and infantry applications.
The system must be capable of operating in all conditions and environments, quick to deploy, hand launchable, have a maximum weight of ten kilos, and an operating range of 30 kilometres.
Rheinmetall and AeroVironment are ideally suited for developing and putting forward a compelling solution. AeroVironment is an industry leader in the design, development and production of unmanned aircraft systems. Its PumaTM 3 AE UAS is in operation with armed forces around the world, while its modular concept offers the optimum platform for a small UAS for special forces.
A certified aviation technology company, Rheinmetall Technical Publications is a systems house for tactical drones. Benefiting from decades long experience, Rheinmetall has the necessary expertise to introduce, support, and adapt drone systems to meet customer specifications.
Posted in International, Press Release, SOF, UAS | Comments Off on Teaming for Tactical Drones: Rheinmetall and AeroVironment Join Forces to compete for NATO Special Forces Project
SWANSBORO, N.C. – February 9, 2023 – High Speed Gear announces the release of the Polymer TACO® V2 product line up. This new TACO line revamps the design of the well-loved, original Polymer TACO®, while adding additional features.
The Polymer TACO V2 was developed with input from both military service members, law enforcement officers and end-users. The new shock-cord lacing system allows for easy customization, such as stacking multiple pistol and rifle magazines. The product also has an overhauled, modernized design, fitting the Battle Proven Tactical Gear™ slogan of High Speed Gear.
The flared opening and waterproof, non-absorbent polymer was built with durability in mind as well as ease of use. Like all High Speed Gear TACO’s, the Polymer TACO V2 product line up is versatile and fits multiple types of magazines and/or like sized objects such as multi-tools, flashlights, OC Spray, etc.
“The Polymer TACO V2 has been one of our most tested products to date,” said Allison Mitchum, Director of sales and marketing at High Speed Gear. “It has been tested by some of our local US Marines, as well as police officers who require the highest standard of product. High Speed Gear takes great pride as well as great care in everything we bring to market, and we are very proud of the newest Polymer TACO V2 line up.”
Features include:
• Mounts to MOLLE or belts up to 2” with HSGI Universal Clips
• Made of waterproof, non-absorbent materials
• Flared opening for easy reinsertion of magazines
• Modular attachment points on front and back, allowing other Poly TACOs to be added
• Opposite interior magazine catch channels enable smooth insertion of both left and right-facing AR-style magazines
• Universal mounting hole configuration works with most mounting hardware
• Lock-in mechanism for AR magazines for additional retention security
SH Defence, Denmark; DA-Group and FORCIT DefenceOY AB, both located in Finland, have signed a multiparty Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to corporate and jointly explore the potential in the development of launching, laying, and storing sea mines designed by and manufactured by DA-Group and FORCIT, such as but not limited to the BLOCKER and TURSO sea mines, into the Containerized Multi-Mission Module system called The Cube™ System.
The cooperation will be based on SH Defence’s modular mission concept, The Cube™ System with associated handling equipment, and will include design and conception; supported with DA-Group patented modular SUMICO naval minelaying concept.
Lars Gullaksen, Area Sales Director, SH Defence, said: “The Cube™ System from SH Defence is rapidly becoming the standard within modularization of maritime mission capabilities for naval, coastguard, and SAR vessels around the world, especially within NATO and around the Baltic Sea. Hence our motto The Cube – changing the game at sea.
Modern naval vessels must be capable of carrying out different missions and roles both in peacetime and wartime. Therefore, the easy and rapid exchange of capabilities is an increasing requirement for new buildings and the retrofit of naval vessels.”
He continued: “The Cube™ System, currently available with more than 300 different payloads from approximately 160 vendors, offers a flexible and cost-efficient solution that enables reconfiguration of a vessel in only a few hours.
This partnership with DA-Group and FORCIT allows us to jointly develop the multi-mission capabilities and expand the portfolio of payloads to include the most modern sea mines for the adaptability of both Scandinavian, NATO, and other foreign navies.”
Kristian Tornivaara, Chief Business Officer at DA-Group Defence and Aerospace, said: “We are excited to start the collaboration with SH Defence. They are now taking real action and provide world navies the future proof modular solution for naval minelaying. We have been working with sea mines and mission modularity for years and we have seen the need for such a system. This is also the reason for SUMICO patent, which now can be utilized in Cube System to enhance navies’ operational capabilities and flexibility.”
Hannu Hytti, Executive Vice President, Forcit Defence, said: “Forcit Defence has been developing and manufacturing modern naval mines since 1988. Recent developments in the security environment have emphasized the importance of sea denial and naval mine capabilities. With this partnership with SH Defence and DA Group we are able to provide world class full spectrum naval capabilities for maritime defence.
Posted in International, Maritime, Munitions, Press Release | Comments Off on SH Defence, DA-Group and FORCIT Defence Signed a Multiparty Memorandum of Understanding to Develop the Use of the CUBE for Launching, Laying and Storing Sea Mines
Brand to Serve as 2023 Tactical Games Platinum Sponsor
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – February 8, 2023 – Blackhawk®, a leader in law enforcement and military equipment for over 20 years, is proud to announce its sponsorship of tactical athlete Ehea Schuerch for the 2023 Tactical Games. Schuerch is one of the sport’s up and coming female competitors and the 2023 season marks her second year of competition as well as Blackhawk’s second year of sponsorship for The Tactical Games.
A Spokane, Washington native, Schuerch began competing at The Tactical Games in 2022, where she quickly became one of the games’ fiercest competitors. She placed third at the Bend, Oregon competition and second at the Phoenix, Arizona competition which sealed her national’s qualification. At last year’s National Championship in Florence, Texas, Schuerch placed second amongst a group of 15 elite female competitors.
Outside of competition, Schuerch has served as a corrections officer at the Spokane County Jail for seven years, where she is also the only female to join the jail’s Correctional Response Team (CRT). Additionally, she has served as a defensive tactics instructor for nearly six years, is EMT certified and has competed in regional and national CrossFit competitions since 2016. In 2017 she placed first at the Bi-Annual World Police and Fire Games, and in 2018 placed 17th overall at the World CrossFit Games.
“I’m honored to be backed by a tried-and-true company like Blackhawk and feel confident knowing that I’m running the best gear in competition and for my regular everyday carry,” said Schuerch. “The Tactical Games is paving the way as a new sport by combining firearms and fitness, and it reflects the training that I’ve been doing for several years on the job. I enjoy the test it places on an individual’s physical preparedness, and I look forward to sharing with others my personal journey this season.”
For 2023, Blackhawk will serve as Platinum Sponsor for The Tactical Games. Attracting some of the best professional and amateur tactical athletes nationwide, The Tactical Games have become a proving ground for the latest in cutting-edge tactical gear. The games’ intense physical nature and marksmanship tests require efficient gear setups that prioritize firearm security, retention and accessibility as well as comfort and weight – all tenants at the center of Blackhawk’s designs.
Schuerch’s first competition with Team Blackhawk is at The Tactical Games Mississippi Regional, which takes place on February 18-19 in Meridian, Mississippi. During the competition, Schuerch plans to utilize the Blackhawk Foundation Series Plate Carrier and T-Series holster as part of her go-to-kit.
To learn more about The Tactical Games, head over to thetacticalgames.com, and to learn more about Blackhawk or to see their full lineup of holsters and tactical gear, check out Blackhawk.com.
Burris Optics, a leading manufacturer of hunting optics, has introduced a new rifle scope they say aims to revolutionize the industry. As they tell it, the Veracity PH 4-20x50mm is packed with cutting-edge features such as the Programmable Elevation Knob (PEK) system, high-quality optics, and other high-tech goodies. Get ready for a detailed look at the impressive features of the Burris Veracity PH 4-20x50mm.
Let’s see what Burris had to say in the rest of the release.
The Burris Optics: Veracity PH 4-20x50mm
Burris Optics, known for pushing optics forward with products like the Eliminator Riflescope and Oracle Bowsight, has introduced a revolutionary rifle optic, the new Veracity PH 4-20x50mm.
Featuring the new PEK (Programable Elevation Knob) system, premium optical clarity, a built-in Heads-Up Display (HUD), and Bluetooth connectivity for uploading custom ballistic data from the new BurrisConnect Mobile App, the Veracity PH takes hunter confidence and performance to the highest level.
The most precise hunting optic ever produced by Burris, the Veracity PH 4-20x50mm introduces features that redefine what is possible in a riflescope. In addition, it sets a new standard for confident point-of-aim/point-of-impact performance at extended distances.
These features build on years of research and development to “do the math” for the shooter and achieve precise shot placement easily and efficiently. It provides an accurate dialing solution extremely fast, eliminating time lost to hesitantly fumbling with dope cards and data sheets. Instead, it allows hunters to apply valuable time to focus on getting clean, controlled shots on unpredictable targets.
This complex-to-simple performance centers on Veracity PH’s PEK (pronounced “peak”) system and a robust yet easy-to-assess heads-up display showing the exact dialed distance, wind hold, rifle cant, and battery level. With user-configurable and uploadable ballistic data via Bluetooth connectivity through the BurrisConnect App, hunters can be assured of precise aiming.
A digital position sensor in the scope’s clickless elevation turret achieves 1/10 MOA equivalent adjustability for near exact dial-in to distance in yards or meters—unprecedented precision in today’s conventional scope technology. Additional ¼ MOA laser markings on the elevation turret provide redundancy for peace of mind on any hunt allowing the shooter to still dial to distance and complete their no matter the circumstances. Simply range the target using any rangefinder, dial to the distance in Yards or Meters displayed on the scope HUD, and fire.
The Veracity PH utilizes stand-alone programming in a fail-proof platform, and Wi-Fi or cell service is not needed to use the BurrisConnect App after it has been downloaded. Bluetooth connectivity between the mobile device and scope is required only when uploading ballistics or changing scope settings, making this a proper “set-and-forget” system. With this app-to-scope integration, shooters can create customized ballistic profiles for multiple bullet weights, rifles, and shooting locations and easily upload the desired profile whenever needed.
Boasting a 5x zoom system and high-performance glass with exceptional brightness and clarity, the Veracity PH is built around the award-winning Veracity 4-20x50mm, covering the needs of hunters engaging game close-up or far away in all lighting conditions. The Wind MOA FFP reticle is a front focal plane design, making hold-off and hold-over compensation accurate at any magnification. Side focus/parallax adjustment ensures the target image matches the reticle focal point from 50 yards to infinity, thereby eliminating parallax error on extended-range shots. Both windage and elevation turrets feature zero turn-stop adjustments, so shooters never lose zero.
Burris set out to provide hunters with a class-leading rifle scope that bridges the gap between today’s advanced ammunition and firearm technology. It’s a solution for shooters of all experience levels seeking a fast, reliable, and uncomplicated aiming solution for any hunting scenario – and thanks to Gun University, mounting the scope with the right rings will be an equally simple task.
With its easy-to-use operation, intuitive data presentation, and ability to work with custom ballistic profiles, the new Burris Veracity PH 4-20x50mm can maximize every hunter’s potential for success in the field.
Burris Veracity PH 4-20x50mm Specifications
Item Number: 200200
Magnification: 4-20x50mm
Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
Tube Diameter: 30mm
Field of View (Low to High @ 100 yards): 26 – 5.5 ft.
Plans for more than 300 classes to take place at 5.11-owned retail locations
COSTA MESA, Calif. (Feb. 8, 2023) – 5.11 Tactical, the global innovator of Purpose-Built Gear™, today announced the return of its popular ABR (Always Be Ready) Academy in 2023 in collaboration with the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA). Together, the companies plan to host more than 300 free instructional classes at 5.11-owned retail locations across the U.S. to provide tips, tactics and insight on readiness skills for local community members.
“Last month marked 20 years for 5.11 on our quest to develop innovative gear for life’s most demanding missions. We strive to help our families, friends and communities be prepared for anything to happen,” said 5.11’s CEO, Francisco Morales. “The ABR Academy is designed to help attendees become more equipped for challenges and emergencies by building proper mindsets, readiness skills and gear. It’s all part of living the 5.11 mantra of Always Be Ready.”
The ABR Academy classes will provide first-hand learning and guidance on topics ranging from building emergency preparedness kits and bug-out bags to self-defense and trauma care. Each course is free to attend and will be hosted by certified experts, including instructors from the USCCA.
“Our mission is to save lives and help build safer, more prepared communities through education and training,” said Tim Schmidt, President and Co-founder of the USCCA. “Collaborating with 5.11 on the ABR Academy classes will help us strengthen that mission while reaching thousands of attendees in communities all across the country.”
The USCCA is the largest, fastest-growing self-defense association dedicated to responsible firearm owners, with over 700,000 members and 10,000 instructors nationwide. It offers industry-leading training, lifesaving education and self-defense liability insurance to help members build preparedness and confidence.
“Like 5.11, USCCA also celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, and similarly, has been at the forefront of providing education and readiness training for communities across the U.S. for several years now,” added Morales. “We’re thrilled to work with them throughout 2023 and look forward to helping more folks learn to Always Be Ready.”
For more information about 5.11’s ABR Academy and collaboration with the USCCA, or to find an ABR Academy class near you, please visit 511abracademy.usconcealedcarry.com.
Posted in Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on 5.11 Announces the Return of ABR Academy Classes for 2023 in Collaboration with USCCA
HERNDON, Va., Feb. 07, 2023 — Valiant announced today that the U.S. Army’s Theater Contracting Center (TCC) in Kaiserslautern has awarded the company a five-year non-personal services contract with a maximum value of $67 million to provide Joint Training Analytical Support (JTAS) to U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) J7, U.S. Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA), and Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR) in their execution of the USEUCOM Joint Training and Exercise Program (JTEP), the Joint and Individual Staff Training (JIST) Program, and the Joint Training System (JTS).
“Valiant is honored to continue our 60 years of experience developing training solutions in support of the U.S. European Command Joint Training and Exercise Directorate (ECJ7),” said Dan Corbett, Valiant’s Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to maintaining our vital role to improve the warfighting readiness of our joint force in coordination with our allies and partners.”
As a leading provider of training and readiness services, Valiant supports all phases of the JTS, including military staff training, military exercise planning, simulations programming, Department of Defense budgeting, Joint Event Life Cycle event design, event facilitation, military exercise control, exercise assessments, and readiness and lessons learned analysis. Under this contract, Valiant will support joint training and exercise efforts at multiple locations within the USEUCOM and USAFRICOM areas of responsibility.
“Valiant looks forward to continuing our joint and combined training in Europe and Africa to increase the readiness of the joint force as we work to strengthen relationships and interoperability with our allies and partners through the JTEP,” added Ashlee Dominguez, Valiant’s Vice President of Intelligence and Analysis Solutions.
Posted in Contracts, Press Release, Training | Comments Off on Valiant Awarded $67 Million Contract by United States Army for Joint Training Analytical Support Across Europe
The two companies will join forces and offer, a lightweight unmanned robotic helicopter that meets various challenges faced by HLS, military forces and law enforcement agencies.
8 February 2023. EDT – a leading UAE-based integrator for comprehensive defense solutions, and Steadicopter – a leader in the Rotary Unmanned Aerial Systems (RUAS) industry, are joining forces regarding the supply of Steadicopter’s advanced rotary tactical unmanned aerial systems. The two companies will adapt Steadicopter’s RUAV products to meet the emerging requirements of various customers within the UAE and other specific market segments.
“As EDT continues to serve its customers with innovative, novel, unique, tailor-made solutions, we had scouted Steadicopter and its Eagle family – a platform of solutions which fits synergistically with other solutions manufactured in the region,” says Mohamed Bin Jabr Al Suwaidi, Owner & CEO of EDT. “We found that Steadicopter’s systems, which are used by various armed forces around the world and have already been operationally proven in various missions, meet the highest standards and needs of our customers. We are proud to launch them in the UAE, using both companies’ strengths and relevant accumulated experience, and anticipate that this will be a long-term cooperation that will cater to the needs of various defense and HLS organizations. We continue to prioritize investments and partnerships that meet current and future needs.”
“We thank EDT for expressing confidence in the unique and proven systems developed by Steadicopter,” says Noam Lidor, VP Sales, Marketing & Business Development at Steadicopter. “We believe that, together, we will be able to provide comprehensive solutions for various end users. At the upcoming IDEX exhibition in Abu Dhabi, we will for the first time present the Black Eagle 50H in its new configuration, for the benefit of intelligence missions in challenging environmental conditions, and the protection of land and sea borders.”
Steadicopter’s Eagle family delivers exceptional, unprecedented, proven solutions for a wide range of military, HLS and civilian applications. The Eagle family provides full-featured solutions for any in-field requirement, enabling vertical take-off and landing and steady hovering, with advanced mission sensor suites for day and night operation. Weighing only ~20 kg as a platform, each model has the capacity to carry additional batteries for longer flights, heavier payloads and more.
The Black Eagle 50H is the first ever hybrid-powered unmanned helicopter. With a maximum takeoff weight of 50 kg, the system can carry multiple payloads, and is capable of up to five hours of flight time – extremely high endurance when compared to other VTOL platforms when carrying such heavy payloads. This enables high performance and maximum operational flexibility for various applications, such as military, low intensity conflict, law enforcement, search & rescue, cyber security, intelligence, offshore rigs and strategic infrastructure protection, high-end maritime missions and civilian applications.
Posted in Industry, International, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Emirates Defense Technology (EDT), a Leading UAE Integrator, Joins Forces with Steadicopter to Supply Rotary Unmanned Aerial Systems in the UAE and Other Specific Market Segments
