XC3 Weaponlight

Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

Thales Develops the Future of Soldier Weapon Systems in Lithgow

Wednesday, November 6th, 2019

Paris, Ile-de-France, France – In order to maintain a capability advantage for Australia’s Defence Forces, the soldier systems of the future will integrate disruptive digital technologies, advanced sensor and targeting equipment and networked communications – ThalesGroup.com. Euronext: HO

Thales is building on more than a century of small arms manufacture in Lithgow in developing the soldier weapon systems of the future.
• The digitised battlespace will require a fundamental technology leap to ensure Australian soldiers maintain a capability edge against emerging threats.
• This future weapon system is an evolution of the individual weapon and will provide soldiers with an enduring battlefield overmatch.

Drawing together advanced manufacturing techniques and materials, Thales’s advanced future soldier weapon system will integrate:

• cutting edge sensors and targeting systems;
• biometric security safeguards;
• tactical network links to enable collaborative engagement
• enhanced command, control and situational awareness for both individual soldiers and commanders.

Thales’s Lithgow small arms manufacturing facility has been proudly supporting Australia’s soldiers on battlefields around the world since 1912. The future advanced individual weapon system will continue this heritage of manufacturing the world’s most advance systems as the battlespace becomes more digitised and networked.

Building on this century of sovereign capability, Thales’s development of the future soldier weapon system is undertaken in Lithgow, NSW and aligns with the Australian Government’s recognition that the research, design, development and manufacture of small arms is a priority sovereign industrial capability.

“Rapid advances in digital technology bring increasing threats as well as new capabilities. Thales’s future weapon system accelerates the development process for an era of networked warfare.”
Chris Jenkins, CEO, Thales Australia

Robotics Update: ASI Receives SBIR Funding for Deep Learning Architecture to Support Multiple Sensors in GPS-denied Environments

Tuesday, November 5th, 2019

Mendon, Utah – Autonomous Solutions, Inc. (ASI) has been awarded a SBIR Phase I grant from the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicles Systems Center (formerly TARDEC) to develop a Deep Learning (DL) architecture that will support sensor fusion in environments with limited, or no, GPS.

“Environmental sensing today typically includes cameras, LiDAR and radar,” said Jeff Ferrin, CTO of ASI. “Each of these devices has a specific purpose, but not all of them work well in every situation. For example, cameras are great at collecting high-resolution color information, but do not provide much useful information in the dark.”  

 

In addition to the challenges faced by cameras in poorly lit or degraded visual environments, LiDAR and radar sensors also have limitations. LiDAR performs well in most light conditions but may yield false positives in heavy rain, fog, snow or dust, due to its use of light spectrum wavelengths. Radar usually penetrates these degraded visual environments, but often lacks spatial resolution.

 

“ASI’s goal is to design a deep learning architecture that fuses information from LiDAR, radar and cameras,” said Ferrin. “We plan to build upon machine learning techniques we have already developed for LiDAR data.”

 

Deep learning is a branch of artificial intelligence and machine learning that allows valuable information to be extracted from large volumes of data. Cameras are often used in deep learning models because of their high output of information in regularly sampled data structures.

 

The case is different for LiDAR and radar. Naturally, these two sensor types do not provide regularly sampled data, making it difficult to formulate problems using current deep learning frameworks. This gap in current research efforts – deep learning for LiDAR and radar – is the focus of this grant.

 

Improved utilization of data from multiple devices can paint a more accurate picture of a vehicle’s surroundings, keeping it safer and making it more efficient. The details of the grant solicitation state, “It is anticipated that harnessing a wide variety of sensors altogether will benefit the autonomous vehicles by providing a more general and robust self-driving system, especially for navigating in different types of challenging weather, environments, road conditions and traffic.”

 

“In the last few years, we have seen a growing need in the world of robotics to advance industry capabilities in machine learning, deep learning, and other artificial intelligence algorithms to improve performance in these challenging environments,” said Ferrin.

 

Details of the Phase I grant awarded to ASI include developing a deep learning architecture that will support sensors that are not vision-based, such as radar and LiDAR, along with supporting sensor fusion. ASI is required to demonstrate the feasibility of the deep learning architecture in a simulation environment, including a road following system that controls an autonomous vehicle, on a course with obstacles and a degraded visual environment.

www.asirobots.com

CTK Precision Introduces the CTK RPR Universal Bolt Knob

Tuesday, November 5th, 2019

Clintonville, WI – November 2019 – CTK Precision, a manufacturer of shooting equipment and gun accessories, has expanded their line of rifle upgrades with the CTK RPR Universal Bolt Knob.

The RPR Universal Bolt Knob is equally at home on your Ruger Precision Rifle or Remington 700. In fact, it will fit on any bolt with a 5/16″-24 threaded stud.

The RPR Universal Bolt Knob upgrade was designed to offer more leverage and easier bolt lift than a factory installed RPR bolt knob. Three ridges, machined onto the outside diameter of the body, allows for a positive grip on the knob while cycling the bolt. Because these ridges are machined, you’ll never have to look for a missing O-ring, which could be the case with other bolt knobs.

CTK RPR Universal Bolt Knob:

• CNC machined from aircraft quality 6061 aluminum for high strength and low weight.

• Type III hard coat anodized finish.

• Compatible with the Ruger Precision Rifle, Remington 700, or any rifle with a 5/16″-24 threaded stud.

• Installation is made simple by means of the internal set screw, allowing the knob to be locked in place with the supplied Allen wrench.

• Made in the USA!

Learn more at: www.ctkprecision.com/ctk-rpr-universal-bolt-knob

CMC Triggers Announces the Release of its New Combat Curve Trigger

Tuesday, November 5th, 2019

Fort Worth, Texas: Introducing the new CMC Triggers AR-15/AR-10 Combat Curve Trigger (CCT™) … The innovative design combines the comfort of the classic curve with the indexing of CMC’s patented flat trigger into one dynamic hybrid trigger bow for the modern warfighter. The CMC CCT™ has an exceptionally smooth feel, ultra-clean break, and an exceptional lock time and lightning-fast reset.

CMC Triggers is the original maker and manufacturer of the Drop-in Trigger Group for the AR-15/10 rifle since 2003. CMC’s critical sear engagement surfaces have a propriety machining process that renders superior surface finish and dimensional control. As compared to their competition, the techniques used establish a 1-2 RMS surface finish as opposed to EDMing which leaves a pitty 32 RMS, compared to a mirror which is 0 RMS. CMC Triggers sear engagement overlap is six to eight times greater than their competitors. This provides a much safer trigger and enhances reliability.

CMC AR-15/AR-10 Combat Curve Trigger (CCT™) Features:

– Single Stage Match Trigger

– Ultra-crisp 3.5lb trigger pull with no creep prior to hammer release

– Glass-smooth break with no feel of grittiness

– Minimal lock time is designed into the assembly using controlled hammer weight and balance activated by a rocket wire hammer spring, assuring repeatable function with either commercial or military grade ammunition

– Positive trigger reset allows a quick follow up shot on target

– Trigger pull is factory pre-set and not user adjustable

– Hand assembled, and hand tested

– Totally self-contained one-piece assembly

– Includes CMC Anti-Walk Pin Set

– Fits MIL-SPEC AR-15 and AR-10 style rifles

– Made from 8620 Alloy Steel and S7 Tool Steel with machined tolerances of +/– .001″

– Trigger is easy to install following the instructions: follow link www.cmctriggers.com/installation-instructions

All CMC products come with a Lifetime Warranty and are made in the U.S.A., CMC proudly designs all its products for Law Enforcement, Military and Civilian use.

For more information about CMC Triggers and all the products we offer please visit us at www.cmctriggers.com.

NP Aerospace Body Armor Awarded NIJ 0101.06 Compliance

Tuesday, November 5th, 2019

Global armor manufacturer, NP Aerospace, has been awarded Notification of Compliance from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) for two of its Level III+ Lightweight Body Armor Plates.

The LASA LWB III+ IC06 Lightweight Buoyant Hard Armour Plate and LASA LWA III+ 109 IC06 Lightweight Hard Armor Plate are both now certified to NIJ 0101.06 by the governing body that oversees performance standards and testing for ballistic armor. Both have been certified in conjunction with soft armor.

James Kempston, CEO, NP Aerospace, comments: “Body armor plates are critical to protecting our military and law enforcement personnel and therefore the way we undertake our ballistic testing is central to our manufacturing processes and something we take very seriously. Having NIJ compliance for our Level III+ plates is part of a bigger strategy to grow our law enforcement business in North America. It allows us to take our well-established military products into a sector which is demanding increased levels of protection.”

 

The LWB III+ IC06 plate delivers ultra-lightweight multi-hit protection against NIJ Level III and special threats and is positively buoyant. The LWA III+ 109 IC06 plate also stops ‘Green Tip’ SS109 ammunition.

To find out more visit www.npaerospace.com

Southeast Asian Military Customer Awards AeroVironment $6.4 Million Raven Tactical UAS Follow-On Contract Award

Monday, November 4th, 2019

• New order expands customer’s fleet of Raven systems

• Raven is the most widely used military unmanned aircraft system in the world

• AeroVironment’s Family of Tactical UAS are deployed by more than 45 allied governments

SIMI VALLEY, Calif., Nov. 4, 2019 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ:AVAV), a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), today announced it received a firm fixed-price contract valued at $6,408,542 from an existing Southeast Asian military customer on September 17, 2019 for additional Raven® unmanned aircraft systems.  Delivery is anticipated within 12 months.

“With nearly two decades of combat-proven effectiveness, Raven is a mainstay workhorse for this customer’s military, other allied governments, and the U.S. military because it gives troops closest to the fight immediate eyes in the sky to gain lifesaving situational awareness anywhere and at any time,” said Rick Pedigo, vice president of sales and business development at AeroVironment.  “Raven’s ruggedness, small footprint and sensor capabilities ensure that allied forces throughout the world have a profound advantage at a moment’s notice in the most extreme environments.”   

 

AeroVironment’s Raven system is designed for rapid deployment and high mobility for applications requiring low-altitude intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. With a wingspan of 4.5 feet and weighing 4.2 pounds, the hand-launched Raven provides aerial observation, day or night, at line-of-sight ranges up to approximately 6.2 miles (10 kilometers). With its stabilized gimbaled payload, the Raven delivers real-time color or infrared imagery to ground control and remote viewing stations.

 

AeroVironment is participating in the Defense and Security 2019 Exhibition and Conference in Bangkok, Thailand from November 18 through 21.  Please visit AeroVironment at Booth U03 or at www.avinc.com to learn more.

Mission First Tactical Introduces New Decorated Extreme Duty 5.56 Polymer Mag

Monday, November 4th, 2019

Stunning standard or personal images now grace MFT magazines and more.

MFT standard image offerings for decorated products include (from left to right): Distressed American Punisher Skull, Texas State with Flag, Punisher Skull Splatter White or American Flag M1.

Horsham, Pa. (October 2019) – Mission First Tactical, LLC (MFT™), a leader in USA-made rifle/carbine accessories, is proud to introduce the latest addition to the MFT magazine line, the Decorated Extreme Duty 5.56 Polymer Magazine. Designed for the AR15/M4 platform but allowing for use with a wide range of non-AR15/M4 platforms, these magazines can now feature stunning standard or personal images. A unique process provides for photographic quality in a rugged chemical, scratch, and scuff-resistant image. Express yourself with MFT offerings or let MFT place your unique image on not only the EXDP556 but any of our magazines and more. MFT image offerings including American Flag M1; Betsy Ross Flag; Blue Line American Flag 1; Gadsden Flag; Join or Die; Punisher Skull Splatter White or Distressed American Punisher Skull. Every week, MFT will be offering a limited-edition design as a giveaway and a limited-edition sale only available through its social media channels. Follow and like MFT’s Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter platforms to find out about each week’s giveaway and sale.

Manufactured using the newest material technology and processes, the EXDP556 magazines with their next-generation long glass fiber polymer construction offers the trifecta of perfection in structural performance: strength, durability, and stiffness. The stiffness allows the magazine to maintain its integrity without additional weight with an additional benefit of top performance even at elevated temperatures. The longer length reinforcing fibers produce increased strength and prevents deformation and polymer fatigue. Additionally, the Extreme Duty 5.56 magazine offers increased durability through a more efficient energy transfer between the polymer and the longer fiber filaments during an impact. A long-life USGI-Spec stainless steel spring is corrosion resistant. The four-way, anti-tilt, self-lubricating follower keeps the rounds aligned and makes mag feeding consistent and reliable, while virtually eliminating jambs.

Confidence in handling the Extreme Duty 5.56 magazines are a piece of cake, even during weather or duress. The front and rear of the gripping surface is ribbed for a positive grip, even with gloves. An oversized bolt-catch provides enhanced reliability of the bolt catch operation. The flared floor plate allows for an easier grip in handling and extraction and one-hand reloads. Wrapping up the multiple benefits to the EXDP556 is a paint dox matrix to allow for easy marking and identification of magazines and the tool-less disassembly with the double floor plate safety release tabs.

Mission First Tactical Decorated Extreme Duty 5.56 Polymer magazines are built for hard shooting and extreme treatment and shooting conditions and come with a Lifetime Warranty.

Decorated Extreme Duty 5.56 Polymer Mag Specs:

Height: 7.494”

Width: .940”

Length: 2.525”

Colors: American Flag M1, Texas State with Flag, Punisher Skull Splatter White, Distressed American Punisher Skull, or personal image selection

MSRP: $ 24.99

For more information on Mission First Tactical, visit www.missionfirsttactical.com.

XGO Holding Veterans/Military Appreciation Photo Contest

Monday, November 4th, 2019

Here at XGO, our garments are inspired by all of the branches of the United States Military. This November we would like to say thank you and recognize all our vets as well as active military. In honor of Veteran’s Day we will be giving away a $500 (MSRP) shopping spree on our website (proxgo.com). Simply head over to the link, bit.ly/31WRiX6, like our Facebook page, upload your favorite military photo while serving and your email address.  You can also head enter via Instagram by simply adding a photo and hashtagging #XGOMilitaryPhotoContest to win. Winner must provide proof of service.