Celebrate 20 years of the TLR-1

Register For NFM’s Upcoming ‘The evolution of the Modular Combat Vest System’ Webinar

November 8th, 2021

NFM is continuing the EKKO webinar series with “The Evolution of the Modular Combat Vest System (MCVS)” on Thursday, 18th of November 2021 | 14:00 (GMT+1).

It will focus on the MCVS and our THOR range of ballistic carrying solutions.

Register at ekko.nfm.no/archive/webinar-evolution-modular-combat-vest-system-mcvs.

Introducing the Samson Rapid Precision Mounts

November 8th, 2021

Keene, NH – The Samson Rapid Precision Mounts (RPM) feature a lightweight design that won’t compromise durability or accuracy. Integrated into the clamp cross bolts are two steel recoil lugs to help eliminate scope base movement during heavy recoil to better maintain zero. The scope ring bases utilize threaded steel inserts to prevent the internal threads from being stripped by the ring cap screws, extending the lifespan of the rings if you decide to change out your optic. The RPM is the perfect mount for your favorite optic.

Samson is currently offering the RPM with a 30mm ring and 2″ offset at a retail price of $148.95. Additional ring sizes and offsets are planned for the future.

For more information, go to the RPM webpage.

SOCOM-led Tactical Assault Kit Product Center Hosts Hybrid Workshop in Colorado Springs

November 8th, 2021

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) Product Center is hosting a hybrid (in-person and virtual) workshop to expedite the development and integration of situational awareness tools Nov. 30 to Dec. 3.

The Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) is a map-based software application that enables coordination among thousands of users with features such as a position data, chat, mission planning and shared overlays. It is compatible with Android, Apple iOS and Windows.

The TAK offsite will offer an opportunity for stakeholders from across the Department of Defense (DoD), federal agencies and industry to exchange information and identify critical needs. The event will offer tracks for programmatic updates and training on the TAK platforms. A separate track for developers will be held virtually later this year.

“While programmatic briefs and demonstrations are important, feedback from previous TAK Offsites has been heavy on the value of hallway discussions and introductions between sessions,” said Mark Roberts, deputy director for the TAK Product Center. “This year’s hybrid event facilitates in-person meetings which are key to building strong, lasting relationships amongst community members while simultaneously enabling virtual participation from TAK users around the globe.”

As the central software development hub for all TAK efforts, including 13 federal programs of record, the TAK Product Center provides core development, software updates, cybersecurity and testing for an enhanced user experience.

To foster innovation, the TAK Product Center approved the public release of a non-military variant for federal and government agencies – known as the Android Team Awareness Kit-Civilian (ATAK-CIV) application – on Google Play and the open-source Standard ATAK Software Development Kit on TAK.gov.

“The crowd-sourced nature of the Team Awareness Kit (TAK) is unique among government materiel development programs. The TAK Product Center has proven that focusing on the user provides optimal solutions and wide adoption,” said Col. Paul Weizer, Program Executive Officer for SOF Digital Applications. “I expect open-source elements of the TAK software development/delivery model will become ubiquitous across government software program offices.”

Registration for the offsite is available at tak.gov/events/2021_Offsite until November 26th. Learn more about the event here:

By USSOCOM PAO

U.S. Army photo by SPC Joshua Cofield

ADS Europe Warfighter 2022

November 8th, 2021

ADS has moved their Europe Warfighter event to early 2022. The ADS Europe Warfighter is a one-day event held in Germany to provide a forum for the U.S. DoD Warfighter to interact with the world’s leading defense manufacturers. Today’s battlefield is changing rapidly and staying in front of the latest technologies, equipment and acquisition strategies is a daunting task. The ADS Europe Warfighter Expo will help bridge the acquisition gap and allow for direct communication with manufacturers who create innovative solutions for today’s threats and tomorrow’s challenges.

Exhibitors:

ATLANTIC SIGNAL
BREN-TRONICS
COLLINS AEROSPACE
DIX DEFENSE
ESS
HDT
LONDON BRIDGE TRAINING COMPANY
OTIS DEFENSE
PHOKUS RESEARCH GROUP
PRINCETON TEC
SEI INDUSTRIES LTD
SPACESAVER

Held at the Marriott Heidelberg, April 14, 2022 from 09:00 – 14:00 CT.

Register here.

Europe Warfighter 2022 is not open to the general public.

AXL Advanced – Medical Organizer Insert

November 8th, 2021

The Medical Organizer Insert is a rapidly removable, semi-rigid insert that is configurable by the user to fit most common medical supplies. The insert allows the user to remove the IFAK from it’s pouch or pocket and keep the contents secure and neatly organized. The MOI measures 7.75″ Wide and 5″ Tall when folded/inserted.

Features

• User-Definable Organization
• Bottom Grid for Small Items (NPA, Needle-D, Gloves, Sharpie, etc)
• Unfolds for Ease of Use

Compatible with:

• Spiritus Systems MicroFight
• LBT/LBX 9022R IFAK
• Stratagem Branch Burro

Includes:

• (1) Insert
• (6) 16″ Pieces of 1/8″ Shockcord
• (1) 18″ Piece of Red Bumpcord

*Medical Supplies not included*

www.axladvanced.com/products/medical-organizer-insert

Massif Elements Collection

November 8th, 2021

Massif gives us an overview of their Elements line.

Follow them on Instagram @massifgear

US Army R&D Energizes Battery Charging for Soldiers

November 8th, 2021

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — Army researchers are exploring new ways to keep Soldiers’ electronic devices powered during extended missions by using wearable fuel cells for on-the-move battery charging.

As the Army continues to modernize the force with high-tech Soldier-worn and handheld equipment like radios, GPS, night-vision devices and weapons, the energy demand is continually increasing.

Engineers are working on optimizing the power density and efficiency of emerging fuel-cell based power generation technology when operated with packaged fuels as well as commonly available substitutes such as windshield washer fluid.

Army Futures Command (AFC) is leading work on the Soldier Wearable Power Generator (SWPG) that enables on-the-move charging, thus reducing the number of batteries required to be carried.

“We’re aiming to deliver a simple, easy-to-use way for Soldiers to extend battery life and keep moving in the field by developing wearable fuel cells,” said Shailesh Shah, a chemical engineer with the Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center — a component of AFC’s Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM). “Enabling fuel cell operation on windshield washer fluid already in the Army’s supply chain avoids the need to set up a logistics re-supply of custom fuels. The SWPG simultaneously reduces dependence on logistics for battery re-supply.”

The C5ISR Center’s research aligns with the Army’s renewed emphasis and interest in fuel-cell power generation for supplying power to dismounted Soldiers, according to Shah. Technology in the industry has improved significantly in the past 10 years in terms of size, weight, noise, thermal signature reduction, improved modularity and mounting systems.

Adding wearable fuel cells to the Soldier system enables users to charge the currently fielded thin, flexible Conformal Wearable Battery (CWB) worn on vests as a central power source for electronic devices. The fuel-cell research complements the C5ISR Center’s concurrent work to modernize the CWB with advanced materials.

Researchers are continuing SWPG design modifications to improve performance of the prototypes with an emphasis on size and weight reductions, according to Christopher Hurley, chief of the Center’s Tactical Power Branch. Soldiers on 72-hour missions could save 12 pounds in battery weight under normal power draws with current prototypes.

Additional organizations providing support are the Army’s Project Manager Integrated Visual Augmentation System, DEVCOM Soldier Center, the FBI and the National Defense Center for Energy and Environment.

“A key to enhancing our fuel-cell development is placing different prototypes in the hands of Soldiers during field exercises,” Hurley said. “C5ISR Center engineers have been side-by-side with Soldiers to gain feedback during the Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiment in 2020 and 2021 with plans for 2022. The Soldier touch points are an invaluable resource in our development process so we can immediately turn around and incorporate their evaluations into our hardware systems.”

By Dan Lafontaine, DEVCOM C5ISR Center Public Affairs

The Chevy Beast Storms SEMA Show

November 7th, 2021

Supercharged, desert-running off-road concept leads roster of eight Chevy trucks and SUVs at annual performance and personalization exposition

LAS VEGAS – Chevrolet drives into the SEMA Show this week led by The Chevy Beast — a concept vision of the ultimate in high-performance desert running.

Conceived to demonstrate the capability of Chevy trucks and Chevrolet Performance components, The Chevy Beast concept is a four-passenger off-roader that’s based on a modified Silverado chassis, wears a customized pickup body and is powered by a Chevrolet Performance LT4 650-horsepower supercharged crate engine.

“The Chevy Beast concept takes the popularity of high-performance off-road trucks to the next level,” said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of Performance and Motorsports. “It’s a vision for a new dimension of Chevrolet Performance capability from a brand that’s been pioneering performance and supporting customer personalization for more than 50 years.”

Superior capability, control and performance

The Chevy Beast was designed to dominate the desert with capabilities, control and performance rooted in a production-based foundation and off-the-shelf performance enhancements.

Designers and engineers started with the chassis of a Silverado short-bed model and modified it for high-speed desert running. The frame was shortened and a custom-designed, 4130 chromoly tubular safety structure was integrated while the modified chassis was wrapped with a custom, lightweight body.

A concept, long-travel off-road suspension system was also created for the vehicle, including a five-link rear suspension. Along with a widened, 91-inch track, it contributes to more stable handling and optimal driver control during high-speed off-road driving.

“There’s nothing else like The Chevy Beast,” says Jeff Trush, GM program manager, Pace Car and Specialty Show Vehicles. “It delivers a ton of performance and capability, which makes it adept at conquering rough terrain — and it flat-out flies in desert running.”

That high-speed capability is derived from a Chevrolet Performance LT4 crate engine1 — a 6.2L supercharged V-8 that’s rated at 650 hp. It’s backed by a 10L90 10-speed automatic transmission that sends torque to a two-speed transfer case and distributes it to 37-inch-tall off-road tires mounted on 20-inch beadlock wheels. The concept also includes the Chevrolet Performance Big Brake Upgrade System.

The Chevy Beast’s impressive capability is complemented with equally dramatic and purposeful style. Tubular doors and a simple, lightweight clamshell-type front end reflect the functionality and aesthetic of desert running while the rear of the vehicle was intentionally designed with almost no overhang to maximize the angle of attack on steep grades.

A pair of spare tires are mounted in the bed while the rear of the vehicle itself is left open to help extract dust. Additional unique design cues include a custom front grille, front and rear bowtie emblems and powerful off-road lighting from Baja Designs®.

Inside, the customized cab has a minimalist, functional design, featuring a quartet of Recaro® performance seats with four-point harnesses, as well as a pair of 7-inch-diagonal LCD screens that monitor vehicle functions and performance data, including pitch and roll during off-road driving scenarios.

“The Chevy Beast concept sets a new standard for off-road performance,” said Trush.

The Chevy Beast at a glance