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AeroVironment Awarded $26 Million Switchblade 600 Tactical Missile Systems Contract by U.S. Special Operations Command

Wednesday, April 28th, 2021

• Switchblade 600 features high-precision optics, more than 40 minutes of loitering endurance and an anti-armor warhead for engaging and prosecuting hardened static and moving light armored vehicles

• Integration of Switchblade 600 into maritime platforms enables precision engagements against naval and littoral threats and greater deployment flexibility

Switchblade 600 is an extended-range loitering missile system capable of multi-domain operations. (Photo: AeroVironment, Inc.)

SIMI VALLEY, Calif., April 27, 2021 AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), today announced it was awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract on March 31, 2021 by the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) for $26,120,810 with $7,159,036 funded upon receipt. The contract includes delivery and integration of Switchblade® 600 tactical missile systems into specialized maritime platforms, scheduled to be completed by January 2023.

“Our team worked closely with our customers to develop Switchblade 600, a loitering missile system that addresses the increasingly complex needs and mission requirements of counterinsurgency operations and those against peer and near-peer adversaries,” said Brett Hush, AeroVironment vice president and product line general manager for tactical missile systems. “Integrating Switchblade 600 into combat platforms, such as the USSOCOM’s specialized maritime vessels, enhances force overmatch, minimizes warfighter exposure to enemy direct and indirect fires and accelerates the maturation of this innovative solution.”

The AeroVironment Switchblade 600 is an all-in-one, man portable solution equipped with a high-performance EO/IR gimbaled sensor suite, precision flight control and more than 40 minutes of flight time to deliver unprecedented tactical reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition (RSTA). Its anti-armor warhead enables engagement and prosecution of hardened static and moving light armored vehicles from multiple angles – without external ISR or fires assets – for precise, localized effects and minimal collateral damage.

Posted in Contracts, Press Release, SOF, UAS, weapons | Comments Off on AeroVironment Awarded $26 Million Switchblade 600 Tactical Missile Systems Contract by U.S. Special Operations Command

Point Blank Enterprises Company Submits Proposal for the Concept Design of the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle for the U.S. Army

Wednesday, April 28th, 2021

POMPANO BEACH, Fla., April 26, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Point Blank Enterprises, Inc., (“PBE”), today announced that it has submitted a proposal for the U.S. Army’s concept design phase of the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) program. The OMFV is intended to replace the aging Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle fleet.

“We see the government’s non-traditional OMFV program approach as a perfect opportunity to continue to diversify PBE by leveraging our core competencies in collaborative digital engineering design management, survivability systems engineering, and forming and leading teams of some of the industry’s best large and small defense companies,” said Mark Edwards, Executive Vice President, Point Blank Enterprises. “Working directly with Keshik Mobile Power Systems, PBE has formed a comprehensive design engineering and manufacturing team that includes large, experienced defense companies and a large group of innovative small businesses with advanced technologies that may not have had the chance to participate if not for this unique Army program. Our team’s OMFV proposed concept design is a truly innovative approach with robust survivability, mobility, interoperability and lethality.”

Frank Jones, Chief Technology Officer for Keshik Mobile Power Systems, Inc., (“KPMS”), says, “The team’s concept design will help fully inform the U.S. Army of what is possible today for the next generation fighting vehicle with a truly modular and technology-agnostic open systems approach for power, information, and physical architectures. The OMFV design concept PBE has proposed will fully enable the Army to rapidly adapt and scale the platform to emerging threats, changing missions, embedding the ability to integrate the never ceasing evolution of new defense technologies as they become available.”

Keshik’s CEO BG (Ret.) James Blackburn added, “Keshik’s aim is to augment the capabilities of future warfighters with a transformational fighting vehicle platform that leverages robust mobility and agility through a distributed redundant hybrid electric drive train, best-in-class survivability, unprecedented exportable electric power, and scalability for maturing cross domain operational flexibility in real time.

The PBE design concept eclipses near-peer capabilities with the ability to continuously transform and maintain supremacy for generations to come.”

For over 48 years, Point Blank Enterprises, Inc. has been an industry leading defense contractor and innovator of advanced products and designs engineered to maximize user survivability.

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Better The Hunt Beats the Cold with Insulated Shotgun Mitt

Tuesday, April 27th, 2021

Many hunters understand the challenge of hunting in extreme cold weather. Whether it’s a late season duck limit you’re aiming to fill, walking the snow-covered prairie for upland birds, or mother nature simply does her thing and throws you a wet, cold, snowy curveball, hunting in cold weather can be a real challenge. That’s why Better The Hunt set out to help hunters find a new way to fight off the cold. Enjoying late-season hunts without pain or discomfort from the cold is now a possibility for shotgun hunters thanks to the Insulated Shotgun Mitt from Better The Hunt. This innovative product gives shotgun hunters an exciting and effective option for keeping their hands nice and comfortable on those long, cold, late season hunts.

The Insulated Shotgun Mitt takes a new spin on hunter hand comfort. The unique design of this mitt allows for it to install on almost any style or brand of shotgun with ease and will help fight off the bitter cold that often occurs during late season hunting. The Insulated Shotgun Mitt also eliminates the need to fumble around with thick heavy gloves and mittens that would otherwise be needed to keep warm in the Midwest winters. Keep your hands on the firearm, warm, and ready for the shot, and forget about fumbling with gloves. The Insulated Shotgun Mitt stays attached to your shotgun and allows for all day comfort with your bare hand on your weapon for simple, safe shooting.

Born out of a dissatisfaction for cold-weather glove options for hunters, the Insulated Shotgun Mitt, like all Mitts from Better The Hunt, allows a hunter to keep their hand in shooting position on their bow or firearm and maintain warmth and comfort at the same time. Simply slide your bare hand into the mitt and get after that game. Hunt with confidence thanks to unique attachment system that enables you to maintain a firm grip on your weapon without fumbling around with thick, heavy gloves. And for those bitter cold days, activate a hand warmer and place in the convenient pocket to keep even the coldest temps at bay. These innovative features eliminate the need for cold-weather hunters to choose between warmth and maneuverability.

www.BetterTheHunt.com

Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Better The Hunt Beats the Cold with Insulated Shotgun Mitt

ISOtunes Sport Launches DEFY: Hearing Solution for Sport Shooters

Tuesday, April 27th, 2021

Carmel, IN – ISOtunes®, creator of some of the world’s most innovative outdoor hearing protection, recently announced it has officially entered the shooting sports market with ISOtunes Sport. Continuing its new series of hearing protection for professional shooters, competitors, and hunters, ISOtunes is thrilled to announce another exciting new product: the ISOtunes Sport DEFY. An over-ear, muff-style headset, the ISOtunes Sport DEFY provides firearm enthusiasts an impressive catalog of innovative features.

A tactical shooter’s dream, the ISOtunes Sport DEFY enhances your hearing by up to 8x while protecting you from high-impact noises in under 2 milliseconds with a 25 NRR. Through its comfortable design and SafeMax Technology™ that limits volume output to 85dB, DEFY guarantees shooter safety, damage-free listening, and all-day performance. Additionally, DEFY features a unique dual-battery design that provides up to 11 hours of use with the rechargeable lithium-ion battery and up to an additional 22 hours with AAA batteries. The noise-isolating microphone allows for clear communication in loud environments.

DEFY’s innovative design allows it to tip the scales at just 15.5 oz, roughly half a pound lighter than other leading tactical earmuffs. With an IPX4 durability rating and a ventilated headband, DEFY delivers both sweat and water resistance and all-day comfort. Environmental awareness, active gunshot noise reduction, Bluetooth connectivity, and a comfortable fit are just a few of the other baseline features of the ISOtunes Sport DEFY.

The next generation of tactical hearing protection is here. Enjoy all-day safety, focus, and performance from the new ISOtunes Sport DEFY. For more information on the DEFY or any of ISOtunes’ other products, visit www.ISOtunesSport.com.

Posted in Press Release, Shooting Sports | Comments Off on ISOtunes Sport Launches DEFY: Hearing Solution for Sport Shooters

SOC-F Raises Nearly $1M to Support Special Operations Personnel and Their Families

Tuesday, April 27th, 2021

Atlanta, GA – April 27, 2021 – Special Operations Care Fund (SOC-F), an all-volunteer, non-profit grant making organization that is focused on the needs of current and former Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel and their families, is proud to announce that they have secured nearly one million dollars (a new record) for their partner treatment programs, following their annual Sporting Clays Fundraiser held at Barnsley Gardens Resort, north of Atlanta, GA.

Hosting friends, family and supporters of the Special Operations community, SOC-F’s annual event was a fundraiser like no other. From a sporting clays tournament, to a women’s only pistol class, hosted by World Champion, Jessie Harrison, there was truly something for everyone to enjoy.

“What this incredible community has given to our heroes and families in the Special Operations Community, is time to do the ‘normal’ things that others take for granted,” stated SOC-F co-Founder, David Kramer. “We are so proud of how the SOC-F family came together to raise close to $1M for our SOF heroes.”

The money was raised from a combination of live and silent auctions, as well as generous donations over the course of the two-day event. Auction items ranging from custom firearms, to knives, hunting experiences and one-of-a-kind art pieces by world renown performer, Joe Everson, that brought in an unprecedented sum for the organization.

SOC-F’s grants generally fall in two major categories including family resiliency and medical care that is not currently covered by insurance or government programs. The funds raised will be immediately invested into the SOC-F caregiver programs, supporting treatments in TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), PTS (Post Traumatic Stress), Endocrine System Therapies, Marriage and family Counseling, Gold Star Kids Camp, K9 therapy and more.

“The objective in hosting this annual event, is to create a platform for positive change; raising not only money but awareness of the incredible work being done in the community of treatment and care for the SOF Warriors,” stated Kramer. “The impact this funding will have on the lives of the SOF members, their families and children we and our caregiver programs serve will be immeasurable.”

Posted in Charity, Fundraising, Press Release, SOF, Veterans | 3 Comments »

Air Force Research Lab Awards Body Armor Vent SBIR Contract

Tuesday, April 27th, 2021

TEN 97 Inc. is proud to announce that THE AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY (AFRL) has awarded a SBIR/AFWERX PHASE 1 funding grant to TEN 97 inc. (dba – BODY ARMOR VENT®) to develop a group of potential U.S. Military customers for their unique BODY ARMOR VENT retrofit kit panels, and to secure MOU’s for same that say there is a desire/intent to purchase and use said panels with their soldiers’ plate carriers.

The rationale is that BODY ARMOR VENT panels, for the first time in the history of body armor, effortlessly (extremely light weight) and inexpensively, foster increased air movement between base layer and plate carrier, causing much more evaporative cooling under the armor than heretofore.

This cooling and evaporation keeps soldiers healthier, more aware and therefore safer while wearing all forms of armor. The panels also distribute the weight of the carriers better.

They also reduce epidermal issues caused by perspiration that does not evaporate.

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John ”JR” Ray Joins Modlite as LE/Mil Specialist

Tuesday, April 27th, 2021

Modlite is happy to announce that beginning in June 2021, John ”JR” Ray will be joining Modlite as our LE/Mil Specialist.

JR is a figurehead and a mentor to professionals in the Law Enforcement and Military communities. He is an experienced LEO with over 27 years in patrol, detectives, and SWAT with the Los Angeles Police Department. He actively pursues advanced training above-and-beyond the standaSWAT competencies, and also trains others to execute on those same skills in their duty roles. He is skilled at taking life-and-death tactical scenarios and breaking them down such that students retain and execute capabilities with confidence and precision. He’s been an instructor for years within his agency and as a welcomed guest to many others. JR is also a combat veteran of the United States Marine Corps. During his years with the LAPD, he worked various assignments and will be retiring from duty after 13 years as a member of their SWAT team.

JR was chosen for this role for both his incredible experience and his proven success at building relationships with LE professionals, military operatives, and manufacturers within the world of tactical conflict resolution. He is extremely excited to be joining Modlite after a very successful law enforcement career. JR will continue to be leader and figurehead within his profession as he consults with agencies on the Modlite product line and the advantages Modlite offers to professionals over any other manufacturer. Agencies wishing to contact him may reach him at jr@modlite.com.

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HENSOLDT Welcomes LEONARDO as New Major Shareholder

Monday, April 26th, 2021

Taufkirchen, 24 April 2021 – LEONARDO S.p.A. announced today that it has signed a purchase agreement for 25.1 percent of the shares in HENSOLDT AG with HENSOLDT’s majority shareholder Square Lux Holding II S.à r.l., a portfolio company of investment funds advised by KKR. HENSOLDT thus will gain one additional major shareholder and future potential strategic partner. The sale is subject to usual regulatory closing conditions. Square Lux Holding II S.à r.l. will still hold around 18 percent of HENSOLDT after completion of the sale to LEONARDO S.p.A. and after completion of the sale to Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) which acts on behalf of the German Federal Government. Square Lux Holding II S.à r.l. had agreed to sell a stake of 25.1% to KfW in March 2021.

Thomas Müller, CEO of HENSOLDT, said: “We very much welcome LEONARDO’s investment in HENSOLDT. With this transaction, we will have a second long-term anchor shareholder in our company and a strong potential strategic partner with whom we are already successfully working together on a number of programs. As a leading provider of sensor solutions for defence and security applications it has always been our goal to play a decisive role in the consolidation of the European defence market. We see multiple opportunities of working together with LEONARDO to further support our successful strategy and to be able to strengthen HENSOLDT’s long-term growth.

As an independent, listed company, HENSOLDT has successfully expanded its leading market position in recent months. As an important technology partner and strategic supplier of key national technology, HENSOLDT plays a significant role in decisive areas of the German defence and security sector. The shareholder structure therefore safeguards both German security interests and the independence of the company.

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