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AeroVironment Successfully Completes Sunglider Solar HAPS Stratospheric Test Flight, Surpassing 60,000 Feet Altitude and Demonstrating Broadband Mobile Connectivity

October 8th, 2020

• Sunglider reaches stratospheric altitude in 20-hour test flight

• Successfully demonstrates broadband mobile communication on consumer smartphones, linking teams in Tokyo, New Mexico and Silicon Valley

The HAPSMobile Inc. Sunglider™ solar-powered HAPS successfully completed its first stratospheric flight and demonstrated broadband mobile communication on September 22, 2020 (Photo: AeroVironment)

SIMI VALLEY, Calif., Oct. 7, 2020 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), today announced the Sunglider™ solar-powered high-altitude pseudo-satellite (HAPS) achieved key test milestones, including reaching an altitude of more than 60,000 feet above sea level and successfully demonstrating mobile broadband communication. Sunglider’s development and testing is funded by HAPSMobile Inc., a joint venture majority-owned by SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) and minority-owned by AeroVironment.

During the test flight, which began at 5:16 am MDT on September 21 and concluded at 1:32 am MDT on September 22, the AeroVironment team piloted Sunglider to a stratospheric altitude of 62,500 feet above Spaceport America in New Mexico. Sunglider successfully achieved major test objectives relating to propulsion, power systems, flight control, navigation and datalink integrity, as well as structural performance during the most turbulent phases of the flight as it entered and exited the jet stream.

The broadband communication demonstration successfully linked teams in Tokyo, Spaceport America and Silicon Valley using an LTE payload jointly developed by Alphabet’s Loon LLC and HAPSMobile. Employing standard LTE smartphones, a team at Spaceport America conducted multiple video calls via the Sunglider’s payload while the aircraft circled for more than five hours in the stratosphere.

“In less than three years AeroVironment and HAPSMobile have made incredible progress, developing two Sunglider solar HAPS unmanned aircraft and performing five consecutive flight demonstrations, culminating in this latest significant milestone,” said Wahid Nawabi, president and chief executive officer of AeroVironment. “Reaching stratospheric altitude, maintaining continuous flight for more than 20 hours, achieving key test objectives and demonstrating seamless broadband communication illustrate the tremendous potential HAPS technology offers to expand connectivity globally. We look forward to maintaining our momentum toward aircraft certification and commercialization, working in close partnership with HAPSMobile as we establish a disruptive capability that offers tremendous value creation potential.”

The Sunglider, a solar-powered HAPS, has a wingspan of 262 feet and is propelled by 10 electric motors powered by solar panels covering the surface of the wing and rechargeable battery packs, resulting in zero emissions. Flying at an altitude of approximately 65,000 feet above sea level and above the clouds, the Sunglider can carry payloads weighing as much as 150 pounds and is designed for continuous, extended missions of months without landing.

www.avinc.com

Posted in Aviation, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on AeroVironment Successfully Completes Sunglider Solar HAPS Stratospheric Test Flight, Surpassing 60,000 Feet Altitude and Demonstrating Broadband Mobile Connectivity

SIG SAUER Introduces SIG Custom Works P320 AXG Scorpion

October 8th, 2020

NEWINGTON, N.H., (October 8, 2020) – Utilizing the new AXG (Alloy XSERIES Grip) metal grip module as a foundation, and a carefully selected set of premium options and performance upgrades, SIG SAUER, Inc. is pleased to introduce the SIG Custom Works P320 AXG Scorpion Pistol.

“The P320 AXG Scorpion is an exciting product introduction because it’s our very first commercially available metal P320, and the first pistol release from SIG Custom Works,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales. “The P320 AXG Scorpion combines the weight and balance of a metal framed pistol with the performance and reliability of the P320, delivering a uniquely refined shooting experience unlike anything else. This SIG Custom Works exclusive delivers performance you can feel.”

The SIG Custom Works P320 AXG Scorpion is a metal, 9mm striker-fired pistol, with the AXG Carry grip module featuring custom Hogue G10 grip panels and backstrap insert, precision machined deep undercut, and an extended beavertail for an ergonomic, comfortable fit. The pistol features an XSERIES optic-ready slide compatible with three direct-mount options for the SIG SAUER Electro-Optics ROMEO1Pro, Delta Point Pro, and RMR Reflex Optics, XRAY3 Day/Night Sights, and an XSERIES flat skeletonized trigger. The P320 AXG Scorpion has an FDE Cerakote finish and ships with (3) P320 magazines, featuring new enhancements including witness holes for each loaded round and a high-visibility follower, a Negrini SIG Custom Works case, challenge coin, and an official SIG Custom Works Certificate of Authenticity.

P320 AXG Scorpion:

Overall length: 7.4 inches
Overall height: 5.5 inches
Overall width: 1.3 inches
Barrel length: 3.9 inches
Sight Radius: 5.8inches
Weight (w/magazine): 31.3 oz.

The SIG Custom Works P320 AXG Scorpion is now shipping and available at retailers.

To learn more about the SIG Custom Works P320 AXG, watch the product video with Phil Strader, Pistol Product Manager,

www.sigsauer.com/store/p320-axg-scorpion

Posted in Advertiser, Firearms, Press Release | 2 Comments »

WNDSN x Spartanat Coordinate Scale

October 8th, 2020

Berlin/Vienna, 2020-10-07 – The WNDSN x SPARTANAT Coordinate Scale Telemeter is a collaboration between precision instrument maker WNDSN from Berlin and gear magazine Spartanat from Vienna.

The front side contains a range calculator that goes up to 6 MIL (NATO-MIL) and the back side hosts a quadrant for measuring slope and elevation angles in percent, as well as in degrees, and in MIL with a resolution of 1 degree or 25 MIL. Furthermore, there is a coordinate scale for the common map scales of 1:25k and 1:50k divided into 0.1 and 0.2 km to measure or transfer right-angled coordinates from or to topographical maps with UTM, MGRS, USNG or other metric coordinate systems.

The double-sided Coordinate Scale Telemeter is a tool for navigation, altitude, and distance determination and enables the user to do more than merely guessing distances. It works by finding an object of known dimension, distance, or angular size, then measuring it with the appropriate scales, and using the baked-in trigonometry to find the desired value by aligning the provided string across the various scales. Using the string as a plumb line for the quadrant opens up further possibilities for measuring and sighting.

Scales on the WNDSN x Spartanat Coordinate Scale Telemeter:
• Angular size and distance
• Height or depth of an object
• Degree, MIL, and slope quadrant
• Coordinate scale

The Coordinate Scale Telemeter is another WNDSN multi tool for emergency navigation, for training purposes or for comparing the results of other instruments, a powerhouse of critical functions in one durable, low tech, high utility instrument that can be brought anywhere and belongs in every instructor’s and survival kit.

The WNDSN x Spartanat Planzeiger is now available exclusively in the web shop Spartanat. The instrument is accompanied by an instructions booklet in both German and English.

Links:

•WNDSN

•SPARTANAT

Available at:

•Spartanat Shop (international shipping available)

Posted in Comms, International, Press Release | Comments Off on WNDSN x Spartanat Coordinate Scale

The SureFire SF3P-50BMG

October 8th, 2020

The SureFire SF3P-50BMG-M2HB and SF3P-50BMG-M2A1 flash hiders are designed specifically for use with M2 .50-caliber machine guns. Muzzle flash is the bane of any infantryman. It provides a clear target indicator for the enemy to know your position and return fire. SureFire SF3P-50BMG flash hiders are engineered to reduce flash signature by an astounding 99.7 percent, concealing the shooter’s position and increasing warfighter survivability. In addition, they help preserve night-adapted vision and prevent the disruption of Night Vision Devices. Their robust design easily withstands the violence of .50 BMG, requires no modification to the weapon system and has no detrimental effect on weapon reliability. With models for standard non-threaded barrels (SF3P-50BMG-M2HB) and threaded barrels (SF3P-50BMG-M2A1), these flash hiders are tools no Ma Deuce should be without.

www.surefire.com

Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories | 2 Comments »

Natick Soldier Center’s New Fabric Enhances Cybersecurity, Subzero Weather Durability

October 8th, 2020

NATICK, Mass. – The Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center, or CCDC SC, is working with industry to develop a new shelter fabric that will increase durability in subzero conditions and provide electromagnetic, or EM, shielding. The EM shielding will prevent the detection of EM emissions that are generated within a Command Post shelter and provide cybersecurity to Command Post wireless networks.

CCDC SC’s Expeditionary Maneuver Support Directorate is working with industry partners to develop the new laminate systems with higher performance and durability. Kristian Donahue, a chemical engineer in EMSD at CCDC SC, explained that General Purpose, or GP, shelter fabrics are currently made with a coating that becomes brittle at subzero temperatures. This impacts the durability of the fabric, the environmental protection of the shelter, and the light discipline aspect of signature management. Light discipline refers to luminous signs that can lead to the detection of the presence of troops and military facilities.

Donahue stated that the team was already able to successfully develop a new GP tent material that eliminates the low-temperature durability issues, a significant milestone which will help benefit the EM shielding work as well.

“Our goal is to also add additional functionality to this GP tent fabric by integrating an electromagnetic shielding material into the GP fabric,” said Donahue. “This EM shielding fabric will prevent the EM emissions generated within a Command Post shelter from being detected by adversaries, as well as provide cybersecurity to wireless networks operating within the CP.”

Donahue explained that EM shielding is important for both security and Soldier safety.

“Electromagnetic emissions can be detected by adversaries therefore giving away your position,” said Donahue. “Those emissions can also be intercepted and exploited by cyber warfare units.”

The new shelter fabric is also lower weight, thus reducing the logistical footprint. Moreover, there is no longer the risk of increased volume associated with the current fabric, which may become stiff at subzero temperatures and the stiffness can affect volume. In certain cases the increased volume may interfere with moving and packing.

The new fabric technology will also enhance Soldier protection and lethality.

“With increasing peer and near-peer adversaries, the ability to maintain Command and Control and Communications becomes highly imperative,” said Donahue. “The ability to maintain C3 while not being detected is important in the ability to increase unit survivability and unit lethality. The ability to deny detection during a multi-domain battle will ensure dominance on the battlefield.”

By Jane Benson, CCDC SC Public Affairs

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Materials, Shelter | 4 Comments »

Mechanix MPACT Agilite Edition Now Commercially Available in Black

October 7th, 2020

The M-Pact Agilite Edition was the result of a collaboration between Agilite, Israel’s top tactical gear company and Mechanix Wear, the world leader in tactical hand protection. They teamed up back in 2017 to develop a unique glove that meets the needs of Israeli Tier 1 SOF who wanted the best of all worlds, the protection of a Mechanix M-Pact Covert glove but the tactile capabilities of a fingerless glove.

Agilite’s distribution company (Agilite Ergonomics Ltd.) and Mechanix partner since 2015 worked closely with Israel Police and Army SOF units as well as IDF Ground Forces Command who were looking for a hybrid tactical glove with just three fingers exposed and other unique features for better performance.

The MPACT Agilite edition has already been issued unit-wide in several Israeli Army and Police SOF units in both Multicam and Black but has not been available commercially in black till now.

It is available exclusively from Agilite and its distributors-see more here: agilitegear.com/products/mechanix-m-pact-agilite-edition

Posted in Handwear, Press Release | 3 Comments »

Limited Edition Poppies of War Print AK Stock Pouch

October 7th, 2020

Check out the new limited edition Poppies of War Print AK Stock pouch over at Rifle Dynamics, featuring the OTTE Gear artwork by Andrew Bawidamann.

Posted in Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Limited Edition Poppies of War Print AK Stock Pouch

SpearUAV Expands its Ninox Family, Unveiling the Ninox 40 Handheld – a Revolutionary Encapsulated Drone System for Immediate Manual Launch

October 7th, 2020

For the first time ever, immediate ISTAR capabilities are available to any soldier, law enforcement officer or homeland security personnel, independent of any other equipment.

7 October 2020. SpearUAV – an innovative company that develops and supplies unique UAS solutions for defense and HLS applications – is unveiling its handheld version of the Ninox 40 that was unveiled just two months ago. This revolutionary encapsulated drone system offers instant launch and provides immediate intelligence capabilities to any tactical unit, even if it is not equipped with a 40 mm grenade launcher or any other special equipment.

With its unique launching system, the Ninox40 Handheld can now provide advanced capabilities to various law enforcement agencies, such as police – for use in public safety and law & order applications, prison services – for management of any disorder or prison break attempt, border guards – for situational awareness and securing sensitive infrastructure, and more.

Like the Ninox 40 micro-tactical drone system, the Ninox 40 Handheld requires no deployment. The system comprises an encapsulated drone and control unit; when launched at high speed, the drone immediately unfolds and stabilizes in the air, with no operator intervention required.

Specifically designed for single-user operation and weighing under 250 g – within regulatory limitations – it is lightweight enough to be carried in the soldier’s vest during combat. Advantages include:

Mission flexibility – Ninox 40 Handheld systems can be carried by any number of users in a unit, according to mission requirements, delivering full ISTAR capability without being dependent on any other weapon or special equipment.

Safe and intuitive – the Ninox 40 Handheld is easy to use without any special training.

Ready for immediate use – the fully-ruggedized launch capsule can be carried in a vest or in a vehicle, or stored as is, remaining ready for immediate launch on the field during a mission, without any specific maintenance or preparations being required.

The Ninox 40 Handheld has a flight capacity of up to 40 minutes, extensive ISTAR capabilities, day and night camera for enhanced situational awareness, automatic tracking, and can be launched on the move and from under cover.

“The new Ninox 40 Handheld joins the Ninox family of unique capsule drones, all of which feature breakthrough technology developed in-house at SpearUAV, with the aim of changing the battlefield and giving ground forces advanced and immediate capabilities,” says Gadi Kuperman, Founder and CEO of SpearUAV. “This is the first drone in the world to be manually launched from a capsule, giving both combat soldiers HLS forces and law enforcement personnel situational awareness in a matter of seconds, for any mission in the field. We continue to develop the system to meet the specific needs of our customers, and new versions are already undergoing field testing.”

www.spearuav.com

Posted in Press Release, UAS | 1 Comment »