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Savage Arms Savage Journeys Continues with a Focus on Family

September 4th, 2021

WESTFIELD, Massachusetts – August 23, 2021 – Savage Arms is proud to announce a the latest installment of its Savage Journeys project: Growing Up on 3-Gun. This profile features Logan Toland, a promising young 3-Gun competitor and the network of family support required for a commitment to shooting sports.

Savage Arms Marketing Director Beth Shimanski met Toland at a Generation III Gun match in 2018. His determination and cooperative spirit inspired Shimanski. She recognized his potential and admired his focus and attention to detail. “The passion he showed for new disciplines was astounding,” Shimanski noted. “He dove in to learn as much as he could and reached out to others to create long-term relationships with other competitors.”

“Finding someone you can lean on for input and who will tell it to you straight is so important,” Toland’s mentor and Savage ambassador Josh Froelich added.  “It’s our job to help new shooters and new sportsmen in the community and show them how to be professional, quality additions to the sport.”

“Take the competitive side of Logan away, and you find a young man who simply wants to help bring more people into the shooting space,” Shimanski said. “The shooting sports are full of passionate people who just want to share their passion with others and Logan is one of those people.”

Toland’s Savage Journey is live at savagearms.com/blog.

For more Savage Journeys, visit savagearms.com.

Join Kuiu In Helping The Families Of The Fallen Soldiers And The Wounded As They Tram Up With Recon & Sniper Foundation

September 4th, 2021

DIXON, CA

KUIU, the leading manufacturer of ultralight performance hunting gear, is teaming up with the Recon & Sniper Foundation to raise funds for fallen soldiers’ families and the families of the injured soldiers after the recent bombing in Afghanistan. The brand is asking the public to support the cause and Kuiu has pledged and since contributed a $25,000 match to the Kabul Fallen Fund.

“The tragedies unfolding in Kabul serve as a sobering reminder of the sacrifices our brave military men and women, as well as their families, make.” Comments Philip McGinty, Vice President of the Recon & Sniper Foundation, “The Recon & Sniper Foundation has partnered with KUIU to launch the Kabul Fallen Fund. The mission is to provide immediate and ongoing support to the families of the fallen warriors and wounded. The lives of these patriots and their families are forever changed, the least we can do is stand shoulder to shoulder to share their burden.” 

So far $129,000 has been donated towards the families through the Recon & Sniper Foundation which works to enhance the quality of life for service members, veterans, and their families. 

“KUIU is humbled at the opportunity to step up and partner with such a great organization to help support the Kabul Fallen Fund,” says Justin Shaffer, Sr. Program Director of Guide and Outfitter at KUIU. “We were heartbroken to hear of the incredibly sad loss of our 13 service members and the 18 that were wounded in this senseless attack. We recognize that it’s a long road ahead as these families of the fallen and wounded continue their healing and grieving process, we want them to know they are not forgotten.” 

To make a donation to the Kabul Fallen Soldiers fund, click here. To learn more about how you can help the Recon & Sniper Foundation and how they help service members, veterans, and their families, visit their website at reconsniperfoundation.org.

Marines 3D Print a Rocket Headcap for Mine-Clearing Missions

September 4th, 2021

QUANTICO, VA —

The Marine Corps continues to leverage additive manufacturing to benefit the warfighter.

This summer, the Program Manager for Ammunition at Marine Corps Systems Command 3D printed a headcap for a rocket motor used to detonate a M58 Mine Clearing Line Charge. The MICLIC is a rocket-projected explosive line charge that provides a demining capability for Marines.

“The process of 3D printing allows Marines to create a physical object from a digital design,” said CWO2 Justin Trejo, a project officer with PM Ammo at MCSC. “We essentially created a 3D-printed product and incorporated it into a highly explosive system.”

Marines use the MICLIC to clear paths through minefields and other obstacles on the battlefield. However, traditional manufacturing methods for creating the headcap can be both timely and costly, said Trejo. MCSC wanted to identify a more efficient method for producing the part.

PM Ammo found the answer to this dilemma in additive manufacturing.

In 2019, PM Ammo began exploring alternative solutions for manufacturing the headcap. After many hours of research as well as developing and testing a prototype headcap, the team collaborated with Naval Surface Warfare Center Corona Division to produce a 3D-printed version.

Earlier this year, NSWC Corona produced the 3D-printed, stainless steel solution. The next month, PM Ammo representatives assessed the 3D product during a test event at Yuma Proving Ground in Yuma, Arizona. The evaluation involved launching the rocket motor to detonate the mine-clearing line charge.

Trejo said the event went flawlessly.

“The rocket motor fired off just as intended and the line charge detonated as it is supposed to, which was a significant moment for us.”

-CWO2 Justin Trejo, Project officer with PM Ammo at MCSC

“In the future, we’d like to attempt to 3D print the headcap with its nozzles attached,” said Trejo.

He stressed the significance of the successful test event because it further confirmed the effectiveness of 3D printing, which has been growing in popularity within the Department of Defense.

Additive manufacturing provides Marines with a streamlined solution to meet their needs. In 2019, MCSC established its Advanced Manufacturing Operations Cell to serve as a 24/7 help desk for Marines who need assistance with 3D printing, and other sustainment and manufacturing solutions.

AMOC is available to answer questions, field requests for prints and fully vet any part that requires fabrication by a Marine organization. The team of skilled Marines and civilians has employed additive manufacturing to develop everything from innovative maintenance tools to a reinforced concrete bridge.

Caleb Hughes, an engineer with MCSC’s PM Ammo who supported the Yuma testing event, said 3D printing saves the Marine Corps time and money.

“The previous process of traditional manufacturing is outdated, while 3D printing is a more modern manufacturing technique,” said Hughes. “I truly believe 3D printing is the next generation of the Marine Corps.”

Trejo believes additive manufacturing aligns with Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. David Berger’s vision in that 3D printing helps increase Marines’ battlefield efficiency. Trejo said the manufacturing method enables the warfighter to be “lighter and faster,” critical attributes when supporting various missions.

“We’re able to create equipment parts and other assets for whatever particular mission we’re engaged in,” said Trejo. “This 3D-printed headcap represents the Marine Corps going above and beyond to support our Marines.”

By Matt Gonzales, Marine Corps Systems Command

Elbit Systems UK Solidifies its Position in UK market at DSEI 2021

September 3rd, 2021

London, 31 August 2021 – Elbit Systems UK will be returning to Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) this year on stand H6-230, showcasing much of their advanced technology now in service with the British Armed Forces.

Since DSEI in 2019, Elbit Systems UK has enjoyed considerable success with a range of contract awards from the UK MOD. These include the Royal Navy’s “Selborne” future naval training programme, the Dismounted Joint Fires Integrators “D-JFI” programme, the Joint Fires Synthetic Training “JFST” and Night Vision Goggles for the British Army.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID pandemic, the company participated in trials and demonstrations taking place with the UK Government and its agencies. These ranged from successful Search and Rescue trials with its Hermes 900 UAS for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to demonstrating its C4I systems in the British Army’s Warfighting Experiment on Salisbury Plain. Elbit Systems UK also recently participated in NATO’s Coalition Warrior Interoperability Exercise with its TORCH-X based Battle Management Application system, to support UK Higher Headquarters preparedness activities for Five Eyes and NATO operations.

Showcasing some of these technologies, Elbit Systems UK’s stand will have a full C4I suite on display, including the equipment demonstrated at AWE2020 and the systems being integrated into the British Army’s MORPHEUS programme.

Martin Fausset, CEO of Elbit Systems UK said: “We are delighted to return to DSEI this year. Since we last exhibited in 2019 we have enjoyed considerable successes with the British Armed Forces, and we are looking forward to reconnecting with stakeholders and industry in person, as we explore the exciting opportunities ahead.”

The full list of what will be on display at DSEI is below:

ISTAR solutions:

Skylark 3 is an ISTAR tactical mini-UAV based on the Skylark I-Lex. It can take on several ISTAR roles with its high resolution gimbaled and stabilised EO/IR payload.

Skylark I-LEX is used in over 30 countries, including various NATO nations, offering discrete ISR UAV capabilities up to the battalion level.

THOR (VTOL) is a Small uncrewed quadcopter with a high-definition data link and control software.

MAGNI (MINI- VTOL) is a micro autonomous uncrewed quadcopter for intelligence gathering.

MTGR (robot) is a micro tracked ground robot suited for explosive ordinance disposal and intelligence gathering.

Self-Protection systems:

Mini Music protection system mounted on turboprop planes and helicopters, which uses powerful infrared lasers to defeat the sensors of incoming missiles.

Redrone is a complete counter-UAV suite which provides and end-to-end solution from detecting (with radar and IR cameras), jamming, and overriding small UAVs.

Iron Fist is an active protection system mounted on vehicles designed to shoot and detonate projectiles mid-flight before impacting the vehicle and causing damage.

Airborne solutions:

SkyTouch is an aerial C4I Solution that provides end-to-end multifunctional planning and C2, gathering and analysing large amounts of data from a number of sources to create an aerial Common Operational Picture.    

Brightnite is a night vision system mounted on the nose of helicopters which allows a multispectral night vision using a number of different cameras which offer 200 degrees of multispectral night vision transmitted directly to the pilot’s personal goggles.

Naval solutions:

Naval EW is a modular maritime EW suite that uses command and control, surveillance and radar and EW countermeasures, attack and effectors to tailor a solution to a force’s need. 

Seagull is an unmanned surface vessel (USV) system designed to counter enemy mines at sea. It detects, classifies, locates, identifies, and neutralizes mines.

Soldier systems:

E-lynx HH multi-band, multi-waveform single-fit tactical handheld software defined radio.

E-Lynx VA dual-channel, multi-band, multi-waveform vehicular software defined radio based on manpack transceiver.

E-Lynx AR is a multi-channel software defined radio designed for airborne platforms and mission airborne radio computer applications.

E-Lynx MP Soldier Radio multi-band, multi-waveform single-fit tactical manpack software defined radio.

Dominator “soldier” is a wearable soldier load carrying protection vest system divided into three levels. Light uses a PNR-1000 radio. Basic adds a RAPTOR computer for situational awareness. Advanced further adds command and control capabilities. 

XACT TH is an uncooled thermal sight that is mounted on top of a rifle.

XACT SE is a heads-up colour display for day/night operations mixed with augmented reality. The system is mounted on the war fighter’s helmet.

NIGHT VISION goggles for an individual soldier.

Rattler H is a handheld coded laser designator/marker with built-in LRF provides positive and accurate targeting for incoming munitions for close air support missions.

SUPERVISIR an easy-to-use infrared wide area persistent surveillance system, enabling 24/7 ISTAR activities. It can be mounted on a tripod and accessed remotely.

HATTORIX + AION UC: HattoriX is a dismounted ISTAR next-generation fire support and intelligence solution designed to shorten the sensor to shooter cycle in high effectiveness and accuracy. AION UC is a lightweight, high-performance uncooled thermal handheld observation system that can also be paired with the HattoriX system.

RATTLER GX/XR is a dismounted coded designator/marker with built-in LRF and DMC designed to work with air-launched and ground precision-guided munitions.    

Electronic Warfare:

ELINT – LAND EW is based on an electronic signals intelligence gathering suite that scans and identifies enemy electromagnetic frequencies.

COMINT – LAND EW is based on electronic warfare systems that monitor communications. 

SKYDEX to Showcase Innovative Defense Protection Products at DSEI 2021

September 3rd, 2021

Defense and security leaders to experience the latest innovations for the defense and security market from global leader SKYDEX
CENTENNIAL, COLO. (Sept, 2021) –  SKYDEX, a global leader in advanced impact mitigation and energy absorption solutions, today announced that the company will attend the Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI) trade show in London on September 14-17, 2021.

DSEI, the world’s largest gathering of the defense and security community, connects governments, national armed forces, industry thought leaders and the entire defense and security supply chain on a global scale. With a range of valuable opportunities for networking, a platform for business, access to relevant content and live-action demonstrations, the DSEI community can strengthen relationships, share knowledge and engage in the latest capabilities across the exhibition’s Aerospace, Land, Naval, Security and Joint Zones.

SKYDEX will send Scott Osborn, Director of Business Development, Defense; Collin Metzer, Director, Blast & Ballistics; and Rowland Wright, Business Development Manager, International, on behalf of the team to demo the company’s newest innovative solutions for protection. They will attend the event in person, connect with leaders of the international defense and security market and discuss their needs as it relates to armored vehicle protection, personal protection equipment and solutions for tactical helmets. Additional highlights include the new, state-of-the-art SKYDEX IsoFit Helmet Protection System and the company’s participation in the Make UK Defence Pavilion.

“We’re thrilled to showcase our latest innovations for protection and attend DSEI as our first in-person international tradeshow in 2021,” said Alvaro Vaselli, President and CEO, SKYDEX. “This is a significant industry event and opportunity to meet with defense and security industry leaders to see how SKYDEX can help address their needs on a global scale.”

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.

Heckler & Koch Introduces MP5 .22 LR Variants

September 3rd, 2021

Coming 1 October is a pistol format .22 LR version of the popular H&K MP5. Produced by Umarex there is also a rifle variant which incorporates a barrel shroud and collapsible stock.

MSR Updates its Best-Selling Tent Model, the Hubba Hubba for Spring 2022 and Introduces the LowDown Remote Stove Adapter

September 3rd, 2021

The Freelite tent series, MSR’s lightest semi-freestanding tent, will also receive significant updates in 2022.

SEATTLE, Wash. (August 10, 2021) — Seattle-based Mountain Safety Research® (MSR®), the high-performance outdoor equipment that’s part of the parent company Cascade Designs, is excited to announce updates to its award-winning Hubba series for spring 2022. The best-selling and award winning Hubba Hubba is known for its fast and easy set up thanks to its freestanding design and symmetrical poles, and now features a significant weight reduction and updated features. Additionally, all three size versions (previously Hubba NX, Hubba Hubba NX and Mutha Hubba NX) will be unified under the recognizable name – Hubba Hubba. 

The updated designs include up to a 14 oz reduction in weight compared to previous models, keeping the Hubba Hubba series a premiere lightweight option. The three-season tent series will now also feature easy-open, no-curve door zippers, tech-friendly cable ports on all storage pockets, ultra-tough Easton Syclone poles and durable floor materials. The Hubba Hubba’s durable mesh and fabric materials balance comfort, airflow, protection and privacy through the widest range of conditions. The waterproof Durashield-coated fly and floors and taped seams provide reliable, durable weather protection and the reinforced patches and stitching at guy points add extra stability in windy conditions. Finally, the true rectangular floor and extra headroom make the Hubba Hubba incredibly spacious and easy to set up, eliminating sleeping pad overlap, thanks to the symmetrical pole design. 

To learn more about all of the Hubba Hubba tent updates, check out this video featuring MSR’s tent designer, Terry Breaux.

“For experienced outdoors enthusiasts with limited free time but many outdoor pursuits, the new Hubba Hubba and FreeLite tents are updated to offer more livability, now in lighter weight designs,” said Terry Breaux, MSR’s Tent Category Manager. “These updates will allow you to go farther and do more without sacrificing comfort or space.”

Brand new for this season and far more than just an accessory, the LowDown Remote Stove Adapter amplifies the performance and versatility of all current MSR top mounted canister stoves and stove systems. Placing the stove on a low, stable base, away from the canister, allows these ultralight stoves to serve you reliably on group trips, in basecamp settings and deep in the backcountry. Cooking with larger pots and on uneven surfaces are now both easier, making this seemingly small add-on a big game-changer for every kind of camping kit. 

“The big advantage of the LowDown adapter is that you are able to control the stove from about a foot away from your hot burner, while boiling water or simmering a meal, instead of directly underneath it,” said Scott Youmans, Product Line Manager at MSR for Stoves, Cookware, and Winter. “This makes for a much more comfortable flame adjustment experience and in our experience, users fine tune their flame control much more when it’s easier to do. The end result is an easier, more comfortable cooking experience.”

Also receiving updates for spring 2022 is the Freelite tent series, MSR’s lightest semi-freestanding tent capable of handling various multi-day outdoor trips. The reimagined FreeLite series will offer targeted performance and value to the ounce-counting weekend warrior. The updates deliver on the MSR promise of greater livability for less weight, while also maintaining the stalwart reliability that MSR is known for. The updated models are up to 9 oz lighter than previous models, and feature easy-open, no-curve door zippers, cable ports on all storage pockets, and the ultimate in durability and performance, thanks to DAC’s lightest weight aluminum poles and Durashield Coating, providing the peace of mind that your tent will last for many seasons to come. 

The Freelite is available in one, two and three-person size options. To learn more about all of the Freelite series updates, check out this video.

The updated Hubba Hubba tent series (MSRP: $379.95-$549.95 USD), the LowDown Remote Stove Adapter (MSRP: $49.95 USD) and the updated Freelite series (MSRP: $349.95-$449.95 USD) will launch to the public starting January 1, 2022. For more information about MSR, please visit: msrgear.com.

La Sportiva Reinvigorates Several Iconic Climbing and Approach Shoe Models for Spring 2022

September 3rd, 2021

La Sportiva, makers of the world’s finest mountain footwear, apparel, and ski hard goods, today announces that for Spring 2022, several iconic climbing shoe models are fully redesigned and updated for modern climbing. The Mantra, Katana Lace, Finale, Tarantula, and Tarantulace are all brand new. The updates continue in the approach category with new renditions of the TX2 Evo and TX2 Evo Leather and the introduction of the new TX Canyon. Kids also have new models with the TX Canyon, Tarantula JR, Ultra Raptor II Mid JR GTX, and Ultra Raptor II JR models.

“La Sportiva is never content to rest on its past successes and is consistently pursuing innovations, even to models that are very successful,” says Jonathan Lantz, president of La Sportiva North America. “La Sportiva enthusiasts often suggest that certain models are perfect and shouldn’t be changed but for Spring 22, the Mantra, Katana Lace, Finale, Tarantula, and Tarantulace all have major changes, as does the TX2, which has been the basis for our success in the approach category. Overall, La Sportiva continues to push innovations as far as possible and we’re confident that customers will embrace these new models as superior performers.”

For climbing shoe minimalists who enjoy dancing up the wall, the Mantra relaunch is a dream come true. This slipper combines La Sportiva’s No-Edge concept with D-Tech Technology, the sole wraps the shoe laterally for a total absence of edges. The deconstructed upper and reduced sole thicknesses improves sensitivity by bringing the foot closer to the rock’s surface. The Mantra weighs 5.2 ounces and carries a $160 MSRP. The Katana Lace is an all-day edging machine that performs well on slabs, thin cracks, and steep routes outside. Tubular construction provides comfort while a highly breathable tongue works in conjunction with the liner for moisture management. The Katana Lace is 8.8 ounces for men and 7.5 ounces for women and retails for $210. The new Finale is a shoe equally at home at the gym or the crag and with 40% of the shoe made from recycled materials, it reduces overall environmental impact. It is constructed from eco-leather that does not use heavy metals in the tanning process and is biodegradable. At 8.4 ounces for men and 7.9 ounces for women, it is $120. The new Tarantula, with its focus on comfort, is easy to use and get on and off. Yet, the slight asymmetry is aggressive enough to perform on steeper routes and trickier moves. The Tarantula is 8.4 ounces for men, 7.5 ounces for women and retails for $95. The best-selling climbing shoe in the US, the Tarantulace, is now even better, with an unlined leather upper, asymmetric shape, and roomier toe box. Updated aesthetics and design increase performance while maintaining the same fit and feel for $85.

La Sportiva Mantra

La Sportiva Katana Lace (M)

La Sportiva Katana Lace (W)

La Sportiva Tarantula (M)

La Sportiva Tarantula (W)

La Sportiva Tarantulace (M)

La Sportiva Tarantulace (W)

The extremely popular TX line gets a major upgrade with the ability to easily resole it. The TX2 EVO and TX2 EVO Leather are both lightweight approach shoes that stow easily thanks to strong C2 ComboCord and can be resoled to extend the life of the shoe. Vibram Idrogrip provides excellent traction on wet or dry surfaces at $139 for the TX2 EVO and $129 for the TX2 Evo Leather. Canyoneering shoes need to do it all and the La Sportiva TX Canyon offers support, flexibility, traction while wet or dry, and can shed water quickly. Recycled materials contribute to a reduced environmental impact and a larger, wider fit accounts for neoprene socks. The TC Canyon will retail for $169.

La Sportiva TX Canyon

La Sportiva TX2 EVO (M)

La Sportiva TX2 EVO (W)

La Sportiva TX2 EVO Leather (M)

La Sportiva TX2 EVO Leather (W)

Not to be left out, kids get three great new models including the Tarantula JR, a smaller version of the popular Tarantula climbing shoe. It’s neutral comfort and highly adjustable closure system will fit a wide range of kids and help them get into climbing for $75. The Ultra Raptor Mid II Mid JR GTX is the perfect choice for getting kids into hiking. It’s mid-height, Gore-Tex waterproof protection and quick-pull lacing system provide a capable boot for younger trail enthusiasts at $85. The Ultra Raptor II JR is an everyday trail walking, running, or hiking shoe to keep kids moving and enjoying the outdoors. Aggressive lugs with sticky FriXion rubber provides maximum traction on all surfaces for $75.

The entire footwear line for both men and women will be available at fine specialty retailers across the country and at www.sportiva.com in Spring 2022.