Troop Performance

Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

Revisions Adds Two Products to the US Army’s Authorized Protective Eyewear List (APEL)

Wednesday, May 29th, 2019

Revision’s ShadowStrike Ballistic Sunglasses and SnowHawk Cold Weather Goggles have been added to the APEL Program by the U.S. Army

Essex Junction, Vermont (May 29, 2019) – Revision—the world leader in protective eyewear solutions—announces the selection of two new eyewear lines for inclusion on the Authorized Protective Eyewear List (APEL®), as determined by the U.S. Army’s Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier. After comprehensive laboratory testing and user trials, the Product Manager, Soldier Protective Equipment (PM SPE), selected Revision’s ShadowStrike™ Ballistic Sunglasses and SnowHawk™ Cold Weather Goggle System for inclusion on the APEL. The ShadowStrike Sunglasses are the first dual lens, ballistic sunglasses to offer OcuMax® Anti-Fog performance, and the SnowHawk goggle system is the first Cold Weather Goggle System to offer a magnetically integrated balaclava for extreme protection in cold weather environments (balaclava procured separately).

“Revision has been a leading provider of protective eyewear on the APEL program since it was created in 2006,” said Jonathan Blanshay, CEO, Revision. “This is an achievement we are very proud of, and represents our continued commitment to adapting to the changing environments and threats soldiers are facing around the globe today.  Over the years, as we have evolved our products and developed new eyewear solutions, we’ve submitted our cutting-edge eyewear for inclusion in the APEL program. Our presence on the APEL is a major factor in our global standing as an industry-leading protective eyewear designer and manufacturer. We target our solutions to exceed the increasingly more stringent standards that the Army requires, and we are honored to be a part of this prestigious program.”

Manufacturers and products listed on APEL have had their products examined and tested in accordance with the Army’s guidelines, meeting Army standards for ballistic protection (assessed against the Military Combat Eye Protection performance specification MIL-PRF-32432A). This year’s qualification process is especially noteworthy because the Army has instituted several updates to their standards, including more stringent ballistic standards—an increase in ballistic testing velocities (goggle testing velocities with a 0.22cal projectile increased from 550?560 ft/s to 580?590 ft/s and spectacle testing velocities with a 0.15cal projectile increased from 640?660 ft/s to 700?725 ft/s)—as well as the creation of a new category for extreme cold weather (for which SnowHawk was selected).

The U.S. Army recently released the 2019 APEL list, which includes ShadowStrike sunglasses (black frames with smoke and clear lenses) and SnowHawk goggles (black or tan frames with smoke and clear lenses)—alongside Revision’s Sawfly® spectacles, StingerHawk® spectacles, and Desert Locust® goggles.  The following products are all compatible with the Universal Prescription Lens Carrier (UPLC) – Sawfly and StingerHawk spectacles, and Desert Locust and SnowHawk goggles.  All products have been assigned National Stock Numbers (NSN) and are available for purchase through supply channels.

Blackhawk Releases Knife Collaboration with Custom Knifemaker Andrew Arrabito

Wednesday, May 29th, 2019

Blackhawk has announced its latest product to arrive on the market: a line of five blades designed by custom knifemaker Andrew Arrabito, a former Navy SEAL (ret.) most well-known as the founder of Half Face Blades™.

The line of blades consists of a Combat Filet, EDC, Field Knife, Karambit, and Combat Dagger with very limited quantities – only 10 per style – available for sale during the initial launch. Customers wishing to purchase one of these limited blades can do so directly through www.blackhawk.com as of Wednesday, May 29 at 10:00AM Eastern Time.

The blades are made from CPM ® (Crucible Particle Metallurgy) 154CM steel with a Rockwell steel hardness of 59-60 HRC. Each blade varies in length and all feature a stone-washed finish with skeletonized black G10 textured grips and full tang construction. One side of the blade is etched with the Blackhawk trident logo while the other is etched with Andrew Arrabito’s name, marking these knives as part of this exclusive collaboration. Included with each knife is a friction-fit sheath.

For additional details and to purchase one of these Blackhawk + Andrew Arrabito knives, visit www.blackhawk.com.

Rheinmetall’s Autonomous Rescue and Surveillance Vehicles to be Showcased in Canada at CANSEC 2019

Wednesday, May 29th, 2019

Rheinmetall is launching the Rescue model of its Mission Master at CANSEC 2019. The Mission Master is a modular unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) that facilitates recovery of injured troops without compromising the operators’ safety, along with many other dangerous, dirty, and dull (DDD) tasks.

The newly released rescue variant of Rheinmetall’s flagship autonomous vehicle allows for in-field medical intervention. This gives remotely situated soldiers the ability to evacuate casualties over long distances either autonomously or via remote control.

Rescue model: enhancing casualty care effectiveness

In the field, the right equipment can be the difference between life and death for wounded soldiers, since 90% of fatalities occur between the time of trauma and arrival at the combat zone medical facility.

Rheinmetall’s Rescue UGV has all the equipment necessary for a successful evacuation, including two basket stretchers with sliding provisions, head and foot immobilizers, oxygen masks and canisters, a monitor defibrillator, and a hot/cold box. All of these items would be impossible for a medic to carry on foot, but the Mission Master can handle the load with ease.  

Operators can command the Mission Master from near or far using autonomous navigation, reducing the number of personnel needed on the ground. This feature leaves medics free to focus all of their attention on the injured soldier, as opposed to wasting precious time driving back to the extraction point. While transporting a wounded soldier using the UGV’s stretcher, for example, accompanying medics can use the vehicle as a workstation to administer emergency care.

Using the “follow me” function, the UGV can roll alongside other soldiers, who are busy making sure that the surrounding area is safe and secure. In both “follow me” and autonomous navigation modes, the Mission Master significantly relieves cognitive and physical stress, allowing troops to deal with the mission at hand.

Surveillance that saves lives

The Mission Master – Surveillance is designed to carry out observation and reconnaissance. Rheinmetall’s UGV is equipped with long-range EO/IR cameras, a 5-metre telescopic mast, radar, laser rangefinders (LRF), and GPS heading systems for 360-degree surveillance.

As an autonomous vehicle, the Mission Master – Surveillance can minimize the number of troops needed on the ground, while providing timely situational awareness for enhanced security and informed decision-making. Multiple sensors relay real-time data to the integrated Rheinmetall Command and Control Software (RC2S) and Argus soldier system, enabling rapid threat detection during operation in the field.

The UGV can transport much more specialized, high-performance equipment than soldiers can typically carry on their person. As a result, not only does the Mission Master help to significantly reduce the physical load carried by dismounted soldiers, it also enhances the likelihood of mission success.

The integration advantage

Each version of the Mission Master is networked to both the Argus soldier system and RC2S, the Group’s command and control software. This type of integration is a Rheinmetall specialty, and will be proudly on display at this year’s CANSEC tradeshow.

The rugged, ultra-portable Argus soldier system can control the UGV as well as receive data from its many sensors, delivering mission-critical information straight to soldiers’ tactical user interface. It can also send essential reconnaissance and updates to higher echelons of command via the RC2S.

Seeing is believing

Nothing compares to seeing our UGV in person. At this year’s CANSEC exhibition, Rheinmetall will be showcasing the Rescue model at its outdoor booth, and the Surveillance version in its indoor booth. Don’t miss your chance to speak with our experts about the Mission Master and its many advantages!

www.rheinmetall.com

The Armored Group, LLC Enters the South Asian Market

Wednesday, May 29th, 2019

The Armored Group Now Providing Armored Vehicles to U.S. Ally Bangladesh

(Phoenix, AZ – May 21, 2019) The Armored Group, LLC (TAG) has announced the delivery of seven Ballistic Armored Tactical Transport (BATT®-X) armored vehicles to Bangladesh, a brand-new market for the armored vehicle manufacturer. The vehicles will be used by local law enforcement departments. In addition to providing the vehicles, The Armored Group also developed a comprehensive training program for over 20 police officers that will be using the vehicles.

The BATT-X can carry 10 officers, depending on the size of the operators and amount of gear. It was designed to comfortably accommodate law enforcement agencies and tactical teams while offering the highest level of security features such as the B7/NIJ IV+ .50 Cal Ball Ammo Protection or B7/NIJ III Armor Levels.

These particular vehicles were customized with partial V-bottom hulls for increased blast, which is unique on the F550. In addition, individual blast seats were installed.

Other features include:

• Blast mitigating floor.

• Internal armored firewall.

• Rifle-rated roof protection.

• Fully armored hood clip.

• TAG Exclusive Flip Forward Front Clip System

• Best-in-class climate control system.

• Dual heating and air conditioning systems in front and back.

• Oversized rear deployment bumper with steps.

• Front door lockout ability at 90° and 45°.

• Rear door lockout ability at 90° and at full open

• Heavy Duty Oversized Running Boards

• Optic-ready gun ports.

• Four-wheel drive off-road capabilities.

• Enclosed under-seat storage in rear compartment with back board slat cut outs

• 360° Rotating Turret with Oversized flush-mounted sniper step.

• Roof Hatches

• Emergency Lights and Siren System

“We are happy to enter the South Asian market and help our allies in Bangladesh. Both of our countries have shared values in the matters of regional and global security and counter terrorism. In fact, they were a key participant in Obama’s international development initiatives including food security, healthcare and environmental concerns,” said Robert Pazderka, President and founder of The Armored Group. “This new alliance with Bangladesh has opened the doors for TAG to provide the highest level of protection to our allies in South Asia and keep those fighting for positive changes as safe as possible.

The comprehensive TAG training program included the following Technical, Mechanical and Driving training programs:

Technical training:

·         Training on all the accessories and their functions:

o   Gunport operation 

o   Door operation (various angles, lockout function)

o   front winch operations

o   STIS compressor operations

o   Turret functionality and movability

o   Police lights, strobe lights, infrared lights operations

o   OEM (original equipment manufacturer) operations of the vehicle

Mechanical Training 

·         Training of how to maintain the vehicle and how to do preventative maintenance

·         Daily inspections to be conducted before vehicle can be deployed

·         Service Maintenance (Oil change, Oil filter change, Transmission fluid change, Steering fluid change, Battery monitoring and signals to look for when to replace the battery, fuel filter replacement, AC filter replacement, Air filter replacement)

·         General Maintenance (Lubrication of all joints, Hinges, bearings)

·         Scheduled maintenance timings (When the vehicle should have a service and when the parts needs to be checked or replaced)

Driving Training

·         Each trainee had to learn how to drive the BATT X

o   Operating various functions while driving

o   Emergency brake testing

o   Various maneuvering techniques  

o   General driving safety principals

www.armoredcars.com

Outdoor Research Doubles US Manufacturing to More Than 200 jobs with Second Onshore Factory

Tuesday, May 28th, 2019

New facility in El Monte, Calif., joins existing Seattle factory to drive apparel, gear innovation in the military/tactical, outdoor markets.

SEATTLE, Wash. (May 29, 2019) – Outdoor Research, the Seattle-based leader in performance apparel and outdoor gear, has expanded its decades-long commitment to making products in the U.S. by investing in a new manufacturing facility that opened in April, doubling the number of OR staff building apparel and gear onshore.

The new, wholly owned factory is located in El Monte, Calif. It joins the manufacturing enterprise that Outdoor Research has operated for decades at its Seattle headquarters, helping the brand continue to raise the bar for apparel and equipment innovation.

Thanks to its U.S. manufacturing capabilities, which are unique in the outdoor market, Outdoor Research has created purpose-built products for the U.S. military and tactical markets for 25 years.

Highly respected in the outdoor industry for developing functional solutions for extreme environments, Outdoor Research has a long history of successfully leveraging the best commercial market technologies to serve the needs of the U.S. armed forces. OR tactical products have been improved through cross-pollination from user groups, including the elite communities of military, law enforcement, and government agencies.

Innovations developed for the military and tactical markets have, in turn, driven innovations in products for outdoor consumers. Having highly skilled manufacturing located in the U.S. gives Outdoor Research the ability to prototype products on-site, allowing new products to be developed more quickly and to go through more rounds of improvement. In addition, innovations pioneered for the military and tactical markets have been incorporated into outdoor products.

“Developing cutting-edge military and tactical products has been a key part of our business since 1994, and it’s been an integral part of what has allowed us to maintain and build upon the domestic manufacturing capabilities that Outdoor Research has always had,” said Michelle Wardian, President of Outdoor Research.

“This new investment will allow us to continue to accelerate our product-development cycle so we can more rapidly field the latest innovations to the end-user, helping increase the mobility and protection of soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and law-enforcement officers, and also driving innovation company wide in the process. We’re proud that we’ve been able to bring American manufacturing to the table to accomplish this.”

Over the past two years, Outdoor Research conducted a comprehensive review of the U.S. supply chain and is in active development with textile mills and materials providers to expand and elevate the capabilities of products that are 100-percent American-made. It has also made significant capital investments in cutting-edge machinery and process efficiency to improve and modernize its Seattle factory, along with hiring more site engineers. This template was replicated in El Monte to significantly increase the brand’s U.S. manufacturing capacity. The new facility doubles the number of OR employees manufacturing products in the U.S. to more than 200.

These investments allow Outdoor Research to take advantage of the company’s global knowledge of design, materials, and innovative manufacturing techniques while producing the next generation of tactical and outdoor products at its U.S. facilities.

www.outdoorresearch.com

Lloyd Harbor, New York Police Department Transitions to SIG SAUER P320

Monday, May 27th, 2019

NEWINGTON, N.H., (May 22, 2019) –SIG SAUER, Inc. is proud to announce the Lloyd Harbor Police Department has transitioned to the SIG SAUER P320 9mm pistol from the GLOCK 23 as their official duty pistol. Lloyd Harbor Police Department serves the Village of Lloyd Harbor in Huntington, New York.

“Our transition to the SIG SAUER P320 pistol has been seamless, and my officers are impressed with both the superior performance and accuracy of the pistol,” began Chief Thomas Krumpter, Lloyd Harbor Police Department. “Additionally, we appreciate the modularity of the pistol, having the ability to choose a comfortable grip size, and all the safety features of the P320.”

The P320 pistol is a modular, striker-fired pistol, available in full-size, carry, compact, and subcompact sizing. The serialized trigger group makes the P320 adjustable to multiple calibers, size, and grip options. The P320 is available in 9mm, .357SIG, 40S&W, .45ACP, with a choice of contrast, or SIGLITE Night Sights. The intuitive 3-point takedown requires no trigger pull for disassembly, and safety features include a striker safety, disconnect safety, and optional manual safety.

“We are honored to welcome the officers of the Lloyd Harbor Police Department to the growing number of police agencies adopting the SIG SAUER P320 and supporting their transition,” added Tom Jankiewicz, Executive Vice President Law Enforcement Sales. “We are proud of the positive feedback we have received from Chief Krumpter, and look forward to strengthening our partnership with the officers protecting Lloyd Harbor.”

www.sigsauer.com

ADS, Inc Employees Fuel Retired, Wounded Veterans On 2-Day USO Warrior Week Bike Trek

Sunday, May 26th, 2019

THROUGH ADS MISSION GIVE BACK FOUNDATION, ADS EMPLOYEES SEND WATER, SNACKS, SUNSCREEN

Virginia Beach, Va. – As more than 50 retired and wounded veterans bicycle from Williamsburg to Virginia Beach next week, they’ll have plenty of extra support from Virginia Beach defense contractor ADS.

ADS employees at the company’s Lynnhaven Parkway headquarters spent Wednesday filling lightweight drawstring backpacks with critical supplies like water, sunscreen and energy snacks to help the retired heroes complete their 2-day mission in the hot sun.

“Through our ADS Mission Give Back Foundation, we are committed to supporting organizations that support our active duty and retired troops, and this ride is really something special,” said ADS CEO Jason Wallace. “I can tell you that every single ADS employee would like to be down here helping today if they could. They’re certainly all here in spirit.”

Organized by the USO Outdoor Adventure Team, the 2019 USO Warrior Week Cycling Expedition will see 50 active duty, retired, and wounded veterans  — some on modified bicycles pedaled solely with their hands — cycle nearly 170 miles on May 29 and 30.

On May 29, the group will ride more than 60 miles around the city of Williamsburg. The following day, they’ll trek 100 miles down to the Virginia Beach oceanfront.

The ride is part of the nationwide USO Warrior Week, which the USO started in Virginia Beach in 2015 to help wounded, ill and injured service members participate in therapeutic and recreational activities that might aid in their recovery.

“What these riders are doing is really incredible, and all of us here at ADS are super passionate to support in any way we can,” said Nikki Williams, ADS Mission Giveback Foundation Executive Director. “As an organization who proudly serves our nation’s heroes, we look forward to cheering them on as they cross the finish line—this is truly a great feat.”

B.E. Meyers & Co, Inc to Exhibit at the 9th Annual Rampart Range Day and Expo

Friday, May 24th, 2019

May 24, 2019 (Redmond, WA) – B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. will be exhibiting at the 9th Annual Rampart Range Day and Expo, at the Stittsville Shooting Range in Ottawa, Ontario on May 28th, 2019. Attendees are invited to visit the B.E. Meyers & Co. exhibit for a functional demonstration of the MAWL® (Modular Advanced Weapon Laser) series of weapon mounted IR/VIS aiming laser; the IZLID® series of IR and SWIR pointers and Illuminators; and the GLARE RECOIL®/LA-22/U advanced Ocular Interruption System for Hail and Warning.

To schedule a meeting with the B.E. Meyers & Co. team at Rampart Range Day and Expo, please contact info@bemeyers.com.

www.bemeyers.com