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FirstSpear Friday Focus: ABAV Marked Safe to Fly by US Air Force

May 14th, 2021

In addition to SOCOM Aviation, the U.S. Air Force has deemed the FirstSpear ABAV (Aviation Body Armor Vest) safe to fly for rotor wing operations.

Continuing to revolutionize the load carriage systems that transition from air, land to over-water operations even further, utilizing the Instant Adjust Back Panel and Adaptive Maritime and Land Cummerbunds this system configures quickly for the full spectrum of operational environments.

*  “6/12™ laser cut platform
*   Tubes™ Rapid-Release Technology
*   Flame Retardant
*   Aviation specific pocket suite
*  Instant Adjust Back Panel
*  Adaptive Cummerbund
*  CTAF devices

Purpose built for tactical aviation roles, the ABAV utilizes the latest in First Spear Technology to keep weight to an absolute minimum while maintaining true mission flexibility. Thanks to Tube™ technology and Cummerbund Tactical Aid to Flotation (CTAF) interchangeability via the Instant Adjust Back Panel the FS ABAV transitions from over land to over water in well under a minute with no tools required. Located inside the cummerbund, each system includes welded flotation bladders, inflation system and two firing handles for use as emergency tactical floatation aids to enhance aircrew survivability when operating over water. The FS ABAV has enhanced shoulder sleeves wrapping over the shoulder straps which helps keep the User streamlined and unencumbered around the neckline. Designed to absorb the bare minimum of water and provide modular flexibility for mission specific load carriage. The ABAV utilizes multiple FS technologies, including the 6/12 pocket attachment system and Tubes technology. The FS ABAV meets Flame Retardant (FR) and self-extinguishing parameters set forth by the US Military organizations that adopted it.

FirstSpear’s passion lies in that pursuit and development of disruptive innovation and technologies designed to pass the ultimate test; empowering those who employ them to dominate objectives and prevail in the spirit of our storied namesake. We are FirstSpear, and everything we do is Built for the X.

For more information about FirstSpear, check out www.first-spear.com

Posted in Advertiser, Air Force, Armor, Aviation, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post | 1 Comment »

822d Base Defense Squadron Supports Agile Flag 21-2

May 14th, 2021

NAVAL OUTLYING LANDING FIELD CHOCTAW, Fla. — The 822d Base Defense Squadron provided security and opposing forces for the 4th Fighter Wing, North Carolina, during Agile Flag 21-2, May 3-5, 2021.

Air Combat Command’s Agile Flag 21-2 tested the 4th FW’s ability to deploy as a lead air expeditionary wing from its main operating base at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, while supporting three forward operating bases, which included Naval Outlying Landing Field Choctaw, Florida.

“The (exercise) allowed several ACC units to come together and complete a realistic mission set,” said Tech. Sgt. Steven Ethridge, 822d BDS section chief. “The Air Battle Staff was made up of several functions to include civil engineering, security forces and communications. This allowed the members to understand how actual deployments could require working with other units to accomplish the mission. The 822d (BDS’) role in Agile Flag was to provide the 4th FW with a scalable security element at the FOB in order to facilitate integrated combat turns from multi-capable Airmen.”

Integrated combat turns are rapid refueling and rearming procedures that allow pilots to get back to the fight as soon as possible. Without a secure base to conduct ICTs, pilots would be unable to project airpower at faster rates.

“(Base defense Airmen) are highly trained and provide a light, lean and lethal force anywhere in the world,” Ethridge said. “We also bring capabilities such as Airborne and Air Assault, in addition to built-in support functions such as (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), medical, transportation maintenance and communications.”

The 822d BDS joined Agile Flag to augment the 4th FW’s security mission.

In addition to security, the base defense Airmen acted as opposing forces to simulate a near-peer adversary at the FOB. These forces are crucial because they inject realism into the training, allowing Airmen to sharpen their tactics, techniques and procedures for agile combat employment.

“These TTPs will allow current and future lead wings to project air power anywhere, anytime,” Ethridge said. “A team becomes a stronger and more lethal force when they help each other complete the common mission.”

ACC will conduct future exercises focusing on the ACE construct, and for the Airmen involved, the opportunity is invaluable.

“Any time we have an opportunity to address and experiment with force presentation and agile combat employment concepts … it’s a victory for our Air Force,” said Lt. Col. Andrew Frasch, ACC operations dynamic force employment chief. “We take what we learned and build on those (lessons) for the next iteration. The more we do this, the faster progress will come.”

Story by A1C Jasmine Barnes, 23d Wing Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Forces Focus, Guest Post | 2 Comments »

XTech Tactical Releases 15rd to 17rd VP9 / P30 Magazine Conversion Kits

May 13th, 2021

XTech Tactical has released its VP9/P30 9mm Magazine Conversion kits for the Heckler and Koch VP9 & P30 9mm. The kits convert factory H&K 15rd and XTech Tactical 15rd magazines to 17rds. The kits are MADE IN THE USA and are $17.95.

The kit includes a follower, spring button and base plate and will add two rounds to existing 15d magazines. The kit will not add rounds to the VP9 17rd magazines. The kit can serve as a direct replacement for damaged factory base plates.

www.xtechtactical.com/product/mtx-hk-vp9-p30-9mm-15-to-17-rd-conversion-kit

Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories | 1 Comment »

Hoppe’s Brings Back the Classic Glass Bottle

May 13th, 2021

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – May 11, 2021 – Hoppe’s, the No. 1 name in gun care products, is excited to announce the return of Hoppe’s No. 9 in its classic glass bottle. The return of the glass bottle comes after repeated requests on social media for Hoppe’s to “go back to glass”.

This nostalgic bottle comes complete with throwback artwork and label, and is sure to be a hit among shooters new and old. The bottle comes in the popular pint size, so gun owners can keep plenty of cleaner on hand at any given time. When the time comes for more Hoppe’s, the glass bottle can easily be reused year after year. This bottle is available in the United States only and comes with a child-resistant cap for safety.

The re-introduction of the Hoppe’s glass bottle is a direct result from numerous consumer requests. Hoppe’s faithful users have called, emailed, and reached out to the brand via social media to express their desire to see the glass bottle returned. “Too bad you still don’t use glass bottles,” wrote one fan. “I refill mine and use it over and over. Just seems like the right thing to do.” The team at Hoppe’s couldn’t agree more and everyone is excited to once again be able to offer this popular container.

Hoppe’s No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaner remains the most widely used remover of powder, lead, metal fouling and rust for firearms. The glass bottle features the same exact formulations found in standard bottles, so today’s gun owners can rest assure that their favorite firearms will remain protected.

To learn more about Hoppe’s No. 9 Gun Bore Cleaner or to see more Hoppe’s gun care products, visit hoppes.com.

Posted in Industry, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Hoppe’s Brings Back the Classic Glass Bottle

Military Exchanges Partner with RangeMe to Streamline American-Made Product Sourcing

May 13th, 2021

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — May 13, 2021 — The Army & Air Force Exchange, Navy Exchange, Marine Corps Exchange, and Coast Guard Exchange are joining forces with RangeMe, the industry standard online product sourcing platform for retailers and suppliers, on a nationwide initiative to source American-made products for their shelves.

This endeavor is part of the ongoing commitment from the exchanges to bring more American-made products into their retail stores while enhancing categories that include pet supplies, PPE, housewares, toys, and more.

“RangeMe has established strong partnerships with the U.S. military exchanges, and we are thrilled to take this next step with them,” said Nicky Jackson, CEO and Founder of RangeMe. “This enhanced commitment to sourcing American-made products will help further their dedication to providing innovative, quality products to the men and women of the Armed Forces.”

Through RangeMe, the exchanges will easily discover products manufactured in America and meet their consumers’ needs. With more than 175,000 suppliers, RangeMe provides a vast array of brands representing nearly 1 million products that can meet the exchanges’ needs as they deepen their efforts to bring in more American-made products now and in the future.

American-made brands interested in working with the Exchanges can submit their products for review here: app.rangeme.com/exchangemadeinamerica.

Posted in Made In USA!, Press Release, Veterans | 7 Comments »

Epirus – Leonidas C-UAS System

May 13th, 2021

This video depicts a customer field demonstration of the Epirus Leonidas C-UAS System. It works unlike other systems out there, utilizing directed microwave energy to disable electronics.

Thanks to digital beamforming it can disable multiple threats across a wide area or neutralize a single system in tight, crowded spaces. This allows operators to target and defeat UAV swarms.

www.epirusinc.com

Posted in UAS | 1 Comment »

American Rheinmetall Vehicles Accelerates Growth with Opening of New Sterling Heights Facility

May 13th, 2021

American Rheinmetall Vehicles (ARV), a subsidiary of leading defense industry giant Rheinmetall, recently opened a new facility in the DC3S complex in Sterling Heights, Michigan to accommodate the rapid growth associated with their offering for the U.S. Army’s Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle Program (OMFV).

This expansion increases ARV’s capacity to almost 28,000 square feet, and features ample room for the 30+ new team members brought on board to support the OMFV offering. Also included in the new space are two high bay areas that will be used for a hardware and software integration lab and prototype build area as the program progresses. Driven by strong and consistent growth, this early investment initiative demonstrates ARV’s commitment to the OMFV program and the U.S. Army.

“The investments we are making in our operations are a strong reflection of American Rheinmetall Vehicle’s position in the marketplace and positive outlook for the future,” said Matt Warnick, ARV’s Managing Director. “I’m excited that our team and new facility are well-positioned to fully support the Lynx OMFV offering and look forward to continuing to change the landscape of the U.S. defense industrial base by introducing next-generation manufacturing capabilities and creating new, quality U.S. jobs.”

The OMFV program is the priority ground-modernization program for the U.S. Army that will replace nearly 3,800 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles. The program begins with digital design phases that continue through early 2023, followed by development of prototype vehicles in 2024 and government testing beginning in early 2026.

www.rheinmetall-arv-us.com

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on American Rheinmetall Vehicles Accelerates Growth with Opening of New Sterling Heights Facility

Vivo Barefoot – Tracker Forest ESC

May 13th, 2021

Designed in conjunction with wilderness experts from Wild Human and the Independent Adventurer, Vivo Barefoot’s Tracker Forest ESC is a rather unconventional hiking boot.

Their Wildhide leather is naturally scarred and comes from free-roaming cattle sourced from small scale farmers.

Above you can see the Michelin Esc Sole. Sausage laces are paired with barrel eyelets.

Additionally, these do not incorporate a waterproof membrane. Instead, they rely on construction and the use of Renapur Leather Balsam (included with boots) to keep the leather water resistant, yet facilitate breathability.

As you can see, this simple construction offers a great deal of flexibility.

Made in Vietnam.

www.vivobarefoot.com/us/tracker-forest-esc-mens

Posted in Army, Boots | 12 Comments »