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Textron Systems Unveils Its Cottonmouth Purpose-Built Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle

May 4th, 2021

HUNT VALLEY, MD. – Textron Systems Corporation, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced the unveiling of Cottonmouth, a vehicle purpose-built for the U.S. Marine Corps’ Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) program. Cottonmouth is a next-generation Naval Sensor Node as an amphibious scout vehicle that offers cutting-edge sensor technology.

Leveraging Textron Systems’ history and range of specialty military vehicle experience, Cottonmouth delivers advanced maneuverability and a synergized sensor system to enhance reconnaissance operations.

Cottonmouth has a 6×6 compact build that allows four vehicles to fit on a single Ship to Shore Connector, or SSC, enhancing the Marine Corps’ ability to support Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations. Textron Systems’ vehicle is equipped with multi-spectrum sensors, providing seamless communication between the Navy and Marine Corps to employ unmanned systems and joint-warfighting weapons systems. This provides the next-generation decision dominance needed to defeat threats beyond line of sight. Among the integrated sensors is teammate Elbit Systems of America’s IronVision™, which uses “see-through” technology to provide the vehicle with advanced visibility and 360 deg situational awareness.

“We listened to the customer and have invested in developing and producing Cottonmouth as a purpose-built vehicle to give the U.S. Marine Corps the amphibious mobility they need for quarterbacking the future fight,” said Senior Vice President David Phil lips of Textron Systems.

“Along with Textron Systems’ extensive experience designing, producing, fielding and supporting high-performance armored vehicles, our Cottonmouth offers the Marine Corps a low-risk, mission-oriented solution. It is representative of a revolutionary, not evolutionary, system” Textron Systems’ Cottonmouth began USMC requirements validation testing at the National Automotive Test Center in February 2021. This testing continues in Q2 with a validation of the amphibious capabilities.

www.textronsystems.com/capabilities/innovations/cottonmouth

Posted in ISR, Mobility, Press Release, USMC | 3 Comments »

TacJobs – Brick and Mortar Operations Chief & Entry Level Representatives at O P Tactical Inc.

May 4th, 2021

O P Tactical Inc. a verified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, is seeking a highly motivated Brick and Mortar Manager to join our team of gear obsessed professionals. Primary duties of this individual are to synchronize daily operations, including inventory, walk in sales staff scheduling, sales, among other myriad duties that fall under the daily operations of a multi-faceted retail business. All applicants are considered, individuals with a background in retail management, the gear industry, ecommerce, military, LE, and sales are preferred.

OPT is also seeking entry level individuals for basic order fulfilment as a member of our ecommerce team. Duties involve picking items for orders, boxing orders, and basic maintenance in our facility, among other daily tasks that may come up.

O P Tactical Incorporated is an equal opportunity employer.

Interested candidates should send resume including military and / or law enforcement experience to optactical@yahoo.com

Posted in Advertiser, TacJobs | Comments Off on TacJobs – Brick and Mortar Operations Chief & Entry Level Representatives at O P Tactical Inc.

The Billy Waugh Demo Folding Knife: from RYP.Desig

May 4th, 2021

RYP (Robert Young Pelton) and William Harsey Jr. have collaborated on a knife — a knife designed as a tribute to the legendary Billy Waugh.

“Why the hell would anyone want my name on their knife?” Waugh asked when they approached him with the idea.

Journalist-Adventurer RYP first met Waugh, a retired Special Forces soldier turned CIA paramilitary, at a Texas Waffle House for an interview. One of the things Pelton, a knife designer, wanted to know was what sort of hardware Billy carried on his missions behind enemy lines during the Vietnam War. Billy remembers his favorite tools being the local (machete-like) parang and the machine-stamped Demo knife issued to soldiers.

RYP offered to design a series of knives that would integrate Waugh’s hard-earned ideas into a reimagining of tactical blades.

That’s when Billy scoffed and gave his reply.

Here’s more from the release:

Pelton disobeyed orders and recruited legendary Special Forces knife designer and friend William Harsey Jr to make Billy proud. Together they fine-tuned collaborated on a design only a warrior of Billy Waugh’s level could sign off on.

The design was inspired by the standard issue multi-purpose knife Waugh remembers from his Vietnam days. The DEMO is not the result of the lowest bidder. The Billy Waugh version is not only a knife fitting of the special operator, but an homage to toughness, and performance under fire. The DEMO features a balanced three dimensional Titanium alloy body with a retro diamond pattern and vintage finish. The four inch flat grind M390 blade is on bearings, with flipper, glass breaker screw, and an Awl on bronze washers. The knife comes with a replacement flat head screw. The deep pocket combat clip is engraved with Billy Waugh’s signature. The blade is laser engraved with William Harsey’s signature.

Limited quantities of the Billy Waugh edition will be created with the unsigned DEMO version going into production runs later this year.

BILLY WAUGH: AN ARMY SPECIAL FORCES AND CIA LEGEND

Billy Waugh at age 91 has a military and intelligence career that can only qualify as legendary. Prevented from enlisting for WW2 because of his age, Billy signed up for the newly created Special Forces – choosing the most dangerous tasks our nation demanded. Billy is the recipient of eight Purple Hearts and has a lifetime of service to America. Billy Waugh continued his Special Forces career all the way to the opening months of the war in Afghanistan. His 20 years to the CIA post-retirement made Billy officially the oldest serving CIA contractor in history. Billy’s book “Hunting the Jackal” covers his time tracking Carlos the Jackal and Bin Laden, and “Isaac Camacho An American Hero” is his homage to a fellow Green Beret.

Billy Waugh prepping for a HALO jump in the Republic of Vietnam. Waugh was medically retired, went to work for the CIA, and remained in service ever since. He spent his 70th birthday on a mountainside in Afghanistan during the opening days of OEF.

WILLIAM HARSEY JR

To honor a legend of Billy Waugh’s background, Pelton teamed up with award winning designer William Harsey Jr. Harsey grew up as a logger in the Pacific Northwest but managed to get a degree in fine design. He put his elegant artwork and knowledge of the craft to design knives, and the rest is history. Harsey is the creator of the Applegate Fairbairn Combat Folder and the equally famous “Yarborough” design, which is issued to each Special Forces graduate. Harsey’s designs can be purchased from Gerber, Spartan Blades and Chris Reeves Knives.

ROBERT YOUNG PELTON

Robert Young Pelton is not only an award winning knife designer but best known for his lifetime of documenting war zones on film, and in his books. His time with SF ODA 595 or the “Horse Soldiers” in Afghanistan during the winter of 2001, led to the unit adopting his patch. Billy Waugh is featured in Licensed to Kill — Hired Guns in the War on Terror Pelton’s best seller on contractors, paramilitaries and mercenaries. Waugh and Pelton have shared some of the same wars and hit it off. They have been friends ever since. Billy has been approached numerous times with the idea to make a Billy Waugh specific model. Billy has graciously refused – until now.

RYP.Design is a new venture in which Pelton will partner with designers and legends to create unique products ranging from books to graphic novels to knives to survival designs. The initial limited edition DEMO is only offered for sale through two websites: www.ryp.design and exclusive RYP Design dealer, Straack –www.straack.com.

RYP DESIGN PRESENTS THE BILLY WAUGH DEMO LIMITED EDITION

KNIFE SPECIFICATIONS AND PRICING

Weight: 6.80 oz/ 193g

Overall Length: 9.13″/ 232mm

Blade Length: 3.78″/ 96mm

Blade Steel: M390

Rockwell Hardness: 60

Blade Coating: Matte black PVD, then stonewashed

Blade Thickness: .16″/ 4mm

Handle Material: 3D Titanium

Posted in Knives | 2 Comments »

SET Breaching Tools Now Available from Strohman Enterprise

May 4th, 2021

Strohman Enterprise has expanded their line of offerings by becoming the sole US distributor of SET (formerly Swedish Entry Tools offered by 5.11 Tactical).

In addition to full kits and individual components they can facilitate training as well.

Visit www.strohmanenterprise.com/setbreaching for more info.

Check out the complete catalog here.

Posted in Advertiser, Breaching | Comments Off on SET Breaching Tools Now Available from Strohman Enterprise

Sitka Arrowhead Equipment – Midlayer Pullover and Hoody Featuring Polartec Fleece

May 4th, 2021

Early on in the development process, even before Sitka Arrowhead Equipment had a formal name, they teamed up with Polartec to introduce Performance Fleece to the line.

Polartec has a long history of working with USSOCOM, providing many of the fabrics used in the Protective Combat Uniform program so it was a natural fit for Arrowhead. Polartec has become the go-to fabric supplier across the US military as well as for international partner forces.

To create the Midlayer Pullover and Hoody Sitka designers selected an in-line garment called the Fanatic Hoody, as a starting point and incorporated a couple of different Polartec fabrics based on performance characteristics.

Arrowhead offered us this insight:

For the main body of the garment, Polartec® Wind Pro® with Hardface® delivers exceptional wind and abrasion resistance. Comprised of an advanced knit construction it provides four times the wind resistance of traditional technical fleece, while maintaining a high degree of breathability. The added proprietary Hardface® treatment increases abrasion resistance, durability, and weather resistance while maximizing its performance as a versatile combat layering system.

Polartec® Power Stretch® Pro, noted for its dynamic stretch and comfort, is strategically mapped under the arms, down the sides, and in the hood.

Features include Low Profile Hood with integrated face mask (for the Hoody) and Wrist Thumb Holes as well as zippered chest pocket.

Offered in Coyote and Black, sizes Small – XXLarge, these garments are TAA compliant; made in El Salvador for those of you who do the buying.

US Elite has a blog post on this subject you might want to check out and don’t forget, they’re hosting daily concurrent Facebook and Instagram Live events at 1430 EDT which include product giveaways.

Find an Arrowhead dealer here.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing | Comments Off on Sitka Arrowhead Equipment – Midlayer Pullover and Hoody Featuring Polartec Fleece

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. Announces Intent to Divest Thompson/Center Arms Brand

May 4th, 2021

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., May 3, 2021 — Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select Market: SWBI), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design, today announced that it plans to divest its Thompson/Center Arms brand. This decision is part of the Company’s broader strategic plan that will focus on its core Smith & Wesson brands.

Mark P. Smith, President and CEO of Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc., said, “Thompson/Center is a beloved hunting brand with a longstanding heritage, and we are committed to ensuring a smooth transition. Thompson/Center Arms’ loyal consumers should rest assured that they will continue to receive the world-class firearms, accessories, and customer service support that the brand has been known for since its founding in 1965. We remain fully committed to the hunting and long-range shooting market, and with this divestiture we will be able to now focus on these categories under our iconic Smith & Wesson brand. Additionally, this will allow us to immediately redirect manufacturing capacity to increase overall production volumes, allowing us to gain additional market share while simultaneously increasing profitability.”

At this time, a buyer for the Thompson/Center Arms brand has not been identified; however, the divestiture is not expected to have a material financial impact on the Company’s first quarter fiscal year 2022 results and the Company expects the divestiture to be accretive to the Company’s full year fiscal 2022 through higher overall production levels, increased margins, and lower marketing costs. The Company states that this decision will not result in a workforce reduction as its flexible manufacturing model allows it to repurpose capacity immediately to other areas without a headcount reduction.

Interested parties should contact the Company via email at investorrelations@smith-wesson.com or by calling 413-747-3448.

Posted in Firearms, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. Announces Intent to Divest Thompson/Center Arms Brand

New Army Technology Stops Traumatic Bleeding Without Requiring Wound Compression

May 4th, 2021

Stopping Bleeding Saves Lives on the Battlefield

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — A new medical technology stops traumatic bleeding without requiring wound compression for Soldiers on the battlefield. Hemorrhaging is a leading cause of preventable death for Soldiers in combat.

The simplicity, potential for deployability and proposed affordability of this technology under development allows Soldiers to carry a life-saving solution in their pocket.

Through a project funded by the Defense Health Agency Small Business Innovation Research, or SBIR, program, Hybrid Plastics, the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Vanderbilt University and Ichor Sciences developed StatBond, which treats uncontrolled bleeding from noncompressible areas of the body that include the groin, trunk, armpit, neck and internal organs. Currently, there is no battlefield treatment for such bleeding because these injuries are not responsive to the compression dressings currently carried by Soldiers and medics.

The Defense Health Agency supported the research and development of this device as a part of an SBIR contract, with technical oversight provided by the Army Research Laboratory, an element of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, known as DEVCOM.

“This technology provides a new capability to stop bleeding under austere conditions,” said Dr. Robert Mantz, a chemistry branch chief with ARL at its Research Triangle Park location. “It’s encouraging to see the potential applications of breakthrough basic science research being put into the hands of Soldiers.”

The research team identified that visco-liquid hemostatic agents could be an alternative treatment to compression. The liquid characteristic provides for deep penetration into a wound channel, and the immediate suppression of fluid loss.

“The breakthrough nature of the device lies in the ability of the hemostatic gel to flow deeply into penetrating wounds, and immediately seal against fluid loss, thereby allowing the natural blood clotting cascade to happen against the surface of the gel,” said Dr. Joe Lichtenhan, vice president of Technology, Hybrid Plastics, a Mississippi-based nanotechnology company. “It is really remarkable this device works without compression. It offers the potential for Soldiers to self-treat or to provide non-medic buddy care.”

The technology behind the development is based on proprietary silicon-like formulations developed by Hybrid Plastics. The Royal Society of Chemistry journal Dalton Transactions (2017) published preliminary findings of their research.

In addition to treating traumatic bleeding injuries, StatBond can also be used to treat lung punctures, eye injuries, burn wounds and prevent infection. Bleeding may not be associated with these types of injuries, but they all commonly have a need to prevent fluid loss and maintain tissue viability. For these injuries, Statbond seals the damaged tissue against further fluid loss while retaining oxygen transport to the injury, which aids in tissue preservation and supports the natural healing process and tissue regeneration.

Statbond is undergoing FDA registration and packaging development. For civilian use, it will be packaged in syringe form while warfighters are anticipated to be provided the device in the form of a durable pocket carry squeeze pack.

In contrast to the basic research programs managed by ARO, this program focuses primarily on feasibility studies leading to prototype demonstration and productized testing for specific applications. The SBIR program funds research and technology development with small businesses using a three-phase process.

With the success of Phase I and II, the Army awarded the research team a Phase III contract to the team to further mature the technology. As part of the award, the team will advance the device’s manufacturing readiness level to pilot line capability and the Department of Defense will conduct medical investigations on its performance and potential for deployability for treatment of battlefield polytrauma.

“We are committed to bringing advanced medical technology and devices to the wounded warfighter,” Lichtenhan said. “We anticipate the technology will become available for use by physicians in 2022 and potentially carried by soldiers by 2025.”

By U.S. Army DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory Public Affairs

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Medical | 7 Comments »

XS Sights Announces Staff Promotions

May 3rd, 2021

Fort Worth, TX (April 27, 2021) – XS® Sights is pleased to announce the promotions of Zack Kinsley to Vice President of Business Development and Addison Monroe to Marketing Manager.

As Vice President of Business Development, Kinsley is responsible for creating and implementing plans to increase existing business and for developing new business opportunities to grow market share and brand awareness. He will track new markets and emerging trends, spearhead strategy on new products and services, and work closely with leadership on strategic sales and marketing initiatives as the company continues to innovate and grow.

As Marketing Manager, Monroe now oversees all marketing initiatives for the company. This includes advertising, sponsorships, the ambassador program, web content creation, graphic design, and photography, among other responsibilities.

“I could not be prouder than to announce the promotions of Zack to Vice President of Business Development and Addison to Marketing Manager,” said Kellie Brunn, Co-Owner of XS Sights. “Zack’s proven solutions-based approach is an integral part of our innovation, profitability, and growth initiatives. He works closely with all of Team XS to grow our brand, and this role will allow him to focus on the long-term strategic direction of XS.”

Brunn continued, “Addison is a pleasure to work with and has demonstrated her talents as she has taken on more responsibilities in marketing this past year. She is an excellent representative of our company and will hit the ground running in her new position.”

For more information, visit www.xssights.com.

Posted in Industry, Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on XS Sights Announces Staff Promotions