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Green Beret Foundation Expands Services to Serve All Generations of US Army Special Forces Soldiers and their Families

Thursday, November 11th, 2021

Pineland Initiative will expand Foundation’s scope of programs and services to now include pre-9/11 Green Berets and families

SAN ANTONIO, Nov. 10, 2021 // — The Green Beret Foundation (GBF) announced today the launch of the Pineland Initiative, a new campaign which will focus on expansion of the Foundation’s scope of services to now include pre-9/11 U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers and their families. 

The Pineland Initiative, launching in 2022, will reflect a 3-year phased approach to growth and expansion of existing programs and services in order to accommodate the needs of the pre-9/11 Green Beret population. One key aspect of this expansion will be the welcoming of additional Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) onboard GBF staff to meet anticipated greater need for assistance with the preparation and prosecution of Veterans Affairs benefits and disability claims. These new VSOs will bring with them the added benefit of providing a Foundation presence geographically located at each of the five Active Duty Special Forces Groups, and two National Guard Special Forces Groups, located around the country. 

The name “Pineland” pays tribute to the shared legacy of Green Berets, past and present. GBF Executive Director and Green Beret, Brent Cooper, explains: “Pineland, a fictitious country located in North Carolina where U.S. Army Special Forces trainees consummate their training and selection with the legendary Robin Sage exercise in unconventional warfare, is a universal term that all Green Berets recognize and hold dear. It is a key rite of passage on the path to earning the coveted Green Beret. Being immersed in this fictitious country is a defining experience in all Green Berets’ lives, so it is also the perfect name for this pivotal moment in the GBF’s history, where we can now expand our services to Green Berets of all generations. Though we’ve helped many Green Berets and their families, the job will never be done until we are in a position to help all Green Berets–past, present, and future. The bond between all Special Forces soldiers across the generations is strong. We had to do more, and the Pineland Initiative is how we plan to go about doing so.”

This new initiative for GBF is well-timed, as the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the U.S. Army Special Forces will be commemorated this coming June 19th. With Pineland being the first initiative in GBF’s history to support Green Berets of all generations, “There’s an opportunity to honor those that laid the groundwork to make the Green Berets the world’s premier, elite special operations force,” Cooper says. 

GBF is asking that those wishing to support the Pineland Initiative campaign consider making a commitment of support to the Foundation at the amount of just a $12 monthly recurring contribution. The number 12 is symbolically significant to the Green Beret community, as it is the number of Green Berets on each Operational Detachment Alpha team–a fact which emphasizes that the Pineland Initiative will be a team effort. GBF offers multiple means by which supporters may choose to give, including one-time contributions and monthly recurring donations. For every dollar donated to the Green Beret Foundation, $0.84 goes directly to support the existing programs that the Pineland Initiative will now make available to pre-9/11 Green Berets and their families. 

These programs and services include:

Casualty Support

GBF provides support to wounded or injured Green Berets, ensuring that their hospital stay, recovery, and rehabilitation is more comfortable, along with other financial support for family needs not covered by the Department of Defense. 

Health & Wellness

GBF supplements the care that the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Defense Health Agency provides to ensure total long-term health of a Green Beret’s mind, body, and spirit.

Family Support

A program to provide a welcoming community of support to families of Green Berets. This includes the Steel Mags program–the exclusive program of wives, mothers, sisters, and daughters of Green Berets–and educational scholarships provided to the children and wives of Special Forces soldiers.

Gold Star & Surviving Families

GBF provides Gold Star and Surviving Families with support, tools, and financial assistance to navigate through the death of their Green Beret, assisting families in building long-lasting, supportive relationships within the Special Forces community.

Next Ridgeline™ Transition Support

With the Next Ridgeline Program, GBF provides current and transitioning Green Berets with the resources and tools they need to be successful in their next careers, along with Veterans Affairs benefits and disability claims preparation and prosecution.

GBF has now expanded their ability to accept donations, beyond the traditional means of accepting support through recurring donations and corporate matching programs. To streamline the giving process for donors, they now have partnerships with AmazonSmile, Ebay Giving Works, PayPal Giving, the Combined Federal Campaign, and Network for Good. Cryptocurrencies are also accepted. 

Support the Green Beret Foundation |fundraise.greenberetfoundation.org/gbfpineland

True Velocity Acquires LoneStar Future Weapons

Wednesday, November 10th, 2021

Today, True Velocity released information that they are purchasing LoneStar Future Weapons. As you may recall, the US Army novated (that means legally transferred) the Next Generation Squad Weapons contract from GD OTS to LoneStar. Notably, LoneStar was formed in February of 2021.

Interestingly, the companies shared several personnel prior to this acquisition. Also in the mix is LoneStar affiliate Automatic Products Corporation. The relationship between LoneStar and APC was disclosed in a press release earlier this year.

The release also claims that they are one of two companies remaining in the NGSW program.? I know that SIG is still involved based on discussions during AUSA. So by elimination, True Velocity is telling us that Textron and their Case Telescoping Technology is out. There are some legs to this assumption. I had heard several rumors while in the UK attending DSEi that Textron was out. At AUSA, I visited the Textron booth and there were no NGSW candidates in the booth. I inquired at the front desk and they told me they would get back to me after accepting my card. About two hours later, I received an email which informed me that they would be unable to discuss the program with me during AUSA. I furthered my investigation by speaking with some of their suppliers in attendance at the show, who quite properly told me they couldn’t comment on the matter.

The three NGSW vendors had to send in their latest proposals for the program a few weeks ago. I have inquired with the Army as to which companies submitted proposals and I’m awaiting their answer. Until we get a definitive answer from either of the Army or Textron, ?it’s all an educated guess.

GARLAND, Texas, Nov. 10, 2021 // — Texas-based True Velocity has announced that it will acquire next-generation weapon manufacturer LoneStar Future Weapons in a transaction valued at approximately $84 million.

The strategic acquisition enables True Velocity to extend its innovative approach to lightweight ammunition development and advanced manufacturing technology into the weapons industry, leveraging LoneStar Future Weapons’ substantial expertise in research and design, precision manufacturing, quality control and production efficiency. As a result of the transaction, True Velocity will add LoneStar’s preeminent patent portfolio around next-generation weapons and projectile technology to an already-robust collection of more than 340 patents either issued or pending in the lightweight ammunition space.

LoneStar Future Weapons will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of True Velocity parent company TV Ammo, Inc.

“The LoneStar team is extremely excited to work more closely with True Velocity to implement our next-generation weapons, projectile technology and recoil-mitigation technology into the amazing polymer ammunition ecosystem,” said Craig Etchegoyen, chairman of LoneStar Future Weapons. “Together, our American-owned, American-based companies will provide our warfighters with the very best weapons and ammunition to protect our nation.”

In April 2021, LoneStar Future Weapons announced a strategic partnership with True Velocity to compete in the U.S. Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapons program. Under the arrangement, LoneStar Future Weapons assumed the prime contractor role from General Dynamics Ordnance & Tactical Systems and True Velocity continued to serve as a subcontractor responsible for the provision of its advanced 6.8TVCM composite-cased cartridge.

True Velocity’s acquisition of LoneStar Future Weapons allows the two companies to leverage substantial synergies and business efficiencies in the development and production of advanced weapons and ammunition for the Next Generation Squad Weapons program and other forthcoming force modernization contracts.

“Incorporating LoneStar Future Weapons’ innovative approach to weapon design and manufacture, along with their significant intellectual property portfolio and licensing expertise, into TV Ammo’s holdings strategically positions our business to have a lasting and meaningful impact on the lethality of U.S. fighting forces,” said True Velocity Chairman and CEO Kevin Boscamp. “It provides a path forward for the development and co-optimization of advanced weapons and munitions for the U.S. Department of Defense, our international allies, and the domestic commercial market.”

True Velocity and LoneStar Future Weapons are one of two teams remaining in the NGSW program, which is expected to culminate in January 2022. Current production includes a semi-automatic rifle and an automatic rifle designed to fire True Velocity’s proprietary 6.8TVCM composite-cased cartridge. LoneStar Future Weapons and True Velocity also plan to develop a lightweight medium machine gun, as well as commercially available products, in the future.

To learn more about True Velocity, LoneStar Future Weapons and the NGSW program, visit TVAmmo.com.

Upgrade your Storage Options with New Tasmanian Tiger Tac Pouches

Tuesday, November 9th, 2021

Five new pouches to customize your backpack, vest, or chest rigs for greater tactical performance on the job.

Knoxville, Tenn. (November 2021) – Tasmanian Tiger®, a tactical nylon line of products distributed exclusively for the US market by Proforce Equipment, Inc., offers five new tactical pouches for greater modularity and customization on vests, plate carriers, or backpacks: the TT Tac Pouch 1.1, TT Tac Pouch 4.1, TT Tac Pouch 5.1, TT Tac Pouch 6.1, and TT Tac Pouch 7.1. These new accessory pouches are enhanced with many different features. All of the pouches are easily accessible with wrap-around zippers, which allows them to lay open flat. On the interior, each is designed with various elastic loops, mesh pockets, and hook-and-loop patches. All have the MOLLE reverse system. The 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1 have a zippered compartment on the front to store documents, etc.

The new, smart design of the TT Tac Pouch 1.1 features an extra-wide zipped opening with a MOLLE reverse system. The inside of the accessory pouch features flat mesh pockets and elastic loops. It also features a strap system to hold additional equipment. Made from Cordura® 700 den (Multicam 500 den), the TT Tac Pouch 1.1 weighs 3 oz. (85 g.) and measures 6 x 4 x 1.4 in. (15 x 10 x 4 cm). Needs two MOLLE loops. Available in Black, Olive, Coyote, and Multicam. MSRP $22.95 and $25.95 for the Multicam.

The second new pouch is the TT Tac Pouch 4.1 featuring an extra-wide zipped opening with a MOLLE reverse system. This accessory pouch features flat mesh pockets inside and elastic loops. It also features a strap system to hold additional equipment. Made from Cordura 700 den (Multicam 500 den), the TT Tac Pouch 4.1 weighs 2.8 oz. (80 g.) and measures 4 x 6 x 1.5 in. (10 x 15 x 4 cm). Needs four MOLLE loops. Available in Black, Olive, Coyote, and Multicam. MSRP $22.95 and $25.95 for the Multicam.

The third new pouch is the TT Tac Pouch 5.1 featuring a front compartment with a zipper and hook-and-loop patch on the inside (loop). It also features a large opening, flat mesh pockets inside, elastic loops, a strap system to hold additional equipment, and a MOLLE reverse system. Made from Cordura 700 den (Multicam 500 den), the TT Tac Pouch 5.1 weighs 5 oz. (140 g.) and measures 6 x 6 x 2.3 in. (15 x 15 x 6 cm). Needs four MOLLE loops. Available in Black, Olive, Coyote, and Multicam. MSRP $34.95 and $39.95 for the Multicam.

The TT Tac Pouch 6.1, the fourth new pouch for 2021, comes with a flat mesh pocket inside that can be opened from two sides. It features a hook-and-loop patch on the inside (loop) and a hook-and-loop strip on the front of the pouch for a name tag. It has an extra-wide zipped opening and a MOLLE reverse system. It also comes equipped with a zip compartment on the front, elastic loops, and a strap system to hold additional equipment. Needs four MOLLE loops. Made from Cordura 700 den (Multicam 500 den), the TT Tac Pouch 6.1 weighs 5.5 oz. (160 g.) and measures 7.8 x 6 x 2.3 in. (20 x 15 x 6 cm). Available in Black, Olive, Coyote, and Multicam. MSRP $34.95 and $39.95 for the Multicam.

The final new pouch in the series is the TT Tac Pouch 7.1. This accessory pouch features a large opening and a MOLLE reverse system. The inside has MOLLE hook-and-loop, flat mesh pockets, and elastic loops. Like the TT Tac Pouch 6.1, this pouch also features a hook-and-loop strip on the front of the pouch for a name tag. It features a strap system to hold additional equipment. Needs four MOLLE loops. Made from Cordura 700 den (Multicam 500 den), the TT Tac Pouch 7.1 is the largest of the pouches weighing 6.5 oz (185 g.) and measuring 9 x 6 x 2.3 in. (24 x 15 x 6 cm). Available in Black, Olive, Coyote, and Multicam. MSRP $39.95 and $44.95 for the Multicam.

Click to see Vol. 3 of the Tasmanian Tiger digital catalog here. Find a local dealer here for any of the exciting Tasmanian Tiger products.

All sales inquiries can be directed to tt@tasmaniantigerusa.com

Polartec Announces 2021 Apex Design Award Winners

Tuesday, November 9th, 2021

(Andover, Mass.) – November 9, 2021 – Polartec®, a Milliken & Company brand, and premium creator of innovative and sustainable textile solutions, announces the winners of its 2021 Polartec Apex Design Awards, the annual design award program celebrating the finest products made from Polartec fabric technologies. The winning products were selected from hundreds of entries based on skilled and creative uses of Polartec.

This year’s Polartec Apex Awards campaign centers the importance of versatility and functionality for today’s consumer, brought to life by a creative campaign featuring photography of all the winning products under the theme “Mountain to Bar and Back Again.” Recognizing the very best in garment design and fabric innovation, it’s the freedom to play and perform in the same solution that makes many of this year’s winners stand out from the crowd. The models in the campaign have been fashioned as characters representing each winning brand’s product.

The winners are:

66°North – Kría Neoshell® Power Fill Parka – The Kría NeoShell Power Fill Parka uses a first-of-its-kind combination of Polartec® Power Fill™, the first 100-percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) fill insulation, and Polartec® NeoShell®, the most breathable waterproof fabric. Polartec® Power Fill™ provides lightweight warmth and compressible insulation made of proprietary hollow fibers bonded together to eliminate cold spots. Polartec® NeoShell® is not only the most breathable waterproof fabric technology, but it’s also stretchy and lightweight, enabling unprecedented comfort in a waterproof fabric. The resulting design from the harsh, colder weather experts at 66°North in Iceland updates one of their original jacket designs with these technologies, creating a cold-weather parka that performs for everything from extreme weather outdoor pursuits, to everyday life.

ABSNT – theROBE – The ABSNT Robe is designed for a circular lifecycle thanks to Polartec® Power Air™. An update to the award-winning fabric technology, this style of Polartec® Power Air™ is 100 percent recyclable and 25 percent lighter than the initial product. Power Air is the first fabric technology engineered to minimize microfiber shedding, with an innovative knit construction that encapsulates lofted fibers within a multilayer, continuous yarn fabric construction, capturing warmth and preventing microfibers from shedding at least five times less than other premium mid-layer fabrics. ABSNT’s unique position of designing premium and mindful product that they feel are ABS(e)NT from the marketplace makes Polartec a perfect fit for their introductory product. The product will release in 2022.

Nike ACG – Men’s AOP Wolf Tree Hoodie, Women’s AOP Wolf Tree Half Zip, Men’s and Women’s AOP Wolf Tree Pant – Nike’s outdoor-inspired sub-label, ACG (All Conditions Gear), looks to the creators of technical fleece to deliver a premium apparel collection. Nike ACG uses Polartec® Classic 200 fleece made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) polyester with a unique all-over print to design tops and bottoms for men and women. The resilient construction of Polartec Classic fleece technology creates air pockets for insulation, making it lightweight, warm, and fast-drying, with maximum durability. Nike ACG’s designs with Polartec equip you for streets and trails.

And Wander – alpha AIR T – And Wander continues to showcase the design versatility of Polartec® Alpha® with the alpha AIR T. Polartec® Alpha® active insulation offers a rare combination of lightweight warmth and true breathability. A fabric technology originally developed for US Special Forces, Alpha regulates thermal comfort in dynamic conditions due to its exceptional breathability. The Japanese outdoor brand uses a minimalist, fashion-oriented design but draws inspiration from the outdoor technical world with performance fabrics. Polartec® Alpha® meets the And Wander ethos of making beautiful, lightweight, and functional clothing.

Ariat Rebar Polartec Elite Series – The Ariat Rebar Polartec Elite Series draws inspiration from how a climber or skier would layer in accordance with weather conditions to introduce the first non-flame-resistant Polartec workwear collection for the “athletes of work.” The collection employs a set of Polartec fabric technologies to create a unique thermoregulating layering system. For the base layer, Ariat chose Polartec® Power Grid™, the original grid fabric engineered to maximize warmth, breathability, wicking action, and compressibility, while minimizing weight and bulk. For the mid-layer, Ariat selected Polartec® Power Stretch® technical fleece for durable stretch and recovery, and treated it with Polartec® Hardface® for added protection, abrasion resistance and water repellency. For the outermost layer, Ariat used Polartec® Power Fill™, made with 100 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, to insulate in the coldest/harshest conditions. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind advanced clothing system using a breadth of Polartec fabric technologies to maximize thermoregulation and protection for the various conditions that workers face.

Haglöfs – High Loft Wool Jacket – Haglöfs uses the performance of natural fibers to their benefit in the High Loft Wool Jacket. As a long-time Polartec innovation partner, Haglöfs embraced an evolution of Polartec® High Loft™ lightweight insulation made with merino wool for its natural thermoregulation and comfort on the shoulders and torso. And to add further natural performance, the arms and sides are engineered with Polartec® Power Wool™ for increased stretch and range of motion, with a brushed grid fleece wool interior and a smooth jersey face synthetic exterior to retain wool’s natural properties, while increasing its performance. The result is a cold-weather layer that uses Polartec’s natural solutions for advanced thermal comfort, enabling Haglöfs to maintain sustainable performance.

Hikerkind – Midlayer_01 – Hikerkind is a women’s outdoor gear and New York City hiking club creating apparel with a new perspective that redefines the hiker archetype. For the brand’s initial product, Hikerkind selected Polartec® Power Air™, the award-winning future fleece technology specifically designed to reduce microfiber shedding. Featuring an innovative knit construction that encapsulates lofted fibers within a multilayer, continuous yarn fabric construction, Power Air provides advanced thermal efficiency while shedding 80% less microfibers compared to premium fleece. The Midlayer_01 is warm, yet lightweight and breathable, with four-way stretch and a soft hand feel, and looks as natural in an upscale boutique as on the trail. The bluesign® and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100-certified Polartec fabric is made in the USA and the garment is constructed in NYC, with 100% curbside-recyclable packaging. The Midlayer_01 (complete with a matching scrunchie made from upcycled Polartec® Power Air™) encapsulates Hikerkind’s ethos of conscious creation and reducing overall waste.

Moncler – Grenoble Collection – Softshell Jacket, Softshell Pants – Moncler’s Grenoble Collection combines high-end fashion with performance technologies to create truly luxurious outdoor wear. Polartec® NeoShell®, the world’s most breathable waterproof fabric, powers this elevated look from top-to-bottom. With an air-permeable membrane, NeoShell is the first fabric to combine the superior breathability, ventilation, and stretch of a softshell with the waterproof performance of a hard shell. Moncler uses NeoShell in a unique tracksuit silhouette for versatile performance and comfort for any activity from mountain to city. The collection will release in January 2022.

Norrøna falketind Alpha120 Zip Hood – The falketind Alpha120 Zip Hood is Norrøna’s most breathable and quick-drying mid-layer, using a hybrid of Polartec® Alpha® and Polartec® Power Grid™ fabrics. Polartec® Alpha® active insulation is perfect for high-intensity outdoor adventures in cold conditions, as the fabric is engineered for advanced breathability and thermoregulation. Polartec® Power Grid™ technical fleece is strategically placed under the arms and down the sides to optimize range of motion, promote moisture-wicking, and decrease overall fabric mass. With this piece, the Scandinavian outdoor brand designed a durable and lightweight mid-layer that performs throughout cold mountain conditions.

Orvis – PRO Sun Hoodie – The PRO Sun Hoodie is the first-ever sun hoodie made from Polartec® Power Grid™, created for optimal temperature regulation and versatile performance. Polartec® Power Grid™ fabric technologies are defined by their patented bi-component knit grid construction for excellent moisture management and breathability. Orvis chose a thin, non-fleecey version of Power Grid with inherent sun protection (UPF50+), making it a truly smart application of this lightweight grid fabric. Originally designed for fly fishing, the PRO Sun Hoodie makes for an optimal moisture wicking base layer foundation for all activities in all conditions.

P.A.M. Liveable Recycled Shearling Coat – Australian fashion brand, Perks and Mini, designed this truly unique unisex coat with 100 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) Polartec® Thermal Pro® shearling Fleece. This particular iteration of Polartec® Thermal Pro® is a warm yet lightweight performance fleece delivering the comfort and look of wool shearling, with the dramatically improved performance and durability of technical fleece. Known for their interesting prints and patterns, P.A.M. was able to take advantage of Polartec® Shearling Fleece’s design versatility by creating a truly fashionable coat with vibrant flowers all over, referencing this premium quality fabric in their own style.

Sportful – Total Comfort Jacket – The Sportful Total Comfort Jacket uses a hybrid of Polartec thermoregulating fabrics, Polartec® Alpha® Direct and Polartec® NeoShell®, to set a new standard for winter cycling. In the interior, Polartec® Alpha® Direct active insulation regulates core body temperatures for advanced breathability, made possible through Alpha’s lofted fibers connected to a solid mesh core. Polartec® NeoShell® is the most breathable waterproof fabric technology, providing dynamic air exchange, comfortable stretch, and weather protection, allowing Alpha’s breathability to excel for aerobic pursuits. The Total Comfort Jacket combines two of Polartec’s most innovative fabric technologies to enable unprecedented comfort and performance in cold-weather activities.

Every winner is an embodiment of Polartec fabric innovation and design inspiration, celebrating the science of fabric and the art of product design. Each winner will receive a coveted Malden Wizard trophy in celebration of their winning designs, in addition to joint marketing support. A “People’s Choice” winner will be named via voting on Polartec social media over the coming weeks.

Introducing the Samson Rapid Precision Mounts

Monday, November 8th, 2021

Keene, NH – The Samson Rapid Precision Mounts (RPM) feature a lightweight design that won’t compromise durability or accuracy. Integrated into the clamp cross bolts are two steel recoil lugs to help eliminate scope base movement during heavy recoil to better maintain zero. The scope ring bases utilize threaded steel inserts to prevent the internal threads from being stripped by the ring cap screws, extending the lifespan of the rings if you decide to change out your optic. The RPM is the perfect mount for your favorite optic.

Samson is currently offering the RPM with a 30mm ring and 2″ offset at a retail price of $148.95. Additional ring sizes and offsets are planned for the future.

For more information, go to the RPM webpage.

AXL Advanced – Medical Organizer Insert

Monday, November 8th, 2021

The Medical Organizer Insert is a rapidly removable, semi-rigid insert that is configurable by the user to fit most common medical supplies. The insert allows the user to remove the IFAK from it’s pouch or pocket and keep the contents secure and neatly organized. The MOI measures 7.75″ Wide and 5″ Tall when folded/inserted.

Features

• User-Definable Organization
• Bottom Grid for Small Items (NPA, Needle-D, Gloves, Sharpie, etc)
• Unfolds for Ease of Use

Compatible with:

• Spiritus Systems MicroFight
• LBT/LBX 9022R IFAK
• Stratagem Branch Burro

Includes:

• (1) Insert
• (6) 16″ Pieces of 1/8″ Shockcord
• (1) 18″ Piece of Red Bumpcord

*Medical Supplies not included*

www.axladvanced.com/products/medical-organizer-insert

The Chevy Beast Storms SEMA Show

Sunday, November 7th, 2021

Supercharged, desert-running off-road concept leads roster of eight Chevy trucks and SUVs at annual performance and personalization exposition

LAS VEGAS – Chevrolet drives into the SEMA Show this week led by The Chevy Beast — a concept vision of the ultimate in high-performance desert running.

Conceived to demonstrate the capability of Chevy trucks and Chevrolet Performance components, The Chevy Beast concept is a four-passenger off-roader that’s based on a modified Silverado chassis, wears a customized pickup body and is powered by a Chevrolet Performance LT4 650-horsepower supercharged crate engine.

“The Chevy Beast concept takes the popularity of high-performance off-road trucks to the next level,” said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of Performance and Motorsports. “It’s a vision for a new dimension of Chevrolet Performance capability from a brand that’s been pioneering performance and supporting customer personalization for more than 50 years.”

Superior capability, control and performance

The Chevy Beast was designed to dominate the desert with capabilities, control and performance rooted in a production-based foundation and off-the-shelf performance enhancements.

Designers and engineers started with the chassis of a Silverado short-bed model and modified it for high-speed desert running. The frame was shortened and a custom-designed, 4130 chromoly tubular safety structure was integrated while the modified chassis was wrapped with a custom, lightweight body.

A concept, long-travel off-road suspension system was also created for the vehicle, including a five-link rear suspension. Along with a widened, 91-inch track, it contributes to more stable handling and optimal driver control during high-speed off-road driving.

“There’s nothing else like The Chevy Beast,” says Jeff Trush, GM program manager, Pace Car and Specialty Show Vehicles. “It delivers a ton of performance and capability, which makes it adept at conquering rough terrain — and it flat-out flies in desert running.”

That high-speed capability is derived from a Chevrolet Performance LT4 crate engine1 — a 6.2L supercharged V-8 that’s rated at 650 hp. It’s backed by a 10L90 10-speed automatic transmission that sends torque to a two-speed transfer case and distributes it to 37-inch-tall off-road tires mounted on 20-inch beadlock wheels. The concept also includes the Chevrolet Performance Big Brake Upgrade System.

The Chevy Beast’s impressive capability is complemented with equally dramatic and purposeful style. Tubular doors and a simple, lightweight clamshell-type front end reflect the functionality and aesthetic of desert running while the rear of the vehicle was intentionally designed with almost no overhang to maximize the angle of attack on steep grades.

A pair of spare tires are mounted in the bed while the rear of the vehicle itself is left open to help extract dust. Additional unique design cues include a custom front grille, front and rear bowtie emblems and powerful off-road lighting from Baja Designs®.

Inside, the customized cab has a minimalist, functional design, featuring a quartet of Recaro® performance seats with four-point harnesses, as well as a pair of 7-inch-diagonal LCD screens that monitor vehicle functions and performance data, including pitch and roll during off-road driving scenarios.

“The Chevy Beast concept sets a new standard for off-road performance,” said Trush.

The Chevy Beast at a glance

Bianchi Leather Announces New Weathered Series Finishes for Holsters

Sunday, November 7th, 2021

The new weathered finish brings that perfectly worn in feel to classic Bianchi designs.

Jacksonville, Florida – Bianchi®, a brand of The Safariland Group, a leading global provider of safety products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets, today announced the availability of a new leather finish for select holster designs. The weathered series line of holsters offers a broken-in look to classic Bianchi holsters.

“For more than 60 years, Bianchi has worked to perfect leather holsters,” said Eric Gasvoda, Vice President and General Manager for the Safariland Group duty gear division. “Bianchi Leather is the benchmark for fit and finish, but these finishes have been limited to a classic tan and glossy black. This new era of Bianchi will continue that never-ending devotion to quality and usher in innovations in design and new options for materials and finishes. The new weathered series is just the beginning.”

The Professional is a comfortable inside-the-waistband design made from full-grain cowhide leather. This classic concealed carry design provides a comfortable shield between the pistol and the body and protects clothing. A heavy-duty spring-steel belt clip securely anchors the holster to the waistband or belts up to 1.75” wide. The Professional now comes in tan, black, and the new weathered tan finish.

The Remedy offers ease of access in an outside-the-waistband design. The Remedy rides high on the belt and is easily concealed. The open-top holster is built for semi-automatics and small frame revolvers. Designed for hip or rear hip carry, the Model 57 is a timeless holster and is available in tan, black, and the new weathered tan finish.

Both holsters are available now in the weathered finish with additional models coming soon to the series.  For more information visit the new Bianchi Leather website: bianchileather.com.