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AeroVironment Introduces Crysalis, A Next-Generation Ground Control Solution Designed for Collaboration Across Today’s Dynamic Battlefields

July 7th, 2021

• Provides a standardized user experience (UX) across multiple air vehicles, communication platforms and end-user devices for streamlined operation and deployment

• Improves battlefield communication and collaboration by enabling users to easily share real-time information and coordinate mission-critical decisions

• Builds upon AeroVironment’s legacy ground control system (GCS) and adapts to today’s network-centric battlefield environment

AeroVironment’s new Crysalis Ground Control Solution (Photo: AeroVironment, Inc.)

ARLINGTON, Va. July 7, 2021 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, today introduced Crysalis™, the company’s next-generation ground control solution. Crysalis is an integrated hardware and software-based ground control system (GCS) that provides command and control of compatible AeroVironment unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and their payloads, through an intuitive user experience (UX).

Built around three core elements – software, hardware, and antennas – Crysalis was designed to make operating robotic systems easier than ever before. Crysalis offers complete interchangeability, either as modular elements or turnkey systems, both adaptable to meet specific mission requirements. Crysalis is cross-platform compatible with Android, Microsoft Windows and Linux operating systems. The new GCS is available in multiple configurations ranging from lightweight and wearable to mobile and command center systems that are modular and scalable.

Crysalis was designed with the operator in mind, featuring an intuitive user interface (UI) to reduce cognitive load and training burden while enhancing situational awareness and battlefield collaboration. Through the easy-to-use Crysalis Control app, users can plan and execute flight missions as well as navigate and control UAS assets and payloads with one-click access to critical information, modes and telemetry meta data. Additional operational participants can gain enhanced situational awareness, share information and collaborate on tactical decisions by accessing telemetry and downlink data through remote video terminals, while also allowing them to capture data directly on their devices. Crysalis standardizes the user experience across all AeroVironment small UAS platforms, simplifying the training requirements and operation of Puma™, Raven® and Wasp®.

“With the introduction of Crysalis, we are streamlining command and control of our small UAS and empowering warfighters with actionable intelligence at the speed of war to increase their tactical decision making,” said Wahid Nawabi, AeroVironment chairman and chief executive officer. “Crysalis can be integrated into our portfolio of intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems and deliver easy-to-use, yet powerful new capabilities that enable our customers to succeed in full spectrum operations.”

The Crysalis GCS is available in scalable hardware configurations with all necessary software components pre-configured for quick mission deployment. These range from the Crysalis Ultralight GCS that provides full control of UAS and payloads through virtual control or tactile joysticks on a wearable smartphone configuration to Crysalis Command GCS – a command center configuration featuring a ruggedized laptop. Every Crysalis GCS configuration is natively compatible with AeroVironment’s Digital Data Link™ (DDL™) radios and antennas, is designed for plug-and-play compatibility with Nett Warrior and can integrate with both third party command and control and battlefield management applications.

“As a software-based ecosystem, Crysalis will continue to develop and evolve based on customer needs and front-line user feedback with expanded aircraft command and control capabilities, software features and IoBT compatible functionality,” said Tom Vaneck, AeroVironment vice president of solution strategy.

For more information on AeroVironment’s Crysalis next-generation ground control solution, visit www.avinc.com/crysalis.

Posted in Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on AeroVironment Introduces Crysalis, A Next-Generation Ground Control Solution Designed for Collaboration Across Today’s Dynamic Battlefields

Raven Concealment Systems Announces Market Release of Lictor M4 Magazine Carrier – .mil/.gov Issue for Last 3 Years

July 7th, 2021

The origin of the name of this magazine carrier is from Roman history, and is a subtle nod to the client for which this product was initially developed:

“A lictor (possibly from Latin: ligare, “to bind”) was a Roman civil servant who was an attendant and bodyguard to a magistrate who held imperium. Lictors are documented since the Roman Kingdom, and may have originated with the Etruscans.” (source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lictor)

The Lictor M4 is the smallest footprint AR-15/M-4 magazine carrier RCS has ever produced. It is also the first rifle mag carrier they have produced that doesn’t need to be threaded on and off a belt.

These new magazine carriers are ambi, and work with rounds-forward and rounds-rearward magazine orientation. They have a slight “funnel top” to aid in guiding the magazine into the carrier.

The Lictor M4 magazine carriers work with all common-issue AR-15/M-4 magazines (GI, PMag, Tango Down ARC, Lancer, etc). The design securely holds fully loaded magazines without the need for any retention screws, which are notorious for backing off gradually and falling out.

The belt clip on the Lictor M4 is also a brand-new RCS product, and allows the shooter to quickly don and doff the magazine carrier one-handed. The belt clip can be removed from the carrier, exposing mounting holes which are compatible with a variety of after-market belt attachments and MOLLE/PALS mounting adaptors. This provides end-users with an easy way adapt the carrier to a variety of applications on their body, a rifle stock, inside a bag, a vehicle, etc.

This magazine carrier is equally suited for low-vis/CCW roles (like under a sport coat or untucked shirt) and overt roles, like being mounted on a war belt or plate carrier.

The Lictor M4 Magazine Carrier has a retail price of $39.99 and is available here:

rcsgear.com/lictor-ar-magazine-pouch

For .mil/.gov inquiries and pricing, please email Raven Concealment’s Military Applications Specialist, Matt Edwards: m.edwards@ravenconcealment.com

Posted in Load Carrying, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Warrior West 21 – Strive

July 7th, 2021

Strive is a performance monitoring system used by professional athletes. The EMG sensor array can be integrated into virtually any compression clothing. A removable (for charging) puck is located at the waist which transmits the telemetry and integrates an accelerometer and GPS.

Muscle activation and use data can be accessed via an app on an end user device.

The Strive system is available for unit and agency orders from ADS, Inc.

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Launch of LMT Advanced Technologies, LLC

July 7th, 2021

Karl Lewis, President and CEO of LMT Defense, forms LMT Advanced Technologies, LLC. Lewis claims, “Back in March of 2020, we created a company dedicated to developing innovative shooting solutions. Advanced Technologies (AT) has been working with multiple industry partners.” He further added, “AT has invested into research and development efforts to manufacture and market advanced weapon technologies to commercial, law enforcement, and military channels for both U.S. and international customers.”

Lewis named Chris Estadt to be the General Manager. “Chris brings 28-years of experience in the outdoor/shooting sports industry to LMT Advanced Technologies.” Estadt has held multiple roles within the industry, including Owner, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Vice President of Business Development, National Sales Manager, and Senior Regional Director. Lewis adds, “He has a proven track record of developing premium products, working with dealers, distributors, end-users, and OEMs.”

Estadt says, “I am looking forward to the challenges of launching the brand, building a product portfolio, developing strategic partnerships, and delivering impactful technologies.” Estadt went on to say, “We will be launching the website soon and announcing our first product release in the coming weeks.”

Posted in Industry, Press Release | 3 Comments »

Warrior West 21 – DUI Weight & Trim III Harness System

July 7th, 2021

DUI’s Weight & Trim III Harness System is offered in 20 or 40 pound versions. The pull ring to drop the weight is high visibility Yellow.

While it comes with a harness (sizes small – large), it attaches to any 2″ belt with a tongue and groove system making swapping out a cinch. This also means that you can attach it directly to a BCD.?

DUI dive gear is available for unit and agency orders from ADS, Inc.

Posted in Maritime, Warrior Expo | Comments Off on Warrior West 21 – DUI Weight & Trim III Harness System

Warrior West 21 – Soliyarn Smart Clothing

July 7th, 2021

Every trade show I attend I have a favorite product or company and my pick for Warrior West 21 is Soliyarn.

This Massachusetts-based tech company was founded on research conducted at UMass Amherst. In a nutshell, they take raw goods and using a vapor technology seamlessly coat a durable, thin film on to textiles. So far they’ve developed conductive, waterproof and anti-microbial coatings.

The conductive tech has been used to heat fabric. The technology works. I put a glove on and the back of my hand immediately began to warm up.

Because there are no cables running through the garment, there’s no need to worry about a cable being cut and losing power. Essentially, the fabric serves as a self-healing circuit. As long as there are fibers still connected, there is a degree of power running through the circuit.

They are currently working with Natick on prototypes of a heated HAHO glove. One of the prototypes seen here is from FirstSpear.

They can also treat the material to be water and oil resistant using a PFC free coating. I watched a demonstration of water being poured on this sample of cotton muslin and the water beaded right off. Not only is the fabric going to remain dry, it’s going to retain it’s comfort and air permeability.

I asked a whole lot of questions like whether or not this will also serve as a data bus. Since this technology is so new, they continue to refine what it can and can’t do. This is a story I definitely plan to follow up on.

Soliyarn technologies are available for unit and agency orders from ADS, Inc.

Posted in Handwear, Materials, Warrior Expo | Comments Off on Warrior West 21 – Soliyarn Smart Clothing

Warrior West 21 – Streamlight

July 7th, 2021

Streamlight showed us two new lights.

The TLR-7 sub is intended for use with subcompact pistols including GLOCK 43 and 48 models as well as SIG P365 models. Powered by a single CR123, this weapon light features an ambidextrous rear switch and offers 500 lumens at up to 1.5 hours.

The Polytac X USB is a 600 Lumen, polymer construction, dual fuel handheld light. It is offered in Black, Coyote and Yellow. It can be powered by a USB chargeable SL-B26 power cell or 2 x CR123 batteries.

Streamlight products are available for unit and agency orders from ADS, Inc.

Posted in ADS, Advertiser, Lights, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Warrior West 21 – Streamlight

USAF First to Order on Army’s Direct View Optic Contract

July 7th, 2021

According to a source close to the program, the US Air Force has placed the first order on the US Army’s Direct View Optic program, obligating $49 million. This fulfills an Air Force requirement for a variable power optic that has been on the books since at least 2018, although at the time, the service stated that it desired a 1-8 optic rather than the 1-6 capability of DVO. DVO will replace the M68 Close Combat Optic and other systems within the service’s ground combat forces which number nearly 50,000 including the Special Warfare enterprise and around 40,000 Security Forces Airmen.

The Army’s requirement is reportedly still in draft status.

The DVO contract was awarded at the close of Fiscal Year 2020 to SIG Sauer Electro Optics for the 1-6×24 TANGO6T. There are currently three different versions of the TANGO6T adopted by the US military. The initial buy was for the Squad Designated Marksmanship Rifle, next was USSOCOM’s Squad-Variable Power Scope and finally, DVO.

The SDMR and S-VPS variants feature a standard tube length, but the DVO version is slightly shorter based on the Army’s OAL requirement. Some of this length is made up via a narrower diopter.

Each one of the optics features a different reticle. Here’s the breakdown:

DWLR-6 First Focal Plane: Dual Wind, Long Range 6 is currently fielded on the SDMR. Calibrated for the M118LR fired from the SDMR, the DWLR6 provides users with range estimation capability, holdovers for various distances and 5mph and 10mph wind holds out to 1000m.

DWLR-556 First Focal Plane: Dual Wind, Long Range 556 will be the DVO reticle. Similar in design to the DWLR6, the DWLR-556 is calibrated for M855A1. The reticle provides users with range estimation capability, holdovers for various distances and 5mph and 10mph wind holds out to 800m.

FL-6 Second focal plane: This is the SVP-S reticle. The FL-6 is calibrated for M855A1 fired from a customer specific rifle. The reticle provides similar range estimating capability as the others by using horizontal bars equivalent to 20” targets at various distances. When zeroed at 300m these holdovers represent 400, 500, 600 and 700m drops. The horizontal stadia provides directional indictors and holds for engaging moving targets of various speeds.

Posted in Advertiser, Air Force, Contracts, Optics | 3 Comments »