XC3 Weaponlight

Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

Mountainsmith Makes Big Splash with New Lumbar Packs for 2023 Colorado-based Company Adds, Updates, and Refines Award-winning Packs

Saturday, June 4th, 2022

Golden, CO (June 2022) – Mountainsmith, a Golden, Colorado based company that has spent more than 40 years as a leading gear manufacturer specializing in durable goods for hiking, camping, and a variety of outdoor activities has expanded their storied line of lumbar packs, while also upgrading their critically acclaimed backpacks. The new lumbar packs coming to market for spring of ‘23 will be the Swoop, Epic, Sprint, and Timber.

Mountainsmith has always been committed to providing outdoor enthusiasts with durable gear that can withstand the rigors of any backcountry pursuit. Celebrated for a pioneering spirit that led to a series of breakthrough designs for backcountry adventurers in the 1980s and 1990s, Mountainsmith continues to innovate with groundbreaking designs, while also refining what is tried and true. The need for moving light and fast, while being able to carry a sufficient amount of gear in order to pursue big and wild adventures has never been more paramount than now, which has allowed the famed Colorado outdoor company to re-stake their claim and design what recreationalists and athletes need by doing so with new lumbar packs.

With Senior Designer Rio Telge at the forefront of the company’s design plans since ‘21, who has over twenty years worth of designing for outdoor and travel brands, has played a big role in these next level lumbar packs that are changing the way we recreate outdoors by feeling light but stocked with the right gear. These new packs include features such as hunting and fishing front panel organization on the Timber, two side bottle pockets for mountain bike water bottles on the Epic, and a high-performance construction to carry everything you need and nothing that

you don’t on the Swoop, while all new lumbar packs have bright yellow lining to promote visibility.

“Our main goal was to build upon the heritage of our brand while improving and adding new styles for the modern customer. Through testing, surveys of our friends and customers, and market research we have created some great new enhancements for existing styles as well as added some excellent new products to our 2023 collection to make it the best yet,” said Senior Designer Rio Telge. “From the tried and true classics of the Day and Tour, to the multifunctional and technical additions such as the Epic and Timber, to the Ergonomic Swoop and crossbody carry of the Knockabout, there is something for everyone and every adventure.”

Mountainsmith has a truly renowned past when it comes to lumbar packs. This is thanks to the company’s original 1996 patent that was filed and won with the US Patent Office for a self-supporting lumbar pack. Initially designed to cater to backcountry skiers, the lumbar pack was needed in order to move faster and hold avalanche gear. As backcountry skiing practices changed, lumbar packs became better suited for in-bounds terrain when used for skiing, although the patent, patented for the creation of the Delta Strap, became essential for hikers. The Delta Strap helps pull the load closer to a hiker’s body and into the thoracic region of the back for a more dynamic load carrying system.

“The new 2023 collection is simply superb. We have dug into our heritage and expertise to add some fantastic updates and new styles to our lumbar pack collection,” Mountainsmith General Manager Jonathan McFarland said. “I think you will find the quality and durability you expect to see from Mountainsmith layered in with some real functional and thoughtful designs. I am excited with the work the team has done and am more excited to show them to the world.”

To learn more about Mountainsmith, please visit www.mountainsmith.com.

Rheinmetall Supplies 35mm Ammunition to NATO Customers – Contract Value Around € 20 Million

Friday, June 3rd, 2022

Rheinmetall has been contracted by several NATO customers to supply 35mm calibre ammunition. Deliveries will take place in 2023 and 2024 and the contract is worth a total of around €20 million. Between 2023 and 2024, Rheinmetall will supply the customer countries with various types of ammunition in 35mm x 228 calibre for infantry fighting vehicles. Rheinmetall works continuously with the user nations to further develop the combat capability of the system.

Against the background of changes in the security situation, many NATO and NATO partner countries have an increasing need for modern ammunition. Rheinmetall offers its customers an extensive portfolio in this regard and is adapting to the higher demand.

Rheinmetall provides a comprehensive medium-calibre ammunition portfolio for its own and other cannons. The portfolio covers a broad range of mission profiles and targets and allows minimizing the number of required ammunition types balancing performance with logistics.

The ammunition combines a high penetration performance, versatility, reliability, low dispersion and handling safety. Corresponding target practice and drill rounds complete the portfolio.

Eurosatory 2022: IWI Highlights New Generation of its Revolutionary Riot-Control Protective Suit, the GAL VPS, Reducing Trauma Sustained by Forces, by up to 90%

Friday, June 3rd, 2022

The company recently received order for prison tactical teams in the US, and from other clients worldwide

Eurosatory, Paris, June 13-17, Hall 6 Stand F701

2 June, 2022, Ramat Hasharon, Israel. IWI – Israel Weapon Industries – a member of the SK Group (founded by Mr. Samy Katsav), and a global leader in the production of combat-proven small arms for military forces, police units, law enforcement agencies, and governmental entities around the world –highlights the patented GAL Versatile Protective Suit (VPS) at Eurosatory, with improved design reducing trauma sustained by forces in the maintenance of public order, by up to 90%.

Adaptable to all scenarios, the lightweight, wearable protection system provides protection from trauma injuries. The latest generation of the suit has undergone several modifications, enabling it to withstand even more significant trauma, while maintaining its position as the most lightweight protective suit available in the market.

The GAL VPS absorbs massive kinetic trauma, reducing and diverting the force of a blow to the body. Flexible and easy to wear, this comprehensive, three-level operational solution includes a vest and arm and leg protectors, all anti-trauma. Weighing just 5.0 kg at W3 and 5.9kg at W5, its unique design is suitable for users from small to large size. The system is also covered with an anti-abrasion material as standard, or with flame retardant material according to the customer’s needs.

Together with the ultralight bullet-proof and anti-stab vest and ultralight ballistic helmet, the GAL VPS is the most up-to-date, versatile protective suit available today. Moreover, following a stringent testing process and crash tests, the system has achieved German standard VPAM KDIW 2004 Cubic/ Wurfel.

“By changing the geometry of the GAL VPS, we have increased the level of protection it offers, decreasing the intensity of impact by 90%” says Ronen Hamudot, Executive VP of Marketing and Sales at SK Group. “We recently collaborated with the special operations team of West Virginia DCR during their training, and we are happy to announce a purchase order by the prison tactical teams in the US.  Further orders were received recently from other organizations around the world, following the system’s excellent performance.”

GALLS Acquires U.S. Patriot Tactical, the Nation’s Leading Tactical Gear Retailer

Thursday, June 2nd, 2022

GALLS®’s recent acquisition of U.S. Patriot Tactical unites the two of the largest multi-channel distributors in the U.S. Military individual market.

Lexington, Ken. (June 2022) – GALLS®, the nation’s leading supplier serving America’s public safety professionals, proudly announces the completion of a major acquisition of U.S. Patriot Tactical (“USP”). USP, a military and law enforcement supplier, operates over 63 retail stores worldwide, providing products and gear for U.S. Military service members, law enforcement professionals, and tactical operators.

“After decades of successfully servicing the Public Safety sector, GALLS entered the Military individual market in 2017,” Mike Fadden, CEO of GALLS, explained. “The recent acquisition of U.S. Patriot Tactical will give us a combined 77 years of experience serving Public Safety and U.S. Military professionals. GALLS and USP will have the premier sales and service capabilities in the industry.”

U.S. Patriot Tactical founder, Phil Dee stated, “My family founded U.S. Patriot in 2000 to meet the needs of soldiers at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and over the past 22 years we have grown into one of the world’s largest military retailers. We now look forward to joining forces with GALLS, the top distributor of public safety uniforms and equipment nationwide, and together we will continue to serve the military community for years to come.”

Since 1983, GALLS has operated a national distribution network for public safety, law enforcement, and local, state, and national government agencies. The company provides customized, mission-critical uniforms, safety equipment and related gear for law enforcement, fire, EMS, private security, corrections, federal, military and postal professionals.

In 2017, GALLS acquired Patriot Outfitters, entering the U.S. Military individual market. The acquisition combined expertly developed sales channels with state-of-the-art logistics, strong customer and vendor relationships, nationally recognized brands, superior e-commerce solutions, and a talented and professional employee pool. This acquisition brought to Galls 39 on-base stores and an active website; the addition of USP brings an additional 54 on-basestores, nine off-basestores, a dedicated website, and 270 employees headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina, making the combined company the largest distributor in the U.S. Military individual community.

Visit the website for more information at www.galls.com and on Facebook.

Ammunition Contract Worth Millions: Rheinmetall Wins Framework Contract to Supply 40mm Grenade Launcher Ammunition to Spanish Armed Forces

Thursday, June 2nd, 2022

Rheinmetall continues to expand its position as a leading systems supplier for 40mm weapon and ammunition systems. The Group’s South African subsidiary Rheinmetall Denel Munition has been awarded a framework contract by the Spanish armed forces for the supply of 40mm ammunition. The contract, which was awarded a few weeks ago, is for a period of four years. It provides for the supply of 40mm x 53 high velocity combat as well as training ammunition. A first call-off in the low single-digit million euro range has already been made. The first ammunition deliveries will start in 2022.

The delivery now ordered by Spain comprises 40mm x 53 high explosive (HE), high explosive dual purpose (HEDP) as well as training ammunition with and without tracer. It is intended for the SB-40 LAG and Mk 19 grenade machine guns. These are used by the army and also by the navy.

The 40×53 mm high velocity (HV) ammunition from Rheinmetall Denel Munition reaches a velocity of 240 m/s and has an effective range of 2,200 metres. The High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP) is a multi-purpose ammunition. On the one hand, it has a high fragmentation and shrapnel effect against soft targets, but as a shaped charge ammunition it can also be used against lightly armoured targets or fortified positions. It has a penetrating power of 50mm RHA (Rolled Homogenous Armour).

Rheinmetall’s product portfolio in 40mm calibre also includes 40x46mm Low Velocity and 40x51mm Medium Velocity ammunition for a wide range of applications. In addition, there are fire control systems as well as weapon systems for the grenade gunner.

For Rheinmetall Denel Munition, the framework contract is another sales success in a NATO country. It also confirms the Rheinmetall subsidiary’s competence as a systems house for indirect fire, offering innovative and reliable solutions based on technologies developed in-house.

GM Defense Expands Into Canada

Thursday, June 2nd, 2022

GM Defense is expanding its global strategy to Canada, leveraging the existing relationships of GM Canada along with the advanced technologies and capabilities of its parent company, General Motors, with the aim of delivering efficient and innovative solutions to international military, security and government customers.

Fully aligned with its parent company’s vision for an all-electric future, GM Defense will leverage commercial battery electric technology and recent EV manufacturing investments to help defence and government customers transition to a more electric, autonomous and connected future. GM recently announced $2B to transform both Oshawa Assembly and CAMI Assembly plant, which will become Canada’s first full-scale EV manufacturing plant. The company also announced a partnership with POSCO to build a new $500 million facility in Quebec that will process Cathode Active Materials for EV batteries. GM Defense will leverage these investments to deliver customized solutions based on commercial derivatives that enhance capabilities for defence and government customers in Canada and overseas.

Aero Precision Rifle Tested to NIJ Standards

Wednesday, June 1st, 2022

Testing and evaluation on an Aero Precision rifle was conducted by a west coast law enforcement agency. The rifle was tested to several NIJ testing procedures followed by a 10,000 round endurance test where the rifle experienced 0 operational malfunctions.

The following NIJ test procedures mentioned above were performed:

– Initial 60-round test firing

– 12hr Freezer (30-round test firing after)

– 12hr Oven (120 degrees Fahrenheit / 30-round test firing after)

– Six position drop test (5-round test firing after each drop) *Charging handle lever on the port side broke, flash hider came loose, pistol grip came loose. None of these issues impacted the functioning of the rifle and where appropriate, were re-tightened.

– Water submersion (30-round test firing after)

– Sand submersion (30-round test firing after)

– Initial zeroing w/optic and irons (T&E Optic failure during drop test which doesn’t impact the rifle test. A second T&E optic also failed. A third T&E optic was mounted during endurance firing)

– Final zeroing (3-round zeroing shots near the end of endurance testing resulted with an acceptable zero within 2.75”)

Included in the above test procedures was a 10,000-round endurance test. The rifle was first cleaned and lubricated and then was only lubricated in 1000-round intervals during the course of fire. The firing schedule for this rifle consisted of 150-180-round increments from various shooting positions and firing rates with an 8–12-minute cool down period in between cycles utilizing a 4’x4’ industrial fan. The gas rings of the rifle were replaced at 6,040 rounds and a final zeroing test was conducted at round 9,960.

The Aero Precision T&E rifle fired a total of 10,040 rounds without experiencing a single malfunction, even in extreme conditions that fall outside normal use.

To learn more about Aero Precision and to view the full product library visit www.aeroprecisionusa.com.

PDW Raider Field Short TRS

Wednesday, June 1st, 2022

Expedition Grade, Field Short for All Terrains in Amphibious Ripstop Nylon

Prometheus Design Werx launches their popular Raider Field Short in TRS for Summer 2022. An expedition grade field short designed for rigorous and protracted all terrain adventures and exploration. Constructed in their 6.13oz, technical, 4-way stretch Technical Ripstop nylon with a quick-dry and DWR finish for durable wear on land or in the sea. A total of 11 pockets to stash and organize as little or as many EDC items as the user needs. Pocket Clip Docks™, quad no-twist custom made Delta-Rings for keychain-carabiner clip points, double reinforced seat, and a Hide-Away waistband pocket round out these shorts’ features. Produced with industrial grade triple needle stitching on all major seams and expertly made in California, USA.

The Raider Field Short TRS by Prometheus Design Werx will be available in Transitional Field Green, Universal Field Gray and All Terrain Brown.

The Design and R&D Team at PDW states:

“Our TRS cloth has proven to be one of our most popular fabrics or all-season wear, but in particular, during warm to hot weather months. The well-balanced combination of weight, stretch, quick drying properties, and durability makes the TRS cloth almost a winner in the field. It was a forgone conclusion that our best-selling Raider Short was next in line to use our TRS material. A bomber, purpose driven style, rugged build, and made to last season after season. Unlike much of the garment industry, we make our goods to last and perform longer. On average most of our customers will wear and use our apparel styles for 5 years or more before wearing them out. Trends come and go, but expertly made, functional designs have staying power and stamina. Our Raider Field Short TRS is as versatile as the adventurer who wears them. From packrafting, overlanding, backpacking, jungle trekking to trying out a new rum at your favorite tiki bar, these shorts have you covered.”

The Raider Field Short TRS is available for $123.00 via their website, prometheusdesignwerx.com.