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SureFire Field Notes Ep. 64: Practical Shooting with Matt Pranka

July 28th, 2021

SureFire Field Notes is an informational video series with tips and techniques from subject matter experts of all backgrounds. In this episode, Matt Pranka discusses the importance of competitive shooting and relevance to tactical shooters.

Matt Pranka is the owner of Xray Alpha, has 26 years of military experience in Special Operations and is a USPSA Grand Master in production Division.

Xray Alpha instructors has spent decades being sent to all of the hot-beds of action, hunting the enemies of the United States. We actively put our training to the test on a regular cycle. We continue to work in this capacity and will consistently be putting ourselves into the fray. Xray Alpha training is driven from the passion of its founder to relay timely and effective training and tactics to the individuals that use them to save others, protect their family, and protect this nation. This isn’t something we want to do for fun or a quick buck, we are driven to give back as something we must do.

Special thanks to Route 66 Shooting Sports Park and the Norco Running Gun IPSC Club.

www.xrayalpha.com
www.surefire.com

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Training | 11 Comments »

SOARescue x Haley Strategic Partners M3 Med Mag Mount

July 28th, 2021

We are proud to introduce the M3 Med mag mount a collaboration between SOARescue & Haley Strategic Partners.

SOARescue is a premier provider of lifesaving equipment and training for the military, law enforcement, and the responsible armed citizen. The M3 is a mounting platform for the low-profile med mag developed by SOARescue.

The Med mag is designed to be the most versatile individual trauma kits available in a small streamline package. IFAKs can get bulky and the genesis of the Medmag came from a need to have a medical kit that could fit in the mag pouch on an officer or soldier. The mount is reloadable with a wide variety of inserts currently offered by SOARescue. If there is a need for a specific type of medical kit you can swap the components within seconds.

The M3 is constructed of laser cut squadron laminate for durability and strength while also having a heavy woven elastic portion for retaining tourniquets, chemlights, sharpies and needle decompression needles.

Get it in Coyote, Black and MultiCam.

Get it at SOARescue or Haley Strategic Partners.

Posted in Guest Post, Load Carrying, Medical | Comments Off on SOARescue x Haley Strategic Partners M3 Med Mag Mount

Bird’s-eye View Could be Key to Navigating Without GPS

July 28th, 2021

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — A bird’s-eye view may take on new meaning thanks to Army-funded research. Scientists found that a protein in bird’s retinas is sensitive to the Earth’s magnetic field thus guiding its migratory patterns. That finding could be key to Army navigation of both autonomous and manned vehicles where GPS is unavailable.

For decades, scientists have been investigating how animals such as birds, sea turtles, fish and insects sense the Earth’s magnetic field and use it to find their way.

Researchers at the Universities of Oxford and Oldenburg, supported through a co-funded effort of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, known as DEVCOM, Army Research Laboratory and the Office of Naval Research Global, and Air Force Office of Scientific Research were the first to demonstrate that a protein in birds’ retinas is sensitive to magnetic fields and may be a long-sought sensor for biological navigation.

The team discovered that the magnetic sense of migratory birds such as European robins is based on a specific light-sensitive protein in the eye. The research, published in Nature, identified the protein that the scientists believe allows these songbirds to detect the direction of the Earth’s magnetic field and navigate their migration.

“This research not only demonstrated that cryptochrome 4 is sensitive to magnetic fields, but importantly also identified the molecular mechanism underlying this sensitivity,” Dr. Stephanie McElhinny, a program manager at the laboratory. “This fundamental knowledge is critical for informing future technology development efforts aimed at exploiting this mechanism for highly sensitive magnetic field sensors that could enable Army navigation where GPS is unavailable, compromised or denied.”

The researchers extracted the genetic code for the potentially magnetically sensitive cryptochrome 4 and produced the photoactive protein in large quantities using bacterial cell cultures. The team then used a wide range of magnetic resonance and novel optical spectroscopy techniques to study the protein and demonstrate its pronounced sensitivity to magnetic fields.

The team showed that the protein is sensitive to magnetic fields due to electron transfer reactions triggered by absorption of blue light. They believe that these highly-specialized chemical reactions give the birds information about the direction of the Earth’s magnetic field, which acts like a magnetic compass.

“While more research needs to be done to fully understand how cryptochrome 4 senses the weak magnetic field of Earth and how this is ultimately translated into signals that are understood by the migrating bird, this new knowledge is an exciting first step toward potential navigation systems that would rely only on the magnetic field of Earth, unaffected by weather or light levels,” McElhinny said.

Because the magnetic field modifies the cryptochrome protein in a measurable way, cryptochrome proteins or synthetic molecules that mimic the mechanism of cryptochrome’s magnetic sensing could be used in a future navigation device.

Detectable changes in the protein would be decoded to indicate the strength and direction of the magnetic field, and thus the navigational position on Earth.

Proteins like cryptochrome consist of chains of amino acids. Cyrptochrome 4 contains four tryptophan amino acids that are organized in series. According to the research team’s calculations, electrons hop from one tryptophan to the next through the series, generating so-called radical pairs which are magnetically sensitive.

To prove this experimentally, the team from Oldenburg University produced slightly modified versions of the robin cryptochrome, in which each of the tryptophans in turn was replaced by a different amino acid to block the movement of electrons.

Using these modified proteins, the Oxford University chemistry groups experimentally demonstrated that electrons move within the cryptochrome as predicted in the calculations and that the generated radical pairs are essential to explain the observed magnetic field effects.

The team also expressed cryptochrome 4 from chickens and pigeons, which do not migrate. The researchers found that the protein is more magnetically sensitive in the migratory birds than either the chickens or pigeons.

“We think these results are very important because they show for the first time that a molecule from the visual apparatus of a migratory bird is sensitive to magnetic fields,” said Professor Henrik Mouritsen, Institute of Biology and Environmental Sciences at Oldenburg University.

But, he adds, this is not definitive proof that cryptochrome 4 is the magnetic sensor the team is looking for. In all experiments, the researchers examined isolated proteins in the laboratory and the magnetic fields used were also stronger than the Earth’s magnetic field.

“It therefore still needs to be shown that this is happening in the eyes of birds,” Mouritsen said.

Such studies are not yet technically possible; however, the authors think the proteins involved could be significantly more sensitive in their native environment.

In cells in the retina, the proteins are probably fixed and aligned, increasing their sensitivity to the direction of the magnetic field. Moreover, they are also likely to be associated with other proteins that could amplify the sensory signals. The team is currently searching for these as yet unknown interaction partners.

“If we can prove that cryptochrome 4 is the magnetic sensor we will have demonstrated a fundamentally quantum mechanism that makes animals sensitive to environmental stimuli a million times weaker than previously thought possible,” said Peter Hore, professor of Chemistry at the University of Oxford.

Operation in a GPS-denied environment is a U.S. Army goal.

The Army has to be prepared to operate in environments where the technology has been degraded or denied by enemy action, officials said.

In additional to the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the European Research Council also supported this research. The collaboration is also a key part of a Collaborative Research Center funded by the German Research Foundation.

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Research | 2 Comments »

EOS Demonstrates Precision Firepower

July 27th, 2021

Huntsville, Alabama – EOS Defense Systems USA, Inc. (EOS DS USA), successfully demonstrated the precise lethality of its Remote Weapon Stations (RWS) to U.S. Military observers at the Crew Served Weapons (CSW) Industry Range Day event on Red Cloud Range, Fort Benning, Georgia, July 14-15, 2021.

The first-time event, which included a live fire and static display, was sponsored by the office of the Product Manager, Crew Served Weapons, from Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey, and included participation from members of the U.S. Army, Air Force, Marines and SOCOM.

EOS R400 with M230LF and Javelin ATGM

CEO of EOS DS USA, Retired Brigadier General Phil Coker said, “We appreciate the innovative approach offered by the team from Program Executive Office Soldier Lethality and their willingness to host industry in this outstanding event.”

EOS took full advantage of this unique opportunity to showcase its world class RWS systems by mounting two medium-gimbal R400S RWS on HMMWVs, one firing the Northrop Grumman percussion-primed M230LF, 30x113mm cannon and the other the Dillon Aero M134D, 7.62mm Gatling Gun. EOS also displayed the light-gimbal R150S RWS, mounted on the Polaris DAGOR, firing the M2, .50 caliber heavy machine gun and capable of supporting the Javelin anti-tank guided missile (ATGM).

EOS R400 with Dillon M134D

The R400S / M230LF combination was the only 30mm system demonstrated to achieve first round hits on every target out to the maximum distance available on the range. It demonstrated EOS’ signature RWS precision by placing accurate bursts, at high-rate of fire, on successive targets at multiple ranges. The R400S also demonstrated how it transforms the Dillon M134D into a devastating point engagement system. By precisely applying the Dillon M134D‘s trademark firepower the R400S reduces rounds expended and increases stowed kills.

EOS R400 w/ M230LF Engaging Targets

Coker stated, “This inaugural event that gave us an opportunity to showcase the EOS family of Remote Weapons Stations. The R400S provides the U.S. Military with a critical capability in the modern, near-peer fight allowing for the employment of precise medium caliber firepower to counter potential future adversaries on the battlefield. At the same time, the R150S provides a fully stabilized platform with high end day/night sensors for light and ultra-light mobility platforms. The R150S is designed to mount next generation weapons and enhance the lethality and survivability of specialized formations.”

EOS R600MC RWS

EOS also exhibited, for the first time, its R600 Missile Carrier (R600MC) in the static display area. This unique platform provides to the U.S. Warfighter a medium-caliber cannon RWS with the added anti-armor punch of four, ready to fire, Javelin missiles (2 x twin missile pods on either side of the RWS). This prototype system, in development with the cooperation of the Javelin Joint Venture, aims to provide mechanized elements with the firepower to engage multiple armored threats. EOS plans to conduct a live fire evaluation of this system at the end of 2021.

EOS Defense Systems USA, Inc., headquartered in its 80,000 ft2 manufacturing facility in Huntsville, Alabama, and its Australian parent company, Electro Optic Systems Pty Ltd have been providing industry leading RWS systems to allied and partner nations’ security forces for more than 30 years, including the delivery of the R400S and R150S to the Australian Defence Force in support of the Land 400 Phase 2 and 3 programs.

eosdsusa.com

Posted in Press Release, weapons | 1 Comment »

Australian Dept of Defence Announce $35m Contract to Aquaterro Australian Combat Helmet (Team Wendy EXFIL) Refurbishment Program

July 27th, 2021

Melbourne, Australia 27th July 2021.

Today the Australian Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon. Melissa Price MP announced a landmark $35m (USD$26.5m) Contract with Australian Company, Aquaterro for the refurbishment of the ADF Tiered Combat Helmet (TCH) fleet.

www.minister.defence.gov.au/minister/melissa-price/media-releases/australias-first-combat-helmet-upgrade-program-starts-victoria

The contract to refurbish the Aquaterro supplied Team Wendy EXFIL (TCH) reflects the confidence the Australian Commonwealth has in Aquaterro’s capabilities as a technical inspection and complex programmes service provider. Aquaterro is the Prime Vendor for the Land125.3B Tiered Combat Helmet Program.

As a leading regional provider of soldier and officer worn and carried equipment, Aquaterro is steadfast in its continual strategic investment in product design, development, testing and production capabilities. Aquaterro’s commitment to investment in these critical capabilities continues to be evident through its significant expansion across multiple fronts, including recruitment of technical specialists and investment in dedicated infrastructure for the future, long- term commitment of Self-Protection Personal Equipment research and development.

As of July 2021, Aquaterro officially announces the completion of “Building 2” on its Aquaterro Defence Precinct site in Pakenham, Southeast Melbourne. This dedicated Integrated Soldier Systems Center on over 32,000 square feet of industrial land is adjacent to the company’s 70,000 square foot headquarters property, which will accommodate the Armour Technical Inspection and Refurbishment Workshop.

The HON Scott Morrison, Prime Minister of Australia, previewed Aquaterro’s refurbishment and SPPE capabilities during his visit to Aquaterro Headquarters in May 2021, where the Prime Minister was among the first to see the new Combat Ballistic Helmet Technical Inspection and Refurbishment process, now operating within the new Building 2, Integrated Solider Systems Center.

This facility and Aquaterro’s capabilities will continue to enable the ongoing development and production of operationally relevant Integrated Soldier Systems and Small Arms programs capability for Australia’s sovereign defence industry.

The Team Wendy EXFIL Tiered Combat Helmet (TCH)

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Canadian Department of National Defence Awards Tulmar Safety Systems for Emergency Passenger Oxygen Systems

July 27th, 2021

Tulmar Safety Systems is pleased to announce the award of Contract No. W8485-216379/001 by the Canadian Department of National Defence for the exclusive supply of Essex Industries Emergency Passenger Oxygen Systems (EPOS) to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

Air Forces such as the USAF and RCAF utilize the EPOS smoke hood for trained individuals in military aircraft emergencies such as decompression, fire, evacuation, rescue, smoke-filled cabins, toxic fumes or hazardous cargo spills. The EPOS smoke hood utilizes compressed aviation grade oxygen and CO2 scrubbers to furnish up to 60 minutes of oxygen for someone at rest.

Founded in 1992, Tulmar has become Canada’s leading supplier of Aviation Life Support Equipment for defence and commercial aviation markets.

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United States Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal has awarded Point Blank Enterprises, Inc. Contract for Concept Design for the U.S. Army’s Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) Program

July 27th, 2021

MIAMI LAKES, Fla., July 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal has awarded Point Blank Enterprises, Inc. (PBE) business unit, The Protective Group (TPG) a $60.6M Firm Fixed Price Contract for Phase 2, Concept Design for the U.S. Army’s Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) Program. The OMFV is planned to be an important weapon system platform in the Army’s Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs) and is part of the larger Next Generation Combat Vehicle Family of Combat Vehicles. The OMFV concept is envisioned to encompass future capabilities and basic operational requirements including: scalable survivability and protection, remotely controllable, preplanned growth to easily integrate future capabilities, embedded platform training, and decisive battlefield lethality. The Army plans for the first OMFV delivery in the fourth quarter of FY2028 for final testing with a final Full Rate Production (FRP) decision in the third quarter of FY2029.

Mark Edwards, Executive Vice President for Point Blank Enterprises said, “We are honored to be selected to participate in this essential Army combat vehicle program. We have assembled a diverse industry team that, like Point Blank, is fully committed to providing the most advanced and reliable products to our men and women in uniform. This award reaffirms our ability to assemble and manage diverse technical teams performing complex and innovative collaborative design engineering programs. Our OMFV design concept will not be constrained or limited by previous design engineering approaches or technologies that produced the last generation of combat vehicles. Innovative engineering solutions and continuously integrating improvements into our product designs are in our DNA, both of which are key to this phase of the OMFV program.”

For nearly 50 years, Point Blank Enterprises, Inc. has been a leading provider of threat protection products engineered to maximize user survivability.

Posted in Armor, Army, Contracts, Press Release | Comments Off on United States Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal has awarded Point Blank Enterprises, Inc. Contract for Concept Design for the U.S. Army’s Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) Program

5.11 Launches New Products for Summer 2021

July 27th, 2021

Irvine, Calif. (July 27, 2021) – 5.11, Inc., the global innovator of purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear, today announced the release of several exciting new products that expand the brand’s offering for outdoor adventurers, public safety professionals and tactical enthusiasts alike. The newly released items are available online and in-stores now.

“To live our mantra of Always Be Ready®, we must continually work to enhance and expand the gear we offer our customers,” said 5.11’s Vice President of Global Product, Matt Page. “The products being introduced this summer were developed with that in mind. Whether its updates to previous lines or the addition of all-new categories, we are excited to bring each one of these items to market.”

5.11’s well-known line of Norris Sneakers is expanding in the summer of 2021 with a Low-Top Norris Sneaker ($100) arriving in August. The same functionality and durability of the original High-Top Norris Sneaker will be available in 2 new colors including black/gum and dark coyote. The High-Top Norris is also getting an update this season with new colorways – coyote, storm, multicam, dark navy, black/woodlands camo, and black/white ($110).

The A/T Series™ Footwear line, an enhanced and expanded offering our A.T.L.A.S™ technology, All Terrain Load Assistance System collection, offers durable and highly technical support for all day performance and comfort.

5.11® A/T™ Footwear Collection

The A/T Arid ($160) offers the full benefits of A.T.L.A.S.™ technology along with a locking ankle eyelet that prevents sand, dirt and other debris from entering the boot. The A/T 6 and 6 side zip ($155) also offer all of the full benefits of the A.T.L.A.S™ technology in a 6-inch height. Additionally, the A/T Trainer line ($130) is now being offered with the signature A.T.L.A.S™ plate for added stability as well as an expanded color offering of Cinder and Turbulence.

A whole new category of innovative training gear was introduced by 5.11® earlier this year with the Physical Training-Ready (PT-R) Line. A key new addition to that line this summer is the TacTec® Trainer Weight Vest ($130.00). Specially designed to intensify workouts, it’s a low profile, lightweight and comfortable vest that features breathable mesh body pads, adjustable stretch cummerbunds, front/rear MOLLE and is compatible with Rogue® weight vest plates. The TacTec® Weight Plate Sandbag ($50.00) offers an alternative to weighted plates as a heavy-duty and adjustable bag that can be filled with sand or other weighted materials and secured in the vest. After many years of request from our end users, 5.11® is delivering its first ever Weight Vest Plate designed specifically for fitness use. The plates are built with a low-profile, ergonomic compound curvature sculptured design in powder coated steel to provide users with ultimate comfort. Available in 2-plate sets at 5.75-pound ($70.00) or 8.75-pound ($75.00) options, the plates also have lashing points and openings that service as easy to grab handles. All 5.11® weight vests and plate carriers are compatible with these products.

A/T Trainer and TacTec® Trainer Weight Vest

To complement its extensive line of load bearing packs and vests, this summer, 5.11® has introduced a wide range of hydrations systems and accessory pouches to allow users to customize gear loads and features to meet specific needs.

The brand partnered with Hydrapak® to produce an ultra-durable, 3-liter hydration system with a fixed center baffle for a slim profile with the new WTS 3L Hydration System ($45.00). The system works in conjunction with 5.11’s packs and the new Convertible Hydration Carrier. The Convertible Hydration Carrier ($50.00) converts from a backpack to a MOLLE pouch via the included uniloops or RUSH® Tier System.

5.11® Hydration System

The new Flex TacMed Pouch ($45.00) allows users to neatly organize and carry medical supplies along with extra magazines by offering both a TacMed supply compartment and a dual AR-Mag compartment. This versatile pouch offers quick access with a pull drop-front opening and clear organization with a bungee compression lashing system, elastic band and slip pockets, compression straps and a front laser-cut platform for adding additional accessories or patches. A Flex Tourniquet Pouch ($30.00) securely fits one tourniquet with elastic compression and internal reinforcement webbing along with durable 500D-nylon construction. The FLEX-HT™ Mounting System and hook/loop straps allow for vertical or horizontal orientation while a pull-out hook/loop flap makes attachment to a plate carrier simple. The Flex Flashlight Pouch ($20.00) offers easy, convenient and durable functionality with a Hypalon pull-tab for quick opening, 500D-nylon construction, internal webbing reinforcement and elastic compression webbing.

Designed as an inner/outer belt system, the Maverick Battle Belt ($140.00) belt features an ergonomic curve and Austri Alpin COBRA® buckle. A loop faced inner belt connects quickly to the laser-cut MOLLE outer belt featuring 5.11’s proprietary TAC-LAM™ high-strength laminate on top of a dual nylon webbing.

Customers looking for everyday carry tools will be happy to see many new items that are keychain or micro hardpoint carabiner compatible. The EDT Hex comes with four tip fastening options including Phillips and slotted screwdriver tips along with T6 and T8 Torx heads ($15.00). The EDT Pry features a pry tip that doubles as a flat-head screwdriver, a ¼-inch driver that works with standard hex bits, as well as a bottle opener ($13.00). The EDT Rescue includes a carbide tip that can shatter tempered automotive glass, a web cutter that makes quick work of a stuck seat belt, and an oxygen key ($13.00).

5.11® EDC K-USB Flashlight and EDT Pry

When it comes to EDC, knives embody “everyday” more than any other tool. The minimalist Base 1SF knife is a quick-access keychain edged tool. It features a 1.5-inch sheepsfoot blade constructed from 8CR13MOV stainless steel. With a one-handed thumb stud opening and frame lock, it can handle everyday tasks directly from your pocket. Measuring less than 4 inches when opened, it folds down to an easily carried 2.365 inches and includes a split ring and micro Hardpoint carabiner for multiple connection options ($15.00). The Icarus DP Mini ($30.00) is a manual folder knife featuring an 8CR13MOV blade and FRN scales. The perfect everyday knife designed with a 2.8” drop point blade, liner lock, and deep carry 2-point clip attachment.

The EDC K-USB Flashlight keeps 150 lumens at the ready with its dual Hi-Lo settings and keychain-carry design. With a body constructed from aerospace-grade aluminum and IP54 dust and water-resistant rating, it will withstand the daily beating of keychain carry. A battery status LED in the switch reminds users when actively recharging and fully charged using the USB-C charge port ($30.00).

5.11® GTI Capsule

5.11® is also thrilled to announce new products in collaboration with special forces veteran and leader in the tactical cutlery industry, Justin Gingrich, who pioneered the modern tactical tomahawk and has developed some of the most sought-after tactical knife and tomahawk designs on the market.

Gingrich teamed with 5.11® to design the CFA Peacemaker with a heat-treated 4” steel blade and pick head with full-tang steel construction that’s perfect for heavy field use. Best of all, the CFA swings with the accuracy and feel of a hammer. Its skeletonized frame reduces the weight (1 lb. 12.2 oz), which helps make short work of large tasks. A textured handle with removable scales, finished with a tactical pummel tip, provides a sure grip in wet and freezing conditions and it includes a protective sheath with four position belt/MOLLE clip ($140.00).

Gingrich also led the design of the CFK 7 Peacemaker ($120.00). Thanks to the heat-treated steel blade and full-tang steel construction, the CFK 7 Peacemaker can handle tough jobs that lesser knives can’t touch. Blade perforations reduce weight to help make short work of cutting, batoning, and carving. The textured handle with removable scales, finished with a tactical pummel tip, provides a sure grip in wet and freezing conditions and it includes a protective sheath with updated two position 3-inch belt/MOLLE clips.

“The new products in 5.11’s collection this summer offer our end-users with an ultimate sense of preparedness,” said 5.11’s Chief Marketing Officer, Debra Radcliff. “Summer is about being outdoors and active – from 5.11’s loadbearing items to our footwear and EDC gear, each of these categories offer our customers the purpose-built gear they need to feel ready for the summer months ahead.”

Learn more about 5.11’s new and best-selling tactical gear and accessories at www.511tactical.com. Connect with 5.11® on Facebook, Twitter @511Tactical and on Instagram @511Tactical and #511tactical.

Posted in Boots, Clothing, Knives, Load Carrying, Packs, Press Release, Training | Comments Off on 5.11 Launches New Products for Summer 2021