Aquaterro

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

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.

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

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.

                               

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.

You Never Know Where They’ll Show Up

April 14th, 2019

Scene from a park in Taipei.

Thanks Grzegorz!

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.

A limited number of the FAST SF Carbon helmets were also recently purchased by the FBI.

Corps Strength – Listen for Success

April 13th, 2019

As you might guess, people approach me all the time about working out, diets, losing weight, getting in shape, etc. These are people I know: friends, family, students and many more I don’t know; Those who have read my book, or my posts here on SSD. 9 times out of 10 they want to get my take on the latest diet, supplement or workout routine they’ve heard of, or want to relate their recent experience with the same. What they always want to talk (ask) about is the specifics: calories, carbs, sets, reps, mileage, etc. Which frankly, is the last thing I want to discuss, as I always start off with questions; What is their long-term goal, their work schedule, their present routine and diet? Any heath issues or injuries? Then I try to bring this all around to how they’re thinking about this. While people are normally very happy to discuss themselves (as we all are), you can tell that they’re aren’t really listening when I start talking about how to get their mind around this in the right way, as they normally will bring it quickly back to sets, reps, meals, fat, protein, etc., etc. I’ve had this conversation 100’s of times and they’re all so similar that I can probably provide both sides of it myself.

   You know, human nature is a funny thing. It’s immensely powerful and yet completely unbiased. Meaning that it will work equally as well for, or against you and while most people will say they get that, they don’t seem to really understand it. Certainly not to the degree required to harness it for long term success. I’ve found that much of this disconnect is really due to a lack of listening. Learning to listen and hear what’s important vs. what is the loudest, newest or false, is something we all can have a hard time with. About 40 years ago my first squad leader told me. “Roarkey (he always called me that to break my balls), if you’re ever going to be a good Marine, you need to learn how to tell the difference between fly shit and pepper”. When I asked how? He said; “Get the mud out of your ears numb nuts, pay attention and listen” In other words, BS and the truth often look a lot alike and to tell the difference you need to pay close attention and that means listening. The fact is all the information you could ever need about losing weight and getting in shape is out there, but to make it work is secondary to how you think about it. That is the main thing I try to get people to listen too, with mixed results. 

   Right about this time last year, my son were in Nepal making the Everest Base Camp Trek. It was a great experience and everything we hoped it would be. Besides the unbelievable scenery and the physical challenge of hiking above 17,000 ft, another great part was the people. We met people from all over the world there making the trek, a few professional climbers going for the summit and a lot of locals. However, my most memorable meeting I had was with a retired Sherpa guide. His name was Aang Dawa and he is now retired from climbing and owns a “Tea House”. Which is their name for a hostel. His place was our first stop, just up the trail from the airport at Luka. When we were having dinner, I noticed there were a lot of pictures of a local Sherpa on the summit of Everest and some of the other high peaks of the Himalayas. There was also several framed newspaper and magazine articles about him. I asked our guide who he was and he told us that he was the owner. Later than night he came and sat down with us. He was in his 40’s, with the typical bright smile, cheerful nature and muscular build of a Sherpa. His English was very good and for the next few hours (over a few strong local beers) we had one of the most interesting conversations I’ve ever had.

    His story was that he started as a porter in his early teens, then later attended the famous Nepal mountaineering school in Katmandu and progressed to become a high-altitude guide, (that’s where the good money is). Over the next 20 years he guided for numerous international climb teams to summit all the major Himalayan high peaks, including making Everest 3X. He didn’t boast about his climbing, but spoke like how a man who lays bricks for a living, would tell you how he built a retaining wall, very matter of fact. Even so, he related many very interesting stories about his experiences. As a PT guy, I questioned him a lot about the physical aspect of climbing. He was a firm believer that actual climbing and hiking at altitude were the best physical training for climbing, not cross training. However, interestingly enough he had a lot more to say about the mental aspect of climbing. He had quite a few stories about people who had mental breakdowns during climbs and why some people could handle the extremes of weather and altitude while others couldn’t. Some of his stories were dark humor. Like the time he helped lead a group of climbers to the summit of Everest and once there, one climber told him, “He wasn’t going down”. That he just wanted to make top and now that he had, he just wanted to stay and die there. Aang told the guy he must come down alive, or as his guide he wouldn’t get paid and his family needed the money. So he convinced him to come down as a favor to him. After going lower, the man regained his senses and thanked him for bringing him down, as he had obviously been suffering from altitude sickness and was out of his head.

    The other story that I found very interesting was the time that he was hired by the British military to take a group of about a dozen “special forces”, (what ever that means; SAS, Royal Marines?) to the summit of Everest. They were climbing from the Tibet side and they were a huge party of people that brought in all the best equipment. He said they were all big, tough looking and motivated guys, but in the end, not a single member made the summit after a few hard weeks of trying. Why? I asked, bad weather? No, not really. They wouldn’t listen about the proper process of acclimatization for altitude, they all wanted to rush through it. They all got sick and had to turn around, some having to be airlifted out. I asked if that surprised him? No, he said, they didn’t follow the most important rule of climbing. What is that? You must “listen to the mountain”. The mountain will always tell you when it’s ok to come to the top and when it’s time to stay down. The mountain has rules and you have to listen and they didn’t listen. They thought because they were tough guys they could climb on their terms, not the mountain’s. But they were lucky though, they didn’t die. Many people who don’t listen, do die. It’s the most important thing about climbing. You can learn everything about ropes, equipment, weather and be in the best of condition, but if you don’t listen you may die. At the very least you won’t be successful. I asked him what did they say after nobody made it to the top? Not much, but he added with a grin, they brought “barrels full of money”, so it was a very good trip, they had good food too.

That’s Aang Dawa on the right, me on the left, my son in the center. 

    It was the best night we had on our trip and his advice left an impression on me. It’s a funny thing about many people I’ve met from poor countries. While they don’t have everything that we have here. They don’t have the education, the medical, and certainly not the economic opportunity. They often do have an intuitive feeling about life and living that sometimes seems much more dialed in than ours. I’ve always thought that’s because as they don’t have all the material distractions we have, they actually tend to think about basic things more than we do. In any case I found it to be sound advice and not just related to climbing. 

  I think his advice can apply to many areas of our lives and trying to stay in shape is no exception. Getting in shape and losing weight has rules that you just can’t avoid. You can’t rush it, go in half ass and expect success. You have to listen to those rules, or you are sure to fail. I have learned over the years that your mental state is much more important for success in this area than money, technology or routines. I say all this as I’m convinced that listening to the right guidance and getting the rights thoughts in your head will get you there. A lot of things in life are hard. Getting and staying in shape for many people is very hard, so hard they think it may be impossible, it’s not. Not when you listen for and find the right guidance. You then need listen to yourself and trust that you have the will to do it. Because you do, if you listen. 

I’m off to climb Mt. Rainer in a few weeks and will probably have something to share with you about it next month. 

Till then: “Be safe always, be good when you can”. 

Semper Fi 

MGunz  

BTW I thought his advice was so good I had it tattooed on my calf so I wouldn’t forget.

“Listen to the Mountain” in Nepali