Phantom Lights

Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

S.O.Tech In The Movies: No Time To Die

Saturday, March 12th, 2022

S.O.Tech has a 25 year history of supplying custom sewn tactical gear for some of Hollywood’s biggest movies. But there is something about a James Bond film that sets it apart and makes you feel like you are part of a dynasty. Just imagine watching the latest and possibly the best Bond film of the series and realizing that your bag is slung on both Daniel Craig’s (James Bond) and Lashana Lynch’s (Nomi) characters bodies in the climax battle scene of the movie! And not only do the pair of black S.O.Tech Go Bags look Bond-sexy, but the characters are using them exactly as they are designed. They are cross slung and Bond rotates the bag one handed to expose the single pull open zipper to draw his explosive charges, reverse slinging it as he goes. And then when he and 007 expend their last charges, one pinch to the release buckle and the SGBs slide off their shoulders to the floor. We thought that Josh Duhamel did our go bag right in the first Transformers movie, but nothing beats Bond destroying the lair of the Arch Villain of Chaos drawing from your go-bag.

We originally designed the S.O.Tech Go Bag with a group of superstars of the Tier 1 community. As always, we keep their identities close-hold, but the idea man’s initials are encapsulated in the product code. The wanted a survival bag for ammo, chow, radio batteries and SERE items, but they needed something that would fit in confined spaces like the Hi Lux, up-armoreds, and Little Birds and Black Hawks. The tubular design slid between the seats and when it came time to bail, one arm through the sling and it was out the door with you. And with inward facing zippers, it protected the contents while making them easily accessible pulled to the front so you could access while on the move. We have modified the bag into half a dozen different configurations including clandestine weapon carriers, camera and commo carriers, and surveillance technical packs. So ending up in a Bond move is an appropriate capital achievement for this workhorse design.

When James Bond and Nomi are both wearing my S.O.Tech Go Bag and they deploy their demolitions from the sling the way I designed it — I think we have finally achieved cinematic perfection in the world.

For decades we have custom sewn prop gear for film productions through ISS and HPR prop houses, but “No Time to Die” came to us through our friends and representatives in England and Denmark, Ian from Tactical Kit UK and Kim Starke from Gear Up Tactical. Needless to say we are truly appreciative of their choices and referrals.

To commemorate S.O.Tech’s Original Go Bag in No Time To Die we are producing a limited run of the original model as seen in the film. Bags are currently in production and scheduled to ship by March 31st. You can order yours here.

www.sotechtactical.com

“Built to survive the world’s worst!”

HENSOLDT Supplies Complete Mission System Solution for Aerial Training and ISR Services

Friday, March 11th, 2022

Pre-integration of the mission system facilitates installation in aircraft

Immenstaad/Germany, March 9th, 2022 – Sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT has received an order from aerial services specialist QinetiQ GmbH, Mönchengladbach, to supply two complete systems for electro-optical reconnaissance. The reconnaissance system consists of the ARGOS-II HD electro-optical infrared system (EO/IR) and the EuroNAV control and evaluation software. These core elements will be pre-integrated by HENSOLDT and scaffolded by QinetiQ for ISR Services and training of national and international JTAC customers and operators with the DA62MPP aircraft manufactured by Diamond Aircrafts Industries, Austria.

“The pre-integration of the mission system by HENSOLDT facilitates the functional testing of the system before integration into the aircraft and thereby significantly reduces the risks in such a project at an extremely early stage. In addition, certification activities can be brought forward. These were decisive points for QinetiQ to commission us,” says Frank Martin, Senior Director Sales for Integrated Airborne Solutions.

The mission system with the product name MissionGrid can be used on fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles. In addition to air and naval forces, it is used for border protection, search and rescue, maritime patrol, law enforcement and asset protection. The German Federal Police use it to combat smuggling, illicit trafficking and border security operations.

The reconnaissance system covers a range of up to 40 km and can detect ships as well as small inflatable boats or individual swimmers day and night as well as in bad weather. A thermal imaging camera records the images and transmits video and data in real time to base stations on the ground. The MissionGrid mission system can also be easily and modularly supplemented with the PrecISR reconnaissance radar, as well as the HENSOLDT self-protection equipment AMPS.

A virtual training facility also allows users on the installation to be trained “remotely” on the mission system via a secure internet connection.

Griffin Armament Announces The BUSHWHACKER 36 Universal Sound Suppressor

Friday, March 11th, 2022

Watertown, WI, March 11, 2022 — After seventeen years of dedicated professional work and development in the sound suppressor market, Griffin Armament is proud to introduce the Bushwhacker® 36, a universal sound suppressor designed to maximize feature functionality, performance, and value with a vast selection of caliber compatibility.

The Bushwhacker’s durable 1.375×24 threaded 17-4 stainless steel tube chassis, is supplied with a Griffin Plan-A Taper Mount adapter, Taper Mount muzzle device, and a booster piston housing. These factory inclusions allow the Bushwhacker to quickly and easily be configured for centerfire rifle or handgun use. Its .36 caliber diameter provides end users with the most caliber flexibility possible, while retaining quality sound suppression. A vast range of rifle calibers are covered by this suppressor such as .338LM, .350 Legend, .308 win, 300win mag, 7.62×39, 300BLK and many others. The suppressor also can be fitted to a 9mm pistol offering large flexibility. Additionally, .338 caliber, .30 caliber and .22 caliber Ratchet-LOK™ front caps can be interfaced with the Bushwhacker 36 further improving sound performance with specific calibers.

Sound suppressors can increase in weight and reduce in internal volume, losing performance over time from carbon, lead, and copper accumulation. The Bushwhacker® 36 features Griffin Armament’s unique, patented Ratchet-LOK™ end cap which provides the user with a robust mechanism to disassemble their suppressor easily for periodic cleaning and maintenance. This consumer demanded technology and the included tools ensure that your investment can be reset to factory weight and sound performance specifications with minor preventative maintenance.

The Bushwhacker® 36 also features Griffin’s patented ECO-FLOW™ baffle technology. These baffles are engineered to provide balanced sound performance on a host of popular calibers and firearms while providing increased flow, reduced back pressure and an overall optimized experience. Impressive sound performance across a broad spectrum of calibers was the goal. This can be seen in Griffin’s popular sound testing videos. The 17-4 stainless tube, front cap and heat treated baffle stack put the Bushwhacker at 15 ounces in its Rifle configuration and 16.9 ounces in a pistol configuration.

Additional accessory support allows the Bushwhacker to be mounted to a myriad of hosts via the 3-lug QD kit, Plan-A XL, direct thread adapters, the 1.375×24 A2 adapter, as well as CAM-LOK®, EZ-LOK™, and DUAL-LOK™ systems.

Performance, Durability, and Versatility are hallmarks of the Griffin Armament brand. These qualities are embodied in the Bushwhacker® 36 and will ensure this universal sound suppressor remains a highly demanded product for years to come.

To find out more on Griffin Armament’s entire product line, please visit their website at www.GriffinArmament.com.

From the Golden State to the Sunshine State, ATN Relocates Facilities to South Florida

Thursday, March 10th, 2022

ATN sets up new headquarters and manufacturing facility in Doral, Florida to better serve its customers now and into the future.

ATN’s new headquarters in Doral, FL. Image courtesy of www.loopnet.com.

Doral, Fla. (March 2022) – ATN, Corp., an industry leader of innovative optics for civilian, law enforcement, and the military, announces it has relocated its facilities from California to a new expansive Florida headquarters and manufacturing facility. The move was necessitated by the rapid expansion and growth the company has seen since its founding in 1995. By leveraging innovation and expertise to create the best technology for its customers, ATN has been able to continuously grow.

“This move is a continuation of ATN’s mission to bring feature-rich products to market. Innovation is central to ATN, and this new step allows the company to deliver the highest quality of products to its customers in a more efficient manner,” remarked Marc Vayn, Chief Marketing Officer of ATN.

The Florida facility is highlighted by a technically advanced manufacturing floor, expansive warehouse, streamlined shipping area, improved warranty center, and high-tech R&D facilities. All of these improvements will allow the company to better serve its customers now and in the future.

To learn more about ATN and see the full details of ATN’s products, visit www.atncorp.com or call 1- 800-910-2862, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM PST.

High Speed Gear Launches New, ReFlex IFAK System Accessory

Thursday, March 10th, 2022

SWANSBORO, N.C. – March 11th , 2022 – High Speed Gear® adds an additional medical pouch accessory to their line up, the ReFlex™ Leg Rig System.

The ReFlex™ Leg Rig system is a two-piece system, med roll and leg rig carrier, that is designed to carry organized medical supplies. The system, constructed primarily with heavy-duty nylon laminate, allows rapid deployment of medical supplies. The ReFlex™ Leg Rig allows the user to quickly access medical supplies much faster than traditional methods of carrying medical pouches and IFAK systems. This allows for an improved response time to render necessary aid. The ReFlex™ was designed and developed with direct input from active-duty medical personnel and is built to hold the supplies that are included in the U.S. Army-issued IFAK. The ReFlex™ Leg Rig and ReFlex™ Med Roll can be purchased together or separately. The ReFlex Leg Rig System has been field tested by U.S. Navy Corpsmen.

“Many of our customers may need quick-access to medical supplies that an IFAK System would carry, however do not have the room to attach this type of gear to their belt. The ReFlex Leg Rig was instinctively designed so the user can still have the same HSGI retention they know and trust, while carrying everything that they need,” explained Daniel Chaney, HSGI® Senior Designer. “Safety and durability is our number one priority at High Speed Gear to ensure that everyone who wears our gear is effectively prepared.”

The ReFlex Leg Rig System is available for purchase through the HSGI Authorized Dealer Network as well as on the High Speed Gear website at www.highspeedgear.com/reflextm-leg-rig.

Rheinmetall Italia Signs Memorandum of Understanding with MBDA Italia to Cooperate in Air Defence

Wednesday, March 9th, 2022

MBDA Italia and Rheinmetall Italia have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore possibilities for collaborating in the area of air defence including disruptive technologies and in the national and European defence funds domain.


During a two-year timeframe, the two companies will study ways of working together with the ultimate aim of developing joint business opportunities in Italy and the international marketplace. MBDA Italia and Rheinmetall Italia will create joint working groups tasked with identifying possibilities for joint technological development and business opportunities.

MBDA Italia is part of MBDA, the only European defence group capable of designing and producing missiles and missile systems that correspond to the full range of current and future operational needs of the three armed forces (land, sea and air).

Rheinmetall Italia is one of Europe’s foremost suppliers of air defence and radar technology. Rheinmetall’s centre of excellence in this high-tech domain, the company has over fifty years’ experience in the design, development and manufacture of air surveillance and tracking radars. Production focuses on short- and very short-range air defence systems.

Is Your Dog a Hero Dog? One Week Left to Nominate Your Best Friend for the 2022 American Humane Hero Dog Awards!

Wednesday, March 9th, 2022

National campaign honoring heroic and loving canines back for twelfth year; Winners to be honored at red carpet awards gala reaching millions

Washington, DC – American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, is closing nominations for the 2022 American Humane Hero Dog Awards® campaign on March 16, one week from today. The twelfth annual, year-long campaign seeks to identify and honor the best of our best friends and will culminate this fall with the star-studded “American Humane Hero Dog Awards” gala on November 11 in Palm Beach. The event reaches and is eagerly followed by millions of animal lovers around the world every year.

Dog owners across the country are invited to visit www.herodogawards.org and nominate their heroic canine companion in one of seven categories. This fall, the top dog in each category will appear at the star-studded, red-carpet awards gala and one of the seven will be named the 2022 American Hero Dog – the most prestigious honor a canine can receive.

The seven categories for 2022 are: Law Enforcement and Detection Dogs, Military Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Service Dogs, Shelter Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs and Guide/Hearing Dogs. Following the nomination period, 21 semifinalists (the top three in each category) will be selected in a first round of voting by the public. The second round, featuring a combination of public and celebrity judge voting, will narrow the field to seven category finalists who will then vie, through a final round of public and celebrity judge voting, for the title of 2022 American Hero Dog.

During the past dozen years, Americans have cast millions of votes for thousands of dogs, all seeking the coveted title of American Hero Dog. The program draws the support and participation of top celebrity dog lovers from all over the world. Hosts, judges, award presenters and entertainment acts have included Vivica A. Fox, Jay Leno, Billy Crystal, Betty White, Ariel Winter, Rebecca Romijn, Faithe Herman, Marcus Scribner, Dean Cain, Katharine McPhee, Shannen Doherty, Whoopi Goldberg, Denise Richards, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Chelsea Handler, Martin Short, Jewel, Wilson Phillips, Carson Kressley, Miranda Lambert, Pauley Perrette, Kristin Chenoweth, Naomi Judd, Eric Stonestreet, Fred Willard, Danica McKellar and many, many more.

“Whether they protect us on the battlefield, help us with medical challenges, or just lighten our spirits with an enthusiastic kiss after a hard day, dogs save and improve our lives every day,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “The American Humane Hero Dog Awards is our way of saluting our best friends and we invite every dog lover to take a few minutes to recognize the love, skill and loyalty these remarkable animals show us every day by nominating their canine companion now at www.HeroDogAwards.org.”

Key dates for the 2022 American Humane Hero Dog Awards contest include:

Nominations:                                                 January 13 – March 16

1st Round Voting:                                        

March 30 – May 12

2nd Round Voting:                                      

June 2 – July 22

3rd Round Voting:                                      

August 5 – September 13

Hero Dog Awards gala:                              

Coming this fall

All rounds open and close at 12 p.m. Pacific Time.

More information about the 2022 American Humane Hero Dog Awards, including complete contest rules and entry information, can be obtained by visiting www.herodogawards.org, and be sure to follow @HeroDogAwards on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. More information on sponsorship opportunities can be had by emailing Laura Wright at LauraW@AmericanHumane.org or by calling 1-800-227-4645.

Cheers to 40 Years! CORDURA Brand Celebrates Allen Mortimer with Gathering in Las Vegas

Wednesday, March 9th, 2022

Long-time brand military leader will retire from the fabric brand in April

Kennesaw, GA, USA – February 1, 2022 – INVISTA’s CORDURA® brand celebrated its long-time military segment leader, Allen Mortimer recently in Las Vegas at the Shot Show with a gathering at Canonita in the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian Hotel. Mortimer, who joined DuPont on June 8, 1981 before Koch Industries purchased INVISTA in 2004, has served the company in many roles over the last 40 years.

The gathering was a welcome change from the last few years of pandemic-forced separation and saw nearly 100 close friends and customers join Mortimer and the CORDURA® brand team for food, drinks and conversation. Attendees came from all over the U.S. and the globe to toast Mortimer and talk business.

INVISTA.com