Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

UNITY Tactical FAST FTC 4X Integrated Magnifier Now Available

September 13th, 2024

FAST™ FTC 4X Launches with New Integrated FAST™ QD Lever

BROUSSARD, LA. (Sept. 13, 2024) – UNITY™ Tactical, a designer of components that integrate tactical systems and optimize the human factor, is now shipping its FAST™ FTC 4X. UNITY first previewed the 4X magnifier with an integrated base at SHOT Show 2024, but only just unveiled the new integrated FAST QD Lever at its official launch.

Integrating the mount with the optic shaves weight, increases strength and ensures streamlined functionality with near-zeroocclusion of the primary optic when stowed. The integrated base brings the magnifier up to the established FAST height of a 2.26″ optical centerline from the rail.

UNITY’s FTC (flip-to-center) technology allows for easy stowage when not in use. Just as simple to use, the new integrated QD Lever still allows for one-handed donning and doffing but eliminates any possible snag hazard. It keeps the charging handle side of the rifle completely clear and shaves more than half an ounce off the total weight.

“The new integrated FAST QD Lever makes the magnifier and integrated base a true and complete package,” said Trent Zimmer, founder of UNITY Tactical. “We aim to challenge conventions, so we asked ourselves – does a throw lever always have to run parallel to the base of the mount? It’s a small but critical feature that seamlessly demonstrates our approach to systems-based innovation.”

Designed for use with a red dot optic mounted at the same height, the FAST FTC 4X provides ultimate picture clarity, utilizing the dot in the primary optic as the aiming reticle. This allows the shooter to quickly shift between non-magnified (stowed) and magnified (up/deployed). The magnifier can be mounted on multiple weapons platforms behind a red dot sight or used as a hand-held monocular.

“We set out to build an integrated magnifier and base that expands capability to a 4X power within the traditional footprint of a 3X,” said Mike Roth, vice president of business development. “4X magnification power has historic success within the U.S. Military on primary battle rifles. It pairs well with your red dot while being strong enough to use on its own with an ideal magnification point. With the addition of our new integrated FAST QD Lever, we knew a benefit this magnifier would provide is quick detach, which allows the user to pull it off the rifle for individual use and then easily reattach to the weapon.”

The optical glass provides a clear and durable sighting solution with a fully adjustable diopter. The magnifier has a field of view at 100 yards of 30.1 feet or 9.2 meters. Eye relief is 2.6 inches or 67 mm. Weighing less than 12.0 ounces or 340.2 grams, the adjustment points for Windage and Elevation are flush with the housing, further reducing weight and snag hazards.

The FAST FTC 4X comes standard in black and retails for $710. It is available for purchase now through authorized UNITY dealers and on UNITYtactical.com.

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FirstSpear Friday Focus: Contractor Bag w/ Frame

September 13th, 2024

This week, our Friday Focus is on a game-changing, staple piece of equipment that embodies versatility, durability, and adaptability: the Contractor Bag. Whether you’re on a mission in rugged terrain, working in demanding environments, or simply need a reliable way to transport gear, this bag has you covered.

• Lightweight
• Durable
• Removable metal frame
• Oversized zippered opening

The Contractor Bag is a spacious duffel styled bag with removable frame. The oversized zippered opening makes it easy to load and features secondary retention straps with quick release buckles. The frame is engineered to be lightweight and durable. It has 2 wheels which make the bag easy to maneuver. There are also reinforced handles in several key locations and external zippered pockets. Since all of the FirstSpear users we talked to, claim to have never used it in raids or ambushes, we decided to release it in some more travel-friendly colors.

Dimensions

• 16” wide
• 11.5” deep at the top 12.5” deep at the bottom
• 36” long

It’s more than just a bag; it’s a reliable partner in your mission success, designed to support you no matter where the job takes you.

For more information, check out www.first-spear.com/contractor-bag-and-rolling-frame.

Posted in Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Load Carrying | Comments Off on FirstSpear Friday Focus: Contractor Bag w/ Frame

The Army’s Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft System Program Achieves Two Major Milestones

September 13th, 2024

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. – The U.S. Army recently achieved two major milestones in the development of the Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft System Program, when the two competitors completed Modular Open System Approach (MOSA) conformance evaluations and flight demonstrations of their prototype aircraft.

The MOSA conformance evaluations were conducted in May, with Griffon Aerospace in Madison, Ala. and Textron Systems in Huntsville, Ala. Conducted collaboratively, the evaluation consisted of replacing the vendor prototype mission computers with a third-party surrogate mission computer and a mix of third-party and vendor software. Swapping the hardware and software allowed an independent assessor to measure the openness and modularity of the prototype systems to determine the extent to which MOSA objectives were satisfied. This MOSA conformance verification demonstrated early implementation of and alignment with required MOSA functional boundaries and will serve as a model for follow-on MOSA evaluations.

Following MOSA verifications, the FTUAS team executed flight demonstrations with both vendor prototypes at the U.S. Army Redstone Test Center (RTC), a subordinate command of the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command. Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems conducted multiple flights at RTC demonstrating key system characteristics including Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL), reduced acoustic signature, On-The-Move (OTM) command and control, rapid emplacement, system integration, and flight performance. Each vendor will continue prototype development, incorporate feedback and lessons learned, and deliver production representative prototypes for use in future Government-led testing at RTC ultimately informing the Army’s selection for a Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft System program of record.

FTUAS will provide Brigade Combat Teams (BCT) with an organic capability to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance operations that collect, develop, and report actionable intelligence, allowing the BCT commander to maintain dominance during Multi-Domain Operations.

FTUAS transformational capabilities include VTOL for runway independence, OTM command and control, and Soldier led, field-level maintenance. FTUAS’s Modular Open Systems Approach allows the system to keep pace with technology through rapid capability insertions.

The Program Executive Office (PEO) for Aviation at Redstone Arsenal, Ala. is responsible for modernizing the Army Aviation fleet of crewed and uncrewed aircraft to maintain the Army’s asymmetric advantage of peer adversaries in large scale combat operations. PEO Aviation’s Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Project Office is dedicated to rapidly fielding transformational UAS capabilities at echelon to Army formations.

–Program Executive Office, Aviation

Posted in Army, Aviation, Guest Post, UAS | Comments Off on The Army’s Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft System Program Achieves Two Major Milestones

BAE Systems Awarded $4 Million from DARPA for Tactical Autonomy Program

September 12th, 2024

Artificial Intelligence Reinforcement (AIR) program to advance autonomous air combat

MERRIMACK, N.H., Sept. 10, 2024 — The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded BAE Systems’ (LON:BA) FAST Labs™research and development organization a $4 millioncontract for Phase 1 of the Artificial Intelligence Reinforcements (AIR) program.

To overcome the fast-paced and uncertain environment that is inherent to air combat and presented a challenge for autonomous agents, the DARPA AIR program aims to advance dominant tactical autonomy for beyond visual range air combat missions. Autonomy solutions will be developed and demonstrated on F-16 testbeds.

“Generating reliable, consistent air combat performance requires a vast amount of data and rapid, robust testing cycles,” said Michael Planer, scientist and principal investigator at BAE Systems’ FAST Labs. “Using machine learning, we will train the models used to make dynamic decisions – ensuring that the Artificial Intelligence (AI) pilot is tested and trusted by human pilots.”

Under the AIR contract, BAE Systems will use machine learning (ML) to innovate simulation models of existing sensors, electronic warfare systems, and weapons within dynamic and operationally representative environments. ML techniques will also capture the underlying physics of aerial maneuvers and systems. The company will then create the processes needed to rapidly design, test, and deliver future iterations of AIR software products.

Work on the AIR program, which is part of BAE Systems’ autonomy portfolio, will take place in Arlington, Virginiaand Burlington, Massachusetts.

Posted in AI / ML, Aviation, Contracts, Press Release, Research | Comments Off on BAE Systems Awarded $4 Million from DARPA for Tactical Autonomy Program

Barrett Announces New .416 Barrett Precision Ammunition

September 12th, 2024

Murfreesboro, TN – Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc. is proud to announce the release of a new precision line of ammunition for its renowned .416 Barrett cartridge. Specifically developed for extreme long-range target engagement, the .416 Barrett precision ammunition offers unparalleled ballistic performance for the most demanding shooting environments.

Utilizing Hornady™ 500 gr A-Tip® Match projectiles, this new line of .416 Barrett ammunition is crafted with the highest quality components to ensure exceptional results. The advanced design boasts a low drag coefficient, allowing users to experience consistent sub-MOA precision while engaging targets beyond 2,500 yards.

“This ammunition has been engineered to meet the needs of long-range precision shooters who demand the highest level of accuracy and performance,” said Bryan James, President of Barrett. “With its unmatched ballistic capabilities, the .416 Barrett is the ultimate solution for those looking to push the boundaries of extreme long-range shooting.”

barrett.net

Posted in Advertiser, Ammo, Press Release | 4 Comments »

Allen-Vanguard Receives Significant Follow-on Order of SCORPION ECM Systems for a NATO Ally

September 12th, 2024

Allen-Vanguard, a global leader in providing customized solutions for defeating Radio Frequency (RF) based terrorist and extremist threats, is pleased to report it has received a significant follow-on order for SCORPION Electronic Counter Measure (ECM) systems, accessories and spares from the NATO ally it supplied 68 systems to at the beginning of the year.

The follow-on order is for over 30% more of the hugely versatile SCORPION ECM manpack system, which is man portable, can be vehicle mounted or even protect static locations from both R-CIED and UAS threats, both of which have been prolific during recent campaigns in both Europe and the Middle East. With its flexible, modular architecture and wide range of power options, antenna configurations and carriage systems SCORPION is highly suitable for a myriad of protection tasks. It is a hybrid, full spectrum system with extensive threat band coverage giving it superior usability which, combined with advanced technologies, makes SCORPION a very powerful response to present and future RCIED & Drone threats.

As with the previous order, Allen-Vanguard will provide various support services including Train the Trainer packages to ensure that end users are fully equipped, trained and prepared to deploy this vital life-saving capability with full operational autonomy. In line with Allen-Vanguard’s philosophy of developing a full sovereign capability for their clients, the T3 package will ensure that the end user can train and evaluate their own personnel on the SCORPION hardware both now and into the future.

Allen-Vanguard’s Business Development Director, Stuart Wilson, said “I think it is testament to both SCORPION’s excellent capabilities and the support that we at Allen-Vanguard provide for our customers that we have received this significant follow-on order before we have even finished the full deployment of the original order. We will continue to work in partnership with the end users to ensure this invaluable protection capability is fully embedded and supported to deliver the best possible protection for their troops.”

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FN Adds Manual Safety Option to Reflex Series, Begins Shipment of High Power Stainless Models

September 12th, 2024

(McLean, VA — September 12, 2024) FN America, LLC is expanding its highly popular micro compact pistol line by adding a manual safety option to the FN Reflex™ and Reflex MRD 9mm pistols. The FN Reflex set a new standard in the world of everyday carry when it was released in 2023, combining class-leading capacity, trigger feel and pull weight, with great ergonomics and accuracy.

The Reflex series is one of the most innovative and easy to shoot concealed-carry options available, featuring a light and crisp 5-pound, single-action-only (SAO) fire control, optics-ready capabilities and a cold hammer-forged barrel for enduring accuracy. The addition of the manual safety option gives more customers a reason to consider the FN Reflex and Reflex MRD.

“The Reflex has been overwhelmingly positive for FN since being introduced in 2023, with customers appreciating the crisp trigger and compact size, which combine to make the pistol very easy to shoot,” said Chris Johnson, Senior Product Manager for Pistols at FN America, LLC. “The addition of the Reflex with manual safety creates more options for buyers. Some prefer concealed-carry pistols with an external safety lever, as it gives them more control of the operation of their pistol, which can lead to more comfort and confidence for some users.”

The ambidextrous manual safety will be available on both the standard Reflex and Reflex MRD configurations, in both black and flat dark earth (FDE) finishes.

“The concealed-carry 9mm pistol category continues to be the fastest growing pistol segment in our industry as more and more people are taking their personal protection seriously,” said Chris Cole, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for FN America, LLC. “As the first micro compact handgun to solve the tradeoffs for accuracy, deep concealment and capacity, the Reflex gives customers a choice that embraces future-forward concealed-carry technology. And now, customers who prefer a manual safety no longer have to compromise.”

Originally launched in April of 2023, the FN Reflex is a slim, one-inch-wide micro compact that puts 27 rounds at the ready with the included 11-round and 15-round magazines. With its advanced ergonomics and stippled frame texture, concealed carriers have unmatched control over recoil in an extremely small pistol. A revolutionary fire control group with an internal hammer produces the best trigger feel in a micro compact pistol. Paired with the cold hammer-forged barrel and optics-ready slide, the FN Reflex is a highly accurate micro compact pistol that is incredibly easy to shoot and conceal.

“What sets Reflex apart results from FN’s approach to development,” said John Ryan, Director of Product Management for FN America, LLC. “Our team studied the impacts of user interface and ergonomics on the overall shooting experience as an important part of this project. The result is a slim one-inch-wide micro compact pistol that fits comfortably in the hand, with an easy-to-rack slide and excellent trigger. The use of multifaceted texturing anchors the gun to your hand during fire. And the overall low bore axis of Reflex further reduces felt recoil, making this incredibly small pistol easy to conceal, control and shoot accurately.”

Additionally, the company announces that the FN High Power in stainless-steel finish is shipping in limited quantities to FN-authorized distributors and retailers. Today’s FN High Power is a tastefully modernized pistol with the styling of the classic Hi-Power. Released in 2022, the pistols feature key upgrades to the original design like the modern disassembly and takedown method, 17-round capacity, oversized ejection port optimized for today’s ammunition and much more.

To learn more about FN’s extensive pistol line-up from the micro-compact FN Reflex to the full-sized, steel-framed FN High Power, please visit fnamerica.com/pistols. To purchase an FN pistol, find an FN dealer near you at fnamerica.com/find-a-dealer.

Posted in Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on FN Adds Manual Safety Option to Reflex Series, Begins Shipment of High Power Stainless Models

Kratos Design Group Ruggedized Scout Mount for MLOK

September 12th, 2024

The Kratos Design Group Ruggedized Scout Mount for MLOK is designed specifically for the Modlite family of weapon-mounted lights and are compatible with all lights that use the Surefire Scout Light mounting pattern like the M600 & M300. Other lights such as Arisaka 300, 600 & 18650 series lights, Olight Odin and Streamlight Protac Rail Mount HL-X are compatible as well.

The KDG Scout Mount places the light at a 45 degree angle from the rail and brings the light closer to the handguard.

Machined from 7075 aluminum with a Type 3, Class 2 Hardcoat anodized finish available in Black, FDE & OD Green. The mount weighs 0.5 oz (16 grams)

Recessed Lug Support: Unlike many mounts that rely solely on screw tension, the KDG Scout Mount is designed with recesses that provide additional support to the mounting lugs. This three-sided support structure increases the mount’s durability in the event of impacts to the light.

The mount is reversible and can be mounted at various locations along the rail. When oriented upwards, the light can be placed at 1:30 or 10:30. When oriented downwards, the light can be placed at 4:30 or 6:30. An alternative mounting position also allows certain lights to be used in conjunction with a BE Meyers MAWL on the same side.

Included Hardware: The package includes all necessary components for attaching your light and securing the mount to an MLOK rail system. Please note that a T25 Torx and 3/32” Hex driver (not included) are required for installation.

Hardware Specifications

Light Body Screws: 8-32 thread, 5/16” length, with a 3/32” Hex drive, offering 120,000 psi tensile strength and a Class 3A thread fit.
MLOK Screws: 10-24 thread, 1/2” length, with a T25 drive, providing 140,000 psi tensile strength.
MLOK Nuts: Precision machined in the USA, treated with a black nitrided finish for enhanced durability.