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EXO Charge to Unveil Next Generation Mission-Ready Power Solutions at AUSA 2021 Annual Meeting and Exposition

September 1st, 2021

ADDISON, Ill., September 1, 2021 | Xentris Wireless LLC announces that its EXO Charge Military and Government Services division will be exhibiting at the AUSA Annual Exposition this October. The EXO Charge business unit was established by Xentris Wireless to deliver high performing, lightweight, rugged, mission-ready power solutions that increase the operational effectiveness of the technologically-enabled modern Warfighter. EXO Charge is exhibiting at the AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition from Oct. 11-13 at booth # 860.

“The EXO Charge team is on a mission to reduce the battery burden, and provide power solutions that deliver higher performance, improved interoperability, and power commonality for the Warfighter.” – said Mike Stein, V.P. of Military and Government Services.

Xentris Wireless has a 30+ year track record in developing and manufacturing power and accessory solutions for several of the nation’s leading mobile telephone and data service providers. The EXO Charge team is comprised of industry and military veterans with expertise in commercial mobile and military power programs. This includes previous experience with the Conformal Wearable Battery (CWB), Soldier Worn Integrated Power Equipment System (SWIPES), the Squad Power Manager (SPM), the Vest Power Manager (VPM), the Advanced Battery Charger (ABC), and more.

“Enabling the Warfighter is our #1 priority. Through our technology and manufacturing expertise, we aim to help our Warriors operate lighter, faster, and more effectively – with greater interoperability and self-sufficiency.” – said Jeff Jubin, Director of Business Development.

The EXO Charge portfolio currently includes the following solutions:

• Small Tactical Universal Battery (STUB) – Working with the US Army’s C5ISR Center, the STUB is being developed as a new series of standardized rechargeable batteries to reduce the battery burden and logistics complexity for deployed units. It features USB Power Delivery (USB PD), Programmable Power Supply (PPS), and eight various device attachment methods across 8 different battery sizes to meet application-specific power requirements.

• Augmented Power Pack (APP) – Designed to meet the needs of the Special Operations community, the APP is being developed as a fully ruggedized and water resistant 240Wh power bank for operational use in austere conditions. The APP is designed to fast-charge several devices simultaneously using USB Programmable Power Supply (PPS) and Power Delivery (PD) technologies – and features two USB Type C ports plus a 2-way Nett Warrior connection for maximum flexibility.

• Rugged Auxiliary Charger (RAC) – Small, light and rugged, the RAC utilizes USB PD and PPS technology to deliver faster charging than other alternatives, and supports up to 300W of total power. The RAC is compatible with bulk chargers such as ABC and UBC, and can also charge standard military battery types such as the 2590 and CWB as a stand-alone charge. With 2 USB-C ports and a Nett Warrior connector, the RAC delivers maximum flexibility and interoperability.

Visit the EXO Charge at AUSA and also check out EXO Charge on the web at www.EXOcharge.com and on social media at Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn

Posted in AUSA, Power, Press Release | Comments Off on EXO Charge to Unveil Next Generation Mission-Ready Power Solutions at AUSA 2021 Annual Meeting and Exposition

The FN 502 Tactical: FN’s Premiere Optics-Ready .22 LR

September 1st, 2021

THE INDUSTRY’S FIRST SLIDE-MOUNTED OPTICS-READY .22 LR TACTICAL PISTOL

(McLean, VA – September 1, 2021) FN America, LLC, the leader in optics-ready pistols, proudly introduces the company’s first-ever .22 LR pistol, the FN 502™ Tactical. It is the latest innovation in the optics-ready pistol space – the industry’s first slide-mounted red dot on a rimfire handgun. The FN 502 Tactical features an optics-mounting system inspired by the company’s patented FN Low-Profile Optics Mounting System™ and offers unmatched sighting options with co-witness sights.

“We set out to accomplish two primary goals with the FN 502 Tactical – to create a .22 LR pistol with the advanced features and superior accuracy of our current pistol line-up, and deliver a pistol designed for maximum fun on the range. We feel like we’ve met both of these objectives handily,” said Mark Cherpes, President and CEO for FN America, LLC. “When a customer shoots an FN 502 Tactical for the first time, we’ve seen nothing but pure excitement. FN’s new rimfire handgun has obvious, universal appeal, whether you’re a new shooter looking to master the basics or an advanced user expecting peak performance from FN. The new FN 502 Tactical performs on every level.”

The smooth, single-action hammer-fired pistol with its best-in-class trigger combined with its high-capacity 15-round magazine, superior ergonomics, perfect balance and ambidextrous controls, all a nod to the FN 509® family of pistols, make the FN 502 Tactical perfect for high round count training sessions.

“FN constantly studies the market to fill unmet customer needs and saw a large gap to fill with our new semi-auto rimfire handgun,” said Chris Cole, Vice President, Sales & Marketing at FN America, LLC. “Most rimfire handguns in this category are smaller, lack capacity and accuracy enablers. With the FN 502 Tactical, we applied the standout features of the FN 509 Tactical to this new rimfire to deliver a shooting experience unlike any other .22 LR handgun. With an exceptional trigger, 15-round magazine and the ability to quickly mount most micro red dots or suppressors, the FN 502 Tactical is the most capable rimfire pistol right out of the box.”

Sporting FN’s signature Tactical feature set, the pistol’s 4.6-inch barrel with recessed target-crown is threaded 1/2×28-inch pitch to accept most .22 suppressors. The FN 502 Tactical performs like a robust-style target pistol, delivering fast, accurate rounds on target with more versatility than any other rimfire on the market.

Designed for maximum fun, FN’s hammer-fired .22 LR delivers more accuracy and versatility than any other rimfire handgun. Mounting a favorite red dot optic and cycling a wide range of .22 LR ammo makes a low-cost range day a high-end experience.

The FN 502 Tactical, shipping to FN authorized retailers now, comes standard in a hard case with (1) 15-round high-capacity magazine and (1) 10-round flush-fit magazine along with the necessary plates to mount compatible miniature red dot optics. Due to its similarity in ergonomics to the FN 509, the FN 502 Tactical will fit in most FN 509 Tactical holsters.

To learn more about the FN 502 Tactical, FN’s first .22 LR pistol, visit fnamerica.com/502tactical.

Posted in Press Release, weapons | 6 Comments »

US Army Grants NGSW Novation from General Dynamics-OTS, Inc to LoneStar Future Weapons

September 1st, 2021

Something that has flown under the radar is that the US Army has granted a novation from Next Generation Squad Weapons contender General Dynamics-OTS, makers of the Bullpup configuration guns, to Lone Star Future Weapons.

For those of you unfamiliar with the term, Novation means to transfer or substitute a new contract in place of an old one.

Upon request, I received the following statement regarding the action from Program Manager Soldier Lethality, Program Executive Office Soldier, which manages Product Manager Next Generation Weapons (PdM NGW).

“On 30 June 2021, Agreement W15QKN1991024, one of three Agreements supporting the Next Generation Squad Weapons Program for weapons and ammunition prototyping, was novated from: General Dynamics-OTS, Inc. to Lone Star Future Weapons (sic).”

An April press release form LoneStar and partner True Velocity announced a strategic partnership to leverage the two companies’ substantial expertise in R&D, precision manufacturing, quality control and production efficiency.

This is a significant event in the NGSW program. It means General Dynamics-OTS, Inc is out as the prime, along with production partner Beretta USA, and LoneStar Future Weapons along with ammunition partner True Velocity, is in. However, General Dynamics-OTS remains in an advisory role according to LTC Mark Owens (USA, Ret) who currently serves as the Chief Strategy Officer for True Velocity and Project Director at LoneStar Future Weapons whom I spoke with about the novation.

Owens said, “We are extremely excited to pursue the upcoming NGSW RFP. While General Dynamics has novated the contract to us, we will continue to work with their team to combine the best elements of a large company like GD, with the innovation and agility of Lone Star Future Weapons and True Velocity.”

Owens expanded on the significance of what they are doing, “Making something that has never existed before requires a lot of “different”. Different materials, different manufacturing processes, different weapon and ammunition geometries as well as different business relationships and constructs. Maintaining the status quo cannot provide our warfighters with compact, “fightable” weapon systems capable of defeating current and Next Generation threats. We are not different for the sake of being new. We are different in order to adapt to the rapidly changing battlefields of the future. Every piece of our weapon system componentry and ammunition combines the best of traditional technologies from battlefield proven systems with the most lethal, robust, compact and lightweight solutions available for a new, different, enhanced level of lethality.”

One of the big things for the team is that True Velocity has recently introduced commercial production of their composite ammunition in .308 WIN.

Hoping to see additional calibers in the future I asked Owens what might be in the wings and he mentioned a civilian 6.8 round for hunting. I explained that like most shooters, I don’t have any firearms which fire that caliber. He told me not to worry, that LoneStar would be introducing those as well to complement the ammo saying, “We also look forward to a commercial release of the 6.8 Rifle and ammunition for sporting purposes.” He went on to mention that they are working with industry partners to introduce firearms chambered for their 6.8 cartridge.

In addition to access to the NGSW firearm intellectual property, LoneStar is also moving forward with the GD-OTS Lightweight Medium Machine Gun design in 338 Norma Mag and is perusing the USSOCOM opportunity currently underway with SOFWERX. Owens concluded our discussion with, “In addition to the contract, IP for the NGSW R, AR, as well as for the .338 NM MG have conferred. We believe that these weapons will have an important place in both our Army and allied arsenals of the future.”

There’s a lot going on and it sounds like the NGSW novation is just the beginning for LoneStar Future Weapons and partner True Velocity.

Posted in Ammo, Contracts, PEO-Soldier, weapons | Comments Off on US Army Grants NGSW Novation from General Dynamics-OTS, Inc to LoneStar Future Weapons

Air Force Declares TACP Mobile Communications System ‘Combat Ready’

September 1st, 2021

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. – The U.S. Air Force’s Air Combat Command recently declared the initial operational capability for the tactical air control party mobile communications system block 2 system ‘combat ready’ at the recommendation of the 605th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Florida.

In the spring of 2020, the 605th TES TACP Element, in conjunction with the 14th Air Support Operations Squadron, Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina, conducted the operational utility evaluation, or OUE, of the MCS block 2 on M-1165 armored high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles.

As Air Combat Command’s independent, sole, command and control operational test unit, the 605th TES, tested the system under realistic conditions, using new and experienced Airmen, who will be operating and maintaining the system once fielded.

The OUE validated the operational effectiveness and suitability of MCS block 2, cybersecurity and resiliency, and its impact on TACP and air support operations center tactics, techniques, and procedures.

M1165 HMMWVs, better known as humvees, are integrated with multi-channel communications equipment through the MCS block 2 system which provides voice, data, and video capabilities to TACP Joint Terminal Attack Controllers while “on-the-move” and “at-the-halt”.

“This new system gives TACPs greater mission flexibility by incorporating additional data link, full motion video, and high frequency radio capabilities while out in the field,” said Master Sgt. Jesus Torres, 605th TES senior enlisted leader and TACP.

JTACS will use MCS Block 2 to perform their close air support and command and control missions.

To achieve IOC, the MCS Block 2 system demonstrated the necessary combat capability for voice and video communications and had sufficient required fielding and logistics support.

“Through early involvement and by building relationships across the acquisition process the 605th TES was instrumental in providing early user feedback,” said Torres. “During early DoD [Department of Defense] COVID Guidance, the 605th TES TACPs developed risk mitigation measures enabling regression testing to continue during the pandemic which allowed this vital capability be delivered to the warfighter five months ahead of schedule.”

“As our service takes positive steps to mature Agile Combat Employment concepts, through years of being disaggregated and embracing Mission Command, the TACP community is best positioned to inform the larger enterprise on what technology could be beneficial, said Col. Adam Shelton, 505th Test and Training Group commander. “This IOC declaration will assist in furthering our integration efforts with joint partners in venues such as the Army’s Project Convergence or in tier 1 exercises such as Northern Edge.”

As of August 2021, the 605th TES continues to accelerate change by conducting operational testing on the MCS Block 3, installed on the U.S. Army’s next-generation Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle as a replacement for the M113 Armored Personnel Carrier family of vehicles.

505th Command and Control Wing (ACC) Public Affairs

Posted in AFSW, Air Force, Comms, Guest Post | Comments Off on Air Force Declares TACP Mobile Communications System ‘Combat Ready’

Blackhawk Wins Five Telly Awards for Stache IWB Holster Product Video

August 31st, 2021

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – August 26, 2021 – Blackhawk®, a leader in law enforcement and military equipment for over 20 years, received three silver and two bronze awards at the 2021 Telly Awards for its “The Creator – Stache IWB” product video. The annual Telly Awards, which were announced earlier this summer, honor excellence in video and television across all screens.

Blackhawk accepted the following honors:

• Silver: Blackhawk “The Creator – Stache IWB”

• – Promo Video Craft – 3D Graphics/Animation (Non-Stereoscopic)

• Silver: Blackhawk “The Creator – Stache IWB”

• – Promo Video General – Business-to-Consumer

• Silver: Blackhawk “The Creator – Stache IWB”

• – Promo Video Craft – Videography/Cinematography

• Bronze: Blackhawk “The Creator – Stache IWB”

• – Promo Video General – Branding

• Bronze: Blackhawk “The Creator – Stache IWB”

• – Promo Video Craft – Art Direction

“We’re thrilled to win five Telly Awards this year,” said Jamie Kistner, Sr. Director of Marketing for Blackhawk. “We put a lot of care and attention to detail into the Stache IWB holster, and the ‘The Creator – Stache IWB’ video is no different. It’s rewarding to see our team’s hard work and dedication be recognized.”

The Telly Awards were founded in 1979 to honor excellence in local, regional and cable television commercials, with non-broadcast video and television programming added soon after. Receiving over 12,000 entries from all 50 states and five continents, this year’s Telly Award winners represent work from some of the most respected advertising agencies, television stations, production companies and publishers from around the world. For more information on the Telly Awards and winners, visit tellyawards.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Media, Press Release | 3 Comments »

Microdrones Welcomes the Gulf Testing Solutions Enterprise LLC as an Authorized Distributor in the Sultanate of Oman

August 31st, 2021

Rome, NY – Gulf Testing Solutions, a certified Testing, Inspection, Quality Control and Surveying Services provider in the Sultanate of Oman is the latest addition to the global distribution network of Microdrones. GTS has three core business verticals to meet a range of client needs including multi- disciplinary laboratory services, surveying services and survey equipment, rental, and calibrations services.

Established in 2018, Gulf Testing Solutions provides a range of specialized engineering services in materials testing and technical services, materials technology, quality control of projects, chemical and microbiology testing, surveying services, as well as high-tech survey product sales, rental and calibration.

“Our customers need high end aerial surveying solutions,” says Suresh Muthu Kumar, the manager of business development. “We have a number of mining, roads, asphalt & infrastructure projects that will greatly benefit from the addition of the Microdrones LiDAR and photogrammetric technology.”

Available immediately, Gulf Testing Solutions will offer Microdrones Integrated Systems that come with everything a commercial user needs to get started using drones for surveying and mapping – the UAV, the sensors, and the software and hardware.

For more information about GTS visit gulftestinglab.com/project/uav-drones

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release, UAS | 1 Comment »

Tulmar Safety Systems Announces Repair & Overhaul Support Contract Extension for Canadian DND

August 31st, 2021

Tulmar Safety Systems is pleased to announce the extension of their Repair & Overhaul support contract with the Canadian Department of National Defence for the Canadian Army’s Flotation Life Support Equipment program. “This is a testament to the hard work, attention to detail, and passion of our R&O, engineering, and contract administration staff whereby we have been entrusted with the provision of critical life saving equipment to the members of the Canadian Armed Forces. I am beyond proud of the work they do to support those who go in harm’s way!” said Matt Fisher, Defence Solutions Manager for Tulmar.

www.tulmar.com

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Tulmar Safety Systems Announces Repair & Overhaul Support Contract Extension for Canadian DND

GORUCK – How You Can Help – Afghanistan

August 31st, 2021

GORUCK sent this out to their email subscribers yesterday. Many of us are frustrated because we can’t help the situation and this post gives us some hope. But no matter what you do, do NOT let our elected officials off the hook on this. Write them, call them, and remind them what a disaster was created here and that there will be consequences for our country and the world community for not only emboldening the Taliban, but arming them as well. Also, we’ve lost 13 fine young Americans, the best our nation has to offer. We need accountability so that this won’t happen again.

September 1st the Taliban will shut down the cell towers and continue hunting down, one by one and with increased effectiveness, those most loyal to the American cause for the past 20 years. We even gave them the list to help them carry this out.

If you’re wondering how you can help, this is one way.

A small group of Special Forces and other SOF members have established what’s called Task Force Pineapple as part of Operation Recovery (a 501c3 non-profit). They are operating out of an Ops Center in America, activating and reverse engineering 20 years of human networks in Afghanistan and Pakistan and the surrounding areas to get all US Citizens and as many Afghan partners — the people we served with and their families — out of the country. This will happen over land through a country under Taliban rule, full of Taliban checkpoints, activating safe houses and ratlines and an underground network operating in secrecy. It’s a classic Special Forces mission which requires a bunch of pissed-off and highly motivated Special Forces soldiers — and with your help they can save even more lives.

Without any official US military presence as of September 1st, this is exactly how America can still represent and carry out our highest ideals — given the ground truths, this will happen in the shadows. It does not matter at this point what should be happening, or who to blame. There will be time for that, there always is. What is happening right now with Task Force Pineapple is what we do have, and it’s growing stronger by the minute.

Before the bombing at the Kabul Airport, this was the precise symbol to get inside the wire. So far, over 500 lives have been saved with this symbol. It has since been changed — but the spirit remains and it is one of hope and sacrifice in line with our highest values as a country. Namely, loyalty to our friends and partners. Task Force Pineapple will not stop operating just because the U.S. is officially leaving. The Underground will grow. More lives will be saved.

Unfortunately, the Taliban will also grow stronger.

I know personally the people who are running TASK FORCE PINEAPPLE and I vouch for their character and effectiveness. We will not be able to save all of our partners, but we will damn sure try.