Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

FirstSpear Friday Focus— Retro-Fit Cummerbund

October 9th, 2020

This week’s focus is all about the Retro-Fit Cummerbund. Combining all the features of the Overlap Cummerbund, including a strong elastic back that provides security and comfort, the Retro-Fit Cummerbund is a great solution for those utilizing a different plate carrier that want to use FirstSpear’s 6/12 modular platform and Tubes technology. The low-profile loop interior for mounting our hook-backed Ragnar pockets for radios, extra mags inside the cummerbund, making users lighter and faster with a slimmer profile.

SPECS:

•Model: Retro-Fit Cummerbund

•Size: Small (26”–32”); Medium (32”–38”); Large (35”–41”); XL (38”-44”); 2XL (41”–47”); 3XL (48”–52”)

•Colors: Black, Coyote, Multi-Cam, Ranger Green

FirstSpear’s Tubes Rapid-Release Technology solves many of the problems with common closure methods on plate carriers. The common closure in the front with the hook & loop fasteners can present many performance failures. It not only adds bulk, it is noisy, and retains water and mud; from a safety standpoint, the hook and loop closures can cause cummerbund protection items (like side plates, inflatable flotation) to shift position and misalign from where they should be to offer maximum protection.

Tubes technology has solved all these challenges. Quick to close, and even quicker to remove, the Retro-Fit Cummerbund utilizes Tubes to allow end users to utilize this capability and the 6/12 Modular Platform without completely changing your entire load carriage platform. This kit is compatible with carriers that utilize traditional hook and loop flap systems and cummerbund pass-through channel. It accepts both soft armor and 6 in. x 6 in. hard plates.

Constantly pushing the envelope in technological advances to better serve the warfighter and first responders, check out First-Spear.com. To read more about our technology advancements, go to First-Spear.tech.

Posted in Advertiser, Armor, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Load Carrying | 8 Comments »

Sensor with 100,000 Times Higher Sensitivity Could Bolster Thermal Imaging

October 9th, 2020

Better detecting microwave radiation could improve thermal imaging, electronic warfare, radar

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — Army-funded research developed a new microwave radiation sensor with 100,000 times higher sensitivity than currently available commercial sensors. Researchers said better detection of microwave radiation will enable improved thermal imaging, electronic warfare, radio communications and radar.

Researchers published their study in the peer-reviewed journal Nature. The team includes scientists from Harvard University, The Institute of Photonic Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, and Raytheon BBN Technologies. The Army, in part, funded the work to fabricate this bolometer by exploiting the giant thermal response of graphene to microwave radiation.

“The microwave bolometer developed under this project is so sensitive that it is capable of detecting a single microwave photon, which is the smallest amount of energy in nature,” said Dr. Joe Qiu, program manager for solid-state electronics and electromagnetics, Army Research Office, an element of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command’s Army Research Laboratory. “This technology will potentially enable new capabilities for applications such as quantum sensing and radar, and ensure the U.S. Army maintains spectral dominance in the foreseeable future.”

The graphene bolometer sensor detects electromagnetic radiation by measuring the temperature rise as the photons are absorbed into the sensor. Graphene is a two dimensional, one-atom layer thick material. The researchers achieved a high bolometer sensitivity by incorporating graphene in the microwave antenna.

A key innovation in this advancement is to measure the temperature rise by superconducting Josephson junction while maintaining a high microwave radiation coupling into the graphene through an antenna, researchers said. The coupling efficiency is essential in a high sensitivity detection because “every precious photon counts.”

A Josephson junction is a quantum mechanical device which is made of two superconducting electrodes separated by a barrier (thin insulating tunnel barrier, normal metal, semiconductor, ferromagnet, etc.)

In addition to being thin, the electrons in graphene are also in a very special band structure in which the valence and conduction bands meet at only one point, known as Dirac point.

“The density of states vanishes there so that when the electrons receive the photon energy, the temperature rise is high while the heat leakage is small,” said Dr. Kin Chung Fong, Raytheon BBN Technologies.

With increased sensitivity of bolometer detectors, this research has found a new pathway to improve the performance of systems detecting electromagnetic signal such as radar, night vision, LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and communication. It could also enable new applications such as quantum information science, thermal imaging as well as the search of dark matter.

The part of the research conducted at MIT included work from the Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies. The U.S. Army established the institute in 2002 as an interdisciplinary research center to dramatically improve protection, survivability and mission capabilities of the Soldier and of Soldier-supporting platforms and systems.

By US Army CCDC Army Research Laboratory Public Affairs

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Optics | 6 Comments »

The AirLoft Jacket – Now On Kickstarter

October 8th, 2020

This jacket is packed with features but the real story is in the fabric. Their AirLoft technology combines Toray’s new 3DeFX+ hollow-core, 360-degree stretch insulation with Primeflex 4-way stretch, weather-resistant exterior fabric.

The creators tout it as temperature regulating, breathable, stain-proof, water resistant, durable, packable, and versatile. Here, they compare it to other popular insulation pieces.

Now crowdfunding on Kickstarter in Black, Olive and Blue Gray, with a planned delivery in Spring 2021.

Posted in Clothing, Fundraising | 3 Comments »

Safariland 7TS Series Holsters for Red Dot Optics Now Available for SIG SAUER Handguns

October 8th, 2020

ONTARIO, California – Safariland®, a brand of The Safariland Group, today announced its popular 7TS™ RDS models, specifically designed to fit and protect handguns with red dot optics and rail-mounted lights, are now available for SIG SAUER handguns. These new fits are offered in duty, tactical and concealment models and are available for the SIG SAUER P320RX, X-Five/Full Size/V-TAC/M17, M18/X-Carry and X-Compact.

“Red dot optics have become a reliable way to speed up target acquisition,” said James Dawson, duty gear category director for Safariland. “We’ve seen a surge in demand for our current 7TS RDS holsters and are pleased to add the SIG options to the line-up. These new models will open up options for SIG owners.”

Safariland builds its 7TS RDS holsters from SafariSeven™, a proprietary DuPont nylon blend. SafariSeven allows for precision manufacturing and retains exceptional durability, even in temperature extremes. These holsters perform reliably and are practically impervious to the elements. 7TS holsters require little maintenance and are easy to keep looking good. Best of all, SafariSeven is completely non-abrasive and won’t add wear to firearm finishes.

Unlike most red dot holsters, 7TS RDS models are equipped with ALS® locking retention and protection for the optic. The protective hood that shields the red dot optic pivots automatically when the user releases the ALS retention lever via the thumb as they draw. When the user reholsters, the handgun is automatically secured in the holster and the user can then rotate the protective hood back into place, covering the red dot.

These new 7TS RDS model variations are currently available:
– Duty: 7360RDS, 7362RDS, 7365RDS, 7390RDS, 7392RDS, 7395RDS
– Tactical: 7304RDS, 7305RDS, 7354RDS, 7355RDS, 7384RDS, 7385RDS
– Concealment: 7367RDS, 7376RDS, 7377RDS, 7378RDS, 7379RDS

Each of the new holsters are equipped for the SIG SAUER Romeo1 and Romeo1Pro, Vortex Viper or Venom, Trijicon RMR, Trijicon SRO, Dr. Optic, Leupold Deltapoint Pro, or Burris Fastfire. In addition, holster fits are available to accommodate the Streamlight TLR-7, Surefire XC-1, XC-2, Nightstick TCM 550, or Inforce APLc.

Posted in Holsters, Press Release | 6 Comments »

Andy Stumpf Officially Becomes Blackhawk’s New Brand Ambassador

October 8th, 2020

Virginia Beach, Virginia – October 8, 2020 – Decorated Navy SEAL, podcast host, and BASE jump record-holder Andy Stumpf is excited to announce that he is Blackhawk’s newest brand ambassador. He’ll also star in the next episode of Blackhawk’s new film series No Fail, in which Blackhawk tells the story of elite men and women and how their own No Fail Mission shaped them to become the people they are today.

In his 17 years in the United States military, Stumpf executed missions around the globe, fighting the war on terror as a member of some of the most elite combat units in the world, including SEAL Team 6. Today, Stump hosts the hit Cleared Hot podcast and is a frequent guest on the Joe Rogan Experience. He’s also an elite skydiver and has held a BASE jump world record for traveling more than 18 miles in a single wingsuit flight. He also commands a following of more than 162,000 Instagram followers.

“I view brand partnerships as an extension of who I am, and I am always looking to partner with brands that fit not only my lifestyle but my philosophy on life,” Stumpf explained. “I search for relationships that are meaningful, thoughtful, and most importantly, purposeful, just like the gear that Blackhawk designs and produces.”

The new No Fail film, due to be released later this month, was shot on location in Montana, and features Andy discussing his own inspiring No Fail insights.

“I am actually not a fan of ‘my story,’ but I do believe in passing on knowledge and honoring those that came before you,” Stumpf said. “My career was successful due to the time, energy, and effort that others put into my training and education, and their careers were successful due to the same efforts from generations prior. I feel obligated to continue passing the knowledge from one generation to another. My story is a microscopic part of a much larger story, but I hope that it can be told, and that the telling helps others.”

Stumpf explained that with their emphasis on top-quality gear and cutting-edge design and technology, partnering with Blackhawk was a natural fit.

“In 2005 I was stationed at a military command that essentially had no budget restraints. We could purchase the highest quality equipment, regardless of cost, with performance as the gold standard and metric. The night that I was shot I was wearing a Blackhawk belt, and I still have it to this day. I was wearing it because it did the job better than any other belt, because it was designed with the end-user in mind, it was designed with a purpose. Coming full circle years later seems like the perfect end to the story, and I can’t think of a better brand that parallels my philosophies.”

For Blackhawk, it’s Stumpf’s emphasis on excellence that makes him such an important partner.

“When I initially heard Andy’s story, I knew that he would be the perfect addition to the Blackhawk team. His story is an excellent example of the importance of having quality gear when it comes to saving your life and he reminds us why quality gear is a non-negotiable,” Blackhawk’s Brand Manager Kendell Palmquist said. “Outside of that, we wanted to work with Andy because he is someone that people look up to, he is well respected in the industry, and he is genuinely a nice guy and a good person.”

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on Andy Stumpf Officially Becomes Blackhawk’s New Brand Ambassador

AeroVironment Successfully Completes Sunglider Solar HAPS Stratospheric Test Flight, Surpassing 60,000 Feet Altitude and Demonstrating Broadband Mobile Connectivity

October 8th, 2020

• Sunglider reaches stratospheric altitude in 20-hour test flight

• Successfully demonstrates broadband mobile communication on consumer smartphones, linking teams in Tokyo, New Mexico and Silicon Valley

The HAPSMobile Inc. Sunglider™ solar-powered HAPS successfully completed its first stratospheric flight and demonstrated broadband mobile communication on September 22, 2020 (Photo: AeroVironment)

SIMI VALLEY, Calif., Oct. 7, 2020 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), today announced the Sunglider™ solar-powered high-altitude pseudo-satellite (HAPS) achieved key test milestones, including reaching an altitude of more than 60,000 feet above sea level and successfully demonstrating mobile broadband communication. Sunglider’s development and testing is funded by HAPSMobile Inc., a joint venture majority-owned by SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) and minority-owned by AeroVironment.

During the test flight, which began at 5:16 am MDT on September 21 and concluded at 1:32 am MDT on September 22, the AeroVironment team piloted Sunglider to a stratospheric altitude of 62,500 feet above Spaceport America in New Mexico. Sunglider successfully achieved major test objectives relating to propulsion, power systems, flight control, navigation and datalink integrity, as well as structural performance during the most turbulent phases of the flight as it entered and exited the jet stream.

The broadband communication demonstration successfully linked teams in Tokyo, Spaceport America and Silicon Valley using an LTE payload jointly developed by Alphabet’s Loon LLC and HAPSMobile. Employing standard LTE smartphones, a team at Spaceport America conducted multiple video calls via the Sunglider’s payload while the aircraft circled for more than five hours in the stratosphere.

“In less than three years AeroVironment and HAPSMobile have made incredible progress, developing two Sunglider solar HAPS unmanned aircraft and performing five consecutive flight demonstrations, culminating in this latest significant milestone,” said Wahid Nawabi, president and chief executive officer of AeroVironment. “Reaching stratospheric altitude, maintaining continuous flight for more than 20 hours, achieving key test objectives and demonstrating seamless broadband communication illustrate the tremendous potential HAPS technology offers to expand connectivity globally. We look forward to maintaining our momentum toward aircraft certification and commercialization, working in close partnership with HAPSMobile as we establish a disruptive capability that offers tremendous value creation potential.”

The Sunglider, a solar-powered HAPS, has a wingspan of 262 feet and is propelled by 10 electric motors powered by solar panels covering the surface of the wing and rechargeable battery packs, resulting in zero emissions. Flying at an altitude of approximately 65,000 feet above sea level and above the clouds, the Sunglider can carry payloads weighing as much as 150 pounds and is designed for continuous, extended missions of months without landing.

www.avinc.com

Posted in Aviation, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on AeroVironment Successfully Completes Sunglider Solar HAPS Stratospheric Test Flight, Surpassing 60,000 Feet Altitude and Demonstrating Broadband Mobile Connectivity

SIG SAUER Introduces SIG Custom Works P320 AXG Scorpion

October 8th, 2020

NEWINGTON, N.H., (October 8, 2020) – Utilizing the new AXG (Alloy XSERIES Grip) metal grip module as a foundation, and a carefully selected set of premium options and performance upgrades, SIG SAUER, Inc. is pleased to introduce the SIG Custom Works P320 AXG Scorpion Pistol.

“The P320 AXG Scorpion is an exciting product introduction because it’s our very first commercially available metal P320, and the first pistol release from SIG Custom Works,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales. “The P320 AXG Scorpion combines the weight and balance of a metal framed pistol with the performance and reliability of the P320, delivering a uniquely refined shooting experience unlike anything else. This SIG Custom Works exclusive delivers performance you can feel.”

The SIG Custom Works P320 AXG Scorpion is a metal, 9mm striker-fired pistol, with the AXG Carry grip module featuring custom Hogue G10 grip panels and backstrap insert, precision machined deep undercut, and an extended beavertail for an ergonomic, comfortable fit. The pistol features an XSERIES optic-ready slide compatible with three direct-mount options for the SIG SAUER Electro-Optics ROMEO1Pro, Delta Point Pro, and RMR Reflex Optics, XRAY3 Day/Night Sights, and an XSERIES flat skeletonized trigger. The P320 AXG Scorpion has an FDE Cerakote finish and ships with (3) P320 magazines, featuring new enhancements including witness holes for each loaded round and a high-visibility follower, a Negrini SIG Custom Works case, challenge coin, and an official SIG Custom Works Certificate of Authenticity.

P320 AXG Scorpion:

Overall length: 7.4 inches
Overall height: 5.5 inches
Overall width: 1.3 inches
Barrel length: 3.9 inches
Sight Radius: 5.8inches
Weight (w/magazine): 31.3 oz.

The SIG Custom Works P320 AXG Scorpion is now shipping and available at retailers.

To learn more about the SIG Custom Works P320 AXG, watch the product video with Phil Strader, Pistol Product Manager,

www.sigsauer.com/store/p320-axg-scorpion

Posted in Advertiser, Firearms, Press Release | 2 Comments »

WNDSN x Spartanat Coordinate Scale

October 8th, 2020

Berlin/Vienna, 2020-10-07 – The WNDSN x SPARTANAT Coordinate Scale Telemeter is a collaboration between precision instrument maker WNDSN from Berlin and gear magazine Spartanat from Vienna.

The front side contains a range calculator that goes up to 6 MIL (NATO-MIL) and the back side hosts a quadrant for measuring slope and elevation angles in percent, as well as in degrees, and in MIL with a resolution of 1 degree or 25 MIL. Furthermore, there is a coordinate scale for the common map scales of 1:25k and 1:50k divided into 0.1 and 0.2 km to measure or transfer right-angled coordinates from or to topographical maps with UTM, MGRS, USNG or other metric coordinate systems.

The double-sided Coordinate Scale Telemeter is a tool for navigation, altitude, and distance determination and enables the user to do more than merely guessing distances. It works by finding an object of known dimension, distance, or angular size, then measuring it with the appropriate scales, and using the baked-in trigonometry to find the desired value by aligning the provided string across the various scales. Using the string as a plumb line for the quadrant opens up further possibilities for measuring and sighting.

Scales on the WNDSN x Spartanat Coordinate Scale Telemeter:
• Angular size and distance
• Height or depth of an object
• Degree, MIL, and slope quadrant
• Coordinate scale

The Coordinate Scale Telemeter is another WNDSN multi tool for emergency navigation, for training purposes or for comparing the results of other instruments, a powerhouse of critical functions in one durable, low tech, high utility instrument that can be brought anywhere and belongs in every instructor’s and survival kit.

The WNDSN x Spartanat Planzeiger is now available exclusively in the web shop Spartanat. The instrument is accompanied by an instructions booklet in both German and English.

Links:

•WNDSN

•SPARTANAT

Available at:

•Spartanat Shop (international shipping available)

Posted in Comms, International, Press Release | Comments Off on WNDSN x Spartanat Coordinate Scale