SureFire XC3

SKYDEX to Showcase Leading Blast Mitigation Products at Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering & Technical Symposium (GVSETS) 2021

August 9th, 2021

Ground system defense leaders to experience the latest blast mitigating technology and innovative energy absorbing materials for interior vehicle protection

CENTENNIAL, COLO. (August 5, 2021) –  SKYDEX, a global leader in advanced impact mitigation and energy absorption solutions, today announced that the company will attend the 13th Annual Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering and Technology Symposium (GVSETS) in Novi, Michigan on August 10-12, 2021.

GVSETS is a three-day event dedicated to the engineering and technology of Military Ground Vehicles, and is intended to accelerate innovation to provide warfighters with the ground vehicle capabilities they need to meet mission success and return home safely. Government, academia and industry representatives bring together their knowledge and exchange ideas with the overarching goal to refine solutions to meet the military and commercial challenges of today and tomorrow.

SKYDEX will send Scott Osborn, Director of Business Development, Defense, and Rich Kase, Senior Product Engineer, on behalf of the team to showcase the company’s newest blast mitigating decking, blast seat cushion inserts and other innovative energy absorbing materials for interior vehicle protection. Osborn and Kase will also be available to discuss SKYDEX’s leading shock-mitigating, proprietary technology.

“As the global leader in advanced impact mitigation and cushioning solutions, we are excited to attend GVSETS and have the opportunity to connect with ground system defense executives, leaders and other key decision makers on our latest blast mitigation innovations,” said Osborn. “SKYDEX prides itself on leading the charge with advanced materials used to better protect people and the things that matter and we are looking forward to providing a closer look at our solutions that are protecting our men and women in uniform at this impactful industry event.”

For more information about SKYDEX, please visit www.skydex.com or contact the team via email at info@skydex.com to set up a meeting.

 

T.Rex Arms Releases the Next Generation Sidecar 

August 9th, 2021

Centerville, TN – T.REX ARMS is pleased to announce the release of the next generation of the industry-standard Sidecar holster: a total redesign making it the slimmest, lightest, and most modular of all flexible AIWB holster systems on the market.

Six years ago, we launched the original Sidecar, a rigid, one-piece holster holding duty gun and spare magazine, made specifically for appendix carry. The industry followed, and a number of companies have built on that design, extending it, and improving on it.

Today, we are further updating this holster with the Spine System, an integral hinge that allows the holster and attachment to flex with the movement of the wearer, providing maximum comfort, but only pivoting on a single axis so the flexibility does not compromise concealability. 

The Spine allows for a sleek and simple design, but also the ability to quickly and easily swap out attachments to carry different equipment at customizable ride heights. Current attachments include a pistol mag carrier, rifle mag carrier, tourniquet carrier, and universal handcuff carrier. More attachments are currently in development for unprecedented adaptability of the holster system by the user.

Every holster also includes our new Raptor Wing, an outrigger clip adapter that allows stable carry of the holster without an attachment, in all IWB positions. The wing also has mounting holes that can be used to attach knife sheaths or other tool holders for unlimited extensibility.

In addition to this new flexibility and modularity, the Sidecar redesign adds expanded support for optics and suppressor-height sights and coincides with a complete overhaul of our manufacturing pipeline to improve overall product quality and consistency of fit and finish.

The new Sidecar launches with full ambidextrous support for standard 9mm/.40/.357 Glocks, The S&W M&P and Shield line, Sig P320 and P365 variants, the Walther PPQ and PDP, and FN 509. Light compatibility includes the Surefire X300 and XSC, and the Streamlight TLR-1, TLR-6, and TLR-7 families of lights. Additional weapons and lights are coming soon with CZ and HK support slated for later this year.

Furthermore, the design of this new hinge system has been open-sourced, and CAD drawings and 3D models of parts and tooling can be downloaded here. T.REX ARMS invites the rest of the industry to extend and build upon this latest design as we all work together to serve those who desire to be better equipped to protect themselves and those around them.

Schiebel Camcopter S-100 Successfully Completes US Navy Flight Trials

August 9th, 2021

Fairfax, Virginia, USA, 9 August 2021 – Schiebel Aircraft and Areté Associates, successfully showcased the CAMCOPTER® S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS) combined with Areté’s Pushbroom Imaging Lidar for Littoral Surveillance (PILLS) sensor to the US Navy’s Office of Naval Research (ONR).

In a combined demonstration sponsored by the US Office of Naval Research (ONR) on a commercial vessel off the coast of Pensacola, Florida, Schiebel and Areté demonstrated the CAMCOPTER® S-100 and its capabilities, as well as Areté’s Push- broom Imaging Lidar for Littoral Surveillance (PILLS) system.

PILLS enables hydrographic mapping of ocean littoral spaces with a low size, weight, and power (SWaP) sensor that easily integrates into the S-100. PILLS has multiple military and commercial applications.

Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group, said: “We are proud that we could successfully showcase the outstanding capabilities and data-gathering features of our CAMCOPTER® S-100 to the US Navy. Globally, we operate extensively on land and at sea and we are confident that our unmanned solution is also the right fit for the US Navy.”

www.schiebel.net

NexTex Innovations Presents New TurboDry Technology Collections at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market

August 9th, 2021

NexTex Innovations, an Atlanta-based textile technology developer that builds strategic partnerships with brands, entrepreneurs and manufacturers to bring textile innovations to market will introduce its expanded collection of TurboDry technology performance materials at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, August 10-12 in Denver Colorado.

TurboDry technology is a patent-pending fabric construction that harnesses the same capillary forces as the root systems in trees and move moisture away from skin keeping users dry, comfortable, and more equipped to efficiently maintain their core body temperature. The core mission of TurboDry technology – and all NexTex products – is to provide consumers with the most comfortable, sustainable performance textiles.

At the Outdoor Retail Show, NexTex will introduce six new TurboDry technology collections including 100% polyester constructions, single jerseys, natural and synthetic blends, woven-like knits, and narrow elastics.

“Since we launched TurboDry in January of 2020, we’ve received a tremendous amount of positive feedback from our brand partners and consumers with regards to the technology’s performance,” said Chad Lawrence, NexTex CEO. “We are pleased to extend the collection to provide consumers with the most comfortable sustainable performance textiles.”

NexTex won a 2021 Outdoor Retailer Innovation Award in the Function category for its TurboDry technology, selected among 39 finalists in the function category.

The 100+ fabric and elastic offerings in the TurboDry technology portfolio serve as a foundation for apparel and accessories development for all walks of life. To learn more about how TurboDry can elevate your products schedule a meeting for the show at turbodry.com/contact, or stop by our Booth 50035-UL.

Big Agnes Introduces First-Ever Backpack Collection in Spring 2022

August 9th, 2021

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. – Big Agnes, the Steamboat Springs-based outdoor equipment brand, is pleased to introduce a line of technical backpacks for Spring 2022, a first for the 20-year-old brand. The collection of six backpacks ranges from 20-liters to 63-liters in capacity, made wtih GRS certified recycled nylon fabric nylon fabric. Core to the collection is the inclusion of a “Trash Can” accessory on most models and a campaign, in conjunction with Leave No Trace, aimed at reducing litter on public lands.

“Our new pack line leverages over two decades of product design and development experience,” said Bill Gamber, co-founder and president of Big Agnes. “The market is full of some impressive products but we’re bringing fresh new ideas and a commitment to recycled fabrics to the category. As a brand we’re excited to finally have backpacks to complement and carry all our award-winning gear.”

The Big Agnes pack collection will feature 45-liter to 63-liter backpacks designed to provide comfort for multiday excursions, along with two technical daypacks for hiking and travel. The 45-liter to 63-liter backpacks will also be offered in women’s specific fit models which have been optimized by Big Agnes’ female designers. The main packs fabric is GRS certified, recycled Mipan® regen robic high-tenacity nylon containing a solution-dyed ripstop grid.

Essential to the pack design is the proprietary Load Wrangler and Load Wrangler+ suspension systems that provide an easy to set, precise fit for a well-balanced load that remains comfortable throughout a full day on the trail. All of this is delivered through innovative design that has come to life through functional features like the HOIST COMPRESSION SYSTEM and OPEN RANGE hip belt systems. Hydration bladder sleeves, accessible pockets, daisy chain webbing and other core features are also included.  

The Big Agnes packs collection includes:

• Prospector 50 liter and Women’s Sun Dog 45 liter – ultralight backpacking packs designed for shorter-duration overnight pursuits

• Parkview 63 liter and Women’s Garnet 60 liter – lightweight backpacking packs designed for extended backpacking excursions, featuring custom-injection molded frame sheets anatomically engineered to fit the body and maximize torsional stability 

• Impassable 20 liter – A top-loading daypack with an internal laptop/hydration sleeve and compartmentalized storage, perfect for day hikes and everyday travel

• Ditch Rider 32 liter – A minimalist, roll-top daypack with an internal laptop/hydration sleeve, designed for versatility on and off the trail, streamlined for all-day comfort 

A unique product launching alongside the packs is the 7-liter Big Agnes Trash Can, an easily attachable and packable accessory for collecting litter on the trail and in camp. The Trash Can is made from the same fabric as the packs and will be included with all 45-liter to 63-liter packs, but also sold separately as an accessory. 

“Our Trash Can has one purpose – to clean up our public lands and give back to a global organization that’s working to help make it happen,” said Gamber. “We wanted to provide an easy way to collect the large and small garbage that’s littered along trails, rivers and in campgrounds. Through some post work product testing, our employees determined that the Trash Can holds at least 36 crushed aluminum cans.” 

The Trash Can is the latest environmentally conscious offering from Big Agnes, joining the brand’s TwisterCane™ BioFoam Pad and Solution Dyed Fabric Tents that both launched earlier this year and provide a multitude of sustainable benefits. For the backpack launch, Big Agnes is partnering with Leave No Trace by donating a portion of sales from every pack and Trash Can to assist in its global efforts to sustain healthy public lands. All Trash Cans will include an informational card to help drive awareness of Leave No Trace’s mission and to help educate consumers on backcountry best practices.

“Big Agnes has been a longtime partner of Leave No Trace and we’re excited to collaborate with them on their upcoming pack launch,” said Dana Watts, Leave No Trace Executive Director. “We love the energy and commitment they have put into reducing trail and campground litter and we’re excited to be a partner in their education campaign.” 

Government of Canada Announces Contract for Combat Boots for Canadian Armed Forces

August 9th, 2021

Sherbrooke, Quebec – Public Services and Procurement Canada

Through Strong, Secure, Engaged, the Government of Canada is modernizing its military equipment to support the Canadian Armed Forces and keep Canadians safe.

On behalf of the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, and the Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, today announced the awarding of a contract worth nearly $7 million to manufacturer Royer of Lac-Drolet, Quebec, to produce pairs of general-purpose combat boots and nylon laces for the Canadian Armed Forces.

“As a result of a competitive procurement process, we are proud to award this contract to Canadian supplier Royer and provide our troops with the best possible made-in-Canada equipment to carry out their work.”

The Honourable Anita Anand
Minister of Public Services and Procurement 

The contract, awarded through an open, fair and transparent competitive process by Public Services and Procurement Canada, will see the delivery of an additional 40,000 pairs of boots and 100,000 pairs of laces to Canadian Armed Forces supply depots in Edmonton, Alberta, and Montréal, Quebec, by February 2023. The general?purpose boots are designed to provide enhanced foot protection and comfort for Canadian troops during operations conducted in ambient temperatures ranging from 0°C to 25°C.

“It is essential that the members of our Canadian Armed Forces have the equipment they need to fulfill their commitment to serving Canadians at home and abroad. By providing quality combat boots through this contract, we are ensuring that our members are well equipped to do the important work we ask of them.”

The Honourable Harjit Sajjan
Minister of National Defence 

The contract for the general-purpose combat boots is expected to maintain 25 Canadian jobs and create 5 new jobs.

“Through this contract, we will not only provide superior quality boots to the members of our Armed Forces, but also create jobs and economic benefits directly in our community.”

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

The boots will be made entirely in Canada at the factories of manufacturer Royer in Lac-Drolet and Sherbrooke, Quebec.

The contract includes an option to order, if needed, an additional 67,500 pairs of boots over the next 5 years, for a potential total of 107,500 pairs.

AFSOC WEPTAC 2021: Staying Relevant for Future Fights

August 9th, 2021

Air Commandos from Air Force Special Operations Command hosted a weapons and tactics conference here, July 6 – 16, 2021.

This annual conference was a gathering of special operations forces and combat air force’s tactical experts to meet and identify and improve tactics, techniques and procedures with the purpose of conducting Mission Area Working Groups (MAWGs) and the annual Tactical Review Board (TRB) to bolster AFSOC’s Tactics Development and Improvement Program (TDIP).

The theme for the 2021 WEPTAC conference is “Competing Now and in the Next Conflict – SOF Operations in the Joint Fight.” Operators and tacticians identified potential deficiencies and worked to develop TTP’s for future fights while advancing AFSOC’s creativity and capability.

“This is a great opportunity for teammates to come together and discuss how we can and must help AFSOC change for any future challenges,” said Maj. Gen. Eric Hill, deputy commander of AFSOC. “Our command has faced various inflection points in its history, and WEPTAC is a forum where some of our best minds develop ways for us to stay relevant in the fight.”

Since 9/11, AFSOC has largely focused on a counter-violent extremist organizations fight, but this year’s WEPTAC shifted the conversation towards implementing new strategies in the peer and near-peer adversarial competition.

“If history has shown us anything, change is inevitable,” Hill said. “I know that each one of you here will do your part to help push the conversation and develop changes needed far into the future.”

After Hill’s opening remarks, conference attendees broke out into the MAWGs, which were built using a combination of subject matter experts from operations and intelligence, that had industry knowledge and air and ground tactical expertise, with the goal of working through potential future problem sets.

The TRB’s addressed specific tactical improvement ideas in both mobility and strike functional areas, and combined with the MAWG’s, worked towards helping push forward innovative thoughts.

The conference was an opportunity for Airmen to focus on joint MAWG’s that provide relevant near-peer planning in line with the NDS and AFSOC strategic guidance. WEPTAC is aligned with generating advantage in competition by enabling the joint force to respond to crisis and to win.

“Our human capital is our ultimate weapon,” Hill said. “The ideas and tactics we come up with during WEPTAC will make sure that our Airmen remain the competitive advantage.”

By Senior Airman Brandon Esau, AFSOC Public Affairs

Ghosthood Light-Belt

August 8th, 2021

The Ghosthood Light-Belt is available from Germany’s Triple Action. Made from a Cordura laminate, the belt is 40mm wide around most of the circumference of your waist except where it narrows to narrower nylon webbing at the front for a lower profile and use of a 20mm SR buckle.

It’s offered in Stone Grey (above) or CONCAMO Green (below) in three sizes (see site for sizing). Both color options are IRR compliant. At 30 to 35 g depending on length, this is not a Battle Belt, but rather a simple trouser belt which can be worn under load carriage systems.?

www.tripleaction.de/ghosthood-light-belt-guertel