XC3 Weaponlight

The Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) in the Ministry of Defense and Elbit Systems Unveiled Project “The Edge of Tomorrow” – the Infantry Soldiers of the Future

May 11th, 2022

“The Edge of Tomorrow” is a project focused on the development of cutting-edge technologies to improve a range of mission capabilities including lethality, situational awareness, survivability, stamina, cognitive load, enemy exposure, performance analysis and simulation, command and control, and more among combat soldiers in the IDF’s Infantry Corps. The project aims to strengthen the synergy between individual soldiers and their teams through the adoption of the Soldier as System (SAS) and the Platoon as System (PAS) approaches.

“The Edge of Tomorrow” project incorporates networked warfare technologies including communications for the soldier and team level as well as TORCH-X-based applications for team and platoon levels. The various technologies include augmented reality goggles, a computerized assault rifle system, a digital head-mounted display system, hostile fire detection technology, a location-tracking system in GPS denied environments, tactile sleeves for navigation and command transmittance, and a voice command system (similar to systems used on smartphones).

The DDR&D’s Department of R&D together with “Elbit Systems”, the project’s integrator, and additional defense industries recently demonstrated the project’s capabilities at an IDF training center. The demonstration included a simulated response to an operational scenario. IDF soldiers from elite units incorporated the wearable technologies and demonstrated initial abilities in the fields of lethality, survivability, and increased synergy.

Lt. Col. Shlomi Buskila, Head of the LWSOF Branch in the DDR&D: “‘Edge of Tomorrow’ is an innovative project that is extremely unique thanks to our change in perspective. The project aims to enable optimal operational value for the infantry combat soldiers by strengthening the synergy between them and their team. The project incorporates a wide array of advanced technologies used by the soldiers and their teams, leading to a whole much greater than the sum of its parts.”

Haim Delmar, General Manager of Elbit Systems C4I & Cyber: “The purpose of this project is to equip combat soldiers, teams, and platoons with innovative capabilities that will significantly improve their survivability and transform their mission effectiveness. The technological solution that we have put in place is based on open architecture which enables the maximization of proven technology by Elbit Systems as well as by additional companies. The project will also incorporate technologies that were developed and adapted to address the needs of the future battlefield with special emphasis on urban warfare. We are proud to lead this important effort together with the Ministry of Defense and the IDF.”

Modern Day Marine Day One

May 11th, 2022

On the first day of Modern Day Marine 2022, Marine Corps leaders provide updates on Force Design 2030, focusing on experimentation, logistics, an maritime operations in the littorals. Throughout the day, speakers described the concepts and initiatives currently underway, while maintaining a focus on the individual Marine and the role human factors play in the future success of the Marine Corps.

The Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, and Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. David H. Berger, provided introductory remarks on the current state of the Marine Corps and Force Design 2030 efforts. Berger described the technological fluency and experience of Marines who join the Marine Corps today and how the Service can leverage these personal characteristics and translate them into operational success.

“What we’ve learned over the past three years is that we can do much more to identify those skills, those interests, and then align them individually to the needs of the Marine Corps,” said Berger.

The Commandant of the Marine Corps also emphasized the unique role an operational capabilities of the Marine Corps, particularly those provided by a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) embarked on the U.S. Navy ships of an Amphibious Ready Group (ARG). Coupled with emerging technologies like Uncrewed Surface Vessels and underwater drones, the welldeck of an amphibious ship enables a host of capabilities, including reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance.

“The MEU has been the crown jewel of the Marine Corps for decades, and will continue well into the future,” said Berger. “They have capabilities that cannot be replicated by any other part of the joint force. No platform, no unit, is capable of a more diverse set of missions across the range of military operations than an ARG/MEU.”

At the Congressional Breakfast, the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black, reiterated the importance of the human element of warfare, and the requirement to ensure the Marine Corps invests not only in systems, but in people. “Warfare is a human activity,” said Black. “Machines don’t do it.I would argue that our strategic advantage is in our Marines, in our people.”

Lt. Gen. Karsten Heckl, Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration, and senior leaders from Combat Development and Integration gave an update on the Force Design Annual Update and the many ways the Marine Corps is currently experimenting to ensure a more combat capable force exists tomorrow.

Lt. Gen. Edward Banta, Deputy Commandant for Installations and Logistics, spoke about how the Marine Corps is sustaining the future force and modernizing Marine Corps logistics.

During his remarks on capabilities and the way ahead for Marine Forces Special Operation Command (MARSOC), Col. Ian A. Fletcher, the Director of Combat Development & Integration (CD&I) for MARSOC, identified MARSOC operators as having unique capabilities and being an integral part of the vision for the future of special operations forces.

“One of the unique things.that MARSOC has always had in our DNA, is the integration of a special operations capabilities specialist. So, an intel analyst, or a truck driver, or a mobility specialist, you name it: we have a whole enterprise of individuals who are trained to a Special Operation Forces standard. They are built purposely to go out on the tactical edge at various different levels with our special operators.”

The Marine Corps is innovating today to win tomorrow’s battles. The theme of human performance as an essential element and key enabler for Force Design was echoed throughout the first day of Modern Day Marine 2022.

For additional coverage of Modern Day Marine or attend in person, visit:

marinemilitaryexpos.com/modern-day-marine/home

For more information on Force Design 2030 and associated modernization efforts, visit: www.marines.mil/Force-Design-2030

Headquarters Marine Corps

Jerome Fire Department Rope Rescue Competition – November 4-5, 2022

May 11th, 2022

The Jerome fire department is seeking teams to compete in their Rope Rescue Competition, November 4-5 2022 in Jerome, Arizona. ?

Contact Dan via email at penyfan@me.com.

KP15 Rifles, Complete: Six Hundred Bones

May 10th, 2022

KE Arms is currently offering complete KP15 rifles for $599.95; that’s a KE15 forged flat top complete upper receiver atop a KP15 monolithic polymer lower receiver with a MilSpec fire control group and KP15-optimized parts. This complete KP15 offers four (4) choices of bolt carrier group and three (3) rail system options.

KP15 with 15 in. Delta-P MLOK Rail and Forward Assist Upper: 5.85 lbs, lighter with a shorter handguard selection. This configuration would normally retail for $899.95, but KE Arms is currently trying to reduce inventory to make way for new products. They’ll continue selling rifles in this configuration until they’re all gone.

BLUF: The KP15 is a superb and reliable lightweight rifle for an excellent price.

Upper

• Precision machined from 7075-T6 forgings to MilSpec standards.
• Available with a standard forward assist or slick side without forward assist.
• MilSpec Type III Hard Anodized
• Made to fit all M16/M4 rifles and carbines.
• Features a USGI Type T marked top, making it easy to remount your tactical accessories.
• Weight: 0.5lbs.

Lower

• KP15 Complete MilSpec FCG Polymer Receiver
• Flared magwell to make reloads under stress easier to perform.
• A1 Length 13 in. Length of Pull (LOP) Buttstock to fit a wide range of shooters
• MLOK Slots at the rear of stock for sling attach points or strap
• Holes at the front of the stock for QD socket inserts for more sling attachment options
• Improved grip for comfortable use
• ‘Winter’ Trigger Guard
• Standard or Trapdoor buttplate available

Barrel

• 16 in. 5.56mm stress-relieved 41V40 steel barrel
• 1:9 button-rifled
• Chrome-lined bore and chamber, and phosphate finish
• 750″ gas block with drilled gas port
• 1/2 x 28 muzzle thread
• Assembled with M4 feed ramp extension
• Designed for carbine length gas system

Danyela D’Angelo behind her KP15.

Charging Handle

Billet machined out of 7075 T-6 aluminum
 Mil 8625 Type III, Class 2 hard anodized
Includes a heavier spring for increased durability and longevity
Large latch for easy manipulation in times of stress.

Bolt Carrier Group Options

• M16 Black Nitride
• M16 Chrome Standard
• M16 Chrome with HMB Bolt
• Slick M16 Chrome with HMB Bolt

The KP15 does not come with magazines; KE Arms recommends Gen 3 PMAGs.

Rail System Options

• 12.5 in. Delta-P MLOK
• 12.5 in. Delta-R MLOK
• 15 in. Delta-R MLOK

Learn more about the KP15 rifle and other platforms online at KEarms.com.

MDM 22 – IG-Interceptor RIB

May 10th, 2022

The IG-Interceptor RIB Extreme Purpose Intereiction Craft is an interesting mobility solution that combines a rigid inflatable boat with tracked “landing gear” to self-deploy the boat into the water.

Featuring a carbon fiber hull it can reach surface speeds of 50 knots once in the water.

www.iguanaproUSA.com

MDM 22 – Blue Force Gear Two-4 Waist Bag

May 10th, 2022

Designed to be worn as a stand-alone waist bag or in conjunction with a plate carrier dangler-style, the Two-4 Waist Bag integrates an adjustable strap and a removable plate carrier attachment placard seen below.

It has a water resistant zippered opening with the lid integrating ten-speed tourniquet storage. Inside there are slots for organization while externally there are PALS webbing. At the front the PALS is made from loop. At the rear, there is a slot which will accept sideways mounted mini tripods.

www.blueforcegear.com

MDM 22 – FN America MRGG

May 10th, 2022

FN America has unveiled their new Mid Range Gas Gun. While it definitely shares DNA with the SCAR, it’s enough of a new gun to warrant a new name.

Offered in two variants MRGG-A for Assault and MRGG-S for Sniper Support. The most glaring differences between the two variants are a 14.5″ barrel for MRGG-A and 20″ MRGG-S as well as different pistol grips and buttstock for the two versions. However, the side-folding adapter fits with an M4 standard buttstock so the shooter can configure the stock as he sees fit.

Controls are ambidextrous. Additionally, only MRGG-A offers full-auto fire. Otherwise, it’s semi and safe selectors for both, but it is more ergonomic than on the SCAR. There’s also a two-stage trigger which was designed in house.

A very interesting feature is that there are non-reciprocating side charging at both left and right as well as a rear AR-style charging handle. These are all user configurable.

They have also introduced a combination forward assist and brass deflector as well as ejection port cover.

The two rifles are offered with swappable cold hammer forged barrels in 6.5 Creedmoor and 7.62 NATO. MRGG accepts SR25 pattern magazines.

The optic package on this MRGG-A is a Gen 3 Vortex Razor 1-10×24 in a Badger C1 mount and Leupold Delta Point Pro back up sight.

The optic on this MRGG-S is a Gen 2 Vortex Razor 4-27×50 in a Spuhr 4002 mount with FN ELITY.

To mount enablers, there’s a a full length Mil Std 1913 rail along the top to a point where the handguard steps down to offer an MLOK compatible perch for a laser pointer below the line of sight of the optic. There are MLOK slots at 3-6-9 O’clock as well as at lower 45 degrees.

There is an adjustable gas block with suppressed and unsuppressed settings while the Gas Regulator is now buried in the receiver assembly and redesigned to reduce flash while shooting under NODS.

Finally, both MRGG models are fitted with HUXWRX Safety Co suppressors.

Look for more information during next week’s SOFIC as well as a follow-on range report.

MDM 22 – Gentex USMC Integrated Helmet System Candidate

May 10th, 2022

Gentex is displaying their candidate for the Marine Corps’ Integrated Helmet System program.

A true system, they offer a scalable approach with a high cut ECH level protection helmet but at 12% lighter than the current helmet. To this bolt-less shell is added ARC rails and modular bungee shroud. It will also accommodate AMP headset with rail arms.

This baseline configuration can be further upgraded to the RAILINK, a powered system we’ll discuss in-depth during next week’s SOFIC.

Currently under evaluation by the USMC.