Atlas 46 Expands into Hillsboro, IL
December 7th, 2018FirstSpear Friday Focus – Maritime Buoyancy Compensator Technology
December 7th, 2018FirstSpear is well known for high quality body armor systems and performance technical apparel. What you may not know is they also develop specialized gear for some of the most highly trained amphibious military and law enforcement professionals all over the world. The AAC Frog Kit, for example was developed for the combat diver and specifically designed to integrate with a rebreather system. Today we are looking at just one of the unique features that makes FirstSpear Maritime equipment a top choice by the professional.
The FirstSpear Buoyancy Compensator Kit is designed to be installed inside the plate bag behind the front and back plate pockets. Orally inflated at the operators discretion, you can achieve a maximum of 5lbs (2kg/22N) of lift on each front and back insert in a size Medium – XL to help offset a combat load on the surface in sea water.
Buoyancy Compensators Kits are user configured and can be set up for not only right or left handed users but also single and dual inflate options which give the Operator even more control on how they can trim their system while in the water.
This video shows how to set up your BC kit and the user configurations available. Law Enforcement and Military credentials required for purchase. Contact us for more info.
Learn more about FirstSpear industry leading manufacturing and technology integration for personal protective and load bearing equipment on first-spear.com
To learn more about FirstSpear Technology Group visit First-spear.tech
A Date Which Will Live In Infamy
December 7th, 2018President Roosevelt called December 7th, 1941, “A date which will live in infamy.”
Today is the anniversary of the surprise Japanese attack on the US fleet at Pearl Harbor. Sadly, we no longer even hold ceremonies commemorating that day. We have raised generation after generation who take what we have for granted and vilify the sacrifices of our forebearers.
As our greatest generation passes on, let us honor their sacrifices to keep America free.
I’d also like to take a moment of silence for the 2402 Americans who were lost on that day, along with the hundreds more, who were wounded during the attack.
AeroVironment Quantix Drone and Decision Support System To Aid National Park Service Recovery Efforts From Southern California Woolsey Fire
December 6th, 2018• Woolsey fire destroyed 88% of National Park Service land within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
• AeroVironment Quantix™ drone & Decision Support System™ data analytics platform delivered drone-based aerial imagery and actionable intelligence to guide disaster assessment and recovery efforts
• Company’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight Operations and Geographical Information Systems teams supporting National Park Service rangers and scientists to develop long-term environmental recovery and park rebuilding strategy
SIMI VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 4, 2018 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems for both defense and commercial applications, today announced it is supporting the National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring Program to assess the environmental impact of the Woolsey wildfire in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area of Southern California. Burning over 96,949 acres, the devastating Woolsey wildfire destroyed more than 616 park structures and consumed approximately 88% of National Park Service land within the recreation area. Considered one of Los Angeles’ most cherished open spaces featuring hiking trails and historic structures, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is also home to a wide variety of indigenous plants and animals, including multiple protected and endangered species.
Working in close collaboration with National Park Service park rangers and scientists, AeroVironment Commercial Information Solutions Unmanned Aircraft Systems flight operations and Geographic Information Science teams have initiated a comprehensive drone-based aerial imaging and environmental impact study to assess fire damage in key areas of the park. Aerial imagery data collected will be used to quantify oak tree mortality and vegetation stress, in addition to documenting the dramatic changes in park visitor experience.
Utilizing AeroVironment’s Quantix™ hybrid drone and Decision Support System (AV DSS™) advanced data analytics platform, the team captured and analyzed high-resolution drone-based aerial imagery to quickly map the affected burn area, and gain actionable insights into the scope and scale of the damage. In addition to immediate disaster response and damage assessment, data collected will facilitate the development of a long-term environmental recovery and park rebuilding strategy.
Purpose built for commercial applications including precision agriculture, infrastructure and mining operations, the Quantix hybrid drone innovative VTOL technology allows it to operate effectively in a variety of conditions, and can survey up to 400 acres in just 45 minutes. During flight, Quantix integrated sensors capture high-resolution RGB color and multispectral imagery via dual 18MP cameras. On-board processing delivers true color and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) maps on the Quantix control tablet as soon as the drone lands, allowing teams to ground-truth potential issues immediately. For more detailed analysis, the AeroVironment Decision Support System (AV DSS) performs advanced image processing and data analytics including True Color, NDVI, GNDVI, and anomaly detection to gain deeper insights into environmental damage and vegetation health. For more information on Quantix and AV DSS visit: www.avdroneanalytics.com
“Reaching just a few miles from our operations, the Woolsey fire directly impacted numerous AeroVironment team members and families in our community,” said Kirk Flittie, vice president and general manager of AeroVironment’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems business. “Within hours of receiving National Park Service clearance, our flight operations team began flying Quantix over the affected burn area, collecting invaluable aerial imagery data – and providing any support needed to help the park’s disaster assessment and recovery efforts.”
“This is one small way that we can help our community recover from this disaster, and one of the many ways AeroVironment’s robotics, sensors and connectivity solutions can help our customers proceed with certainty.” Flittie added.
For more information on the National Park Service – Inventory and Monitoring Program please visit: www.nps.gov
Drone operations are being conducted under a special permit, flying drones over National Park Service lands is generally prohibited. No federal endorsement implied.
Remington Introduces the RM380 Executive
December 6th, 2018Huntsville, AL – Remington introduces Model RM380 Executive, an all-metal, micro pistol designed for concealed carry.
A tough, all-metal construction for ultimate durability and longevity, the RM380 also features the longest barrel in its class to maximize muzzle velocity and bullet expansion, while facilitating shooting precision and accuracy. Weighing just 12.2 ounces unloaded and measuring just 5 ¼ inches long, the RM380 is easy for anyone to carry unobtrusively, and with an extended beavertail grip, it facilitates a smooth draw even in suboptimal conditions.
The RM380 also features a light and smooth double-action-only trigger, fully functional low profile slide stop, light slide racking force, and an ambidextrous magazine release. The replaceable grip panels allow for customization while the optimized grip angle allows for greater shootability and comfort.
Model RM380 Key Features and Benefits:
• Fully Functional Slide Stop – holds open on last round
• Chambered in .380 Auto
• All-Metal Construction – for durability and longevity (7075 Aluminum Frame)
• 410 Stainless Steel Barrel – longest barrel in its class
• Precise Barrel to Slide Lock-Up – for accuracy and precision
• Long, Smooth, Light DAO Trigger – for safety and shootability
• Fully Ambidextrous, Low Profile Magazine Release
• Checkered Front Strap and Trigger Guard Undercut – allows for improved control and higher hand hold
• Optimized Grip Angle – for comfort, recoil management, and increased shootability
• Extended Beavertail – protects hand and promotes correct grip when drawing in suboptimal conditions
• Grip Panels – Laminate Macassar
• (2) 6+1 Magazines – one extended floor plate and one flush
• Wide, Positive Cocking Serrations
• Rugged Fixed Sights – contoured to be snag free
• Light Dual Recoil Spring system – for easy slide racking and lifetime use
Rheinmetall to Supply Germany’s Federal Police with Protective Vest Inserts
December 6th, 2018Rheinmetall has won an order to supply the German Federal Police with ballistic inserts for protective vests.
The framework agreement lasts 36 months and is worth a total of around €10 million. Representing roughly €1 million in sales, a first batch consisting of over 5,000 ballistic inserts will be shipped in spring 2019. The contract encompasses an option for the supply of an additional 36,000 inserts.
Developed and produced by Rheinmetall Ballistic Protection in Krefeld, Germany, the inserts exploit the latest technology in order to achieve high protection at the lowest possible weight. Among the lightest of their kind, these inserts withstand shots fired from an AK-47 assault rifle. As a result, law enforcement officers who find themselves in complex, life-threatening situations are not only well protected, but able to manoeuvre easily as well.
Rheinmetall – a powerful partner of the police and security services
SureFire Field Notes Ep 38 – Combatives Based Retention Shooting with Bill Rapier
December 6th, 2018Bill Rapier of Amtac Shooting discusses retention shooting in relation to combative techniques.
Bill Rapier spent 20 years in the U.S. Navy SEAL teams with the last 14 as a member of the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU). His assignments included assaulter, breacher, sniper, team leader, troop chief, and military working dog department senior enlisted adviser.
Bill is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Gustavo Machado (Virginia Beach), has been training in Sayoc Kali since 2006, and has trained in western and Thai boxing as well. He is now the owner/operator of American Tactical Shooting Instruction & Amtac Blades.