FirstSpear TV

Viking Tactics Knives – Crusader & Norseman

November 27th, 2018

Viking Tactics is offering two knife styles.

Crusader

Drawing from the Bloodlines of VTAC’s first ever knife design, “The Assault”, the Crusader is nearly 9 inches long and has a cutting surface 3 ½ inches in length. The spine of the blade has a Viking Vine machined into the surface for aesthetics as well as to enhance the gripping surface. This coupled with the blood colored liners and Canvas Micarta make a beautiful knife. The blade is built from 1095 steel and hardened to RC 56-58.

Norseman

Drawing inspiration from a knife made by one of SGM Lamb’s Soldiers who was killed in action in Iraq on 17 June 2005, the Norseman has an overall length of 11.63” and a cutting surface of 5 ½ inches. Made from 1095 steel and hardened to RC 56-58, this blade will cut easily and can be field sharpened. The VTAC Norseman’s spine is decorated with a Viking Vine, and Blood Colored handle liners.

The Crusader and Norseman are available from www.vikingtactics.com.

”Steps Ascending: Rise of the Unarmed Forces”

November 27th, 2018

“Steps Ascending: Rise of the Unarmed Forces” by Matt Griffin and Leo Jenkins chronicles the authors’ transition from military to vetrepreneurs and their goal of change in Afghanistan using business, not bullets.

Just like with their Combat Flip Flops, every copy of this book sold sends a girl in Afghanistan to school.

Available through Amazon.

Mystery Ranch – Terraframe 80

November 27th, 2018

For years, the Terraplane (seen above) was Dana Designs’ and then Mystery Ranch’s flagship pack due to its comfort, capacity and construction.

Now MR has incorporated their OVERLOAD feature, creating the Terraframe 80. OVERLOAD offers expandability via a load sling between the pack and the frame, keeping the weight near the back.

The frame incorporates rigid, carbon fiber stays which combined with a suspension which allows torsional flex will provide ample support for loads up to 150 lbs. The Terraframe includes the patented Futura Yoke which easily macro adjusts to proper torso length and Redirect waist belt system which is adjusted via a forward pull of the straps.

Features:
-Top-loading bag has two zippers along the face for center-of-pack access to gear
-Side compression straps
-Two vertical torpedo pockets for external access
-Zippered lid compartments
-Removable lid converts into blitz backpack with harnessing (seen below)
-Speedzip compartment for easy access to sleeping bag
-Water bottle pockets keep hydration handy
-3 L (100 oz) hydration reservior pocket against frame with ports to drinking tube above shoulders
-Frame construction uses tubular webbing and horizontal cross carbon fiber stays that allow for ideal flex
-Hybrid internal / external frame (designed like an internal frame system but on the outside of the pack)

The Terraframe 80 weighs 6.1 pbs dry and has a capacity of 4870 cu-in. Manufactured from 330D Lite Plus Cordura fabric with YKK zippers, the Terraframe Design is also available in a 3-Zip variant.

www.mysteryranch.com/terraframe-80-pack

HENSOLDT Awards “Argus” Prize to Students

November 27th, 2018

Outstanding graduates of information technology and electrical engineering receive awards
Ulm, 23 November 2018 – The sensor manufacturer HENSOLDT has awarded its “Argus” research prize to outstanding final theses by graduates in communications, information and electrical engineering as part of its cooperation with research institutions and universities. New findings in these specialist areas, HENSOLDT’s technological focal points, are important, for example, for flight safety, earth observation and driver assistance systems.

“The pace of technology development in electronics and sensor technology is accelerating,” said Ryszard Bil, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) at HENSOLDT. “It is therefore extremely important for a sensor house like HENSOLDT to remain in close contact with research and to incorporate new findings into product developments.

The prize, worth 1,500 euros each, has been awarded for 16 years. The award ceremony took place during the annual Professors’ Day at HENSOLDT’s Ulm site. Professors from renowned universities and colleges as well as experts from the company regularly use this platform to exchange knowledge. A jury of university professors and company experts selected six outstanding theses from numerous submissions, one from the University of Ulm and another from the Ulm University of Applied Sciences.

Denis Schlotthauer studied at the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Ulm. The prize was awarded for his master thesis supervised by Professor Christian Waldschmidt on the development of a radar-based vibration sensor for use in medical technology. The award also went to the bachelor thesis supervised by Professor Roland Münzner of Dennis Böhm, who studied at the Institute of Communication Technology at Ulm University of Applied Sciences. He impressed the jury with the development of a calibration method for computer chips in radar systems that only takes one percent of the time previously spent.

Hans Schily developed a mathematical method for the detection of a large number of small objects that are difficult to distinguish in his master thesis supervised by Professor Wolfgang Koch at the Fraunhofer Institute for Communication, Information Processing and Ergonomics (FKIE) in Bonn. These findings can be used to improve driver assistance systems.

Katharina Klein also studied at the FKIE and earned her “Argus” prize with her bachelor thesis on the use of artificial neural networks to predict radar signals, for example in car traffic. Her work at FKIE was supervised by Sabine Apfeld.

At the Institute of Technical Electronics of the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (Professor Robert Weigel), Jonas Fuchs wrote his master thesis on the improvement of the accuracy of radar sensors by artificial intelligence methods. The jury also considered the master’s thesis submitted by Maurice Hott under the guidance of Professor Peter Höher at the Institute for Information and Coding Theory at the Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel to be worthy of an award. The prizewinner developed novel signal processing methods for radar systems that use several antennas simultaneously and therefore work faster and more accurately.

In his laudation, HENSOLDT Technology Manager Dr. Guy Kouemou emphasized: “New products that help our customers to make means of transport safer and more efficient, for example, require a great deal of detailed research. The outstanding graduates of our partner universities make a valuable contribution to this.

HENSOLDT’s Ulm site employs around 2,000 people who develop and manufacture complex safety electronics, including radars, electronic protection systems and high-frequency electronic components. The majority of the employees are engineers and technicians, about 180 young people are in training.

Ground Hammer Beer

November 26th, 2018

Spilling Blood in the Same Mud Since 1917.

This year saw the launch of Ground Hammer Beer in Hereford. The brand hopes to release stateside at Ft Bragg NC in early 2019, with the help of some SOF friends over there.

They brew traditional British beers made with American hops. It’s a tribute to over 100 years of standing side by side with their American cousins.

Proceeds from each beer sold go towards The SAS Regimental Association, who support the welfare of both soldiers and their families. Registered Charity No. 254393

They are looking for outlets and bars who’d like to stock it and put funds back into great causes.

groundhammer.com

Instagram:@groundhammerbeer

German K-ISOM Announces Special Operations & Special Mission Aircraft Book

November 26th, 2018

Available now for pre-order, “Special Operations & Special Mission Aircraft” by Christian Rastaetter and edited by Sören Sünkler.

With special emphasis on airdrop, you’ll learn the basics of airborne counterinsurgency (COIN), special forces mobility, electronic warfare, tactical and strategic airlift, and psychological warfare.

Contents:

002 introduction

010 counter insurgency (COIN) from the air: special aircraft for tactical support of special forces on the ground – introduction

018 Paramount Group AHRLAC / Mwari / Bronco II

024 Air Tractor IOMAX AT-802 Archangel / L3 AT-802L Longsword / THRUSH 510G T-Bird

033 Beechcraft AT-6 Texan II / AT-6B Wolverine

042 Cessna AC-208 Combat Caravan / ORBITAL ATK AC-208B Eliminator

046 Embraer Emb-314 / a-29 super tucano

062 Pilatus PC-6 / PC-7 / PC-9 / PC-12 / PC-21

086 textron air land scorpion

076 transport aircraft for special tasks (Multi Mission / special mission aircraft) – Introduction

080 Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules

106 Textron Cessna 208 Grand Caravan EX

108 Beechcraft King Air 350

116 mlw emb KC-390

126 dornier do 328 / C-146 a wolfhound

130 pzl m-28 breeze / C-145 a skytruck

140 facets of electronic and psychological warfare from air – introduction

143 electronic warfare and reconnaissance from air / Airborne C4ISR

164 psychological warfare & propaganda from air / airborne psyops

174 armed transport aircraft to support special forces on the ground (gun ships)

178 Lockheed Martin AC-130 / KC-130

202 Douglas AC-47 spooky / Basel Bt-67 fantasma

207 AIRBUS ORBITAL ATK ACC-235 / AIRBUS ACC-295

219 Leonardo Computer-27 J p

226 Antonov to-72 p

229 of and actuators for special mission aircraft

244 case study: COIN aircraft in bush – example Colombia

250 case study: electronic warfare to support SOF elements in Afghanistan and Iraq and Syria – example task force Odin

253 glossary

256 imprint

Price: 44 euro

ISBN 978-3-9815795-7-4

Delivery begins on 7 December, 2018.

Contact: Bestellung@K-Isom.Com

Crye Precision’s New Generation of Combat and Field Apparel Officially Available for Purchase

November 26th, 2018

Brooklyn, NY – Nov 16, 2018 – Crye Precision®, one of the leading suppliers of uniforms and personal equipment to the military, law enforcement and public safety markets, has announced their new G4 line, including the G4 Combat Uniform and Field Uniform is now available for purchase.

This next generation of Combat Apparel, from the company who brought you the original Combat Uniform, features the exclusive stretch VTX Ripstop™ fabric, and is constructed with Invista’s T420 high-tenacity nylon fiber, allowing the uniform to be light yet strong.

The integrated stretch allows for a more streamlined and slimmer cut with maximum mobility throughout the entire garment; with the stretch panels being replaced with the newer fabric throughout the entire document.

Pockets are low profile and engineered to reduce bulk while still allowing room for all essential gear. Mesh venting is incorporated for maximum air-flow and breathability.

The G4 Combat Shirt, features a set-in shoulder pocket with internal expansion and a set-in loop with a low profile pen pocket. Underarm panels are shaped for enhanced mobility, with darted sleeves for an ergonomic fit. The internal elbow pad pocket is minimal and lightweight, maintaining the streamlined fit without compromising functionality. Cuffs have VELCRO® tab closures, and the mid-height zip-collar allows for easy donning and doffing. The hem shape is longer in the back and the flatlocked seam construction at the side panels helps to minimize bulk. Enhanced fit and function are the top priorities.

The G4 Combat Pant features multiple pass-throughs to the low-profile cargo pocket to secure charges. The adjustable padded waist features a low-profile die cut VELCRO® adjust tab, and is lined with moisture wicking material. The front thigh pockets are larger (sized for a phone), mesh lined and have a secure zip closure; and a dedicated knife holder is included with a reinforced opening.  Tension and height-adjusters ensure maximum comfort and fit for the new AIRFLEX® IMPACT Combat knee pads; which are compatible with all Crye’s combat pants. This new combat knee pad provides impact protection exceeding EN14404 test standards and features a re-engineered flexible cap for complete freedom of movement.

The G4 Field Uniform also features VTX Ripstop™ fabric. The integrated stretch allows for a slimmer cut while maintaining maximum mobility – even under body armor.

The G4 Field Shirt, like the Combat Shirt, was created with maximum comfort and functionality as priority. Designed as a tailored utility shirt, the chest pockets are noticeably sleek, with flaps engineered to be tucked in for ease of access, along with zippered shoulder pockets that reduce bulk while still allowing room for all essential gear.

Like the Combat Pants, G4 Field Pants pockets are carefully located and intentionally engineered to reduce excess material and weight. There’s an adjustable waistband and mesh venting throughout the pant for maximum air-flow and breathability, providing the maximum comfort even under the most stressful situations. Compatible with all AIRFLEX® Field knee pads.

The team at Crye also made a conscious effort ensure sizing was consistent across all G4 styles. And that all garments fit true to size after laundering.  The G4 line has a more athletic fit than the G3 but the inherent stretch of the VTX™ Ripstop fabric enhances the wearer’s mobility and comfort.

“We at Crye support individual liberty and our inalienable rights.  Our military and police safeguard those rights” stated Crye Precision® Founder, Caleb Crye.  “We create products for people who operate in highly demanding environments. Our new G4 series uniforms are a direct result of listening to specific user needs and building designs around them, from the fabric to each feature and detail.  We’re honored to supply those who put themselves in harm’s way to keep the rest of us safe and we’re proud to be making all of our products right here in the USA.”

The G4 Uniforms are available now through the Crye Precision® website, www.cryeprecision.com; and are available initially in MultiCam® Pattern, with other colors being launched throughout 2019. As always, contact Crye Precision® for any customizations to orders.

Colonial Shooting Academy – VB Is Now Known As Freedom Shooting Center

November 26th, 2018

Last week, a local range and pro shop, Colonial Shooting Academy Virginia Beach posted an announcement to Facebook that they were changing their name to Freedom Shooting Center. Considering the local area once hosted a company named Academi which concentrated primarily on military and government training, some confusion is understandable. I’d also say that the acronym for Colonial Shooting Academy probably wasn’t the best choice in today’s hypersensitive environment. No matter the name, the team and facilities are first class and it’s worth a visit if you find yourself in the Tidewater.

Their statement:

Our mission at Colonial Shooting Academy Virginia Beach has been to “Promote responsible gun ownership and attract new people to Shooting Sports”. We consider it a great privilege to participate in serving and growing the shooting community. In our quest we have been met with challenges, but one in particular has been the most prevalent. Many have informed us they thought Colonial Shooting Academy is a private facility and that the ranges were not available to the public, but rather reserved for professionals such as Law Enforcement and Military units.

The first step we are taking to overcome this challenge is beginning on November 20, 2018 Colonial Shooting Academy Virginia Beach will begin doing business as Freedom Shooting Center. Our team is very excited about the new name and we want you, our most loyal members, to be a part of this new development. Our team takes great pride in serving the best members and their guests. It is members and guests like yourself that embody every sense of the word community and make it more like family.

We consider ourselves very fortunate to be a part of the Shooting Sports community. Preserving all things that make it a great sport is important to us. We want to share everything that we love about the Shooting Sports so that new people can enjoy it too. We have the privilege of serving members and guest that are truly the best ambassadors for our community.

Freedom Shooting Center will continue to deliver exceptional service, competitive pricing, and a comprehensive product offering to members and guests. There is no immediate action required for members. It is simple, the next time that you come in; just swap your current membership card for a new one and check out the updated membership benefits.

We appreciate your business, and if you have questions, please contact us at 757-227-9130 and check out our updated website at FreedomShootingCenter.com.

Sincerely,

Skyler Thomas – Manager

Freedom Shooting Center