SIG MMG 338 Program Series

TYR Tactical – Huron Tactical Rugby Shirt

February 4th, 2021

The Huron™ Tactical Rugby Shirt combines the classic rugby jersey design with high performance materials. In-Stock and On Sale at tyrtactical.com. Get yours before they are gone.

Offered in Ranger Green/Coyote, Black or Navy/Grey, sizes Small – 2 XLarge.

Get 10% off with coupon code RUGBYME.

www.tyrtactical.com/products/details/new-featured-products/huron-tactical-rugby-shirt

Discovery Could Lead to Self-Propelled Robots

February 4th, 2021

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — Army-funded researchers discovered how to make materials capable of self-propulsion, allowing materials to move without motors or hands.

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst discovered how to make materials that snap and reset themselves, only relying upon energy flow from their environment. This research, published in Nature Materials and funded by the U.S. Army, could enable future military robots to move from their own energy.

“This work is part of a larger multi-disciplinary effort that seeks to understand biological and engineered impulsive systems that will lay the foundations for scalable methods for generating forces for mechanical action and energy storing structures and materials,” said Dr. Ralph Anthenien, branch chief, Army Research Office, an element of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, now known as DEVCOM, Army Research Laboratory. “The work will have myriad possible future applications in actuation and motive systems for the Army and DOD.”

Researchers uncovered the physics during a mundane experiment that involved watching a gel strip dry. The researchers observed that when the long, elastic gel strip lost internal liquid due to evaporation, the strip moved. Most movements were slow, but every so often, they sped up.

These faster movements were snap instabilities that continued to occur as the liquid evaporated further. Additional studies revealed that the shape of the material mattered, and that the strips could reset themselves to continue their movements.

“Many plants and animals, especially small ones, use special parts that act like springs and latches to help them move really fast, much faster than animals with muscles alone,” said Dr. Al Crosby, a professor of polymer science and engineering in the College of Natural Sciences, UMass Amherst. “Plants like the Venus flytraps are good examples of this kind of movement, as are grasshoppers and trap-jaw ants in the animal world.”

Snap instabilities are one way that nature combines a spring and a latch and are increasingly used to create fast movements in small robots and other devices as well as toys like rubber poppers.

“However, most of these snapping devices need a motor or a human hand to keep moving,” Crosby said. “With this discovery, there could be various applications that won’t require batteries or motors to fuel movement.”

After learning the essential physics from the drying strips, the team experimented with different shapes to find the ones most likely to react in expected ways, and that would move repeatedly without any motors or hands resetting them. The team even showed that the reshaped strips could do work, such as climb a set of stairs on their own.

“These lessons demonstrate how materials can generate powerful movement by harnessing interactions with their environment, such as through evaporation, and they are important for designing new robots, especially at small sizes where it’s difficult to have motors, batteries, or other energy sources,” Crosby said.

The research team is coordinating with DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory to transfer and transition this knowledge into future Army systems.

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

Federal Ammunition’s Support of Injured Veterans Approaches $250,000

February 3rd, 2021

ANOKA, Minnesota – February 3, 2021 – Federal Ammunition is committed to empowering our nation’s injured veterans. Since 2011, Federal Ammunition has supported Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) and the nonprofit’s free programs and services with an annual contribution to the Minnesota Wounded Warrior Charity Golf event. To date, the total contribution is just shy of $248,000 dollars.

Wounded veterans face significant challenges when they return to civilian life, and through the generous support of donors and corporate partners, WWP provides support during their recoveries, wherever they are in that journey.

“I’m proud of this program,” said Rick Stoeckel, Federal Ammunition’s Shotshell Product Director. “When our wounded heroes return, the needs are great and Federal is proud to assist in any way that we can, and the consumers have responded by purchasing the product that supports Wounded Warrior Project in our backyard of Minnesota and throughout the United States.”

Through our financial contribution, Federal Ammunition is directly supporting the programs and services that give warriors access to independence, mental and physical health, career counseling, peer support and connections to other veterans, and family support—free of charge.

Even the most challenging targets are no match for consistent, hard-hitting Federal Top Gun target loads. High-quality lead shot produces even patterns that crush clays. These loads also feature consistent, reliable Federal primer; an eight-segment crimp; and an unique wad column for consistent patterns.

Federal ammunition can be found at dealers nationwide or purchased online direct from Federal. For more information on all products from Federal or to shop online, visit www.federalpremium.com.

Stiff or Crushed? Marlowe White Wants Your Opinion

February 3rd, 2021

Army Green Service Uniform manufacturer wants your opinion regarding the AGSU Service Cap.

Click here to vote in their poll.

The TT Load Carrier and Packsack from Tasmanian Tiger Make Awkward Loads Easy to Carry

February 3rd, 2021

Designed for items too large, awkward, or heavy to fit into traditional backpacks, the TT Load Carrier and TT Load Carrier Packsack allows the wearer to carry loads up to 110 lbs. easily.

Miramar, Fla. (February 2021) – Tasmanian Tiger®, a tactical nylon line of products distributed exclusively for the US market by Proforce Equipment, Inc., introduce a unique system for operators, professionals, and outdoorsmen and women to carry gear into the field that would not ordinarily fit into a traditional backpack. The TT Load Carrier and TT Load Carrier Packsack make easy work of awkward items and can make carrying loads up to 110 lbs. much less stressful.

The TT Load Carrier uses the V2-System, a size-adjustable carrying system for medium to heavy loads allowing for easy adjustment to maximize ergonomic benefits based on the load size (up to 110 lbs./50kg comfortably). The aluminum welded outer frame maintains sturdy and strong support with four diagonal crossbars. The integrated stand lets the wearer disengage the carrier and set it down, keeping the gear in place. The system is lightweight at 95 oz./2.7kg and features padded shoulder straps, an adjustable belt, and performance 420 HD nylon for years of exceptional wear.

The TT Load Carrier Packsack (sold separately), is designed to specifically fit the TT Load Carrier by attaching to the frame; it converts the system to a full-size external frame pack. It has an 80 liter/4,882 cubic inch capacity and weighs 30 ounces/850 grams with dimensions of 26”x13”x10”/66cmx34cmx25cm for carrying ample amounts of gear. Made from durable 420 HD nylon, the Packsack can be folded and tied to the TT Load Carrier for when its needed. With large pockets on each side and the front, the Packsack can be confidently stuffed to carry gear in any environmental condition and even features a snow guard with two drawstrings under the lid for severe weather.

The TT Load Carrier and TT Packsack are both available in Olive only and the MSRP of the Load Carrier is $239.00 while the Packsack is $89.95. Available at a dealer near you.

All sales inquiries can be directed to tt@tasmaniantigerusa.com.

Silynx Launches Rugged, Adaptable FORTIS

February 3rd, 2021

The smart multi-radio tactical headset system—the new gold standard for elite military teams

Irvine, CA — January 25, 2021 — Silynx Communications is excited and proud to announce the launch of FORTIS, a smart, modular tactical headset system that offers users the flexibility to utilize almost any headset and communication device to fit most any operating profile. It is the long-awaited successor to Silynx’s flagship C4OPS and is ideal for elite military teams all over the world. Acting as a central communications hub, the ambidextrous Fortis push-to-talk (PTT) control box offers a two-radio solution with an onboard power, and a three-radio/four-channel solution that also offers an in-line battery option. All models include interface ports to connect FORTIS to a variety of headsets from Silynx or other manufacturers – in-ear, over-the-ear, acoustic tubes, music earbuds – as well as to many communications devices, radios, smartphones, intercom systems, and mesh radios via secure onboard metal connectors. Fortis adapts to virtually any operational profile and team preference.

Silynx Communications not only called upon its vast engineering expertise but also its industrial- design experience to create a unique, modern fluted design that is slightly tapered to conform to a user’s grip. And Fortis’ protective outer housing can be easily changed out—an industry first—and fitted with most any custom color, pattern, or team insignia. Or it can be easily changed out in the unlikely event that the housing gets damaged.

Fortis is the most advanced, adaptable communication system on the market. Its durability— including integrated onboard connectors—flexibility, and quality are simply unmatched, and it is water- submersible up to 20 meters. And, when paired with Silynx in-ear earpieces, it also boasts superior hearing protection, both passive and active, to keep users safe.

“FORTIS does have it all. We brought together all our expertise to pack it full of technology that functions effortlessly, dependably, and integrates with most any device and configuration imaginable. We have always stood alone in our attention to function and form. The FORTIS control box has a unique industrial design, which incorporates an industry-first user-changeable external housing. Our customers for Fortis are primarily elite military teams who operate to adjacent commands with multiple radios. We take that responsibility seriously and are proud of what we provide to them. They do the hard, important work.” said Matthew Hemenez, President of Silynx Communications.

Elite Naval Special Warfare Group Takes the First Look

A revered Naval Special Warfare group was first in line to put Fortis to the test. The excellence of their team—and the demands of their operations—are legendary. That said, we know all operations are filled with the high stakes and this made us thankful to be put to the test with their great team. In the coming months, if permitted, we’ll share more of their stories and feedback, so everyone can learn from their initial experiences with Fortis.

Fortis Availability

Fortis models are now available for Testing & Evaluation (T&E).

Send requests to info@silynxcom.com or visit www.silynxcom.com/product/fortis to learn more.

For more information or interviews, press only, contact:

Theresa Nguyen, Sales Operations Manager, theresa.nguyen@silynxcom.com

Massif Hires Christine Collins as New Vice President and General Manager

February 3rd, 2021

ASHLAND, Ore. – February 3, 2021 – Massif, a leader in flame-resistant clothing for the United States Military, today announced the hiring of new Vice President and General Manager Christine Collins. With years of experience in both garments and textiles, Collins is poised to continue the successful growth at Massif. She will guide a team that is known worldwide for designing and producing advanced technical apparel for the U.S. Military and those working in the world’s most challenging environments.

“I am extremely excited to welcome Christine Collins to the Massif family,” said Daniel Tenenblatt, President of Massif. “Her knowledge, experience, enthusiasm and leadership skills will be instrumental in fulfilling our mission to provide revolutionary fabrics and garments to the people who love our gear.”

Collins comes to Massif most recently from Adidas, where she was responsible for textile and garment production in the Western Hemisphere. Her invaluable experience in sourcing, development, quality control, trend analysis and supplier performance will help her drive Massif forward.

“I am very excited to join Massif and to build upon the company’s success,” said Christine Collins, Vice President and General Manager. “I look forward to leading a talented team that is positioned to take Massif to the next level in the design, development and production of advanced technical apparel.”

For more information on Massif, visit www.massif.com, or see what the company is up to on Instagram and Facebook.

Garmin – Descent Mk2i

February 3rd, 2021

The Descent Mk2i is Garmin’s latest watch-style dive computer. It pairs with Garmin’s Descent T1 transmitter via Garmin SubWave, which is a sonar-based communication protocol, to send tank pressure data right to the diver’s wrist.

The Mk2i can accept data from up to five paired Descent T1 transmitters, offering tank pressure, air time remaining, gas consumption rate to monitor other divers or additional tanks within a 10-meter range.

The dive computer function supports multiple dive modes for single and multiple gas dives (including nitrox, trimix and 100% O2), gauge, apnea, apnea hunt and closed circuit rebreather. It also features an underwater 3-axis compass and display depth, dive time, temperature, NDL/TTS, ascent/descent rates, gas mix, PO2, N2 loading, decompression/safety stop information, and time.

You can also share and review up to 200 dives via the Garmin Dive app.

Featuring a 1.4-inch sunlight-readable color display, it’s also a GPS watch for use on the surface. Garmin’s GPS watch features are well known. Anymore, it’s more a matter of what it won’t do rather than talking about what it does. However, we’ll quickly review.

First off is Global Navigation Satellite System connectivity which includes GOS, GLONASS and Galileo. You get position data, turn by turn navigation and round trip routing. There are also Garmin’s classic ABC sensors, including an altimeter for elevation data, barometer to monitor weather and 3-axis compass.

You also get advanced training metrics which include running dynamics, heat- and altitude-adjusted VO2 max, recovery advisor and more. There are also preloaded activity profiles for trail running, swimming, running, biking, hiking, rowing, skiing, and golfing.

Your watch will also guide your workout with animated workouts for cardio, strength, yoga and Pilates. Additionally, PacePro technology helps keep you on pace with grade-adjusted guidance as you run a course.

Respiration, pulse ox and heart rate monitors are all embedded in the Descent Mk2i. And, there are always more apps being added.

What’s more, the Descent Mk2i can be connected to a Garmin inReach satellite communicator at the surface so you can send and receive messages from watch and even trigger an interactive SOS.

Expect about 16 days of battery life from the Descent Mk2i in smartwatch mode and up to 80 hours in dive mode. It has a battery life of up to 32 hours when paired with a Descent T1. The T1 transmitter is depth rated to 11 ATM10 and has a battery life of up to 110 hours of diving with a user-replaceable CR123 battery.

Offered in two versions, Stainless Steel with Black Band and Titanium Carbon Gray DLC with Black Band.

If you’re looking for a Garmin product, I’ve got to recommend Strohman Enterprise, particularly if you’re military or LE.