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Archive for the ‘Sensors’ Category

USSOCOM Seeks Body Worn Sensors

Tuesday, July 18th, 2017

Not long ago, we mentioned Joint Threat Warning System, USSOCOM’s program of record for SIGINT collection systems. For ground-based collection, that is the AN/PRD-13(V)2. By default, it is also the system used by the US Army, which seems to have checked out of developing tactical SIGINT systems. Many capabilities which SOCOM adopts in the SI realm, also find their way into US Army LLVI.

USSOCOM, Special Operations Forces Acquisition Technology and Logistics (SOF AT&L), Program Executive Officer for Special Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Exploitation (PEO – SRSE), Program Manager for Joint Threat Warning Systems (PM-JTWS) recenty released an RFI to industry for Body worn sensor with low Size Weight and Power (SWaP). As communications systems become more sophiticated, so must the equipment designed to collect against them.

According to the RFI, the Program Manager is specifically interested in signals intelligence technologies, ideas and solutions which advance in the following Key Interest Areas:

1) Body worn sensor with low Size Weight and Power (SWaP)
2) Low profile DF antenna

JTWS is seeking potential solutions with the below criteria as initial guidance but not formal direction:

• Hardware:
o Software Defined Radio Threshold –
-Ability to conduct surveys of special/advanced Signals of Interests (SOIs)
-Provide Narrowband automatic signal detection
-Ability to search (scan) special frequency bands
-Ability to search (scan) operator created search parameters or tables
-The system shall have the ability to be sanitized upon command
-The system shall have the ability to be zeroized upon command
-Zeroize feature shall include a fail-safe device to prevent inadvertent zeroizing

o Software Defined Radio Objective –
-Survey capability between the frequency range of 3 – 6,000 MHz
-Provide Wideband automatic signal detection
-Allow for remote zeroization and sanitization

o Antenna Threshold –
-Multiple cables lengths and calibration tables for different operational environments
-Antenna repair kit
-Convenient antenna and cable kit
-Shall conform to platform specific requirements for use on a full range of platforms
-Man-packable antenna shall come with the ability to be mounted off the body for operations on-the-halt

o Dedicated SIGINT Communications Architecture Threshold –
-LOS Meshed Network / Self-Healing connectivity to support collaborative operations

o Dedicated SIGINT Communications Architecture Objective –
-Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) Meshed Network / Self-Healing connectivity to support collaborative operations
-Low Probability of Interception (LPI) and Low Probability of Detection (LPD) waveforms

o Data Storage Devices Threshold –
-Removable, replaceable and separated from operating system storage
-Store a minimum of 100 GB of data storage in a removable form factor
-Clear identification markings for emergency destruction

o Data Storage Devices Objective –
-Encryption for data-at-rest
-Digitally record, catalog and store a minimum 500 GB of data in a removable form factor

o Environmental and EMI/EMC conditions
-Compliant with MIL-STD-810F and MIL-STD-461F as required, or commercial requirements in accordance with operational platform

o Global Positioning System (GPS)
-Receive, display and metatag collected sensor data with GPS-based position, time stamp and/or platform navigation data from either internal or external source(s)
– ystem clock time synchronization to the sensor; if GPS loses synchronization the sensor time will be maintained until GPS is reacquired
-Comply with CJCSI 6140.01.

o Weight Threshold –
-Sensor shall weigh no more than 12 lb with batteries, less antenna(s) and ancillary cabling

o Weight Objective –
-Reduction of weight between 3 lb to 9 lb

o Batteries Threshold –
-Sensor shall be powered by hot-swappable MIL-SPEC batteries for a minimum of eight (8) continuous hours using batteries carried by the operator
-Sensor shall store a Hold Up Battery (HUB) in an effort to prevent loss of data during unexpected system power down

o Batteries Objective –
-Increase operating time on batteries to a minimum of twelve (12) hours

• Data:
o Sensor will detect, collect, locate and process multiple data types
o Sensor will output common audio and data formats
o Exchange of data utilizing File Transfer Protocol (FTP), IPV6 and Secure file transfer protocol (SFTP)
o Ability to exchange data with other sensors and networks

• GUI:
o Human Machine Interface (HMI) / Graphic User Interface (GUI) Threshold –
-Interface with RaptorX
-Display frequency spectrum type observation of signals (separable into up to three {3} spectral displays selectable by the operator)
-Ability to adjust the basic receiver tuning via a spectral display
-Selectable visual and/or aural indications of a newly detected signal within five (5) seconds of the signal’s presence
-Display status of all channels
-Ability to start or stop recording on any channel from the GUI
-Ability to convey sensor status in the form of a Built In Test (BIT), with corresponding error codes
-Support searching in both manual and automated modes
-Include frequency-spectrum separable for up to three spectrums between 3 – 6000 MHz
-Provide audio / graphic monitoring on spectral display with minimum update rate of 3 Hz.
-Adjustable basic receiver tuning via the spectral display (volume, frequency, squelch, span)
-Display results in near-real time across the JTWS family of systems
-Overall system and all subsystem visual output shall be on a single, common display, with screens for each subsystem or system function set selectable
-Provide enough display area to simultaneously view and manage user defined functions/features of sensor (i.e. higher resolution displays or enhanced user interfaces)
-Displays shall be readable in bright sunlight when in direct frontal view by the operator
-Equipment shall not disrupt operator user of night vision goggles when not viewing system display
-Variable brightness control from zero illumination to its maximum, sufficiently illuminated for nighttime operations and daytime operations
-Display emitter location data/results in real-time on a user defined map (e.g., Ellipse, Heat map, LOB, point target)
-Upon user request, display operator geographic location (GPS) and compass orientation to equipped sensors
-Transmit positional data across networks
-Display estimated signal source location on a moving map display
-Color-code or otherwise provide distinguishing display of each signal being tracked
-Displays shall be NVG compatible
-User shall be able to play back historical libraries with the ability to combine previous and current information
-Produce an output data stream compatible with current DOD geospatial mapping programs

o Human Machine Interface (HMI) / Graphic User Interface (GUI) Objective –
-Provide acquired information to onboard / off board (when selected by operator) processing elements for intelligence and Command & Control (C2) purposes (for both organic and external / off board force employment) and provide updates to onboard / off board Common Operation Picture (COP)
-User interface for mapping, audio control, sensor control and data manipulation

o Audio Processing real-time and post mission audio manipulation Threshold –
-User Interface (UI) shall provide audio controls for volume, frequency, squelch, span, noise reduction and advanced filtering
-Audio output compatibility with various interphone systems / headsets
-Provide reduction of signal noise to improve raw collection for audio quality and speech detection
-Provide selectable real-time filtering of audio
-Displays shall provide for dual audio outputs
-Displays shall route audio to operator(s) from any four simultaneous signals

o Audio Processing real-time and post mission audio manipulation Objective –
-Route audio to operator(s) from any four simultaneous signals, each present for at least two seconds; each audio stream 100% complete
-Quickly retrieve and play back a segment of audio data collected within the past 15, 30, 45, or 60 seconds in order to further analyze the data
-Buffer real-time audio, so that upon resumption the operator will be able to recall missed audio during playback times
-Provide the user the option to post process audio for language identification, speaker identification, gender identification, speech detection and group identification via post mission analysis using audio processing software
-Provide the user the option to process audio in near real-time for Language identification, speaker identification, gender identification, speech detection and group identification. Also audio should be available via post mission analysis using audio processing software.

• Software:
o Information Assurance to comply to ICD 503 protection level 3, Integrity Level Of Concern (ILOC) medium, Availability Level of Concern (ALOC) medium or equivalent Office of the Director of National intelligence (ODNI) directives/publications

Remember, this is still just an RFI and the information will be used to inform requirements. However, if as a company, you don’t participate, the government may not be aware of a capability you can provide and won’t issue a requirement for it. They need to know the art of the possible. The Government requests submissions NLT 28 JUL 17.

For more information visit www.fbo.gov.

Crimson Trace Suggests: This Father’s Day, Take Dad Shooting

Wednesday, June 14th, 2017

Crimson Trace

(Wilsonville, OR)—Looking for a great way to spend time with dad on Father’s Day? Crimson Trace suggests skipping the necktie gift this June 18th and making dad very happy by taking him shooting. Whether safely plinking in a farm field or shooting at a local gun range, dad and the family can practice their skills while spending quality time together. Everyone can make that practice session more exciting—and beneficial—with a Crimson Trace® laser sight installed on dad’s favorite firearm.

While there are many makes and models of handguns and firearms that dad could own and shoot on his special day, there are more than 275 Crimson Trace laser sights and lights designed to fit thousands of firearm models. Dad will have plenty of choices: Does he want a green or red Crimson Trace laser sight? Does he want that laser sight secured on a Picatinny rail, installed over the pistol’s trigger guard, or secured to the firearm as a replacement grip? Does he want his Crimson Trace laser sight pre-installed by the firearm manufacturer or does he want to install the laser sights himself? If dad owns a popular 1911 handgun, or a Smith & Wesson M&P® 45 Shield, there are numerous laser sight models for those popular handguns.

Crimson Trace products offer fathers and all firearm owners across America several advantages. By using Crimson Trace’s patented Instinctive Activation firearm laser activation technology, most models are instantly activated when the firearm is gripped. A laser sighting system on a firearm will also help dad or any owner easily determine any problems with firearm control or operation—and help with correcting those problems. Seeing a laser downrange also adds to the excitement of the shooting session. With laser sight prices beginning at $159, the price tags will fit the wallet of most dads—and gift buyers.

Your dad could be the important person who introduced you to shooting and firearms. Taking him shooting this Father’s Day is a great way to return the favor—or pass it back! Dad can also rest easy in knowing that his Crimson Trace laser sight is backed 24/7 by a professional customer service department.

For more product details, visit www.crimsontrace.com or call 800-442-2406. To find a range or place to shoot, and to download targets for the shooting session, visit the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s website: www.wheretoshoot.org.

Crimson Trace is widely recognized as America’s top brand of laser sights. The company strives to make laser sights as standard equipment on concealed-carry and personal-defense firearms. For more than twenty years, Crimson Trace has equipped America’s gun owners, law enforcement officers and military units around the globe with the largest selection of award-winning laser sight and tactical light products. Full details are at www.crimsontrace.com or available by calling 800-442-2406.

Crimson Trace Adds Additional Laserguard Pros for Glocks

Saturday, April 29th, 2017

For Release: April 28, 2017

HyperFocal: 0

(Wilsonville, OR)—Crimson Trace announces the latest product additions to the company’s growing Laserguard® Pro™ laser sights series—the Laserguard Pro laser sight and white light models engineered to fit full-size, compact and sub-compact Glock® pistols. The new products are the LL-807G (green) and the LL-807 red laser sight and white light for full- and compact-size Glock pistols. Additionally, the newly released LL-810 Laserguard Pro is designed to fit numerous sub-compact Glock pistols.

Glock pistol designs incorporate a wide assortment of trigger guards sizes and shapes.

  • The LL-807 series Crimson Trace® Laserguard Pro laser sights and light combinations are designed to fit securely onto numerous Glock pistols, including: Third Generation 17, 19, 22, 23, 31, 32, 34, 35, 37 and 38. These products will also securely attach to Glock Gen-4 models 17, 19, 22, 23, 31, 34, 37 and 38 pistols.
  • The LL-810 Laserguard Pro laser sights and lights will fit these longer trigger guard Glock pistol models: Third Generation 26, 27, 29, 30, 33, 36 and 4th Gen 26, 27, 29, 30 and 33.
  • For Glock pistols with shorter trigger guards, the LL-810 Laserguard Pro fits these pistols: Gen 3 models 26, 27, 29, 30, 33 and 36 and Gen 4 models 26, 27, 29, 30 and 33.
  • Should you have problems determining which model Glock is to be fitted with a Crimson Trace Laserguard Pro laser sight, visit Glock.com and view the pistols display area in the website.

    These new Laserguard Pros feature Crimson Trace’s award-winning and patented Instinctive ActivationTM, a feature designed to activate the laser when the firearm is held in a normal firing grip—and when the user is ready to fire.  No other product within the laser sight industry offers this capability—the top reason why Crimson Trace is the undisputed leader in the laser sight market. The light can be operated in four modes: laser + light, laser only, light only and laser and light strobe. The unit also has a master on/off switch should the user not want to engage the laser or light.

    Released in 2015, Crimson Trace’s Laserguard Pro laser sights and lights incorporate a powerful 150-lumen LED white light with either a red or green laser diode within a sturdy and compact housing that’s simple to install onto the pistol’s trigger guard. The laser sight can be adjusted for windage and elevation. The necessary installation screws, plus battery for operation, are included in the product packaging. The Laserguard Pro LL-807 and LL-810 units are also covered under Crimson Trace’s popular Free Batteries for Life program. Manufacturer Suggested Retail Prices for Laserguard Pros begin at $279.

    Crimson Trace also offers Laserguard Pro light and laser sights for pistols manufactured by Smith & Wesson and Springfield Armory. There are also Laserguard Pro laser sights and lights available for Glock’s Model 42 and 43 pistols. Crimson Trace offers several models of laser sights packaged with inside-the-waistband holsters. Details on additional available holsters can be found at www.holsterresourceguide.com.

    Crimson Trace provides more than 260 products at 2,500+ dealers across America. The company’s products can be easily installed without requiring modification of the firearm —or special gunsmith skills. For more information on Crimson Trace products, dealers, dealer locations, and to obtain a free copy of the company’s catalog, visit www.crimsontrace.com or call 800-442-2406.

    Leupold Adds to Thermal Optics Line with Handheld LTO-Quest

    Thursday, April 27th, 2017

    During SHOT Show, Leupold introduced the LTO-Tracker, a monocular-style, handheld thermal camera intended primarily for the hunting market. Due to its low cost and simple operation, it didn’t take long for LE professionals as well as search and rescue teams to show interest. During a recent writers event at the High Bar Homestad in Wyoming, I had the opportunity to check out the LTO-Tracker as well as the new LTO-Quest. While you employ the LTO-Tracker like a monocular, the LTO-Quest reminds me of the bug tracker feom ‘Aliens’. You point it at your objective and look down at a screen.

    IMG_8554

    (The item on the screen is a suppressor)

    I really like the temperature readout and the eight filters are easy to browse through in order to find the best contrast for the situation. I also appreciate the ability to collect screen captures. It’s a cool product and definitely worth checking out.

    BEAVERTON, Ore. — Leupold & Stevens, Inc. introduces the latest in its line of Leupold® Thermal Optics, the LTO-Quest™.

    This pocket-sized thermal optic helps hunters find downed game, track blood trails and increase situational awareness. The LTO-Quest provides a precise temperature reading of the object being scanned and displays it on the screen. In addition to showing heat sources, the LTO-Quest has a built-in flashlight and camera which allows you to capture and store as many as 2,000 images.

    IMG_1159

    “Leupold works closely with hunters to develop products to help them be more effective in the field,” said Tim Lesser, vice president of product development for Leupold & Stevens, Inc. “The LTO-Quest gives hunters a pocket-sized tool to help recover game that may otherwise have been lost.”

    Cycle through the eight color filters using a simple three-button interface. An internal, rechargeable battery delivers four hours of run time, and uses a standard micro USB for charging and image downloads.

    A built-in flashlight offers user-adjustable power settings that can be set to meet the needs of the hunter. With a maximum output of 300 lumens, the LTO-Quest provides plenty of power to help locate game or find paths to stands and blinds.

    IMG_1160

    Featuring a generous 2.4″ LCD screen, the LTO-Quest provides a 20-degree field of view with a 300-yard detection range. The 15hz display offers smooth images and is easy to view in all lighting conditions.

    Sized to fit in a pocket or small pouch, the LTO-Quest is a lightweight powerhouse that belongs in every hunter’s pack. In addition to afield, the LTO-Quest is a great tool for everything from keeping an eye on property, examining energy efficiency around the home, or checking mechanical equipment for heat issues.

    For more information on Leupold products, please visit us at www.leupold.com.

    Join the discussion on Facebook, www.facebook.com/LeupoldOptics, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/LeupoldOptics or on Instagram at www.instagram.com/LeupoldOptics.

    Riding the Rails with Crimson Trace

    Friday, February 24th, 2017

    (Wilsonville, OR)—Today, more and more manufactured firearms, including many models of pistols and most AR/MSR rifles, have rails for attaching accessories. Crimson Trace offers numerous options to help firearms owners across America decide what rides on their rails.

    There are nearly a dozen Crimson Trace accessory options for firearms with rails:

    1) The LiNQ™ wireless operated laser and light systems are designed to securely attach to most rifles that feature Weaver or Picatinny accessory rails. The remotely operated LiNQ module can be placed in a variety of locations on the rifle and houses a brilliant green laser and 300-lumen white LED light. The replacement activation grip utilizes Crimson Trace’s patented Instinctive ActivationTM firearm laser activation technology, a feature designed to activate the laser when the firearm is held in a normal firing grip and when the user is ready to fire.  No other product in the laser sight industry offers this capability. The replacement activation grip activates and operates the module through a secure, singular, closed system. The module operates in four modes: light only; laser only; laser and light; and, laser and strobe light.

    The newest LiNQ model, the LNQ-103G, is designed to fit AK-type rifles and has a green laser diode. It offers the same features of the original LiNQ.

    2) The Rail Master® Pro laser sight and light is a red or green laser paired with a 100-Lumen LED white light. Operation modes include: laser and light, light only, laser only and laser and light strobe. The CMR-204 (green) and CMR-205 (red) will fit most pistols, rifles and shotguns with M1913 Picatinny or Weaver accessory rails.

    3) The popular Rail Master laser sight is well known for being compact, powerful and affordable. The CMR-201 (red) and CMR-206 (green) have tap-on/tap-off Instant Activation and auto shutoff when left inactive for five minutes. A coyote tan version and 100-lumen white light only model are also available. The Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price begins at $159 for the CMR-201.

    4) The durable and versatile MVF-515™ is an easily installed and operated forend grip that offers a red or green laser paired with a powerful 200-lumen LED white light. Light modes can be moved from momentary or strobe to constant on. MSRP for the MVF-515 red laser sight begins at $479.

    Crimson Trace offers more than 260 products at 2,500+ dealers across America. The company’s products can be easily installed without requiring modification of the firearm — or special gunsmith skills. For more information on Crimson Trace products, dealers, dealer locations, and to obtain a free copy of the 2017 catalog, visit www.crimsontrace.com or call 800-442-2406.

    About Crimson Trace Corporation
    Based in Wilsonville, Oregon, Crimson Trace Corporation is recognized as the leader in establishing laser sights as standard equipment on concealed-carry and personal-defense firearms. For more than two decades, the company has provided America’s firearms owners, law enforcement officers and military units worldwide with the largest selection of award-winning laser sights and tactical light products. Those innovations include: Lasergrips® laser sights, Laserguard® laser sights, LiNQ™ wireless operated laser and light systems and Lightguard® lights for firearms, each with Instinctive Activation firearm laser activation technology. Additional product lines include the Defender SeriesTM and Rail Master® firearms accessory platforms. Full details are available at www.crimsontrace.com or by calling 800-442-2406.

    SPARTANAT: TILO-3 thermal image helmet / head lamp by Andres Industries

    Tuesday, February 21st, 2017

    This is world’s first thermal image helmet/headlamp. With this product, Andres Industries from Berlin/Germany developed a completely new product group: a thermal imaging system that has all the possibilities of tactical helmets /headlamps:

    1. Spotlight white (160 Lumen 20°)

    2. Spotlight red

    3. IR-Light (invisible)

    4. Brightness control

    5. Flashing function

    If the device is used as a headlamp, it is also worn as such. There is either a helmet holder for attachment to the helmet or an adapter to use the device on the GoPro headband.

    Thermal imaging function: To use the thermal imaging function, the TILO-3 is folded down and now it works as a thermal imaging goggle. Despite the small size, the image and recognition quality by far surpasses other commercially available thermal imaging devices. A version with a thermal resolution of <40mK is available for authorities. This is comparable to the performance of a cooled thermal imaging device.

    Technical specifications:

  • FOV: 25° H
  • Resolution: 329×240 pixel
  • Rate: 9Hz (hunters), 60Hz (authorities)
  • Weight: about 100g
  • Length: 4cm
  • Price: €2500
  • Protection: IP868 (nitrogen filled)
  • Power: 1xCR123 and external possibleThe lamp function can also be used during use as a thermal imaging device. TILO-3 will have its world premiere during ENFORCE TAC and can also be seen at IWA in Nuremberg.

    EnforceTac March 1st – 3rd, 2017 – Hall 10.1 326

    IWA March 3rd – 6th 2017 – Hall 6-113

    ENFORCE TAC: www.enforcetac.com

    Andres Industries: www.andres-industries-shop.de

    SPARTANAT: www.spartanat.com

  • VIRIDIAN WEAPON TECHNOLOGIES LAUNCHES FACT WEAPON-MOUNTED CAMERA PRODUCT LINE

    Tuesday, January 17th, 2017

    Glock_17_FACT_DUTY

    Minneapolis, MN—January 16, 2017

    Viridian Weapon Technologies™ officially announced today at SHOT SHOW 2017 a revolutionary new product category that fills a crucial gap, not only within the firearms industry, but for society as a whole. Introducing FACT™ weapon-mounted cameras for law enforcement, conceal and carry, and self-defense.

    “No product introduction at SHOT SHOW 2017 is more relevant than FACT,” said Viridian® President and CEO Brian Hedeen. “FACT can reveal what really happened in situations when a firearm is involved.” Hedeen went on to say, “FACT is not a replacement for a body camera; but with it being uniquely positioned under the muzzle of a firearm, the high definition video and audio captured by a FACT camera may better tell the real story of what occurred. Who knows, the footage might even be powerful enough to stop a riot before it starts.”

    FACT™ [Fast Access Camera Technology] is designed for law enforcement, private security and the legally armed citizen and incorporates Viridian’s proprietary INSTANT-ON® activation to ensure the HD video and audio capture automatically records every time the weapon is out of the holster.

    Three different FACT models will be introduced in 2017.

  • FACT DUTY™
    Law enforcement, duty-grade model with HD camera, forward facing audio plus 500 lumen taclight for full size firearms. ADMIN data evidence integrity built-in.
  • FACT COMPACT™
    Universal rail mounted model with HD camera, forward facing audio plus 140 lumen taclight for compact firearms.
  • FACT MICRO™
    Trigger guard mounted model with HD camera and forward facing audio for subcompact/pocket pistols.
  • Viridian Weapon Technologies will be launching FACT™ weapon-mounted cameras at SHOT SHOW 2017 at booth #653.

    For more information, go to Minneapolis, MN—January 16, 2017

    Viridian Weapon Technologies™ officially announced today at SHOT SHOW 2017 a revolutionary new product category that fills a crucial gap, not only within the firearms industry, but for society as a whole. Introducing FACT™ weapon-mounted cameras for law enforcement, conceal and carry, and self-defense.

    “No product introduction at SHOT SHOW 2017 is more relevant than FACT,” said Viridian® President and CEO Brian Hedeen. “FACT can reveal what really happened in situations when a firearm is involved.” Hedeen went on to say, “FACT is not a replacement for a body camera; but with it being uniquely positioned under the muzzle of a firearm, the high definition video and audio captured by a FACT camera may better tell the real story of what occurred. Who knows, the footage might even be powerful enough to stop a riot before it starts.”

    FACT™ [Fast Access Camera Technology] is designed for law enforcement, private security and the legally armed citizen and incorporates Viridian’s proprietary INSTANT-ON® activation to ensure the HD video and audio capture automatically records every time the weapon is out of the holster.

    Three different FACT models will be introduced in 2017.
    FACT DUTY™
    Law enforcement, duty-grade model with HD camera, forward facing audio plus 500 lumen taclight for full size firearms. ADMIN data evidence integrity built-in.
    FACT COMPACT™
    Universal rail mounted model with HD camera, forward facing audio plus 140 lumen taclight for compact firearms.
    FACT MICRO™
    Trigger guard mounted model with HD camera and forward facing audio for subcompact/pocket pistols.

    Viridian Weapon Technologies will be launching FACT™ weapon-mounted cameras at SHOT SHOW 2017 at booth #653.

    For more information, go to www.ViridianWeaponTech.com/FACT or contact Viridian’s Law Enforcement Sales Manager, John Sheahan at JohnS@ViridianWeaponTech.com. or contact Viridian’s Law Enforcement Sales Manager, John Sheahan at JohnS@ViridianWeaponTech.com.

    Nielsen-Kellerman to Showcase Kestrel Elite Ballistics Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics Software and LiNK at 2017 SHOT Show

    Thursday, January 5th, 2017

    Built-in targeting calculator makes handheld weather meter a compact ballistics tool and complete shooting solution

    Boothwyn, PA – Nielsen-Kellerman (NK), creators and manufacturers of Kestrel® Ballistics Weather Meters, has announced they will be featuring their Kestrel 5700 Elite Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics and LiNK, among many other innovative and sought-after products, integrations and strategic partnerships at the Kestrel booth (#1946) at the 2017 SHOT Show in Las Vegas.

    The Kestrel Elite takes the guesswork out of long-range shooting, even out to the transonic and subsonic flight range of your bullet. This next-generation integrated weather meter and ballistics calculator provides shooters with up-to-the-minute accurate wind speed and air density measurements combined with the full functionality of the highly regarded Applied Ballistics® solver engine and manufacturer-specific bullet flight model database. All this power is packed into a small four-ounce, rugged instrument that is easy to carry and use and proven through years of tough strategic use.

    The Kestrel Elite is available with optional LiNK connectivity powered by Bluetooth low energy, which provides you with the power of the free Kestrel LiNK Ballistics app. The app allows shooters to build and manage gun/bullet profiles and download them to the Kestrel 5700 Elite; in addition to providing the extensive Litz library of custom bullet drag models for the most precise transonic and subsonic range solutions available anywhere.

    LiNK enabled units can also be paired with LiNK compatible laser range finders, like the Safran Vectronix PLRF25C which offers snipers/spotters, marksmen and forward observers the smallest and most powerful MIL-SPEC Laser Range Finder on the market today. The ergonomic design of the Vectronix PLRF25C allows for one-handed use, with the one-button operation being intuitive and easy-to-learn. Ranging measurements up to 6,000m, as well as accurate angle measurements, are no problem for the compact (measuring only 131x88x55mm), and lightweight (430g) rangefinder. The PLRF25C features 6x magnification capability and is tactically proven in the most demanding environments.

    The Kestrel Elite is also offered as a package with the Bushnell Elite 1 Mile CONX Laser Rangefinder. The two products work seamlessly together; with each target range data being transmitted to the paired Kestrel for instant calculation of an elevation hold. The data is then sent to the Kestrel and handed back to the rangefinder for display in the viewfinder. The Bushnell Elite 1 Mile CONX is accurate against reflective targets up to 1,760 yards and sends both inclination angle and range data to the Kestrel Elite for accurate high angle shots.

    Like all Kestrel meters, the Kestrel Elite is drop-proof, dust-proof, waterproof and able to withstand harsh environments without damage – so it can accompany you to the range or hunt for years to come. A range of carry pouch options makes it even easier to take your unit with you.

    “At Nielsen-Kellerman, we take great pride in being able to provide the same trusted accuracy, reliability, and usability in every generation of the Kestrel Ballistic and Weather Meters,” stated Nielsen-Kellerman CEO, Alix James. “Each Kestrel model is designed with its users in mind, and this upgraded version of the Kestrel Elite proves our commitment to innovation and making the best products available to all shooters.”
    In addition to the Elite with LiNK, NK will also have several of their other favorite products for order during the course of the show, including:

    • Kestrel Sportsman
    • Kestrel DROP D3
    • Kestrel 5500 Weather Meter

    The full line of products is available at KestrelBallistics.com, the company’s new site, which provides users with all the information, products and resources they need for success in long-range shooting. Visitors to the site will be able to purchase products beyond the Kestrel units – as it is designed as a one-stop shop for shooting accessories. Products available include: Nightforce and Bushnell scopes, Bushnell rangefinders, MagnetoSpeed chronographs, and Full Spectrum Solutions shooting mats.

    Attendees will be able to receive special SHOT Show pricing on any Kestrel Ballistics products. Kestrel will also host industry partners and ballistics experts, Bryan Litz, Nick Vitalbo and Todd Hodnett every afternoon at 2:00 at their booth for a Q&A session. Subjects range from ballistic calculating, to windage and predicting environmentals for a long range shot.