Currently on Kickstarter, the Bad Wrap is an innovative way to protect cameras and other electronics during transit. The BAD Wrap features a grid-shaped, stiffened internal frame mated to a protective waterproof fabric.
You lay the item you want to protect into the middle and wrap the edges around it for transport or storage.
It’s offered in three sizes.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/badwrap/bad-wrap
ROCHESTER, Mich. — Student engineers got a feel for real-world robotics challenges at the 28th annual Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition (IGVC) here at Oakland University June 4-7.
The IGVC, hosted by the U.S. Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC), is the oldest and largest autonomous vehicle competition in the nation and provides students with their first professional projects as engineers.
The student competitors represent every Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)-related major, and there are also opportunities for business majors to become involved.
IGVC event sponsors frequently recruit students into full-time positions upon finishing their degrees, said Bernard Theisen, GVSC’s Division Chief for Ground Vehicle Robotics, and a long-time supporter of the competition.
“If these students can use this capability to build these unmanned systems, they are the perfect recruits,” said Theisen. “Some of the teams here are taking advantage of some of our core products such as our Robotic Technology Kernel (RTK) software and Warfighter Machine Interface (WMI), used to control their vehicles.”
The competition offers students a glimpse of what it means to be an engineer for the Army. “I think IGVC has been a good catalyst for robotic development,” said Theisen.
Many GVSC engineers were recruited at previous competitions they participated in as students.
“I would say probably 30 percent of everybody in GVSC Ground Vehicle Robotics competed in the competition at one time or another,” said Theisen.
Unmanned systems allow the Soldier to operate technology from a distance, providing better protection, said Theisen. “Our primary customer is the Soldier, and robotics and autonomy help take the Soldier out of harm’s way.”
Engineers for the Army provide Soldiers with the most cutting-edge products that give them the most security on the frontlines.
“My primary goal as an engineer for the Army is to save Soldiers’ lives,” said Theisen. “I want to give them the best technology and the best capability.”
Engineers for the Army use their versatility and determination to work around the constantly changing needs of the Warfighter and it isn’t always easy, said Theisen.
“There’s a lot of ups and downs” said Theisen. “We are focused on the technology and it changes often.”
Andrew Kosinski, a mechanical engineer for GVSC Ground Vehicle Robotics, said IGVC gives students a chance to use flexibility and quick thinking to solve complications that occur before and during the competition.
“Having to be flexible is the biggest challenge that comes with being an engineer for the Army,” said Kosinski. “You have to work with a lot of different situations and people and need to be able to think on your feet.”
IGVC also provides an environment full of positivity and diversity. There are countless opportunities for networking.
“I love seeing all the teams show off from all around the world,” Kosinski said. “I love being able to talk to all sorts of unique people.”
What’s more, while IGVC gives many students a chance to learn more about Robotics Technologies and develop a passion for it— the competition is a venue for student engineers to pursue professional careers in engineering.
“The competition is the best type of job interview because you get to see people in action,” said Kosinski. “That’s why Army and various sponsors support it each year.”
More information on the Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition can be found at www.igvc.org.
By Kennedy Thomas
ANOKA, Minnesota – June 21, 2021 – Federal Ammunition has been awarded a 3-year contract to partner with the Defense Ordnance Technology Consortium to design, develop, and demonstrate technological superiority in ammunition to enhance the Warfighter’s lethality, survivability, and combat effectiveness.
“This is a tremendous honor,” stated Jason Vanderbrink, President of Federal Ammunition. “When called upon, Federal wants to provide our industry leading expertise to work alongside our military partners to build only the best ammunition for our servicemen and women whose lives depend on only the best ammunition while defending Americans and our way of life,” stated Vanderbrink.
Vice President of Government Sales David Leis says with this partnership, Federal will collaborate on programs to improve small caliber ammunition performance through advanced research and development. “By supporting combat operations with precision products designed for long-range fire on select targets, our objective is to increase a soldier’s lethality and survivability with advanced ammunition capabilities,” stated Leis.
Federal ammunition can be found at dealers nationwide or purchased online direct. For more on Federal ammunition, visit www.federalpremium.com.
This Black edition of the Phantasm running shoe hasn’t been available since 2016. It’s considered a racing flat and features a reverse camber profile as well as a welded mesh upper.
My favorite feature is the sole. The Contagrip FA combines flat, wide lugs for friction grip on flat, hard surfaces, with a compound that balances durability and adhesion. Ideal for road running.
www.salomon.com/en-us/shop/product/s-lab-phantasm-black-ltd
Another manufacturer of ultralight packs is Gossamer Gear.
Made from a combination of DWR coated 70D & 100D Robic Nylon, the main bag is 30L but the roll top extends to offer up to 42L total space. Additionally, there are rear and side stuff pockets as well as a zippered pocket at the upper rear of the bag.
The air mesh harness helps prevent overheating and is paired with a fixed hip belt with 1.5″ hip belt webbing and integrated pocket design.
Finally, the removable molded sitpad serves as padding as well as frame stiffener.
Offered in Electric Blue and Titanium Grey with Small, Medium and Large frame lengths.
www.gossamergear.com/collections/backpacks/products/g4-20-42-ultralight-backpack
Perfect for box blinds and car windows, the Ambush provides a secure shooting platform for compact spaces.
kjrests.com/collections/ambush/products/ambush-rest-kit-includes-bipod-and-reaper-grip
Product Specialist:
Advanced Government Logistics, Inc. (AGL) has an immediate need for a Product Specialist. If you’re passionate about tactical or military gear then consider joining our team of Veterans and Patriots. If you believe our Military and First Responders deserve the best gear money can buy then you should apply.
The Product Specialist will be responsible for almost every aspect of equipment/gear to include: researching, evaluating, and recommending the best solution(s) for a particular need. Once selections are made the Product Specialist will be responsible for creating quick-start, maintenance, operational, storage, and troubleshooting guides as needed. The Product Specialist will work with fellow AGL team members, tactical gear manufacturers, customers, or end users in determining the best solution.
Key responsibilities:
• Work directly with customers to identify the best solution for their needs
• Source gear and equipment
• Function test and review of gear and equipment
• Determine most effective methods of using gear and equipment
• Determine best practices for maintaining gear and equipment
• Provide support and training on gear and equipment
• Address customer questions and concerns regarding equipment
• Support Marketing and Sales with creating white papers, products, and demo events
• Work with manufacturers to take conceptualized custom solutions to a finished product
• Represent AGL at trade shows and events
Ideal candidates will:
• Have a positive attitude and team-orientated mentality
• Have experience or knowledge of military or tactical equipment
• Be capable of working independently or in teams as needed
• Have experience in research or testing of equipment
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office
AGL is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business located next to beautiful Pinehurst, NC. Compensation and benefits are competitive. AGL is an equal opportunity employer. Interested candidates should send resume including military experience to michael@advgov.com
“Making Logistics Easy”
In this latest iteration of the PlateFrame, S&S Precision increases comfort and modularity. Other than the S&S PF-M, it is the only armor carrier system with the patented (US 10605574) adjustable Auto-Fit Cummerbund and thoracic load-bearing technology. By using a single layer of semi-rigid composite material with laser-cut MOLLE/PALS slots, they were able to keep the overall weight to just over one pound to further increase performance.
The PF-R’s Auto-Fit Cummerbund comes in four different sizes and when properly fitted helps to distribute the weight of the operator’s loadout across their entire torso while still allowing for expansion of the chest and lungs.
Once removed from the box it is simple to configure. Additionally, the PF-R is compatible with the Operator System Suite (OSS) Redux which is a series of minimalistic and practical set of pouches which can be used with any of S&S Precision’s carriers or standard MOLLE/ PALS webbing systems. This series is constructed of light-weight, hydrophobic material that is durable, long-lasting and will shed water to reduce weight in wet environments.
Available in MultiCam, Black, Tan and Toadvine, the PF-R is available to accommodate a wide variety of plates. Check the site for current offerings.
www.sandsprecision.com/plate-frame-and-accessories/plateframes/plateframe-redux
