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AKU Continues Success of Exclusive Dual Fit System (DFS) Technology with New Mountaineering Boot and Fast Hiker for Spring ‘22

August 15th, 2021

Rocket DFS GTX First in Category to Utilize Vibram Traction Lug Outsole; Croda DFS GTX Offers Kevlar Protection and 50% Slimmer Vibram Outsole for Lightweight Precision

Montreal, Canada — AKU, a manufacturer of some the world’s most comfortable, hand-crafted hiking and trekking boots in Italy for more than 50 years, announces it will introduce the Croda DFS GTX and the Rocket DFS GTX, featuring its exclusive Dual Fit System (DFS) technology, as part of its Spring/Summer 2022 collection. DFS is a double lacing system that allows the wearer to adjust the comfort and precision of the fit during different phases of use. The Croda is ideal for mountaineering in challenging climbing and trekking conditions on rock and ice, while the Rocket is a dynamic and reliable fast hiker for the most difficult trails.

The AKU Croda DFS GTX is built to be light, agile, precise and extremely comfortable. Featuring a cut-resistant and lightweight Kevlar upper, along with an elastic spider frame structure, the moutaineering boot provides exceptional resistance to impact and abrasion along with excellent freedom of movement. The Vibram Croda Litebase outsole is 30 percent lighter and 50 percent slimmer than typical mountaineering boot outsoles and offers stability, grip and precision even in the most technical situations. The outsole also allows for the use of traditional or semi-automatic campons. An overlasted forefoot protects the midsole and increases precision, while an elastic cover prevents snow and debris from entering the upper. Also available in women’s sizes designed specifically for the female plantar anatomy.

The Rocket DFS GTX light hiking shoe features an upper with a crossed rib structure protected by a 3D print layer and a dual density PU midsole. AKU’s Rocket is the first outdoor shoe to offer Vibram’s Traction Lug outsole, incorporating a patented mold-making process that allows for 25 percent added traction on varied surfaces. The revolutionary outsole design concept can also increase side lug surface area by 50 percent.

Both the Croda and the Rocket feature AKU’s exclusive DFS lacing technology and Elica Natural Stride System technology. AKU’s DFS technology incorporates a traditional lace for maximum comfort while walking or hiking, as well as a secondary fast lace that can be activated by the wearer to increase sensitivity and precision during climbing. Through a unique insole board and tread design, the Elica system technology promotes biodynamic efficiency and optimal comfort.

Posted in Boots, Press Release | Comments Off on AKU Continues Success of Exclusive Dual Fit System (DFS) Technology with New Mountaineering Boot and Fast Hiker for Spring ‘22

SCUBAPRO Sunday – Should your Gear Sink or Float?

August 15th, 2021

When it comes to your gear, there are two primary schools of thought. It should sink, so if you lose it going over the beach or during a river and stream crossing, someone won’t find it. The other is that it should float; the main reason for that is so you won’t be pulled down, but if you are going over the beach, doing a river and stream cross or taking a ship down and you go overboard and are knocked out it can help float you. So, what is the correct answer?

Well, they both are for different operations. You have to take everything into account. If you are conducting a ship attack and coming up behind it on a High-Speed Assault Craft (HSAC) or Combat Craft Assault (CCA), you will want your stuff to float or be able to float (yes, there is a time when you fall in depending on where it happens, you might want to go underwater to avoid something). If you are doing a two-stage ladder-climbing onto an oil platform and you fall and get knocked out, you want to float or at least have a life vest that will inflate automatically.

You should look at it like this, your gear should float itself or be neutrally buoyant, and if you want to float, you need to have something on you for that. Think of you and your gear as two different things. If you go into the water, your kit should be neutral, and you should have some type of Personal Flotation Devise(PFD) for yourself. Still, you should always be able to go underwater if needed, like for going under a wave or if you need to avoid someone/ something.

So how do you make your gear neutral buoyant? The best way to start is by knowing how much everything you are carrying weights. I will go old school, so let’s use 100rds of 7.62 x 39 weights 7 pounds. You should have a list of what things weigh or have a good idea of everything you might take out in the field with you. Keep in mind that if you are using a hard water bottle, like a canteen or Nalgene bottle, as you drink from it, it will start to float. It won’t be so bad as to affect you that much but keep it in mind as you stay out in the field, things weights will change. The same goes for needing to float. You can always use them in an emergency. MSR makes water storage bladders that are great to have in your pack. They can be used as flotation if needed and water. Even in the jungle in the rainy season, it never hurts to have a way to store extra water. When you come across water, always take as much as you can carry.

If you have other things that might float like your fins, chemical light, or rucksack liner (and never go anywhere without that old school ruck liner). Try using the lead weights that are made for balancing a car tire. Most come with an adhesive side. You can put it anywhere you need. They also come in black. You can put them on the side of the fins; this way, it doesn’t affect the way the fin performs, and if for some reason it falls off, or you drop it, it will sink. If you have chemical lights on you to use for signaling, or as an old school frogman flashlight (when you have it all taped up for use underwater and you have the end open so you can use it for your compass) if you put lead solder on them and drop it, it will sink and not float away.

Remember that packaged food (MREs, Mountain house meals) will float.

If you are taking a new piece of gear out, let’s say it’s a new pack make sure you take it to the pool and see how it acts in the water, put some weight in it and see what it takes to make it sink, don’t just throw it in and say “yup it sinks” leave it in there so it is nice and soaked so you can also see how it drains, do you need to add more drain holes? How heavy will it be when it is wet and how long will it take to dry. With today’s technology almost everything can float or even be close to neutral to include body armor plates.

So, what is the right answer, float or sink? I think they both are the correct answer depending on the situation. But the key is to make sure you are ready for whatever might happen during any giving case. Have your gear set up so it can float itself if needed. So do your homework, or at least hang out with someone that does.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Maritime | 2 Comments »

Adventure Medical Kits – Dental Medic

August 15th, 2021

Adventure Medical Kits offers a wide range of specialized kits. One that sticks out simply because it isn’t as readily available from other vendors is the Dental Medic. It’s designed to stop tooth pain and replace fillings and crowns with temporary material which can be particularly handy for those who regularly travel to regions without ready access to dental care.

Dental Supplies
1 – Dental Wax Temporary Filling
1 – Temporary Cavity Filling Mixture
5 – Cotton Pellets
5 – Cotton Rolls
1 – Dental Floss
3 – Tooth Picks

Pain Relief
1 – Tea Bag, 100% Natural Pekoe Tea
2 – Anbesol/Orasol, Benzocaine 20%, 75g

Instructions
1 – Dental First Aid Instructions

www.adventuremedicalkits.com/medical-kits/travel/dental-medic

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Defender Pacific 21: Special Forces Soldiers, JGSDF Conduct Bilateral Operations in Guam

August 15th, 2021

GUAM — Two C-130s launch from Yokota Air Base, Tokyo, into midnight darkness on course to deliver airborne personnel with U.S. Army Special Forces and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members to Guam.

History is being made as Green Berets with 1st Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), and members of JGSDF, execute their first bilateral airborne operation outside of Japanese territory. On board, both units know well the commands and procedures that lead up to exiting a high-performance aircraft.

The operation begins with a call from the drop zone control party. The pilots check in and wind calls are made. The JGSDF exits on first pass with the Type 13 parachute. On second pass, special operations forces exit with the steerable MC-6 parachute. Directly below is a flight line—which guarantees a hard landing—and grass off to the sides.

On July 30, 2021, a Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha (ODA) assigned to 1st SFG (A) and approximately 80 members with JGSDF conducted bilateral operations in Guam as part of Defender Pacific 21.

DP21 is a U.S. Army Pacific exercise designed to operationalize the national Defense Strategy through realistic, iterative training across all domains—land, sea, air, cyber and space.

Following the airborne infiltration, U.S. Special Forces and the JGSDF conducted an air assault in vicinity of their first objective near Naval Base Guam, said the Special Forces ODA team leader assigned to 1st Bn., 1st SFG (A). After destroying the first objective, which were anti-air weapon systems, the bilateral force reconsolidated and moved toward their follow-on mission.

Thirty-six hours elapsed from when mission planning started to when the second objective — an enemy command and control node — was destroyed.

Despite tropical heat, humidity and lack of sleep, the bilateral force conducted a high-performance mass-tactical airborne operation and executed two targets with zero major injuries, said the team leader. The airborne operation sends a clear message that the United States and Japan share a commitment to freedom and security and can employ a combined force in support of these principles.

“This experience provided valuable insight into JGSDF capabilities and maneuver techniques; giving insight into how we can better support their operations in the future,” he continued. “Furthermore, this operation allowed the team to create valuable relationships with JGSDF [members] and leadership that will serve as the foundation for future bilateral operations.”

Throughout the operation, the ODA team leader made sure bilingual Green Berets and JGSDF members were placed strategically in the formation to ensure communication and commands were understood.

“Joint operational capability is important for us to defend [Japanese] territory,” said Capt. Ryosuke Taki, lead U.S.-Japan bilateral operations planner for JGSDF.

For six months, Taki coordinated with the JGSDF and 1st SFG (A) on making this training opportunity a reality.

“I had to overcome many obstacles to accomplish this mission,” he said. “As far as airborne operations go, [U.S. Army] uses many words we don’t know. Language sometimes [created] misunderstandings making coordination difficult…[however,] our members wanted to coordinate with 1st Special Forces Group.”

“Special Forces are experts in military freefall and close-quarters combat, as well as static-line jumps,” Taki said. “We have more lessons to learn from their rich experiences.”

The Indo-Pacific region is the most consequential theater on the planet and DP21 provides opportunities necessary to create, refine, and deploy new options and solutions for the challenges our nation, allies and partners face. This exercise anticipates requirements to support regional alliances and the existing security architecture to exploit opportunities.

By Anthony Bryant

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Parachuting, SOF, Training | Comments Off on Defender Pacific 21: Special Forces Soldiers, JGSDF Conduct Bilateral Operations in Guam

Counter-UAS: Going Beyond “Selling Boxes”

August 14th, 2021

Small drones or small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) moved from a novelty to an everyday presence over the past decade across civilian day-to-day life, and also finding a place supporting nefarious uses such as contraband smuggling, airport disruption, terrorist attacks, and military conflicts. Rapid improvements in maneuverability, autonomous flight capabilities, flight endurance, camera technology and more, make small and cheap drones an appealing platform for reconnaissance and payload delivery.

The counterdrone (also known as counter-UAS, c-UAS) industry has also been rapidly growing to keep pace.

Early Days of Counter-UAS

Early efforts (mid 2010s) are viewed as mostly “garage work”, a combination of repurposing existing technologies for a new objective of detecting drones (such as the use of traditional ground-based radars to now monitor the skies for drones). Both counter-UAS manufacturers and customers experimented and learned at this stage, what worked and what didn’t, while often exploring exotic concepts including hunting drones with eagles, using barking dogs to detect drones, and leveraging other emerging technologies.

Image: Early days of counter-UAS

Maturation of an Industry

By the late 2010’s, Radio Frequency (RF) started to emerge as a single sensor winner, owing to its ability to accurately detect and track drones without the very substantial false alarms produced by standalone radar sensors, as well as its ability to detect hovering drones, significant range advantage (up to 10km for best of breed sensors), and superior cost-to-covered area ratio. As an example of this cost per coverage difference, most radars, even today, cannot detect small drones more than 1-2km away, and those that can, often cost in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, or more. Additionally, RF systems can pick on Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) on the water, as those tend to use largely similar RF protocols without getting caught in the ground clutter that would influence the radar or call for a completely different radar to perform the job effectively. In the counter-UAS industry the threat shifted to a UxS threat (UAVs, UGVs and USVs) and RF sensors were more easily adapted to support the multi-domain threat.

Sophisticated customers have started to adopt a multi-sensor approach, such as systems including RF, radar, cameras, acoustics and more. The concept behind a layered system is essentially two-fold – either increase the likelihood of any stealth/rare drone being detected by setting the system to “alarm if any sensor type triggered” mode or reduce false alarms through seeking multiple sensors to confirm the alert prior to alerting the user. Higher end systems enable a setting of value ranges for the multi-sensors, optimizing the probability of detection, minimising the false alarms, and tailoring the system performance for a particular installation.

Present Day

The counter-UAS industry has grown from a small handful of companies in mid 2010s, to hundreds globally today. While many counter-UAS providers are resellers or suppliers of early-stage prototypes, the list also includes few dozen OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), with a few of them also integrating third party technologies.

This evolution of the threat and need for a more comprehension solution, creates a challenge for end customers, many of whom realize they need to move beyond “buying boxes” as in the early counter-UAS days (“boxes” being individual counter-UAS products, such as a jammer or single detection devices).

Users now seek a streamlined counter-UAS capability. This includes:

• utilisation of any counter-UAS equipment they may have already purchased previously through enhanced signal processing from those sensors,

• augmenting with complementary sensors and effectors, and

• stitching the whole solution together into an intuitive, low cognitive burden on the user, complete system, which is interoperable with other systems they may already have in place.

Appropriate deployment advice and post-sale service including regular software upgrades, is part of the picture.

End users of counter-UAS equipment increasingly want their problem of airspace control and awareness solved, rather than having to “buy yet another box” to address the latest threat. Solution providers who will continue to win in this space, will be focused on understanding and solving (often via a custom solution) the customer’s capability gap, rather than forcing the customers to buy their wares.

Image: Counter-UAS customers are looking to solve their airspace control and awareness issue, rather than purchase more “boxes”

Future of the counter-UAS industry

The early “cowboy” days of small, single product firms are starting to come to an end for the counter-UAS industry, with customers requiring tailored solutions to address their gaps in a unified and complete counter-UAS security system, which communicates with other broader systems, rather than a collection of individual products. Some of the largest customers of counter-UAS are starting to consolidate their approach to counter-UAS procurement. The set-up of the Joint Counter-UAS Office (JCO) by the US Department of Defense and the Centre for Protectional of National Infrastructure (CPNI) in the UK are two examples of this consolidation of effort by customers. Solution provides need to take a similar approach in providing consolidated, multi-faceted capabilities that address the problem and capability gap, rather than just adding their box to the shelf of disparate equipment.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) software is becoming an increasing part of the requirement, both at an individual sensor and multi-sensor fusion level. As new types of drones continue to evolve, AI-based solutions can enable detection of never-seen-before threats, whereas the library-based systems of the early years are limited to detecting only the threats defined in their static list.

Image: AI and Machine Learning software is increasingly becoming a part of counter-UAS requirement

As the use of UAS continues to rise in military operations, where they have become highly visible assets in Greyzone and Asymmetric warfare, as recently seen across the Middle East, in the Azerbaijan/Armenian conflict, and the Ukraine/Russian conflict, counter-UAS equipment will continue to mature and integrate into the broader Electronic Warfare (EW) and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) space. For that, again, selling “boxes” won’t do, and the challenge becomes about solving specific customer capability gaps.

Posted in Guest Post, UAS | Comments Off on Counter-UAS: Going Beyond “Selling Boxes”

True Velocity Launches Direct-to-Consumer Sales with .308 WIN Rounds

August 14th, 2021

Next generation composite-cased ammunition is now available for $69.99 per box at tvammo.com

GARLAND, TX (August 13, 2021) – True Velocity is now offering 20-round boxes of .308 Winchester composite-cased ammunition for purchase online. The .308 WIN round is the first commercially available product from the Texas-based ammunition manufacturer, which has supplied the U.S. Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies and many Allied nations with its advanced, composite-cased ammunition for multiple years. Customers that purchase True Velocity .308 WIN ammunition at tvammostore.com will have their boxes delivered directly to their shipping address (void where prohibited).

Additional calibers from True Velocity will be available in the coming months. An official True Velocity .308 WIN launch video can be viewed on YouTube.

All True Velocity commercial rounds are made in the USA. Engineered for perfection, every True Velocity round undergoes hundreds of control checks to achieve exact dimensions and concentricity, ensuring consistency. True Velocity’s use of robotics and attention to detail is on par with medical-grade manufacturing locations and has led to substantial progress in an industry that hasn’t seen true innovation in 150+ years.

Composite-cased ammunition from True Velocity provides significant advantages over traditional brass rounds, including reduced heat transfer to firearms, leading to longer chamber life and decreased throat erosion. These rounds boast sub-MOA accuracy, reduced heat, and extreme consistency in muzzle velocity, thus providing serious shooters with an extraordinary performance advantage.

“We are eager to get our proprietary, high-performance rounds into the hands of discerning shooters across the country,” said True Velocity CEO Kevin Boscamp. “The True Velocity composite-cased .308 WIN is proven to be the highest-performing ammunition currently on the market and we look forward to continuing to raise the bar of excellence as we release additional calibers in the future.”

The 20-round True Velocity .308 WIN box retails online for $69.99 per box.

In addition to the launch of .308 WIN ammunition, True Velocity is currently retailing a limited quantity of commemorative box sets. Included in a commemorative package are 22 True Velocity .308 WIN composite cartridges loaded with 168-grain Nosler Custom Competition projectiles, a branded D.O.P.E. (Data on Previous Engagements) logbook and an official 1 MOA True Velocity challenge coin.

For more information or to shop True Velocity ammunition, visit tvammo.com.

Posted in Ammo, Press Release | 18 Comments »

Wanted: Innovative Ideas for Spark Tank 2022

August 14th, 2021

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) —

Spark Tank 2022, a Department of the Air Force annual competition in which Airmen and Guardians pitch innovative solutions to operational problems, will accept submissions in early August 2021.

Spark Tank is co-sponsored by the Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force for Management (SAF/MG) and AFWERX. “Spark Tank is a crucial part of the Air Force’s relentless search for innovative technology,” said Col. Nathan Diller, AFWERX director. “The operational skills and knowledge our Airmen and Guardians possess give them the expertise not only to identify problems unique to their jobs, but also solutions.”

This is the fifth year of the Spark Tank competition. Spark Tank 2021 drew more than 300 submissions with five finalists. Master Sgt. Justin Bauer from the 355th Fighter Wing at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, was awarded the Spark Tank trophy for his idea, “Innovative Approach to C-130 Wheel Repair.” Previous winners and finalists have offered improvements from smart weapons loading checklists to robotic process automation for personnel records and everything in-between.

As a bonus, SAF/MG and AFWERX are introducing Spark Tank innovation awards to recognize innovative solutions proposed and developed by Airmen and Guardians across the enterprise. The awards are designed to encourage innovation development, talent retention, and speed up adopting emerging, game-changing technologies that impact the Air and Space Force.

“Spark Tank offers a great opportunity to highlight the innovative spirit of our Airmen and Guardians,” said William Gautier, Spark Tank director. “These risk-takers, idea makers, and entrepreneurs reject the status quo, instead they seek inventive answers that improve how our jobs are done.”

To enable participation, interested members will submit ideas through the recently launched Guardian and Airmen Innovation Network portal. GAIN allows personnel to share ideas, critique submissions, and vote on the most promising solutions.

Innovation submissions are due via GAIN no later than close of business, Oct. 1, 2021. Finalists will be announced in January 2022. The pitch-finals competition will take place on March 4, 2022, at the Air Force Association’s Aerospace Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Florida.

More information will be forthcoming at www.afwerx.af.mil/spark-tank. Ideas can be submitted to the Spark Tank competition at afwerx.af.mil.

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post | Comments Off on Wanted: Innovative Ideas for Spark Tank 2022

Samson Manufacturing Announces Enhanced Ejector Rod for the Ruger Wrangler, Bearcat and New Model Single-Six

August 13th, 2021

The Samson Enhanced Ejector Rod instantly upgrades the Ruger® Wrangler® or New Model Single-Six® .22 LR single action revolvers by providing easier case ejection. With a larger button, ejecting spent .22 cases is quicker and speeds up the reload process.

Two button styles are available, either Bullseye or Crescent, along with Black Oxide or Matte Stainless color options to best match a shooter’s revolver. The ejector components are made of stainless steel for durability and longevity. The shape will not impact compatibility with most leather holsters. The package includes the Ejector Rod Assembly and installation instructions.

Proudly made in Keene, NH.

Specifications:
• Material: stainless steel
• Finish (button): black oxide or matte stainless
• Length: 4 inches
• Width: 0.42 inches
• Height: 0.77 inches (Bullseye), 0.82 inches (Crescent)
• Diameter: 0.156 inches (rod)
• Weight: 0.5 oz

www.samson-mfg.com

Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Samson Manufacturing Announces Enhanced Ejector Rod for the Ruger Wrangler, Bearcat and New Model Single-Six