XC3 Weaponlight

Dave DuBay of Safariland Receives Spirit of National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) Award

August 27th, 2025

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. –Safariland®, a leading global provider of safety products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets and one of Cadre Holdings, Inc.’s (NYSE: CDRE) (“Cadre”) key brands, is proud to announce its Vice President and General Manager of Defense Technology, Dave DuBay, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Spirit of NTOA Award from the National Tactical Officers Association. The NTOA is dedicated to improving public safety and domestic security through training, education and tactical excellence.

DuBay was presented with the award on August 25, 2025, at the Opening Ceremony of the NTOA annual Law Enforcement Operations Conference at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

“Dave’s commitment ensures that NTOA instructors and participants have access to the latest and most reliable less-lethal munitions. His support has elevated NTOA’s training programs, enhanced operational readiness and strengthened safer approaches to conflict resolution. His dedication exemplifies the spirit of the NTOA: serving, protecting and innovating,” said Thor Eels, Executive Director of the National Tactical Officers Association.

Each year, the NTOA accepts nominations for the Spirit of NTOA Award, which recognizes individuals who exemplify the organization’s core values and mission: saving lives. Since 2015, DuBay has been with Safariland, where he oversees Defense Technology®, Monadnock Riot Gear® and the Defense Technology Training Academy®.

“I am truly humbled and honored to be receiving this award from the NTOA,” said DuBay. “I have proudly been a member, both personally and professionally, with the NTOA for over 25 years, and their continued commitment to both officer and subject safety, as well as promoting professional values within our industry has been paramount.”

The Spirit of NTOA Award reflects DuBay’s notable milestones over his 30-year career serving law enforcement, corrections and military communities. Widely regarded as a leading pioneer of the 40mm Less Lethal platform within the law enforcement community, he has delivered numerous presentations and demonstrations on the use and effects of less lethal weapons worldwide. Recognized as a Subject Matter Expert (SME), he has also been featured on the Discovery Channel, History Channel and National Geographic for his contributions to this field.

For more information about Safariland, visit Safariland.com.

Posted in Industry, NTOA, Press Release | Comments Off on Dave DuBay of Safariland Receives Spirit of National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) Award

US Army Taps LiquidPiston to Build Ultra-Compact Mobile Command Post Auxiliary Power Unit

August 27th, 2025

Contract Awarded Under US Army’s SBIR CATALYST Program
BLOOMFIELD, Conn. — August 27, 2025 — LiquidPiston, Inc., a leading innovator in compact, efficient, heavy-fueled rotary combustion engine technologies and hybrid power systems, has begun developing an ultra-compact auxiliary power unit (APU) for mobile command posts under a U.S. Army Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR|STTR) contract.

With a potential total value of $15 million or more, the SBIR CATALYST award advances the Army’s Mobile And Survivable Command Post (MASCP) initiative, which aims to integrate a mobile power solution for future Command Post Modernization efforts. MASCP targets vulnerabilities in current command posts, which face rising electric power demands, often rely on separate trucks or trailers to transport heavy electric power generators and require greater mobility and distribution to support warfighter operations and reduce exposure to hostile threats. 

LiquidPiston’s proposed solution features a vehicle-mounted, ultra-compact 10-kilowatt (kW) APU based on its 10 kW portable electric generator platform, powered by its basketball-sized, 25-horsepower, heavy-fueled XTS-210 X-Engine™. 

Launched in 2022, the SBIR CATALYST Program brings together the U.S. Army, integrators, and small businesses to accelerate the development and deployment of advanced technologies. The program uses a gated, milestone-driven approach to funding and awards up to $1 million over six to 12 months to Phase II and Direct to Phase II recipients who present clear, actionable transition plans.

Recipients who successfully complete base performance may qualify for a SBIR CATALYST Phase II Enhancement award, structured through a 2:1:1 matching fund model across 12 to 24 months. The structure enables up to $3.5 million in matched contributions from both a government transition partner and an integrator, unlocking up to $7 million in matching SBIR funds and totaling $15 million or more in potential award funding. 

“U.S. small businesses like LiquidPiston use Army Innovation Programs—including xTech, SBIRSTTR, and SBIR CATALYST—to develop critical solutions that address the Department of Defense’s operational needs,” said Dr. Matt Willis, Director of Army Innovation Programs. “These programs deliver resources and funding that help small businesses fast-track transformative, commercially viable technologies to support current and future Army missions.”

The Army recently featured LiquidPiston in its U.S. Army SBIR|STTR Spotlight.  

The SBIR CATALYST award builds on several Department of Defense contracts awarded to LiquidPiston, including: 

“We’re very proud and excited to be able to continue to mature our X-Engine and power systems platforms in support of the U.S. DoD’s initiatives to provide operational energy to our warfighters who need to be constantly on the move in contested logistics environments,” said Alec Shkolnik, co-founder and chief executive officer of LiquidPiston. “Our innovation and product development efforts are focused on enabling smaller, lighter portable and vehicle-mounted power systems which operate efficiently on military-grade and other fuels.”

Posted in Army, Contracts, Power, Press Release | 1 Comment »

US Air Force Global Strike Command Reinstates the M18 Pistol

August 27th, 2025

Confirms the safety, reliability, and durability
of the P320-based M18

Newington, NH (August 27, 2025). SIG SAUER applauds the USAF and the Global Strike Command in their diligence and expediency in the safety inspection related to the investigation into the tragic incident at F.E. Warren Air Force Base.

We remain in direct contact with the Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) leadership during this process and will continue to work with them as they return the M18 to service and provide Airmen with safe, reliable, and effective weapon systems.

As affirmed by the AFGSC, the M18 was specifically designed and rigorously tested to meet stringent requirements unique to the military. The AFGSC command-wide inspection showed that no weapon discharges were attributed to a malfunction and the M18 can safely and reliably accomplish their missions across the globe.

We value this further confirmation of the safety, reliability, and durability of the P320-based M18 and look forward to continuing our partnership with the USAF. The U.S. military selected the M18 and M17 pistols for their safety and extreme reliability. The AFGSC’s comprehensive M18 investigation and inspection validates the platform’s military suitability. SIG SAUER is hopeful the USAF’s thorough inspection and confirmation will satisfy the concerns of ranges, training facilities and organizations who temporarily suspended the use of P320 variants.

The SIG SAUER P320-based M17 and M18 pistols are in service with all branches of the U.S. military and SIG SAUER is extremely proud to support the mission to protect the nation and defend freedom around the world.

For more information on SIG SAUER please visit sigsauer.com.

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PDW Unveils New 90,000 Sq Ft Manufacturing Facility to Accelerate Delivery of Tactical Drones

August 27th, 2025

PDW Unveils New 90,000 Sq Ft Manufacturing Facility to Accelerate Delivery of Tactical Drones

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., August 21, 2025: PDW (Performance Drone Works) has officially opened Drone Factory 01, its new 90,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Huntsville, Alabama. The massive facility exponentially increases PDW’s production capacity and reinforces the company’s role as a leading provider of battlefield-ready unmanned aircraft systems. Located in close proximity to the U.S. Army’s Redstone Arsenal, PDW’s new facility will house the team delivering drones designed, engineered and manufactured in America.

Purpose-built to support rapid iteration and full-rate production of the C100 multi-mission UAS and the AM-FPV attritable munition, the facility was built to meet and exceed the surging demand from U.S. and allied forces. Drone Factory 01(DF01) will bring the full production lifecycle of PDW’s products under one roof – from design and manufacturing to flight test and delivery. The new facility vastly increases the company’s build rates and output capacity, enabling the production of 350 C100s and 5,000 AM-FPVs per month.

“There is a national imperative and ethical duty to provide our warfighters and first responders with the most technologically advanced and operationally capable tools possible. This facility gives us the scale, speed, and control needed to deliver mission-critical systems ahead of the threat,” said Ryan Gury, PDW CEO and co-founder. “The ever-evolving battlefield and global threat landscape demand reliable multi-mission unmanned systems capable of rapid production at scale. Drone Factory 01 will allow us to produce these systems, deliver to operators in the field, and iterate as needed faster than ever before.”

Renowned for its modular architecture, PDW’s C100 enables interoperability with dozens of payloads to maximize reconnaissance, range, and impact. The company has received numerous contracts from the U.S. Army, including the Medium Range Reconnaissance (MRR) program and Transformation in Contact Initiative. C100 also provides mission-critical capabilities for public safety operations, closing the preparedness gap and giving front line forces an exponential edge. 

“Huntsville is more than our headquarters. It’s our edge. The innovation coming out of this city is reshaping the pace of defense manufacturing,” said PDW COO and President James Slider. “We’re not reacting to demand; we’re setting the pace. This facility proves what’s possible when the right people are in the right place with the right mission.”

Huntsville’s rich history in missile production and rocketry provides a strong foundation for PDW to build the future of unmanned technology. With the establishment of DF01, PDW is introducing over 500 new jobs in the greater Huntsville area and spurring an economic impact totaling over $81 million per year. The state-of-the-art facility features production at scale, materials management and robust quality engineering capabilities. It also features 99.9% pathogen reduction via Lit Thinking’s Visium Far-UVC devices, ensuring DF01 is the cleanest drone manufacturing facility in the world.

“PDW is an innovation engine for national defense and an economic catalyst for Huntsville,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “This expansion brings high-quality jobs, strengthens our advanced manufacturing sector, and reinforces Huntsville’s position as a strategic hub for defense and aerospace. We’re proud to have PDW growing here and contributing to our community’s future.”


PDW OPENS DRONE FACTORY 01 FACILITY IN HUNTSVILLE, ALA.

“PDW’s new drone factory is a powerful example of Alabama’s ability to support cutting-edge manufacturing at the highest level,” said Alabama Governor Kay Ivey. “This facility in Huntsville will not only deliver critical technology to our nation’s warfighters and first responders, but it will also bring over 500 high-quality jobs and millions in economic impact to the community. Alabama is proud to stand alongside PDW as they advance innovation, strengthen our national defense and create opportunity for our people.”

“Today is the day the least number of drones will exist in the world – it’s all growth from here,” continued Gury. “We’re confident that Drone Factory 01 will be a prominent contributor to the rapid production and adoption of small UAS on a global scale for both military and public safety operations. DF01 is just the beginning of PDW’s response to the national imperative to establish American drone dominance and we look forward to DF02 and beyond.”

Posted in Industry, Press Release, UAS | 2 Comments »

Aimpoint Launches Duty RDS MR – A New Standard in Red Dot Versatility

August 27th, 2025

Malmö, Sweden, August 27, 2025. Aimpoint®, the originator of the red dot sight, proudly announces the launch of the AIMPOINT DUTY RDS MR, the company’s first sight featuring a selectable Multi-Reticle (MR) system.

Designed for users who demand adaptability without compromise, the DUTY RDS MR offers three reticle options – a 2 MOA dot, a 65 MOA circle, or both combined – in a compact and rugged platform trusted by professionals worldwide.

“With the DUTY RDS MR, we are expanding the AIMPOINT legacy by combining our proven design principles with new flexibility,” says Albert Rödfalk, senior product manager at Aimpoint AB. “It’s a robust solution built to meet the real-world needs of professionals.”

Built for law enforcement, professional users and competitive shooters, the DUTY RDS MR features instant-on motion activation, a side-loading battery compartment, and a pressure forged aluminum housing that is submersible to 25 meters (80 ft.) and engineered to endure shock, vibration, and extreme temperatures.

Key features include:

• Multi-Reticle System: Toggle between dot, circle, or both for rapid acquisition and precision aiming

• Motion Activation: Enters sleep mode after two hours of inactivity – instantly powers on with movement

• Mission-Ready Durability: Waterproof to 25 m, shock- and vibration-resistant

• Daylight & Night Vision Compatible: 12 brightness settings, including 4 for NVD

• 3-Year Battery Life with setting 7. Powered by a single CR2032 battery

With this launch, AIMPOINT reinforces its position as the trusted choice for professionals who operate where reliability and performance are non-negotiable.

Posted in Advertiser, Optics, Press Release | 10 Comments »

Streamlight Launches Sidewinder Compact III

August 27th, 2025

Ultra-Compact, Multi-Fuel Flashlight with 185° Tilting Head, Mounting Options, and a User-Configurable LED Option

EAGLEVILLE, PA, August 26, 2025 – Streamlight® Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting, announced the launch of the Sidewinder Compact® III, an ultra compact, high-performance, multi-fuel flashlight with multiple LED sources. This light is engineered to meet a variety of hands-free task illumination requirements with various color LEDs that are operable at varying outputs and run times. With its 185-degree tilting head, durable build, gear and helmet mounting capabilities, the Sidewinder Compact III delivers powerful performance in a lightweight, highly versatile form.

The new Sidewinder Compact III features a user-configurable model with LED options that allows users to select two of three color LEDs (red, green or blue) in addition to standard white and infrared (IR) outputs. The military model includes white, red, blue and IR LEDs, while the aviation model contains white, green, red and IR LEDs. Each LED operates at multiple brightness levels, and includes a strobe mode. The light uses either one AA alkaline or one 3-volt CR123A lithium battery, offering flexible power options and extended run time in extreme environments.

“We engineered this light with versatility at its core,” said Michael F. Dineen, President of Streamlight. “It offers a powerful combination of compact design, high performance, and rugged reliability. Whether it’s mounted on a helmet, clipped to a vest, or used handheld, the Sidewinder Compact III is ready to perform.”

The light’s white LED provides up to 275 lumens and 3,200 candela on High with a beam distance of 113 meters. Run times range from 70+ hours on Low when using an AA battery, and 100+ hours when a CR123A battery is inserted. The light’s color and IR LEDs also offer long run times and are ideal for preserving night vision, signaling, or task-specific visibility needs.

The Sidewinder Compact III was designed with a compound On-Off mode selector switch that separates the On-Off, dimming, strobe and LED-selection functions. The rotary selector knob features a tactile IR indicator and pull-to-turn locking design that provides easy operation even with gloves, while also preventing accidental mode changes. The light also features an unbreakable polycarbonate lens with scratch-resistant coating.

The Sidewinder Compact III includes a durable belt/gear clip with integrated helmet mount features, which fits existing Sidewinder® helmet mounts adapters. A cord attachment hole on the clip supports up to 25 lbs. pounds of load.

Constructed from high-impact nylon, the Sidewinder Compact III is built to withstand rugged use. It is IPX7 waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes and impact-tested to 3 meters.

Measuring 3.1 inches long, the light weighs 3 ounces with a AA battery and 2.7 ounces when using one CR123A lithium battery. The light has an MSRP that ranges from $137.47 to $198.22, depending on the model. The Sidewinder Compact III is available in Coyote and comes with Streamlight’s One-Year Limited Warranty.

Posted in Advertiser, Lights, Press Release | Comments Off on Streamlight Launches Sidewinder Compact III

Rotapoint’s Watch Cap is a Game-Changer in Target Engagement Speed

August 27th, 2025

Already in the hands of winning teams, the Watch Cap™ redefines red dot positioning for professional shooters and is now officially patented and available.

Watch Cap™ at Chaos Concepts’ Legion Team Sniper Challenge

Ashburn, Va. (August 2025) — Rotapoint Systems LLC, designers and manufacturers of advanced sighting solutions, proudly announces the official launch of its Watch Cap™, a precision-engineered, bore-concentric optic mounting solution designed to help snipers transition to magnified optics with unprecedented speed—without sacrificing situational awareness. Quietly adopted by top-tier military shooting teams over the past year, as well as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Watch Cap has already proven itself on the podium, earning top placements in some of the world’s most demanding sniper competitions.

“The Watch Cap has changed the way elite shooters approach high-pressure environments. When seconds count, it’s the difference between acquiring a target or missing a window of opportunity,” said Dave Sugg, founder of Rotapoint Systems. “Like our entire product line, we designed it to give shooters every possible edge—and it’s already outperforming expectations on the field.”

First introduced at SHOT Show 2024, the Watch Cap has helped win:

  • Chaos Concepts’ Legion Team Sniper Challenge – 1st, 2nd & 4th Place (May 2025)
  • Special Operations Warrior Foundation’s Heart Mountain Challenge, Cody, WY – 1st Place (June 2025)
  • Nightforce ELR Steel Challenge, Glenrock, WY – 2nd Place (July 2025)
  • Kinetic Comps’ Marathon Mountain Sniper Challenge – 1st Place (July 2025)

At multiple events, shooters running Watch Caps outperformed those who didn’t—sometimes even overcoming more experienced competitors. The message is clear: a Watch Cap may be the force multiplier you didn’t know you needed.

The product is now officially patented (U.S. Patent D1,083,008 S, with additional patents pending) and continues to grow in popularity across the competitive and professional sniper communities. Designed and machined in the USA from aircraft-grade 7075-T651 aluminum and finished with Type III hardcoat anodizing, each model is precision machined to withstand the rigors of operational environments.

Watch Cap Models (MSRP $129.95 unless otherwise noted):

  • 34mm Geissele® Super Precision & Reptilia® AUS Mounts / RMR Footprint – RH
  • 34mm Nightforce® Mounts & Rings / Aimpoint® Acro® Footprint – Ambi
  • 35mm Badger Ordnance® C1 Mounts / RMR Footprint – RH
  • 34 & 35mm Badger C1 / Acro – Ambi
  • 35mm Leupold® IMS Mounts / DeltaPoint Pro Footprint  – Ambi
  • 30mm Nightforce Mounts & Rings / DPP – Ambi
  • 34mm Nightforce Mounts & Rings / RMR – LH & RH
  • 34mm Seekins® / Vortex® CM-534Mounts / DPP – Ambi

NEW for Summer 2025:

Watch Cap™ for Spuhr® Rings & Mounts – Acro Footprint (MSRP $74.95)

This newest variant features a proprietary wedge shape for optimized red dot positioning on Spuhr mounts, allowing simultaneous use of a front-mounted laser range finder and a rear red dot. Weighing just 0.6 oz and made in the USA from 7075T651 aluminum, this model was used on every stage by the winner of the 2025 Heart Mountain Challenge.

For more information, visit www.rotapoint.com.

Posted in Optics, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Rotapoint’s Watch Cap is a Game-Changer in Target Engagement Speed

NZ Army Embraces Race to Latest Drone Technology

August 27th, 2025

The New Zealand Army is using local technology as it explores the rapidly expanding field of drone warfare and tackling FPV (first-person view) technology with the capability for offensive strikes.

26 AUGUST, 2025

Drones, or uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), have become a critical part of the NZ Army’s intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities in recent years, and perform a crucial role in its overall combat system.

“UAS are now a ubiquitous part of modern military operations, from humanitarian assistance operations to high-intensity combat,” said the NZ Army’s UAS lead, Captain Richard Adams.

“We must continuously adapt with urgency to ensure our personnel are given the tools they need.

“Based on reporting from Ukraine, drones now account for approximately 70 per cent of casualties on the modern battlefield. The ability to both effectively operate drones, and protect against them, is crucial.”

Drones were increasingly considered to be as common as a rifle, however they were only one platform within a system, and the NZ Army was working to integrate them alongside more traditional systems and other emerging technology, Captain Adams said.

The NZ Army is an active participant in and supporter of the Ukrainian Drone Capability Coalition, for which the New Zealand Government has contributed $8 million to date.

“Our participation in that coalition has been key to understanding this technology as it rapidly evolves,” Captain Adams said.

Last week, 10 qualified drone pilots were trained on FPV platforms at Burnham Military Camp on a course led by 2st/1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (2/1 RNZIR).

New Zealand-based drone companies Kiwi Quads and Fenix provided drones that could be 3D printed and assembled on site.

Course instructor Sergeant Lachlan McDonald said they were low-cost, easy to build and offered an additional effect to ISR – they could deliver an offensive strike on a target.

“It is an exciting time, with new technology rapidly emerging around the world and changing the way combat occurs on the modern battlefield – we want to keep pace with that innovation and find ways to deliver the most effective warfighting unit,” he said.

Captain Adams said while the NZ Army currently did not operate FPV systems, their impact on the modern battlefield was clear.

“We are actively looking to introduce these systems. The work being done at 2/1 RNZIR is a key step in identifying those soldiers who have the aptitude and ability to operate these systems.”

Next month, NZ Army personnel will test their drone-piloting skills against the best in the world, with a tri-Service team heading to the United Kingdom to compete in the 14-nation Military International Drone Racing Tournament.

Such competitions allow NZ Army personnel to enhance their skillsets across a variety of platforms.

“Providing the necessary training to develop their skills further puts us in the best possible position to adopt this capability at pace,” Captain Adams said.

Via NZDF

Posted in Guest Post, International, UAS | Comments Off on NZ Army Embraces Race to Latest Drone Technology

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