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Archive for the ‘weapons’ Category

OKSI’s Seeker Technology for Guided Munitions & CUAS

Wednesday, July 17th, 2024

Lately we’ve been talking about Artificial Intelligence and ways it can make a difference in warfighting. To illustrate our points, we’ve discussed the capabilities of the OMNISCIENCE AI/ML portfolio from OKSI. But that’s not all OKSI does; they also put a lot of effort in enhancing existing warfighting systems with new capabilities.

In addition to the OMNISCIENCE AI/ML portfolio we’ve already mentioned, OKSI also provides seeker technology for guided munitions and unmanned aerial systems defeat. Once again, the technology isn’t taking over, but rather enhances existing capabilities to make them faster, more accurate, and more capable, even in electromagnetically contested environments.


OKSI Booth at AUVSI 2024 (left: ARMGDN Seeker right: 81mm Mortar with PGK)

OKSI has many Passive Seeker Technologies, some examples are their 81mm Precision Guidance Kit, a screw-on EO/IR guidance system for the 81mm Mortar and the ARMGDN, a bolt-on intelligent EO/IR seeker for Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS). These systems provide the ability to accurately employ precision munitions and effects even in the absence of GPS or laser guidance.

OKSI’s seeker technologies provides multi-role capability (air to ground, air to air, ground to air, and ground to ground) and adds passive EO/IR guidance to existing munitions that previously only had GPS or laser guidance. They can also be used to provide detection, tracking, and terminal intercept.

The screw-on 81mm PGK allows warfighters to precisely guide mortars onto the desired impact point or predesignated target via OKSI ATAK targeting plug-in. The mortar’s guidance system is able to find, fix, and lock onto target then uses control surfaces to steer the mortar down onto the tracked target. It transforms an inaccurate area weapon into a precision munitions with first round effects.


81mm PGK Test Launch

ARMGDN is a capability enhancement to BAE Systems’ APKWS laser-guidance kit, providing passive target acquisition and tracking for precision engagements. APKWS is a guidance kit for the 2.75 inch Hydra-70 rocket. This fire-and-forget capability is also effective, via proximity fuzing, for hard kill of UAS threats.


BAE Systems’ APKWS® laser-guidance kit integrated with OKSI’s ARMGDN launch during a test demonstration.


Photo courtesy of NAVAIR

These mature technologies have been around for the past couple of years and are ready to employ today with capabilities validated via recent contracts with USSOCOM and USAF.

For more information, visit OKSI.ai.
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Smith & Wesson Elevates Performance with New M&P Carry Comp Series

Tuesday, July 9th, 2024

MARYVILLE, TN., (7/9/2024) – Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.

(NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design, announces today the release of the Performance Center® M&P9 Carry Comp Series pistols.

Whether you’re looking for a new everyday carry, home defense, or training pistol, this new series has you covered. Built across full-size, compact, and micro-compact frames, Carry Comp Series pistols are chambered in 9mm and come in a variety of capacities. The Shield Plus 4-inch barrel model ships with 10-round, 13-round, and 15-round magazines that allow the user to choose their preferred combination of size and capacity, making it a versatile personal defense carry option. The M&P 2.0 4.22-inch barrel models are offered in metal and polymer frame configurations, come in a 15-round or 17-round capacity depending on your frame-size of choice, and are trusted platforms for any training or personal defense application.

The M&P9 Carry Comp Series was developed with key features to improve the overall shooting experience of the user. The strategically designed Power Port™, located at the end of the barrel at the twelve o’clock position, diverts gas upwards, reducing felt recoil, which improves overall control. With optics-ready slides, if a user chooses to utilize a red dot, the new ClearSight™ Cut is designed to divert gasses away from the optic allowing the user to maintain an unobstructed view. If iron sights are preferred, these models also include a tritium front night sight and blacked-out serrated rear sight out of the box for an enhanced sight picture. Boasting a new aesthetic, M&P9 Carry Comp slides were developed with aggressively angled front and rear serrations to increase reliability and improve manipulation against tougher elements. All new Carry Comp models include flat-face trigger designs, grey Armornite© finished slides, and ship with a Performance Center Cleaning Kit.

Stay on target with the new Performance Center M&P9 Carry Comp Series pistols! Now available in Shield Plus, M&P 2.0 Compact, and M&P 2.0 Full-size models. For more information, visit www.smith-wesson.com.

SIG NEXT Opening Night

Monday, July 1st, 2024

Last week SIG SAUER launched a year’s worth of new product during a two-day event called SIG NEXT. This video is a great summary of launch night which was attended by hundreds of media, top SIG dealers, and SIG employees.

The launch includes:

P365-FUSE

P320-FLUX Legion

– ROMEO-X Enclosed optic

– MCX-SPEAR 6.8

– .277 FURY Ammunition

– CROSS-MAGNUM Sawtooth @ Signature Meateater Ammunition

– P226-X5 Reserve

– P226 40th Anniversary

– P320-X5 SX

– ECHO family of thermal sights

Several items are already shipping to dealers like the P365-FUSE and P320-FLUX Legion. Even then, expect a few more surprises throughout the year.

GA-ASI and Lockheed Martin Developing Net-Enabled Weapons Capability for MQ-9B SeaGuardian

Friday, June 28th, 2024

SAN DIEGO – 27 June 2024 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) are collaborating to provide Net-Enabled Weapons (NEW) capability for GA-ASI’s MQ-9B SeaGuardian® Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). The addition of NEW capability for SeaGuardian will bolster the Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Targeting (ISR&T) capability for the aircraft.

The NEW technology provides expanded sensor targeting applications for the precision targeting of long-range weapons. SeaGuardian’s demonstrated persistence coupled with its vast array of precision targeting sensors enables more efficient kill chains, especially in contested environments. GA-ASI’s MQ-9B SeaGuardian® UAS, and SeaVue multi-role radar from Raytheon, an RTX business, will effectively leverage Lockheed Martin’s extensive NEW expertise to further refine targeting capabilities for future theater deployments. Initial testing was completed on June 5, 2024, with F/A-18s on the U.S. Navy’s W-289 test range in Southern California.

GA-ASI and Lockheed Martin have been developing Link 16 messages to communicate with weapons inflight using the SeaGuardian Systems Integration Lab (SIL) in preparation for overwater range test flight.

“This is a very important system attribute for SeaGuardian to enable naval long-range targeting CONOPS against high-end threats at much less risk to manned platforms,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “We appreciate Lockheed Martin’s support in helping us prove out the NEW technology, which is an important component of our ISR&T capability.”

MQ-9B SeaGuardian is a medium-altitude, long-endurance UAS. Its multi-domain capabilities allow it to flex from mission to mission. SeaGuardian has been used by the U.S. in several recent demonstrations, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, and Group Sail.

SIG NEXT – P226 X5 Reserve

Wednesday, June 26th, 2024

Looking for a new Tuxedo gun? Then the P226 X5 Reserve is for you. Featuring a Black polished DLC coating, it weighs in at 48.1 oz to keep you on target, shot after shot. Part of that is thanks to the brass grips for added weight.

The trigger is adjustable in three ways:

Position of Shoe
Take up
Poundage

Finally, the P226 X5 Reserve features a suppressor height XRAY3 front sight with removable, adjustable rear sight making an easy set up for red dot optics like the new ROMEO3 MAX PRO with a 3 or 8 MOA red dot.

Coming soon from sigsauer.com

LEGION Series Expands to Include SIG SAUER P320-FLUX LEGION

Tuesday, June 25th, 2024

NEWINGTON, N.H., (June 25, 2024) – The SIG SAUER®LEGION® has joined forces with industry innovator FLUX Defense to create the SIG / FLUX factory built P320-FLUX LEGION collaboration.  Designed with feedback from the Special Operations Community, the P320-FLUX LEGIONdelivers on innovation and enhancements that have become the trademark features of SIG SAUER LEGION Series designs.

“The P320-FLUX LEGION takes a 9mm handgun, using the SIG SAUER P320 Fire Control Unit, and transforms it into an easily concealed PCC style platform, with the stability of a carbine and loads of LEGION upgrades to bring more speed, maneuverability, and control to conceal carry,” said Robby Johnson, Chief Marketing Officer, SIG SAUER, Inc.  “This build has a long list of features including a single-finger fast deploying spring brace for rapid deployment, 30-round capacity, an integrated compensator in the custom LEGION slide, and a dual-mag release system to get you started.  Add to that the endless amounts of customization that can be achieved with thefront and rear picatinny mounts and an ambidextrous safety we are sure that the P320-FLUX LEGION is destined to be a LEGION fan favorite.”

The P320-FLUX LEGION is a complete SIG Factory build using a P320 Fire Control Unit (FCU) with a LEGION skeletonized trigger, a full-size LEGION Gray slide with integrated compensator housed in the LEGION Gray FLUX Defensechassis with rapid-deploying Stabilizing Brace.  Build features include XRAY3 Day/night sights, an ambidextrous dual magazine release system, front picatinny mount, rear non-reciprocating picatinny optic mount, an integrated flared magwell, and ambidextrous safety.  The full build ships fully assembled with (2) extended 30-round P320 magazines.

“A collaboration of this scale is an exciting first for us, but given the reputation SIG has for quality, innovation and disrupting the industry, which FLUX Defense also shares, this partnership came naturally to everyone,” added Arrius Sorbonne, FLUX Defense Co-Owner.

P320-FLUX LEGION:

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 30

Grip Module: LEGION Gray FLUX Chassis

Overall length: 10.9 inches (collapsed)

Overall height: 6.1 inches

Overall width:  1.6 inches

Barrel length: 3.9 inches

Sight Radius: 5.9 inches

Weight (w/magazine): 49.2 ounces

SKU: 320FLUX-9-LEGION

The LEGION® Series pistols is an exclusive product line developed by SIG SAUER® based on input from elite shooting professionals and designed to exceed the expectations of the serious shooter.  The SIG SAUER LEGION is an exclusive members-only access program available to owners of the SIG SAUER LEGION Series of firearms. Upon registration of any LEGION Series firearm, members receive a complimentary case, exclusive access to LEGION gear and merchandise, and receive exclusive communications from SIG SAUER and the LEGION.

To learn more about the SIG SAUER P320-FLUX LEGION, the full SIG SAUER product line, or locate a SIG SAUER authorized dealer visit sigsauer.com.

The P365-FUSE: The Fusion of Capability and Concealment

Tuesday, June 25th, 2024

NEWINGTON, N.H., (June, 25, 2024) – The P365-FUSE is the ultimate fusion of full-size capability that delivers a 21 + 1 round capacity featuring a long slide, 4.3” barrel, and the LXG (laser engraved X-grip) grip module that doesn’t compromise on capacity, shootability, or concealability.

“Born from the iconic roots of the game changing P365, the true crossover handgun has finally arrived; the P365-FUSE is the ultimate in full-size capability and micro-compact concealment for unmatched versatility,” said Robby Johnson, Chief Marketing Officer, SIG SAUER, Inc.  “With an optics-ready slide and barrel longer than any other compact in its class, combined with the ultra-thin LXG grip, the P365-FUSE delivers on accuracy, performance, and reliability.”

The SIG SAUER P365-FUSE is a striker-fired, 9mm pistol with the polymer laser engraved LXG grip module, 1913 accessory rail, removable magwell, interchangeable small, medium, and large backstraps, and a nickel-plated flat-faced trigger.  The optics-ready stainless steel slide features aggressive serrations with fiber optic front sight and with black serrated rear sight and houses a 4.3” carbon steel, DLC finished barrel.  The P365-FUSE ships with (2) 21-round and (1) 17-round magazines; in states with magazine capacity requirements the P365-FUSE ships with (3) 10-round magazines.

The SIG SAUER P365-FUSE ROMEO-X features a factory installed ROMEO-X compact sight crafted from 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum, machined anti-reflection grooves on shooter-facing surfaces, distortion-free aspheric glass, with a patent-pending Beryllium Copper flexure-arm adjustment system.  ROMEO-X series optics incorporate a high-efficiency point source red LED emitter with 2 MOA dot / 32 MOA circle reticle, side independent brightness adjustment buttons, 15 brightness settings including night vision settings, and a side-mounted CR1632 battery compartment with a threaded battery cap so the optic does not need to be removed from the pistol for battery changes.  Additionally, the ROMEO-X offers a low deck height for standard-height iron sight co-witness, has a minimum continuous runtime of 20,000 hours at medium brightness setting and utilizes MOTAC™ (Motion Activated Illumination), MAGNETAC™ (Magnetic Activation), and D.A.R.C™ (Dark Adaptive Reticles & Coatings) technologies. 

P365-FUSE:

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 21 / 17 / 10

Overall length: 7.2 inches

Overall height: 5.1 inches

Overall width: 1.1 inches

Barrel length: 4.3 inches

Sight Radius: 6.0 inches

Optics Slide Cut: Compact

Weight (w/magazine): 23.1 ounces

SKU: 365XF-9-BFO

SKU (State compliant): 365XF-9-BFO-10

P365-FUSE ROMEO-X:

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 21 / 17

Overall length: 7.2 inches

Overall height: 5.7 inches

Overall width: 1.1 inches

Barrel length: 4.3 inches

Sight Radius: 6.0 inches

Optics Slide Cut: Compact

Weight (w/magazine): 24.8 ounces

SKU: 365XF-9-BFO-RXX

ROMEO-X Compact:

Footprint: P365 and Compact

Magnification: 1x

Reticle: 2MOA Dot / 32 MOA Circle

Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm

Illumination Settings: 12 Daytime, 3 Night Vision

The P365-FUSE is now shipping and available at retailers.  To learn more about the P365-FUSE and ROMEO-X optics visit sigsauer.com.

True Velocity, FN America Announce Global Manufacturing Partnership On Lightweight Medium Machine Gun

Saturday, June 22nd, 2024

FN AMERICA’S MACHINE GUN MANUFACTURING PROWESS BOLSTERS TRUE VELOCITY’S INNOVATIVE WEAPON SOLUTION TO BRIDGE BATTLEFIELD PERFORMANCE GAP

GARLAND, Texas, June 18, 2024 — Texas-based ammunition and weapon system manufacturer TV Ammo, Inc. (“True Velocity”) and FN America, LLC (“FN America”), a global leader in the development and manufacture of military small arms, have announced a strategic licensing and manufacturing partnership for the production of True Velocity’s .338 Norma Lightweight Medium Machine Gun for U.S. and Allied military units.

The partnership positions FN America as a primary manufacturer of True Velocity’s .338 Norma machine gun, a recoil-mitigated weapon system designed to provide warfighters with range and terminal performance similar to that of the century-old .50-caliber M2 machine gun in a lightweight, functional profile comparable to that of the ubiquitous M240 machine gun also manufactured by FN America.

“True Velocity’s .338 machine gun will change the battlefield for our warfighters. We are thrilled that FN will join with us so we can equip U.S. and Allied militaries with this combat advantage,” said True Velocity President and Chief Intellectual Property Officer Craig Etchegoyen. “It very quickly became clear that FN is a world-renowned, reliable, and respected manufacturer of innovative machine guns, and we’re excited for them to join our mission.”

A lightweight machine gun solution chambered for the .338 Norma cartridge has been a focal point of requirements emerging from the U.S. Department of Defense and Allied militaries in recent years. In March 2024, the United States Department of Defense selected True Velocity’s .338 Norma Lightweight Medium Machine Gun for continued evaluation in a military program aimed at fielding a weapon system that would bridge the performance gap between the .50-caliber M2 machine gun and the M240 machine gun chambered for 7.62x51mm NATO. The combination of True Velocity’s recoil-mitigated .338 Norma Lightweight Medium Machine Gun and its advanced, lightweight composite-cased ammunition provides a turn-key combat solution capable of enhanced controllability, maximized maneuverability, and extreme precision at extended range.

“FN America is extremely excited to partner with True Velocity on this effort to deliver the next medium machine gun to the U.S. military,” said Mark Cherpes, President and CEO for FN America, LLC. “Both companies share that drive and desire to innovate and deliver game-changing technology to the warfighter. This has produced a really great team environment on this effort.”

Incorporating proprietary “impulse-averaging recoil mitigation” technology, True Velocity’s .338 Norma machine gun delivers a 300-grain projectile with enhanced range and precision, while optimizing controllability and maintaining a profile similar to that of the M240 belt-fed machine gun, which is chambered for the smaller, less energetic 7.62x51mm cartridge.

“True Velocity’s lightweight medium machine gun submission is the product of more than a decade of continued innovation and rigorous evaluation,” said True Velocity Senior Executive Vice President of Sales Kevin Sims. “This weapon system delivers unprecedented tactical and operational capabilities to our American warfighters. The sooner we bring it to the battlefield, the better.”