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Fulton Armory Announces Launch of Black Hawk DMR Rifle

Friday, May 19th, 2023

[Savage, MD May, 2023] Fulton Armory, a name synonymous with precision, craftsmanship, and reliability in the firearms industry, is thrilled to announce the launch of their latest masterpiece: The Black Hawk DMR. This iconic rifle brings together cutting-edge technology, unrivaled accuracy, and a tribute to one of the nation’s heroes.

In honor of Randy Shughart’s legacy, Fulton Armory has developed their own iteration of the famous Shughart M14. Crafted with high-quality parts and designed to replicate the look and feel of the original rifle. More than just a “clone” Fulton Armory’s tribute M14 Black Hawk DMR is exactly how they would assemble a Delta Force rifle used during an urban mission to protect a downed Black Hawk helicopter and its crew.

Standard Features

• Receiver: Fulton Armory Receiver M14 marked (Meets All USGI Material & Heat Treat Specifications)

o Scope Mount: Fulton Armory DMR, Steel Picatinny Rail, Professionally Fitted & Installed to Receiver

• Barrel: Fulton Armory, 22″ 1×10, GI Contour, Chrome-Lined, National Match Quality

• Parts: Hand Selected and Fitted GI & True Mil Spec Parts Throughout & Forged FA Gen II Bolt, USGI Op Rod, USGI Trigger Group

o National Match Upgrades:

NM Polished Gas Piston

NM Gas Cylinder with Welded & Modified Front Band

NM Modified Trigger

NM Modified Handguard

• Muzzle Device: National Match Flash Suppressor with Bayonet Lug

• Handguard: FA, Fiberglass Reinforced, Black

• Stock: USGI Fiberglass, hand selected, black texture painted.

• Cheek Piece: Adjustable, Ambidextrous, Kydex Gen II

• Included Accessories: One 10 Round Magazine, Canvas Sling, & Owner’s Manual

• Fulton Armory Precision Guarantee: Under 1.5 MOA (With Federal Gold Medal Match Ammunition)

“We are honored to be able to create both a rifle the customer can cherish and one that pays tribute to a brave individual like Randy Shughart,” said Zachary Tucker, a business developer from Fulton Armory, “Our team has poured their expertise and passion into every detail of this rifle and we think our community will really connect with this rifle much like they did with the Black Hawk Down movie.”

To learn more about the Fulton Armory’s Black Hawk DMR and explore Fulton Armory’s extensive line of exceptional firearms, please visit their website www.fulton-armory.com or contact their customer support team at info@fulton-armory.com. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram for additional product releases and information.

Posted in Press Release, weapons | 4 Comments »

Rheinmetall and Elbit Systems Conduct Live-fire Demonstration of Automated 155mm L52 wheeled Self-Propelled Howitzer

Thursday, May 18th, 2023

Rheinmetall and Elbit Systems have successfully conducted a live fire demonstration of an automated 155mm L52 wheeled self-propelled howitzer. The demonstration of the new system took place in early March 2023 at the Shivta firing range in southern Israel. It was attended by high-ranking officials of the armed forces of the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands and Hungary.

Rheinmetall and Elbit Systems signed a cooperation agreement last year to develop, manufacture and market an automated European 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer system.

Led by Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH, the “Rheinmetall Elbit” team will compete for Germany’s “Future System, Indirect Fire, Medium-Range (ZukSysIndF)” programme, which will modernize and broaden the Bundeswehr’s artillery capabilities. The UK’s “Mobile Fires Platform” programme also remains a focus and additional potential customers, such as Hungary, have expressed interest.

The cooperation between Rheinmetall and Elbit builds on the fully automated wheeled self-propelled howitzer procurement programmes that Elbit has signed with Israel and additional customers. As a result, a technically mature system is already available, enabling the integration of a Rheinmetall gun into the unmanned, fully robotic artillery turret of the Elbit system. The integration is currently in an advanced phase of the verification process. This will help reduce development risks and enable faster realization of operational readiness.

Intensive bilateral technology transfer is currently underway, increasing the availability of domestic know-how and components. Rheinmetall is currently carrying out modifications to customize the system to European operational requirements and the German regulatory approval process. Furthermore, the Düsseldorf-based tech enterprise brings its tried-and-tested 155mm L52 gun; high mobility HX 10×10 tactical truck with a well-protected cabin; and electronic components for the fire control unit and sensor suite to the solution.

Rheinmetall is already working to future-proof the solution by enhancing the range of its tube artillery. In addition to the battle-proven L52 and its advanced A1 version, the wheeled self-propelled howitzer is designed to integrate the L60 gun in the future. The L60 is in development and features a significantly larger chamber and a longer 60-calibre barrel. This gun will be able to attain ranges of up to 83 km with JBMoU-compliant ammunition. The Rheinmetall-Elbit wheeled self-propelled howitzer meets the specifications of the Bundeswehr for a future wheel-based, medium-range indirect fire system.
“We are proud to present the world with this advanced 155mm artillery system”, declared John Abunassar, chief of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems division, and Yehuda (Udi) Vered, general manager of Elbit Systems, in a joint statement. “The successful demonstration of the automated howitzer highlights the synergies and innovative technologies of the Rheinmetall-Elbit team – a team that is uniquely positioned to supply the armed forces of Germany and other nations with an outstanding new tube artillery capability. We are convinced that this joint German-Israeli project will contribute to strengthening ties between our two nations and their armed forces.”

Posted in International, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on Rheinmetall and Elbit Systems Conduct Live-fire Demonstration of Automated 155mm L52 wheeled Self-Propelled Howitzer

SOF Week 23 – USSOCOM Weapons Update

Thursday, May 18th, 2023

The update to the USSOCOM weapons update is that there’s not much to update. Organized under PEO SOF Warrior, PM Lethality is led by LTC John M “Tosh” Lancaster who conducted a briefing on his portfolio during SOF Week. These are photographs of the slides he used.

Weapon program continuations from last year include the Lightweight Machinegun-Medium in .338 Norma Mag and Lightweight Machinegun-Assault in 6.5 CM. The LMG-M is underway with fielding anticipated in FY 26, while LMG-A is still in planning. The LMG-M will offer accurate fire at .50 ranges from a weapon lighter than an M240 firing 7.62 NATO. It is in my estimation the greatest single improvement to US small arms in a century.

As part of their service-like acquisition authorities, the command continues to look at Next Gen Suppressor Technologies, low-cost counter-defilade solutions, and precision energetics. For suppressors, they’d like to address the whole gamut: flash, heat, ground disturbance, and sound as well as particulate. On the energetics side, LTC Lancaster mentioned Slap Charges which are primarily used for breaching. This is not to be confused with SLAP (saboted light armor penetrator) ammunition which they are also interested in, particularly in 338 NM.

One interesting disclosure by LTC Lancaster was made during an acknowledgement of the US Army’s 6.8mm Next Generation Squad Weapons program; that US Army Special Operations Command will receive those weapons and ammunition from the Army. What he didn’t say is important. Considering that USASOC has the vast preponderance of SOF ground forces, if the M7 replaces the M4A1s in Army SOF arms rooms, those M4s will once again become SOF unique. Considering the investment, this will lead to a discussion on whether USASOC (and perhaps SOCOM writ large) wants to continue with the M4 or look for a new weapon and possibly caliber. They could reject 5.56mm NATO completely and fully adopt the NGSW weapon and ammunition, or look for a new lightweight carbine in some flavor of 5.56 or another intermediate cartridge (sorry fanboys, 6 ARC isn’t the answer, but that’s another discussion).

On the Visual Augmentation System or VAS front, LTC Lancaster explained that every 18 to 24 months he has an opportunity to transition a promising technology from the work being done by the Joint Acquisition Task Force in pursuit of the Hyper Enabled Operator objective, which is itself an off-shoot of the Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit (TALOS) or so-called “Iron Man” program.

DANHUD is just such a project. The Day And Night Heads Up Display will integrate with ATAK and head protection systems to project relevant data to the eyes. LTC Lancaster wants to get the operator’s eyes off the screen and back up into the fight. While the Army continues to work on the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS), DANHUD is moving at a much faster pace and is more focused on immediate operator needs.

They are also seeking a new Machine Gun Optic for use with LMG-M to be fielded in FY 26 along with the weapon.

Ground Organic Precision Strike System is also a carry over. Envisioned as a system of different sized strike capabilities, GOPSS offers the ground SOF element with its own precision fires.

Maritime Precision Engagement-Munition is managed by Program Management Office–Naval Special Warfare, also inder PEO SOF Warrior. As a surface-based analog to GOPPS, MPE-M delivers a Javelin-sized warhead from a loitering munition launched from a Naval Special Warfare surface craft. It features operator-in-the-loop and can be used against land and surface targets. Future improvements include non-kinetic payloads and Alt-PNT guidance modalities.

Above is a laundry list of capability enhancements USSOCOM is interested in, regardless of whether there is a formal program. Almost all of these are technology insertions into existing capabilities rather than completely new systems. However, the announcement for the Mortar Fire Control Device requirement should be available through SOFWERX soon.

On a final note, lethal droids are coming to SOF. Just as unmanned aerial systems like Switchblade have been weaponized, expect similar results for ground robots. For example, throw bots that explode and weaponized unmanned ground systems. Like with aerial systems, an operator will remain in the loop for final weapon release authority.

Posted in SOF, SOF Week, weapons | 19 Comments »

Smith & Wesson Releases New Performance Center M&P 10mm M2.0

Tuesday, May 16th, 2023

SPRINGFIELD, MA., (5/16/2023) – Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design, today unveiled the new Performance Center® M&P®10mm M2.0™ pistol.

Building off the success of the M&P10mm M2.0, Smith & Wesson listened, went to work, and focused on features designed to increase performance in order to take this series to the next level. Chambered in 10mm Auto, this new full-size polymer handgun is built with enhanced features that include a ported 5.6-inch barrel to reduce muzzle rise, optic-height tritium night sights for a clear sight picture in low-light conditions, and a Performance Center® tuned flat M2.0 trigger with a crisp break and audible reset.

“The new Performance Center 10mm was conceived with both the hunter and target shooter in mind. The goal was to build upon the M2.0 10mm series, with the intention of having reduced felt recoil and quicker follow-up shots. Popular features previously seen on other 5.6-inch PC pistols are present in this design and, when paired with the flat-shooting 10mm Auto cartridge, provide the end user a total package for hunting, self-defense, or at the range,” said John Myles, Senior Manager of New Products.

The new Performance Center 10mm slide is cut for optics and ships with Smith & Wesson’s C.O.R.E.™ plate system, two 15-round magazines, and four interchangeable palmswell grip inserts. This pistol is proudly made in the U.S.A. and has an MSRP of $749.00.

Step up your game with the new Performance Center® M&P®10mm M2.0™. For more information visit www.smith-wesson.com.

Posted in Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on Smith & Wesson Releases New Performance Center M&P 10mm M2.0

Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) Signs ToT Agreement with FAME S.A.C for the Assembly of its Small Arms in Peru

Monday, May 15th, 2023

The weapons are intended for use by the Peruvian Armed Forces and National Police

15 May 2023, Ramat-Hasharon, Israel: IWI – Israel Weapon Industries – a member of the SK Group (founded by Mr. Samy Katsav), and a global leader in the production of combat-proven small arms for military forces, police units, law enforcement agencies, and governmental entities around the world – has announced the signing of a ToT (Transfer of Technology and Knowledge) agreement with FAME, under which both companies will establish an assemblance and production line in Peru for the ARAD family of assault rifles.

Under the terms of the agreement, IWI will provide FAME with technological knowledge regarding small arms assembly, advanced quality assurance and maintenance processes. In the future, the companies will also explore the possibility of expanding production to include additional weapons and relevant optical sights for the country’s defense and security forces.

“IWI is proud to have signed a cooperation agreement with FAME, which further strengthens its activities in Peru and in Latin America,” says Ronen Hamudot, Executive VP Marketing and Sales of the SK Group. “This is the first step in a cooperation that will generate employment opportunities in the country and is expected, over the next few years, to be expanded into the local production of IWI’s various small arms, as well as other SK Group solutions – like Meprolight’s day sights.”

“IWI is a world-leader company, with decades of proven experience in the development, production and marketing of small arms,” says Leoncio Noriega, Commercial Director of FAME. “This signing aligns us with a partner that has rich experience and technological knowledge that it will share with FAME, as part of the agreement, promoting the Military Industry of Peru. We are sure (convinced) that the cooperation between the companies will be fruitful and long-lasting.”

Posted in International, IWA, Press Release, weapons | 1 Comment »

SOF Week 23 – SIG Reduced Signature Assault Rifle Update

Tuesday, May 9th, 2023

Last September USSOCOM awarded SIG SAUER a contract for the Reduced Signature Assault Rifle which is commercially available as the Rattler and is in service with allied SOF. Every program results in slight tweaks to the item finally issued. Seen below is the current version (top) and the RSAR as originally adopted (bottom).

Selected in 300 BLK, 7.62×39 and 5.56, the three variants now have a common barrel length, 7.75″.

Additionally USSOCOM recently completed the safety certification so these should be going into service soon.

Posted in Advertiser, SOF, SOF Week, weapons | 15 Comments »

HENSOLDT modernizes COBRA artillery location radars

Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023

Test equipment enables optimum deployment and system performance

Taufkirchen/Germany, 2 May 2023 – Sensor specialist HENSOLDT has successfully concluded the modernization of core test systems of the artillery location radar COBRA which is in service with several NATO armies. Under a contract worth several million euros awarded by the Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement, OCCAR) on behalf of Germany and France, HENSOLDT has replaced the Radar Target Generator (RTG) and the COBRA Radar Environment Simulator (CRES), key elements of the test environment of COBRA indispensable for determining optimum deployment and testing system performance.

The RTG is designed to generate primary radar returns and can be placed in the radar’s far field in order to simulate target trajectories. The new RTG takes into account changes of the user nations’ operational requirements such as long-term deployments in stationary locations, simultaneous operation of several systems and 24/7 surveillance missions.

The CRES is the key element to test and verify the COBRA radar performance in a laboratory environment with reproducible target trajectories. It generates artificial radar returns allowing to simulate all kinds of ballistic projectiles (missiles, mortar grenades, howitzer or gun projectiles) without the necessity of real transmissions.

COBRA is a mobile radar system for locating hostile artillery and missile positions and for calculating in advance the flight path of projectiles in order to give early warning and enable protective and, if required, defensive action. Its first configuration was developed by the Euro-Art International EWIV consortium comprising HENSOLDT, then Airbus Defence and Space, Thales and Lockheed Martin around the turn of the century for the German, French and British armed forces. Today, a total of more than 40 systems of various configurations have been deployed by NATO and other armed forces within and outside Europe.

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New DUSK 19 Pistol Now Available from Lone Wolf Arms

Monday, May 1st, 2023

Lone Wolf Arms, a company known as a leader of innovation in the Glock aftermarket, is proud to announce the arrival of the DUSK™19 pistol line. With more than two decades of experience providing aftermarket solutions to enhance both the performance and aesthetics of the Glock-pattern pistol, Lone Wolf Arms has implemented these years of development into the DUSK™19 which is now available online and at a dealer near you.

The new DUSK™19 includes a CCS Frame with a 19° grip angle for improved pointability, an enlarged trigger guard with an ergonomic profile to reduce “Glock knuckle”, swappable backstraps with LWA Grip Texture, a new Gen 3/4 compatible dust cover, and a revolutionary proprietary trigger. Additionally, the DUSK™19 is light, with a non-threaded option weighing in at 19.8 oz without a magazine, and is the perfect EDC size at an overall length of 6.95”.

The DUSK™19 Handgun combines the shootability and convenience sought after in a Glock-pattern pistol with the premium, trusted parts Lone Wolf Arms is known for. Lone Wolf maintains quality engineering and attention to detail, making a truly unique handgun that is comfortable to shoot and built to last. For more on where and how to purchase a new DUSK™19 visit the Lone Wolf Arms website and browse the multiple finishes and barrel options of the DUSK™19 that are available now.

For more information on Lone Wolf Arms, visit www.lonewolfarms.com and/or stay tuned to PWS eNewsletters and social channels.

Posted in Press Release, weapons | 2 Comments »