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Big Agnes Introduces First-Ever Backpack Collection in Spring 2022

Monday, August 9th, 2021

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. – Big Agnes, the Steamboat Springs-based outdoor equipment brand, is pleased to introduce a line of technical backpacks for Spring 2022, a first for the 20-year-old brand. The collection of six backpacks ranges from 20-liters to 63-liters in capacity, made wtih GRS certified recycled nylon fabric nylon fabric. Core to the collection is the inclusion of a “Trash Can” accessory on most models and a campaign, in conjunction with Leave No Trace, aimed at reducing litter on public lands.

“Our new pack line leverages over two decades of product design and development experience,” said Bill Gamber, co-founder and president of Big Agnes. “The market is full of some impressive products but we’re bringing fresh new ideas and a commitment to recycled fabrics to the category. As a brand we’re excited to finally have backpacks to complement and carry all our award-winning gear.”

The Big Agnes pack collection will feature 45-liter to 63-liter backpacks designed to provide comfort for multiday excursions, along with two technical daypacks for hiking and travel. The 45-liter to 63-liter backpacks will also be offered in women’s specific fit models which have been optimized by Big Agnes’ female designers. The main packs fabric is GRS certified, recycled Mipan® regen robic high-tenacity nylon containing a solution-dyed ripstop grid.

Essential to the pack design is the proprietary Load Wrangler and Load Wrangler+ suspension systems that provide an easy to set, precise fit for a well-balanced load that remains comfortable throughout a full day on the trail. All of this is delivered through innovative design that has come to life through functional features like the HOIST COMPRESSION SYSTEM and OPEN RANGE hip belt systems. Hydration bladder sleeves, accessible pockets, daisy chain webbing and other core features are also included.

The Big Agnes packs collection includes:

• Prospector 50 liter and Women’s Sun Dog 45 liter – ultralight backpacking packs designed for shorter-duration overnight pursuits

• Parkview 63 liter and Women’s Garnet 60 liter – lightweight backpacking packs designed for extended backpacking excursions, featuring custom-injection molded frame sheets anatomically engineered to fit the body and maximize torsional stability

• Impassable 20 liter – A top-loading daypack with an internal laptop/hydration sleeve and compartmentalized storage, perfect for day hikes and everyday travel

• Ditch Rider 32 liter – A minimalist, roll-top daypack with an internal laptop/hydration sleeve, designed for versatility on and off the trail, streamlined for all-day comfort

A unique product launching alongside the packs is the 7-liter Big Agnes Trash Can, an easily attachable and packable accessory for collecting litter on the trail and in camp. The Trash Can is made from the same fabric as the packs and will be included with all 45-liter to 63-liter packs, but also sold separately as an accessory.

“Our Trash Can has one purpose – to clean up our public lands and give back to a global organization that’s working to help make it happen,” said Gamber. “We wanted to provide an easy way to collect the large and small garbage that’s littered along trails, rivers and in campgrounds. Through some post work product testing, our employees determined that the Trash Can holds at least 36 crushed aluminum cans.”

The Trash Can is the latest environmentally conscious offering from Big Agnes, joining the brand’s TwisterCane™ BioFoam Pad and Solution Dyed Fabric Tents that both launched earlier this year and provide a multitude of sustainable benefits. For the backpack launch, Big Agnes is partnering with Leave No Trace by donating a portion of sales from every pack and Trash Can to assist in its global efforts to sustain healthy public lands. All Trash Cans will include an informational card to help drive awareness of Leave No Trace’s mission and to help educate consumers on backcountry best practices.

“Big Agnes has been a longtime partner of Leave No Trace and we’re excited to collaborate with them on their upcoming pack launch,” said Dana Watts, Leave No Trace Executive Director. “We love the energy and commitment they have put into reducing trail and campground litter and we’re excited to be a partner in their education campaign.”

Posted in Outdoor Retailer, Packs, Press Release | Comments Off on Big Agnes Introduces First-Ever Backpack Collection in Spring 2022

GeoLanes Distributes Microdrones Surveying Equipment in Austria, Switzerland, and South Tyrol

Thursday, August 5th, 2021

Rome, NY – GeoLanes, an Austrian company in the construction industry and the digitization of construction machinery is now an official distributor of Microdrones integrated systems, offering drone surveying products and solutions to their surveying, engineering, and construction customers throughout Austria, Switzerland, and South Tyrol.

The GeoLanes team, who have more than 10 years’ experience, will now offer the full portfolio of drone surveying equipment that a commercial user needs to get started using drones for surveying, mapping, 3D modeling, and creating digital twins. The integrated systems from Microdrones reinforce GeoLanes’ focus on enabling their customers to make the construction industry more efficient, economical, and safe by implementing digitization solutions.

“Adding the integrated systems from Microdrones really completes our product portfolio,” explains Christian Tschann, CEO of GeoLanes. “We specialize in sales and consultation for high-quality excavating assistance systems. The Microdrones LiDAR systems and data processing modules from mdInfinity work together seamlessly and help strengthen our mission to provide added value and benefits for our customers in order to save costs and promote efficiency.”

Samuel Flick, the Central European Sales Manager for Microdrones, sees great potential for the partnership in this region. According to Flick, “GeoLanes is now ready to help further the advance of drones in the construction sector, where professionals are putting Microdrones systems to work monitoring progress, measuring materials, and surveying sites more efficiently. The customers of GeoLanes will find the Microdrones as a Service sales model affordable and convenient to use for both the drone surveying hardware and software processing modules.”

Posted in International, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on GeoLanes Distributes Microdrones Surveying Equipment in Austria, Switzerland, and South Tyrol

Outdoor Research Awarded U.S. Army Cold Weather Glove System (CWGS) Contract

Thursday, August 5th, 2021

Seattle-based leader in cold-weather clothing and equipment to provide innovative glove system for U.S. Army cold weather units.

SEATTLE, Wash. (Aug. 5, 2021) – Outdoor Research, LLC. (OR), a leading brand in the outdoor and tactical gear industry, announced that the company, in partnership with Prime Vendor ADS Inc., has been awarded a multi-year $49 million contract from the U.S. Army for the next generation Cold Weather Glove System (CWGS).

The interchangeable system is comprised of five individual gloves with varying levels of temperature protection and is customizable depending upon mission requirements. The Army received several offers from industry for this Program of Record (POR), ultimately selecting Outdoor Research based on the capabilities of the OR glove system and the company’s past performance providing best-in-class cold-weather solutions for American military service members. Army Contracting Command Aberdeen Proving Ground Maryland will oversee this contract.

The Outdoor Research CWGS includes a fire resistant (FR) liner base layer glove, a next-to-skin glove for cool conditions, a trigger-finger mitten for cold to extreme cold conditions, a regular mitten that can combine with other gloves, and a white overglove designed for cold weather and snow camouflage. Each glove within the system is designed as “no melt, no drip” to protect against rapid heating during combat operations.

The CWGS provides protection from 40 degrees Fahrenheit down to -70 degrees Fahrenheit. Each glove can be worn independently or layered to provide scalable protection against a variety of temperatures. Combining elements of the CWGS provides for “fast doffing,” or rapid removal for short-term manual dexterity and combat operations. The individual five-finger gloves provide index finger and thumb touchscreen compliance, while the mittens are waterproof, windproof and seam taped for unparalleled protection against cold weather elements. The over-white mitten is made of Alpine Multicam™ and fits over multiple glove/mitten combinations, providing camouflage in winter conditions.

“The contract award for the OR Cold Weather Glove System is the culmination of three years of work by our dedicated team of engineers and production staff and represents the largest contract award in the history of our company,” said Roger Barton, President of Outdoor Research. “Providing best-in-class cold weather gear to the U.S. Military is one of the most important things we do as a brand.”

Outdoor Research will manufacture the 100% Berry Amendment compliant CWGS in Seattle, Wash., and El Monte, Calif. Both facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art sewing and seam taping equipment operated by highly trained, skilled workers.

Posted in Army, Contracts, Handwear, Press Release | Comments Off on Outdoor Research Awarded U.S. Army Cold Weather Glove System (CWGS) Contract

General Dynamics Mission Systems Introduces Badger Software-Defined Radio

Wednesday, August 4th, 2021

New 2-channel radio provides multi-level security for voice and data communications in a small, compact form factor

Fairfax, Va – General Dynamics Mission Systems introduced the new Badger software-defined radio today at the Navy League’s Sea-Air-Space Symposium in National Harbor, Maryland. Produced at the company’s Scottsdale, Arizona facility, the Badger is a compact, 2-channel software-defined radio that provides Multiple Independent Levels of Security (MILS) for ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore voice and data communications. It is the only radio available that provides High Frequency (HF), Very High Frequency (VHF), Ultra High Frequency (UHF) and SATCOM Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) waveform capability. The integration of MUOS significantly enhances beyond line-of-sight, or satellite voice and data communications.

Badger’s software-defined, flexible open architecture enables future next-generation communications including waveforms, encryption algorithms and advanced network connectivity to be easily incorporated without redesign. Similar to a commercial smartphone, this approach simplifies the incorporation of new features and functions by enabling the radio to be upgraded in the field without having to take it out of service, resulting in significant time and cost savings. In addition, the Badger’s Voice over IP (VoIP) audio capability modernizes and simplifies platform audio distribution using network connectivity.

The Badger is based on the long history of General Dynamics’ Digital Modular Radio (DMR). With over 900 radios delivered, DMR provides secure communications aboard U.S. Navy surface and sub surface vessels, as well as fixed sites. At a quarter of the size of DMR, Badger provides the waveforms and flexibility of the DMR in a compact platform.

“The Badger was developed in collaboration with our customer to meet their requirements for smaller ships and platforms,“ said Stan Kordana, Vice President of Surface Systems at General Dynamics Mission Systems. Badger offers many of the same capabilities that have made DMR a communications standard for the U.S. Navy, in a much smaller form factor. The reduced size, weight and power make it ideal for smaller platforms across multiple domains that only require two channels, and at the same time simplifies logistics and reduces costs.”

The Badger has programmable embedded NSA certified Type 1 encryption that secures communications and simplifies the system architecture. It has MILS capability which enables it to communicate simultaneously at multiple levels of security, on each of the radio’s two channels.

For additional information or to purchase a Badger, please visit www.gdmissionsystems.com/Badger.

General Dynamics Mission Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), provides mission-critical solutions to defense, intelligence and cyber-security customers across all domains. Headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, General Dynamics Mission Systems employs more than 12,000 people worldwide. For more information about General Dynamics Mission Systems’ broad portfolio of capabilities, visit gdmissionsystems.com or follow @GDMS on Twitter.

Posted in Comms, Press Release | Comments Off on General Dynamics Mission Systems Introduces Badger Software-Defined Radio

AeroVironment Introduces Standardized Modular Payload Interface Kits for RQ-20B Puma Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems; Kits Under Order by USSOCOM

Wednesday, August 4th, 2021

• Enables third-party payload manufacturers, as well as U.S. DoD and international partners, to develop and integrate payloads onto RQ-20B Puma

• Utilizes the Modular Payload Standard initiated by USSOCOM to create a modular architectural standard for payloads on unmanned aircraft systems Groups 1 through 3

AeroVironment’s standardized modular payload interface kit enables customer-driven payloads to be quickly and easily integrated into RQ-20B Puma (Photo: AeroVironment, Inc.)

ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 4, 2021 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, today announced the introduction of its standardized modular payload interface kits for RQ-20B Puma™ tactical unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

The Modular Payload Standard was established by U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) in order to create a modular architectural standard for a wide variety of payloads on Groups 1 through 3 UAS. The kits enable third-party payload manufacturers, as well as United States Department of Defense and international partners, to quickly and easily develop and integrate payloads onto RQ-20B Puma. AeroVironment’s standardized modular payload interface kit is a self-contained unit that provides all of the mechanical and electrical interfaces required to enable RQ-20B Puma to mate with new payloads, regardless of whether or not they were developed specifically for the RQ-20B Puma platform. This interface kit not only allows for more rapid integration of new payloads, but it also reduces time and complexity for operators to swap them on the flight line and reduces government cost for new integrations.

“AeroVironment’s standardized modular payload interface kits enable customer-driven payloads to be rapidly and effortlessly integrated into the thousands of digitally enabled Puma systems already deployed, resulting in a more capable solution that is adaptable to more mission sets at a fraction of the cost of a new system,” said Trace Stevenson, AeroVironment vice president and product line general manager for small UAS.

AeroVironment received an initial firm-fixed price order for modular payload standard kits from USSOCOM on May 12, 2021. Delivery of the kits is anticipated by November 2021.

AeroVironment’s family of tactical UAS comprises the majority of all unmanned aircraft in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) inventory, and its rapidly growing international customer base of more than 50 allied governments. To learn more, visit www.avinc.com.

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release, UAS | 3 Comments »

Freedom Shooting Center Outlines Expansion

Wednesday, August 4th, 2021

Virginia Beach, Virginia – August 3, 2021 – Freedom Shooting Center is the largest indoor shooting range in Hampton Roads offering a full-service shooting range and the widest selection of guns and outdoor sporting goods. We provide a welcoming atmosphere to anyone interested in shooting, self-defense training, and outdoor shooting sports, regardless of experience. Our mission is to promote responsible gun ownership and attract new people to shooting sports. It’s simple – we want to share all the things we, our members, and guests love about shooting and outdoor sporting. At Freedom Shooting Center, we believe that through our service and product offering, we are driving the initiative of creating a well-informed, well-trained, responsible gun owner.

Many have informed us, “We wish we had a Freedom Shooting Center where we live!”

Freedom Shooting Center announced today that it has begun expansion initiatives to bring the Freedom banner to new markets across the southeastern region of the United States. The first step we are taking to grow exposure to the “Freedom Experience” is our recently launched online store, FreedomOutdoors.us, and simultaneously expanding our product offering of outdoor categories. Additionally, we are actively looking for acquisition opportunities of existing indoor range/retail businesses. Our team is very excited about expanding both into new markets and new product offerings in categories such as hunting. We are very fortunate to be a part of the shooting and outdoor sporting community. Preserving all things that make it a great sport is important to us. We consider it a great privilege to participate in serving and growing the shooting and outdoor sporting community. And, we consider it a great privilege to serve our members and guests who are truly the best ambassadors for our community!

We pride ourselves on creating a premier customer experience and ensuring that people have access to quality products and services in the shooting and outdoor sporting industry. Freedom Shooting Center will continue to deliver exceptional service, competitive pricing, and a comprehensive product offering to members and guests. We appreciate your business, and if you have questions, please check out our updated website at FreedomShootingCenter.com. Additionally, if you or someone you know is interested to explore a potential acquisition, please contact Acquisitions@FreedomShootingCenter.com.

Posted in Industry, Press Release | 3 Comments »

Rheinmetall to Equip the Dutch Army’s Fennek Armoured Reconnaissance Vehicle with New Aiming Device

Wednesday, August 4th, 2021

Rheinmetall will be equipping the Dutch military’s Fennek wheeled armoured reconnaissance vehicle with a new gun carriage-adaptable aiming device. The new device, the Lafettenadaptierbares Zielgerät 400, or LaZ400 for short, will replace the vehicle’s existing thermal imaging system, significantly enhancing the Fennek’s reconnaissance and target engagement capabilities. An order to this effect for 246 devices has been awarded to Rheinmetall Electronics through Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, the Fennek general contractor. The order is worth around €36 million, including value added tax. Due to be delivered through to 2027, the devices will be fabricated at the Rheinmetall Electronics plant in Ismaning in Bavaria.

The Lafetten¬adaptierbares Zielgerät 400 retrofit forms part of the Dutch military’s Fennek midlife upgrade programme. The Dutch armed forces will mount the LaZ400 on the vehicle’s 1530-type gun carriage. The new sensor system will supersede the thermal imaging device currently in use.

Already used in the Bundeswehr’s FLW200 remotely controlled weapon station, the LaZ400 is a tried and tested system. Its colour daylight sensor, thermal imaging sensor and laser rangefinder enable outstanding reconnaissance performance around the clock as well as precise engagement of targets.

Now official, the current order will bring the number of LaZ family devices now in use to over 2,700.

The order underscores once again Rheinmetall’s exceptional expertise in the world of advanced electro-optical sensor technology.

Posted in Advertiser, International, Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on Rheinmetall to Equip the Dutch Army’s Fennek Armoured Reconnaissance Vehicle with New Aiming Device

Oakley Standard Issue Invites Qualified Users to Join the Exclusive OSI Community

Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021

FOOTHIL RANCH, CA. – August 2, 2021 – Oakley® Standard Issue™ invites members of the U.S. Military, Government, Law Enforcement, Fire and EMS Professionals to join OSI. Oakley SI takes great pride in offering the industry’s most innovative, premium products at an exclusive price for U.S. Military, First Responders and Government personnel. Membership into Oakley Standard Issue is free and entitles its members access to exclusive Oakley products and direct pricing.

“We’ve been supporting our men and women in uniform for over 25 years,” said Erick Poston, Senior Director of Oakley SI. “Our core objective is to maintain the highest standard in optics, impact and performance in every product that lands in the hands of our consumers. We accomplish that task with rigorous testing, fine-tuned process and plenty of end-user input. We invite all our men and women in uniform, our veterans and their families to learn more about what we do at oakleysi.com.”

For Over 25 years, Oakley® Standard Issue™ has been supplying this nation’s heroes with the very best in protective eyewear. An obsession with research and development continues to produce combat-ready equipment for those whose lives depend on their gear—and Oakley SI is honored to have earned their respect. To get a better feel for what Oakley SI is all about, fans are encouraged to watch the Oakley SI Origin video.

To register for Oakley SI, users will need to verify their credentials through ID.me. This is a quick and easy process that will secure a spot within the OSI community.

To learn more about Oakley Standard Issue, visit OakleySI.com. Details about products, promotions and future offers can also be found on the Oakley SI Instagram, Facebook and YouTube pages.

Posted in Eyepro, Press Release | 2 Comments »