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São Paulo Brazil Awards B&T USA Contract for APC40 PRO Models

December 11th, 2020

Tampa, FL(December 11, 2020)– B&T USA is proud to announce the São Paulo Brazil Military Police purchased the B&T APC40 PRO platform. These compact weapon systems are chambered in the .40 S&W, allowing cartridge commonality between the divisions recently procured Glock service pistol and its new sub machine gun.

“After enduring a rigorous and thorough selection process, B&T is pleased that our APC40 PRO model has been chosen by the officers of the São Paulo Military Police,” stated Jon Scott, Vice President of Sales, B&T USA. “This contract also marks the company’s first exportation of US-produced APC40 models, built right here in Tampa, Florida — which, in and of itself, is very exciting for us.”

In addition to B&T’s APC40 PRO models, the São Paulo Military Police will also receive US-produced B&T tri-lug SMG suppressors, unique B&T 30-round Glock magazines and Vicker’s Tactical VCAS two-point adjustable slings with U-Loop attachments by Blue Force Gear.

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release, weapons | 2 Comments »

TOPO Designs – Trip Pack in Covert Transition Camo

December 11th, 2020

TOPO Designs has introduced a version of their Trip Pack in Covert Transition Camo.

You may remember Covert as one of the finalists for the US Army camouflage improvement effort. Initially restricted, over the past few years, this Brookwood pattern has become more available.

The 640 cu. in. / 10.5 L Trip Pack is designed to attach to larger luggage, like the Travel Bag, thanks to their PackFast Bag Attachment Loops.

Features:

• U-shape access to main compartment

• Internal sleeve fits most 11” laptops or tablets

• Large diagonal exterior zippered pocket

• Padded back panel

• Comfortable padded shoulder straps

• Top carry handles

• Leather lash tab

• Ice axe loop

• Heavy-duty YKK zippers

topodesigns.com/products/trip-pack-covert-transitional-camo

Posted in Camo, Packs | 9 Comments »

Congratulations to PM IVAS

December 11th, 2020

Congratulations to Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier’s Project Manager Integrated Visual Augmentation System (PM IVAS) for being recognized as Assistant Secretary of the Army – Acquisition, Logistics & Technology’s O6 Project Manager of the Year.

Posted in Army, PEO-Soldier | Comments Off on Congratulations to PM IVAS

Sitka – Flash Shelter

December 11th, 2020

Offered in two sizes (8′ x 10′ or 10′ x 12′), the Flash Shelter from Sitka is an older-fashioned tarp, so there aren’t any poles, just guy lines. Rig it like you would a basha or poncho hooch.

It’s available in two Optifade patterns, Sub Alpine (above) and Open Country (below).

Quite a few folks have been using these operationally. The smaller version is 19.3 oz and packs up to the size of an old one quart canteen.

www.sitkagear.com/products

Posted in Advertiser, Camo, Shelter | 2 Comments »

Friday Focus – FirstSpear Stratton Flannels In Stock & New Colors

December 11th, 2020

FirstSpear’s new winter weight Stratton Flannels have arrived early in three new great looking colors black/white multi plaid, black/white/navy multi plaid and navy/white/gold multi plaid. Enter black and white These flannels are 100% American made in heavier 9 ounce weight. Premium construction with oversized breast pockets, exterior hang loop, and two button closure on forearm and cuff. They are machine washable and oversized to accommodate 3% shrinkage after a few cycles in the wash. Please note that the Stratton Flannel is an oversized design, step down one size from your normal T-shirt size for a standard fit.

“I have had this flannel for about a year and it is my go to fall and winter shirt. Quality is excellent. On par or better than Filson. Does run big. I’m 6ft 200lbs with a 34 in waist and generally wear an XL. I bought a large and dried it on hot and it fits well. Probably could get away with a medium for a really fitted look.” —Online Review

“When they say they ship one size larger it ships a size larger. May shrink a little after washing. Great fit for me I’m a little on the tall side so the longer sleeves and broad shoulders is perfect. The 9 oz is great up north in the mountains. Keeps you warm but if there’s a lot of wind get a cheater for it. Otherwise I feel like I can cut down a whole damn forest with this thing on. It’s not your cheap Walmart flannel and worth every penny. Save up and get one.” —Online Review

Interested in seeing more gear from FirstSpear? Check out Episode Three of FSTV’s X-RAY Team:

For more information about FirstSpear, check out www.first-spear.com/technical-apparel/outerwear/stratton-flannel-7385.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post | 5 Comments »

Galvion Helmet System Chosen as Next-Generation Protection for German Specialised Forces

December 11th, 2020

Galvion, a world leader in innovative head protection systems and power management solutions, is pleased to announce that a customized Baltskin® Viper helmet solution has been chosen as the next Specialised Forces Helmet (Helm SpezKr schwer; Specialised Forces are Ranger-type units of the German Army). The program was awarded to Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics GmbH, who will act as the in-country contracting entity for the Galvion helmet, following a full and open competition. The contract encompasses the delivery of up to 20,000 helmets, with an initial order for 5000 helmet systems and helmet refurbishment plan to be executed in-country by Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics, as well as the option for a 2-year contract extension following contract framework completion in 2025.

The bespoke helmet system, developed to the German MoD’s rigorous performance and technical standards, underwent thorough testing and an extensive user evaluation prior to being selected. The Viper helmet solution will come in a custom German Green colour, and features Galvion’s Modular Suspension System which has been configured to meet a variety of impact standards and mission requirements. The helmet is lighter, offers better protection and improved integration with Communication Devices and NVGs than the current fielded helmet, and end-user feedback rated the helmet comfortable and high-performing. Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics will begin delivering the Galvion helmet to the German Specialised Forces in Q2 2021.

“After years of development, we are honoured to have our Viper helmet system chosen by the German Specialised Forces,” commented Alex Hooper, Galvion’s V.P. of Global Business Development. “Our experienced team of engineers and designers worked with the MoD to build a user-centric system that balances protection, integration, durability and optimized fit. Germany’s exacting technical requirements and broad testing process ensures that their soldiers will be outfitted with a high-performing system that has been tailored to meet their unique mission needs. Having RSE acting as our contracting entity ensures that the German Bundeswehr will have a premium product with reliable in-country support throughout the life of the program. “

Hooper added: “Galvion has developed a reputation as the leader in NATO next-generation helmet systems, and the awarding of this contract speaks of our commitment to provide bespoke solutions for the modern soldier.”

As well as this latest award, Galvion enjoys an impressive track record of large-scale global sales for protective head systems and soldier power management systems. Other key customers include defence forces from the US, Canada, UK, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, in addition to many NATO SF unit around the world.

www.galvion.com

Posted in Contracts, Helmets, International, Press Release, SOF | 2 Comments »

Navy Announces Aerial Vehicle Operator Warrant Officer Specialty

December 11th, 2020

The Navy announced a new warrant officer specialty designator whose job will be to operate carrier-based MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aerial vehicles, which are expected to start appearing in fleet carrier air wings sometime in 2024.

The establishment of the Aerial Vehicle Operator (AVO) warrant officer specialty became a reality Dec. 9 with Secretary of the Navy Kenneth J. Braithwaite’s approval of the new designator, which was announced in NAVADMIN 315/20.

Over the next 6-10 years, the Navy will recruit, train and send to the fleet, a community of roughly 450 warrants in grades W-1 through W-5.

Those selected for the program will first complete Officer Candidate School in Newport, R.I. Upon graduation, they will be designated as Warrant Officer One and must complete basic flight training as well as advanced training on the MQ-25 aerial vehicle. Once complete with basic flight training, these officers will earn their own distinctive Navy “wings of gold” warfare device and be assigned the 737X designator.

“AVO’s will start out operating the MQ-25 Stingray, the Navy’s first carrier based unmanned aerial vehicle, which is expected to join the fleet with an initial operating capability in 2024,” said Capt. Christopher Wood, aviation officer community manager at the Bureau of Naval Personnel in Millington, Tenn.

The use of warrant officers as the primary operators of unmanned aerial vehicles came about because the expected career path they’ll have as they move up the ranks will be as technical specialists who complete repetitive tours, which fits the Navy’s model on how warrant grades are utilized.

“Unlike traditional Navy Chief Warrant Officer’s, the majority of these officers will be accessed much younger and trained along the lines of current Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers in the unrestricted designators,” Wood said.

“However, Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers require assignments that progress in tactical and leadership scope to be competitive for promotion, while warrant officer AVO’s will be technical specialists and spend their careers as operators.”

Navy Recruiting Command will begin accepting applications for initial AVO accessions in fiscal year 2022. In addition to street-to-fleet warrants, enlisted Sailors will also be able to apply for the program, and potentially earn the 737X warrant officer designator.

“Currently, the plan is to grow the community from the ground up with Warrant Officer AVOs,” Wood said. “However, Naval Aviation will continue to evaluate the requirements of the program as it matures.”

Commanding and executive officers, as well as department heads of MQ-25 squadrons, will be filled by aviators and flight officers administratively screened for those commands.

“During the first 4-5 years of the program, some MQ-25 AVOs will come from other Type/Model/Series as we build up the knowledge base, with the first 3-4 deployments having a mix of existing unrestricted line and new warrants making up the ready room.”

And though right now the community will be focused on the MQ-25, in the future, warrant officer AVOs may also operate the MQ-4C Triton while on shore duty following their initial MQ-25 sea tour. As the Navy’s footprint in unmanned aerial vehicles increases, so could the scope of the AVO community.

Posted in Aviation, Guest Post, Navy, UAS | 1 Comment »

USMC Amphibious Combat Vehicle Achieves Major Milestone

December 10th, 2020

The US Department of Defense announced today:

BAE Systems Land and Armaments L.P., Sterling Heights, Michigan, is awarded an $184,444,865 fixed-price-incentive (firm target) modification to previously awarded contract M67854-16-0006 for amphibious combat vehicles (ACV). This modification provides for the procurement of 36 full rate production ACVs and other associated production costs for the Marine Corps. Work will be performed in York, Pennsylvania (60%); Aiken, South Carolina (15%); San Jose, California (15%); Sterling Heights, Michigan (5%); and Stafford, Virginia (5%). Work is expected to be completed in November 2022. Fiscal 2021 procurement (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $184,444,865 are being obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity (M67854-16-C-0006).

Marine Corps’ Program Executive Office Land Systems issues a story about the program:

Marine Corps will begin fielding Amphibious Combat Vehicle

Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va.— The Marine Corps’ new Amphibious Combat Vehicle has achieved two new major milestones.

On Nov. 13, the Marine Corps’ Capabilities Development Directorate approved the Initial Operational Capability of the ACV. Marines with 1st Marine Division aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, were the first to receive the vehicle.

The Program Manager Advanced Amphibious Assault program office at Program Executive Officer Land Systems manages the system.

“We’re providing Marines with a modern, armored personnel carrier that offers tremendous capability with respect to survivability,” said Col. Kirk Mullins, program manager for Advanced Amphibious Assault at PEO Land Systems. “The ACV gives the Marine Corps a capable platform operational across the full-range of military operations.”

Then, on Dec. 8, Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition) James Geurts approved the vehicle for Full-Rate Production. This means the Marine Corps can build and field higher quantities of the ACV at a sustained rate over the next several years.

What is the ACV?

The ACV is a next-generation, eight-wheeled vehicle designed to move Marines from ship to shore. The vehicle will be the primary means of tactical mobility for the Marine infantry battalion at sea and ashore, replacing the Corps’ aging Assault Amphibious Vehicle.

The ACV provides organic, direct fire support to dismounted infantry. The vehicle’s ability to leverage waterways to carry Marines and equipment make it well-suited for various operating environments, including Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations.

It is net-ready, secure, interoperable, operationally effective and built for future growth. In the future, the Corps intends to develop, procure and field three additional variants that specialize in command and control, recovery operations and increased firepower.

“The fielding of the ACV is significant because we’re replacing the AAV, which has been effective for decades but was fielded in 1972,” said Mullins. “We’re providing Marines with a modern, more capable combat vehicle that is more adaptable to today’s battlefield.”

Col. David G. Bardorf, the director of Ground Combat Element Division at the Marine Corps’ Capabilities Development Directorate, said the ACV has progressed significantly since its initial requirements discussions in 2014. Combat Development and Integration was responsible for developing the requirements set that would be needed to replace the older platform.

“Reaching IOC is a testament to those involved in this program and the constant communication between the stakeholders: requirements, program managers, and [the vendor],” said Bardorf. “In the end, the Marine Corps is receiving an upgrade in capability ahead of schedule. We look forward to the program moving forward towards Full Operational Capability.”

Mullins said the vehicle is projected to reach FOC in fiscal year 2028.

Marines excited for new vehicle

In 2019, PEO Land Systems oversaw extensive testing involving the ACV that confirmed the vehicle’s ability to not only take on challenging surf, but also complete a long swim from ship to shore. The testing also indicated that the ACV has greater survivability and mobility than the AAV.

In 2020, Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity performed independent operational testing involving the ACV’s achieved suitability, effectiveness and survivability. Results from the assessments, as well as feedback from Marines trained to employ the vehicle, came back positive.

Mullins believes the ACV achieving IOC and FRP is a significant achievement for the Marine Corps, as Marines will receive an innovative vehicle that further supports their missions in various combat environments for years to come.

“As program manager, I’ve spent a lot of time speaking with Marines who have trained with this vehicle in a variety of test environments,” said Mullins. “The feedback we’ve consistently received has been overwhelmingly positive. Marines seem to really love the vehicle.”

Story by Barb Hamby, PEO Land Systems

Photo by by Ashley Calingo

Posted in Contracts, Guest Post, MARCORSYSCOM, Maritime, Mobility, USMC | Comments Off on USMC Amphibious Combat Vehicle Achieves Major Milestone