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The CBP Pistol Program Was A Close Race

April 15th, 2019

Last week, US Customs and Border Protection announced an $85,000,000* contract award to Glock for a family of three handguns.

Based on information received by Soldier Systems Daily, firearms from two manufacturers were neck in neck during performance testing conducted by an industry leading, independent lab. Both competitors received the same score in what DoD would refer to as Developmental Testing, which is objective in nature.

Where the two began diverge was during hands-on testing with field agents. Those familiar with DoD testing would refer to this as Operational Testing. The data collection is subjective and in this case was based on a 1-10 scoring system of how the officer felt about the firearm throughout a variety of tasks.

In this phase of testing Glock was assessed just 3% higher than competitor SIG with their P320 family of firearms.

What finally knocked it out of the park for Glock was that they came in quite a bit cheaper than SIG, $7.5 million less.

For quite awhile, word on the street was that this was going to be SIG’s win. Based on testing, either offerer’s handguns would have more than done the job, but Glock developed a great strategy and brought home a solid win.

Based on their performance here, Glock paid attention to the results of the Army’s Modular Handgun System program. Glock not only priced to win, but they rolled out an entirely new handgun to satisfy CBP requirements.

* That $85 million is the contract ceiling, meaning the total amount government may spend. It isn’t necessarily the amount of money an awardee will receive. In this case, bids were less than half of that amount. What the higher ceiling allows for is other government agencies to use the contract as well.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, weapons | 24 Comments »

Safran Optics 1 Features its Ultisense Line of OEM Modules at the Upcoming SPIE Defense & Commercial Sensing Exhibition

April 15th, 2019

April 16-18 | Booth #736

Safran Optics 1 and affiliate Safran Vectronix are the market leaders for direction finding and laser rangefinding technology. We design and produce a wide range of high performance electro-optical systems such as laser rangefinders, visual augmentation systems, targeting systems, and digital magnetic compasses for military and civil applications. We are pleased to offer our core technology as the OEM module provider of choice for system integration into a variety of systems for military and civilian applications.

Ultisense is our brand of high performance laser rangefinder and digital magnetic compass modules which are renowned for their high grade of reliability, precision and quality. Our products set the standard for target location and observation solutions.

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Safran Optics 1 Vector 21, a laser rangefinding binocular, connected to STERNA, a non-magnetic based target acquisition system. These Optics 1 products leverage Ultisense’ premier LRF, DMC and TNF modules.

LASER RANGEFINDING

LRF modules are designed and produced for a wide range of applications. The modules are lightweight and compact, without sacrificing precision range performance – the most important asset when it comes to selecting an LRF module. In addition to our range of standard products, we gladly adapt our modules to customers’ specific needs, to assist in the creation of an optimized solution. Our modules are available in a wide range of performance levels which are ruggedized and suitable for a variety of mission applications, and are deployed today on a variety of military systems today, operating reliably in some of the world’s harshest environments.

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DIGITAL MAGNETIC COMPASS

Our Digital Magnetic Compass (DMC) line of products is highly accurate and reliable OEM solutions which have been installed in over 100,000 opto-electronic devices. Our DMCs are robust, reliable, and can be adapted for almost any application.

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INERTIAL TRUE NORTH FINDER

Many customers require accurate, non-magnetic northfinding solutions for precision targeting and navigation applications. Our TNF-Primus is an extremely accurate and reliable autonomous True North Finding module based on advanced Hemispherical Resonator Gyro technology from Safran Electronics and Defense. It delivers high precision azimuth, elevation and bank angles even in magnetically disturbed environments without the need for GNSS. Coupled to a LRF module, it is the ideal solution for far target location. The TNF-Primus is unrivaled in terms of size, weight, and power consumption when compared to other technologies of comparable accuracy.

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VISUAL AUGMENTATION SYSTEMS

Safran Optics 1 is a world leader in the development and production of low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) visual augmentation systems operating in the LWIR and SWIR bands. We develop custom camera solutions for a number of customers with unique and challenging requirements which cannot be met by traditional COTS solutions. For customers facing unique low-SWaP challeneges for LWIR and SWIR cameras, we offer custom solutions leveraging the experience of delivering well over 10,000 low SWaP camera cores.

From rangefinding to northfinding, and from visible to LWIR, Safran Optics 1 is a world leader in developing and delivering high-performance, rugged, and reliable solutions. Our team of experts looks forward to the opportunity to discuss your needs and demonstrate how we can be your partner of choice for OEM precision targeting capabilities.

For US Inquiries

Contact Safran Optics 1, (603) 296-0469, john.robinson@optics1.com

www.optics1.com/optics

For International Inquiries

Contact Safran Vectronix, +41 71 726 72 00, vectronix@safrangroup.com

www.safran-vectronix.com/ultisense-the-oem-success-factor

Tags: Optics 1, Safran
Posted in Advertiser, Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on Safran Optics 1 Features its Ultisense Line of OEM Modules at the Upcoming SPIE Defense & Commercial Sensing Exhibition

Sneak Peek – Särmä TST L4 Combat Trouser from Varusteleka Oy

April 15th, 2019

Varusteleka has had the Särmä TST L4 Combat Trouser in development for three years now, but now they’re finally Finnished.

Originally, the idea was to produce a homegrown version of a standard combat pant, but turned out quite different in the end. The biggest thing that changed over the years was the fact that they are making these from a new mechanical stretch fabric.

The new fabric is a mechanical stretch ripstop (made from a 60/40 cotton/polyester blend using spiral polyester fibers which provide the stretch). This has eliminated the need for separate stretch fabric details, like the new Crye G4s. The camouflage print is done according to Finnish military NIR specifications.

They feature reinforced – double fabric reinforced seat, diamond gusset crotch, 500D reinforced knees, cuffs, and insteps. With all these hard wear areas reinforced these will last hard, extended use.

One little “special” thing is the cargo pockets flaps which can be closed with hook-and-loop (fast and noisy), a button (slow and silent) or both (superior security, slow and noisy) depending on user preference.

Knee pad inserts can be added, but the design works equally well without any inserts due to the standard enclosed design of the knee reinforcements. The enclosed design mitigates snagging issues and prevents snow and mud from clogging the seams where an internal-external hybrid knee pad (such as Crye) protrudes through the knee fabric.

These will be released in June, but may go on pre-order sooner. Learn more at www.varusteleka.fi/fi/product/sarma-tst-l4-taisteluhousut.

Tags: Varusteleka Oy
Posted in Clothing, International | 9 Comments »

SIG SAUER Electro-Optics BDX System Featured in Black Rifle Coffee’s April “Big Game Giveaway”

April 14th, 2019

NEWINGTON, N.H., (April 12, 2019) –SIG SAUER, Inc. is pleased to announce it has partnered with Black Rifle Coffee Company (BRCC) for the April “Big Game Giveaway.” This month long sweepstakes features a complete award-winning SIG SAUER Electro-Optics BDX System including a SIERRA3BDX 6.5-20x52mm riflescope, KILO3000 BDX Rangefinder Binoculars, and an ALPHA2 Mount. The total “Big Game Giveaway” package is valued at over $2,500.

The SIG SAUER Electro-Optics BDX System combines traditional hunting equipment with technology. BDX™ is a fully integrated rangefinder and riflescope system that utilizes Applied Ballistics Ultralight and Bluetooth™ to calculate and illuminate the exact holdover dot for the perfect shot. BDX™ is simple, fast, and intuitive – just connect the dot. The SIG BDX app is free and available for Android or iOS devices.

The BRCC/SIG SAUER “Big Game Giveaway” runs through April 30, 2019, and there’s no purchase necessary to enter. For full contest rules, terms, and conditions visit blackriflecoffee.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Contest, Press Release | 1 Comment »

SCUBAPRO Sunday – GO fin Sport wins SCUBALAB Tester Choice 2019

April 14th, 2019

New for 2019, the SCUBAPRO Go Sport fin is an update of the Tester’s Choice-winning Go fin model that impressed SCUBALab divers in 2017. The compact-but-powerful Monprene® blade with rail-mounted power bars is mated to the revised Ergo3 foot pocket that’s been re-engineered for use with booties. Interchangeable skegs, minimize sideslip and maximize stability.

The new SCUBAPRO Go Sport Fin is designed for traveling. Lightweight, comfortable, durable, and a fast and nimble performer, the Go is the ideal fin for divers, snorkelers and swimmers that travel a lot or have to carry your fins for work.

Lightweight: When it comes to premium fins, nothing compares to the Go when integrating high quality with lightweight. This translates into convenience and weight savings on the road, and comfort and ease of use in the water.

Super Comfortable: The Go Sport design combines the fitment benefits of an open heel fin. The replaceable self-adjusting bungee heel strap allows for a versatile fit — one diver can wear multiple sizes. The strap also makes it easy to don and doff the fin, and it fits comfortably against a booted heel.

Ultra-Durable: While extremely comfortable, the Go Sport is also virtually indestructible. Its durable 100% Monprene construction avoids the problems of de-lamination, broken blades and torn foot pockets that tend to plague average thermoplastic fins. This enables the Go Sport to stand up to long-term, heavy-duty use.

High Performance: The Go fin excels in strength, comfort, and convenience, but where it shines is in kicking performance. The Go is built with a 25° pre-angled blade with a central power panel that provides longitudinal rigidity and creates a channeling effect. Power bars on the underside of the rails prevent over-flex; this helps maintain the optimum angle of attack under high load conditions. The result: you get a lightweight fin that delivers speed, power, stability, and maneuverability with a minimum of effort.

They pack exceptionally well due to an innovative piggyback stack system. An interlocking tooth on one fin blade hooks into the second fin, then the bungee strap from the second fin hooks the heel of the first fin into place. It’s a snug pairing that makes packing easier. The perfect addition to the SCUBAPRO fin range, the Go Sport dedicated travel fin is lightweight, comfortable and virtually indestructible. The Go Sport Fins are available in multiple sizes. Sizing profile is the same as the Seawing Nova

I first used these fins for the first time last summer. It was for a drift dive, and I didn’t think they would be able to push my fat-a$$ around. I am 6’.2” and 225lbs. I have used the Go fins for surface swimming and love them. However, I have never tried using them diving. I was amazed at how well these fins work. They are my go-to fin now for everything I do. I can’t say enough good things about them.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Maritime | 1 Comment »

United States Tactical – Elite Retention System

April 14th, 2019

United States Tactical has released a video showcasing their Elite Retention System. It’s a two-piece system that keeps the weapon at the ready, but your hands free.

Posted in Load Carrying | 14 Comments »

You Never Know Where They’ll Show Up

April 14th, 2019

Scene from a park in Taipei.

Thanks Grzegorz!

Posted in KCRF | Comments Off on You Never Know Where They’ll Show Up

USSOCOM Selects Ops-Core FAST SF Helmet for Family of Tactical Headborne Systems, Awards $95 Mil Contract

April 13th, 2019

Almost two years ago, United States Special Operations Command launched Family of Tactical Headborne Systems (FTHS), the search for Commerical-Off-The-Shelf Special Operations Forces Personal Equipment Advanced Requirements (SPEAR) Ballistic and Non-Ballistic Helmets.

Now, they have announced that they have awarded a $95,000,000 IDIQ contract to Ops-Core parent company Gentex after selecting the FAST SF as the new helmet for special operators.

Gentex Corp., Simpson, Pennsylvania, was awarded a $95,000,000 maximum, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract (H92403-19-D-0003) for the purchase of Special Operations Forces Personal Equipment Advance Requirements (SPEAR) family tactical headborne systems in support of U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $150,000 were obligated at the time of award. The work will be performed in Simpson, Pennsylvania. Work is expected to be completed by April 2024. This contract was awarded through full and open competition with two proposals received. USSOCOM, Tampa, Florida, is the contracting activity.

This signifies a double win for Gentex. Their was recently selected by SOCOM as part of Communications Accessory Suite Land (CASL), the comms component of FTHS.