XC3 Weaponlight

DroneShield and XRG Partner for Extended Reality Training

December 2nd, 2022

DroneShield is pleased to advise it has teamed with xReality Group Ltd (ASX:XRG) (XRG) to provide eXtended Reality (XR) based counterdrone/C-UAS training solutions.
 
XR includes Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR). It combines physical and digital simulation across the enterprise, defence and consumer markets.

The XR category for military and law enforcement is growing rapidly with the market predicted to grow US$16bn in 2027

XRG’s subsidiary “Operator Tactical Solutions” develops immersive planning, rehearsal and training solutions for the military and law enforcement markets, across local and international markets. XRG is led by Wayne Jones, who prior to establishing XRG was a highly decorated Patrol Commander with the Special Air Service Regiment. Additional information about XRG can be found at xrgroup.com.au.

As part of the launch, XRG will be promoting the training solution at the I/ITSEC 2022 Exhibition in Orlando Florida, taking place November 28th – December 2nd. Additional information about the event can be found at www.iitsec.org.

A video showing some of the highlights of the XR-based counter-UAS solutions can be seen here: 

DroneShield CEO, Oleg Vornik, commented: “As the counterdrone industry continues to rapidly grow and develop, evidenced by significant use of small drones by both side in the Ukraine war, there is an emergent need for counterdrone tactics and training packages for the system operators. As the global leader in the C-UAS sector, DroneShield is well placed to provide the training.

“We are excited to partner with XRG, who have deep experience in defence and law enforcement eXtended Reality training, and work in partnership with our customers to tailor design packages to meet their operational requirements.”

XRG CEO, Wayne Jones, added: “Today’s battlefield is evolving quickly making it difficult for front line defenders to be prepared for all situations. Operator’s solutions are enabling defence and law enforcement to rapidly train for these new situations in realistic, virtual environments. We are pleased to be able to add cutting-edge XR-based Counter Drone training programs to Operator’s product offering, in partnership with the C-UAS market leader, DroneShield.”

Normine Lombard Accepting Appointments for SHOT Show 2023

December 2nd, 2022

Recruitment firm brings innovative solutions to a challenging hiring landscape

Portland, OR – Normine Lombard, the product-centric recruitment firm with over a decade of experience in consumer goods, is now booking appointments at Booth 40809 for SHOT Show. The firm holds a strong success rate in transitioning the right talent to the right role due to their customized hiring methods and in-depth knowledge of the outdoor and tactical space.

“Simply put: the hiring landscape has changed, people are looking for a connection to their teammates, environment, and the products they are working with.” Managing Partner Amanda Normine said. “Modern day hiring requires a customized and targeted approach to building a team, and each hiring journey is going to be unique.”

Whether you’re looking for a candidate with very specific qualifications to take your team to the next level or you’re simply losing money due to an open position you are struggling to fill, Normine Lombard understands the competition, the tangible skills, and the intangible passions necessary to succeed in the outdoor industry. The firm’s thoroughly researched hiring process adapts to their clients and partner’s needs, affably moving with them every step of the way, while managing expectations on both sides to ensure a smooth transition of talent.

“We have explicitly honed our approach to serving product centric clients, and we are the best wingmen in the market.” Normine said. “We’re picky about our clients, because we go to bat for them in a heavy-hitting way.”

To secure an appointment during the 2023 SHOT Show, or to learn more about Normine Lombard’s offering in this space, contact Amanda Normine at amanda@normine-lombard.com.

For more information, visit: normine-lombard.com

Galvion to Supply US Marine Corps with Squad Power Manager (SPM)

December 2nd, 2022

Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of military power and data management solutions is pleased to announce that it has received a major order from the United States Marine Corps (USMC) for its Squad Power ManagerTM (SPM). The order, valued at USD $11 million, placed by the Power Team within Marine Corps System Command’s Logistics Combat Element Systems will supply SPMTM systems to each Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) within the Marine Corps, including Reserve Forces. The Squad Power Manager (SPM) is a core element of Galvion’s Nerv Centr® Active Systems range, which provides scalable power and data solutions to the dismounted operator. Deliveries will start in January 2023.

Named P2S2 (Portable Power Scavenger System) by the Marine Corps, the Galvion SPM kit provides a lightweight and compact multifunctional system to enable the harvesting of energy from multiple sources. Using a selection of cables, connectors and accessories, the system provides the ability to scavenge, distribute, and manage power from multiple power sources to include solar, Alternating Current (AC), Direct Current (DC), military batteries, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) plugs, and vehicle cigarette lighter/alternator attachments. The SPM kit contains adapters to power USB-powered equipment; radios, including the AN/PRC-148, AN/PRC-152 and AN/PRC-117; the Defense Advanced GPS Receiver (DAGR); and portable computing devices and peripheral equipment. The SPM kit can scavenge power from partially discharged batteries, vehicles, and standard electrical outlets and convert that power into a usable format for powering devices and recharging batteries.

The SPM system requires no special configuration or programming, converting and managing power as efficiently as possible depending on power sources and equipment needs. This allows teams to minimize weight and logistic burden by carrying fewer batteries, while increasing operational efficiency through active monitoring and management of power usage.

Kristen Lomastro, President of Active Systems, said: “We are proud to see our SPM kits being adopted by the Marine Corps. With customized SPM kits already in use across all U.S. DoD branches, including the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and SOCOM, this compact, intelligent power manager continues to deliver meaningful capability improvements that reduce the physical, cognitive and logistical burden on our warfighters. By providing the very best technical and engineering solutions possible, we help to increase their agility, lethality and survivability, and continue in our mission to protect and support those who protect us.”

Mack Bolan Convention

December 2nd, 2022

In 1985, Mack Bolan creator Don Pendleton held the first and only convention for his iconic crime fighter in San Francisco. Hosted by publisher Gold Eagle Books, over 1,000 fans attended to convention.

The tale of the event is told at www.donpendleton.com/mack-bolan-convention.

5.11 Holiday Gift Guide – Stratos Full Zip

December 2nd, 2022

On this last day of 5.11 Tactical Holiday Gift Guide, I’ve added something to keep you warm for those of you in colder environs. In fact, the Stratos Full Zip is a cardigan-style which can be worn as a layer anywhere the temperature drops to the point youll want to warm up.

Made from a grid fleece, the Stratos features Raglan sleeves and two zippered hand warmer pockets.

Offered in Black, Ranger Green, Red Bourbon, and Dark Navy, sizes XS – 2XL.

www.511tactical.com/stratos-full-zip

FirstSpear Friday Focus: 12 Days of Christmas

December 2nd, 2022

Click HERE to enter. Happy Holiday’s killers.

Visit FirstSpear to find America’s Best tactical gear this holiday season.

LMS Gear x Red Beard Tactical – Loden Green Flannel

December 2nd, 2022

In conjunction with Red Beard Tactical, Last Man Standing Gear is introducing a Loden Green version of their popular flannel shirt.

Manufactured from 150 g/m Cotton fabric made by one of the oldest weavers in Portugal, it features slotted buttons.

Here are some shots of the four pockets and three sunglass loops:

Coming soon from Last Man Standing Gear.

US Army Completes Fielding of Short Range Reconnaissance System

December 2nd, 2022

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. — The Soldier Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Product Office successfully completed fielding of the RQ-28A, Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) system to the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, GA, in early November.

The Skydio RQ-28A is the Army’s first program of record quadcopter. It is a new and disruptive organic capability that is fielded to the platoon echelon in the form of a portable rucksack Vertical Take Off and Lift, small, unmanned aircraft. It provides Warfighters with enhanced situational awareness and a standoff capability in urban and complex terrain, enabling accurate reconnaissance and surveillance of targets of interest. It can be used to conduct surveillance during routine combat operations.

During the new equipment fielding and new equipment training, UAS project office leaders, along with crucial personnel from the SUAS offices, traveled to Fort Benning to participate in the final day of training with the Soldiers and engage critical stakeholders.

“It’s very intuitive with great obstacle avoidance, additionally the thermal is better than expected.” Said Staff Sgt. Adam McDevitt the UAS section platoon sergeant. “I can’t wait to use this on full mission profiles to see what it can really do.”

“The SRR RQ-28A capability will provide game-changing technology to Army platoons, enhancing both Soldier lethality and survivability” said Carson L. Wakefield, product lead for Soldier Unmanned Aircraft Systems. “It is a new capability for the Army, and I am so proud of my team for delivering an innovative solution in just under three years from prototype to delivery.”

The quadcopter system weighs less than five pounds, can be carried and stowed in a transport case and is rucksack portable. It has vertical take-off and landing, hover, perch and stare capabilities. The system is hand launched and capable of being recovered within confined areas.

The Soldier UAS Product Office is scheduled to field 480 systems across the Army in 2023 with a total of 1,083 delivered during low-rate initial production systems through the second quarter of F25.

The RQ-28A is the first tranche of the SRR program and delivers a much-needed capability to Soldiers. Tranche 2 will include a prototyping effort and will include threshold requirements and multiple performance objectives.

By David Hylton