Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

AeroVironment Receives $21 Million Initial Contract Option for Raven Radio Frequency Modifications Under Previously Awarded US Army Contract with Potential $55 Million Total Value

July 9th, 2020

• Contract option for Army Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS) Flight Control Systems (FCS) domain includes avionics and data link upgrades to modify radio frequency

• Raven tactical unmanned aircraft system is designed for rapid deployment, delivering real-time tactical situational awareness to warfighters

U.S. Army Soldier hand-launches Raven tactical unmanned aircraft system during a platoon live fire exercise at Fort Campbell, KY. (U.S. Army Photo by Capt. Justin Wright)

SIMI VALLEY, Calif., July 8, 2020 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), today announced the United States Army exercised the first of three options under the sole source Flight Control Systems (FCS) domain of the Army’s multi-year small UAS contract on April 28, 2020. The value of the initial contract option is $21,058,643 and includes avionics and data link upgrade packages to modify radio frequencies employed by the Army’s existing fleet of Raven® tactical UAS, the largest fleet of Raven systems in the world. Delivery will take place over a two-year period.

The Army exercised the option under the FCS domain awarded to AeroVironment by the Army in June 2019. FCS is one of six domains comprising the Army’s existing five-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) SUAS contract, and has a potential value of up to $55 million.

“AeroVironment is committed to providing continuous support to the Army’s ongoing, multi-year programs of record for tactical UAS, such as the Raven, with quick and efficient field upgrades to help operators around the world perform their missions more effectively,” said Rick Pedigo, Vice President, Business Development and Sales for AeroVironment.

AeroVironment’s Raven system is designed for rapid deployment and high mobility for operations requiring low-altitude intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. With a wingspan of 4.5 feet and weighing just 4.2 pounds (1.9 kilograms), the hand-launched Raven provides situational awareness, day or night, with an operational range of 6.2 miles (10 kilometers). The Raven’s Mantis i23 EO/IR gimbaled payload delivers real-time video or infrared imagery to ground control and remote viewing stations.

AeroVironment’s family of tactical UAS comprises the majority of all unmanned aircraft in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) inventory, and its rapidly growing international customer base of 50 allied governments. To learn more, visit www.avinc.com.

Posted in Army, Contracts, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on AeroVironment Receives $21 Million Initial Contract Option for Raven Radio Frequency Modifications Under Previously Awarded US Army Contract with Potential $55 Million Total Value

Freedom Hill Gear Announces ShiftAR Shift Pegs for Harley Davidson Motorcycles

July 9th, 2020

Gilsum NH – Freedom Hill Gear, a veteran-owned company, is proud to announce the official release of their new ShiftAR® shift pegs for Harley Davidson® motorcycles. The ShiftAR® is a crossover product which replaces the standard shifter pegs with an actual A2 flash hider commonly used on M16, M4, and AR15-type rifles. The patent-pending ShiftAR® uses a custom adapter to thread the flash hider into the Harley shifter, and will accept any other ½ x 28-thread muzzle device for added customization.

Freedom Hill Gear owner Robin Oke explained the inspiration for the ShiftAR®, “A few years back I broke a peg on my Harley – it wasn’t the first time but I wanted it to be the last. While I was working in my garage, I noticed a few old takeoff AR-15 Birdcages laying on the workbench and decided to make those my new pegs. After years of hearing people tell me they wanted a set (and a good buddy kicking me in the ass) I decided to put them into production”.

Oke chose the A2 as a matter of practicality as the closed-bottom of the flash hider puts less wear on the rider’s boot. The use of an original mil-std crush washer allows the rugged flash hider to be properly positioned. “It’s had a tremendous appeal to veterans who want to add a memento of their service to their ride, as well as with supporters of the Second Amendment”, Oke concluded.

The ShiftAR® package includes: (1) ShiftAR® Peg Adapter, CNC Machined Carbon Steel with Black Cerakote finish, (1) Mil-Spec A2 Flash Hider with Nitride finish and (1) Mil-Std crush washer. Available at www.freedomhillgear.com and select Harley Davidson® dealerships.

Posted in Morale, Off-Duty, Press Release | Comments Off on Freedom Hill Gear Announces ShiftAR Shift Pegs for Harley Davidson Motorcycles

Blackhawk Introduces New T-Series Jacket Slot Leg Strap Adapter

July 9th, 2020

New Adapter Attaches to T-Series Jacket Slot Holster Platform Providing Greater Flexibility for Movement

VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia – July 9, 2020 – Blackhawk, a leader in law enforcement and military equipment for over 20 years, announced today that it has introduced a new T-Series Jacket Slot Leg Strap Adapter for use with the T-Series holster, allowing users greater flexibility while on the move. The new adapter bolts into the bottom of the T-Series Jacket Slot Belt Loop Holster Platform and serves as the pivot point for the T-Series holster, allowing it to stay upright and secure regardless of your leg position.

The new adapter enhances the Jacket Slot Belt Loop Holster Platform by adding the extra security of a single, high ride leg strap and eases movement with a swivel connected pivot point. Unlike a standard drop leg holster, the T-Series adapter enables the holster to remain in the upright position for an optimal draw stroke while also allowing users to extend their leg up or drop to a knee without having to worry about the holster remaining vertical. These actions are made possible by the swivel pivot point structured at the bottom of the Jacket Slot Belt Loop that connects to the leg strap versus the waistband.

The Jacket Slot Leg Strap Adapter is made from an injected molded polymer design and pivots from a single aluminum bushing through the existing platform. The strap measures 1.5-inches in width and the webbing is woven with rubber to enhance grip and stability. Through its adjustable design, owners can optimize the ride height of the Jacket Slot Leg Strap Adapter to prevent crowding and enable a comfortable fit.

For more information on the new T-Series Jacket Slot Leg Strap Adapter visit www.blackhawk.com.

Posted in Holsters, Press Release | 2 Comments »

Garmin Introduces New Solar Versions of Tactical Watches

July 9th, 2020

Garmin has introduced new solar versions of their Instinct Solar Tactical Edition, tactix Delta Solar Edition, and tactix Delta Solar Edition with Ballistics. This is a great upgrade that will aid those who wear these wrist mounted computers in the field.

However, let’s to be clear that this isn’t going to run your watch indefinitely. It’s just going to extend its battery life between proper charging. For instance, they claim the tactix Delta will go 21 days indoors and up to 24 with direct sunlight, but that’s not using the apps at the rate someone in the field would.

Instinct Solar Tactical Edition

The Instinct can be paired with an inReach device (sold separately; active satellite subscription required) to view and send messages, get weather alerts on your wrist and trigger an SOS to the GEOS 24/7 emergency response team.

tactix Delta Solar Edition

The tactix Delta displays maps right in your wrist.

There’s also a Kill Switch which wipes the memory, right on the spot.

tactix Delta – Solar Edition with Ballistics

Same watch as the tactix Delta, but with the inclusion of Applied Ballistics software.

Common Features

First off, all of these smart watches incorporate an altimeter for elevation data, barometer to monitor weather and three-axis electronic compass.

Each of the models is built to Mil-Std 810 for thermal, shock and water resistance (rated to 100 meters). They also incorporate a Night Vision mode, with a face designed to be read under NODs as well as Stealth mode which prevents storing and sharing your GPS position and disables wireless connectivity and communication.

Additionally, all three models accept GPS, GLONASS and Galileo signals so even with signal degradation (either natural or intentional) your odds of accessing accurate point data is pretty good. You’ll see both universal transverse mercator (UTM) and the military grid reference system (MGRS) points on your screen.

Finally, you’ll have access to all of apps you’ve come to expect from Garmin, including Jumpmaster, Fitness tracking, Pulse Ox, Heart Rate, and Stress Tracking.

Available now. We always recommend that SSD readers buy their Garmin devices through Strohman Enterprise.

Posted in Advertiser, Watches | 5 Comments »

The Vic – MultiCam Airwalk Shoes Pre-Order Opens

July 9th, 2020

The classic Airwalk sneaker is being offered in MultiCam and MultiCam Black. Pre-order yours at firebird-skydiving.myshopify.com/collections/the-vic.

Posted in Boots, Multicam | 1 Comment »

Air Force Awards Contract for Improved Female Body Armor

July 9th, 2020

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio (AFNS) —

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Female Fitment Program Office has awarded a contract to begin production and development for body armor designed to better protect female Airmen during combat and contingency operations.

Finding uniform items and gear optimized for female Airmen is an Air Force Chief of Staff initiative. The Female Fitment Program Office was created in response to identify problems and find solutions quickly. The office partnered with the Air Force Security Forces Center in San Antonio to find a “sufficient armored plate carrier system that addresses appropriate form, fit and function while providing adequate protection for female Airmen.”

“This is a perfect example of Air Force Materiel Command getting feedback from the field and delivering the Air Force we need to the warfighter,” said Gen. Arnold W. Bunch Jr., AFMC commander. “I’m proud of the team pulling together to do what is right for our Airmen. They deserve gear that offers the protection they need while allowing them to complete their mission.”

AFLCMC’s Human Systems Division is the lead organization to assess, evaluate and acquire new body armor for Security Forces Defenders and other female Airmen whose jobs require them to operate in dangerous environments. The new body armor will be specifically fitted to the female body preventing exposure to risks.

“Our female Airmen had gaps due to poor fitment issues,” said Maj. Saily Rodriguez, Female Fitment Program manager. “The new gear fits properly which improves protection and offers better comfort for gear that has to be worn in difficult environments and conditions.”

The program office conducted an evaluation that included laboratory and field assessments. The contract was awarded to TSSi of Harrisonburg, Virginia for the Aspetto “Mach V” system that was deemed the best solution in terms of price, effectiveness and fitment.

“The feedback during our field assessment was overwhelmingly positive. This is something our Airmen want because it offers a great benefit to their health and safety,” Rodriguez said.

The first product deliveries are expected in Fall 2020.

Posted in Air Force, Armor, Contracts, For the Ladies | 1 Comment »

Walk for the Wounded

July 9th, 2020

Walk for the Wounded is a fundraiser for Wounded Warriors Canada which is an organization founded to honor and support Canada’s ill and injured Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, First Responders and their families.

The walk will be completed by a team of four, consisting of either veteran or active duty members of the Canadian Infantry.

On August 8th, they will begin their trek from CFB Petawawa, to Parliament Hill in Ottawa, then finishing at the National War Memorial which is a distance of roughly 168 km. It will be accomplished in one continuous walk. In addition, every hour on the hour, the team will do 22 push-ups in honour of project22.

Their goal is to raise $22,000 as well as awareness for WWC. To donate, click here.

Posted in Charity, Fundraising, International, Veterans | Comments Off on Walk for the Wounded

Brownells Casting For Cash Benefits Special Operations Wounded Warriors

July 8th, 2020

GRINNELL, Iowa – Brownells operation “Casting For Cash” will be seeking donations throughout July to benefit Special Operations Wounded Warriors, and one lucky winner will be chosen for a Florida deep-sea fishing experience with a wounded Special Operator.

All month long during July, Brownells customers and website visitors can enter SKU #080-001-378 into their shopping cart to donate any amount of cash they’d like to SOWW, a 501c3 charity providing outdoor experiences and other kinds of support to wounded members of the US Special Operations community.

At the end of July, Brownells will choose one lucky winner to receive an 8-hour fishing charter with a Special Operator guided by Captain Tim Peterson, plus airfare and accommodations – a prize package valued at over $3,600.

“SOWW is a special organization that Brownells is very proud to support,” said Brownells Director of Content, Communiations and Public Relations Ryan Repp. “Not only can you help a great cause, you just might win a true adventure of a lifetime.”

For details, see the Brownells Casting For Cash web page.

Posted in Charity, Fundraising, Press Release, Veterans | Comments Off on Brownells Casting For Cash Benefits Special Operations Wounded Warriors