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Darley Recognized as a US Best Managed Company

May 16th, 2025

Itasca, IL, May 14, 2025 — Darley is proud to announce it has been selected as a 2025 US Best Managed Company. Sponsored by Deloitte Private* and The Wall Street Journal, the program recognizes outstanding U.S. private companies.

The 2025 designees are U.S. private companies that have demonstrated excellence in strategic planning and execution, a commitment to their people, as well as maintaining financial performance and governance. Designees drove their businesses forward while remaining dedicated to their people and focusing on their customers. Advanced technology including AI took a center role for most of these companies, to create efficiencies and enhance the quality of products and experiences.

“W.S. Darley & Co. is extremely honored and humbled to be recognized as one of the Best Managed Companies. This award is particularly meaningful because it is reflective of the dedication, professionalism and hard work of our entire management team and the dedication of all our Team Darley members over the past 117 years,” said Paul C. Darley, CEO & President.

Applicants are evaluated and selected by a panel of external judges focused on assessing hallmarks of excellence in four key areas: strategy, ability to execute, corporate culture and governance/financial performance. They join a global ecosystem of honorees from more than 44 countries recognized by the Best Managed Companies program.

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

U.S. Special Operations Command’s Research Development Acquisition Experiment (RDAX)

May 16th, 2025

The video shows multiple RDAX experiments between U.S., Allies, and Industry Partners displaying their capability to fight effectively in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) environments to deter battlefield use by adversaries.

These experiments show CBRN resilient forces- U.S, Allies, and partner forces are prepared to fight and win in the CBRN environment.

Courtesy Video
U.S. Special Operations Command

Posted in CBRNE, Guest Post, SOF | No Comments »

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Loose Ammo Bag w/ ID Pocket and Legend Window

May 16th, 2025

The new FirstSpear LOOSE AMMO BAG is a rugged and reliable solution for storing and transporting ammunition. Built for durability and function, this bag features a spacious main compartment capable of holding a generous amount of ammo. Its roll-top closure, secured with SR buckles, ensures contents are protected from the elements while allowing for quick and easy access. The design emphasizes convenience and organization, making it ideal for hunters, range shooters, and tactical operators alike.

Two external identifier slots are located on either side of the bag—one for an ammo-type card or cartridge and the other for a name tag or unit identifier. These features make it easy to recognize contents at a glance and prevent mix-ups during missions or training exercises. The weather-resistant materials offer peace of mind in unpredictable conditions, whether you’re on the range or in the field.

The LOOSE AMMO BAG offers a balance of portability and storage. Its tactical styling and tough construction reflect the needs of serious shooters. Whether used for ammunition storage, gear organization or as part of a loadout kit, this bag stands up to demanding environments. It’s a smart choice for anyone seeking a dependable and efficient ammo transport solution.

FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting edge-tactical gear for military, law enforcement and those who train.

For more information visit First-Spear.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Ammo, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Load Carrying | No Comments »

US Army Publishes Doctrinal Primer on the Profession of Arms

May 16th, 2025

FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kan. — On May 13, 2025, the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center released a one-of-a-kind publication — a new Field Manual about what it means to be a member of the profession of arms and the obligations Soldiers have to each other, to civilian leadership and to fellow citizens. The manual, FM 1, The Army: A Primer to Our Profession of Arms, is available for download from the Army Publishing Directorate.

In the foreword, Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Randy George writes, “This book is written for our Army. It explains our profession, our purpose, and what it means to be an American Soldier. You will notice this book is not written like other military doctrine; it touches on values and concepts through stories and in non-prescriptive terms. It requires judgment in application.”

Field Manual 1 packs a big punch in 10 chapters and only 74 pages. Written in easily understood language and supported with historical vignettes, FM 1 is meant to be read from cover to cover. It is, by design, decidedly “non-doctrine” doctrine, and will serve as a resource for junior leaders, both officers and noncommissioned officers, to explain where they fit in the “Big Army.”

While primarily designed for new lieutenants and sergeants, leaders at all levels will find FM 1 useful for guiding discussion, leader professional development and reflection, according to Rich Creed, director, Combined Arms Doctrine Directorate. “At higher levels of professional military education, you may have a block of time to discuss the material from different perspectives. Rather than learning the material in the book, you might think through, ‘How am I taking the material in FM 1 and making it real in my unit?’ Or, ‘How is FM 1 serving as the foundation for how I coach, counsel and mentor?’” he said.

The writing and publication of FM 1 has been a priority for the CSA’s office, CAC and CADD for more than a year. Initially, the plan was to combine the primer’s content with the current Army Doctrine Publication 1, The Army; however, Gen. George decided a shorter, standalone publication would better meet his intent.

Creed acknowledges that ADP 1 and FM 1 both have a purpose. “The Army” as outlined in ADP 1 is written for a more experienced audience, as well as for external audiences such as members of Congress, sister services and multinational partners.

The new FM 1, with its distinctive tone and style, is more like a welcome letter to new leaders: “‘Hey, welcome to the team, get your stuff together. It’s going to be an exciting ride, and here’s what we expect of you,’” he said.

By Randi Stenson, MCCoE Public Affairs

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | 2 Comments »

DroneSentry-C2 Latest Release Sets a New Standard in Operational Customisation

May 15th, 2025

DroneShield is pleased to announce the release of the latest major software update to the DroneSentry-C2 platform.

The latest DroneSentry-C2 release enhances usability and mission customisation to a set a new standard for tactical flexibility.

Pictured: The Hon. Pat Conroy MP, then Australian Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, briefed on DroneSentry-C2 by Angus Bean, DroneShield Chief Product & Technology Officer, March 2025.

Key Update Highlights

Improvements to Existing Artificial Intelligence (AI): Advanced object classification and more accurate direction tracking for on-the-move and rotating sensors enhances robustness of SensorFusionAI (SFAI).

Introducing Storage Management: New data retention settings have been created to simplify record keeping and allow users to monitor detection events, video recordings, logs, and other relevant information to adhere to local regulations and compliance.

Faster User Interface (UI) Response Time: UI elements have been fine-tuned for superior performance and better support for Intel processors.

Enhanced Customisability: The ability to select preferred measurement units, whitelist specific drones, and streamlined network settings enable a frictionless experience.

Comprehensive Analytics Control: Users can now easily access relevant analytics to bulk export track summaries to external intelligence platforms.

Expanded Camera Integration: Tracking, sharpness, and accuracy have seen a significant improvement through parallelisation. This increases frame rate, tracking fast-moving drones more effectively.

Version 11.0.0 of the DroneSentry-C2 platform is being deployed to existing DroneShield systems starting this week. It is available with both DroneShield and third-party hardware sensors, and is provided on a subscription basis, either via secure cloud or on-premises server.

DroneShield Chief Product & Technology Officer Angus Bean commented, “DroneShield is committed to the continuous improvement of our DroneSentry-C2 platform to provide operators with a more streamlined and feature-rich software experience. This latest update will give users more control over their systems and the necessary precision to counter rapidly evolving threats for the safeguarding of personnel and critical infrastructure.”

Posted in Press Release, UAS | No Comments »

OPTIC: Transforming Mission Planning with Safety, Efficiency, and Innovation for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

May 15th, 2025

The proliferation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in civil works, emergency response, and military applications is the primary driver for development of the Operator’s Tool for Information Collection (OPTIC). Designed to meet operational needs, OPTIC leverages decades of experience to improve mission planning, operational tracking, and data-driven decisions for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

“OPTIC is the direct result of real-world challenges to UAS operations in demanding environments,” said Brian Ellis, OPTIC Program Manager for the USACE Aviation Program Office (APO). “The design of the software is built with the end-user in mind, ensuring they have the tools necessary to execute missions safely, efficiently, and with greater confidence.” OPTIC streamlines data collection, reduces operational costs, and strengthens mission outcomes. OPTIC sets the conditions for UAS operators, even those with minimal aviation training, to safely and effectively collect survey data in all aspects of the National Airspace System.

From Paper to Digital

Mission planning once relied on manual processes and paper-based systems, such as the Army Mission Planning System (AMPS). While effective, these methods were labor-intensive and lacked adaptability. In response to that, the APO developed the Management Information System for Aviation and Remote Systems (MARS). It transitioned mission planning to a web-based platform that integrated personnel management, fleet tracking, and mission coordination.

“MARS marked a critical shift to digital mission planning, enhancing efficiency and situational awareness for USACE UAS operators,” Ellis said. “OPTIC builds upon this foundation, delivering a more advanced, feedback-driven solution tailored for today’s complex operational environments.” By continuing to refine and expand the mission-planning capabilities of OPTIC, the APO is committed to equipping UAS operators with the most advanced tools available.

Safety First

Safety is the primary consideration in all phases of UAS operations. The APO emphasizes rigorous protocols, adhering to both Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Army regulations. OPTIC plays a critical role in this effort by reducing the need for personnel in high-risk environments and equipping operators with comprehensive risk assessment tools to enhance mission safety and decision-making.

“The safe operation of aircraft is our highest priority,” Ray Illman, USACE APO Aviation Safety Officer said, “With the UAS program, we can execute critical tasks in hazardous environments while significantly reducing risk to personnel, property, and mission objectives.”

Efficiency and Precision in Action

OPTIC will take mission planning to new heights by integrating real-time data collection, predictive analytics, and in later phases, Artificial Intelligence (AI). These advancements will provide field UAS operators and mission planners with the ability to monitor projects with greater accuracy, optimize decision-making, and improve overall operational effectiveness.

“OPTIC reduces the barriers to entry for aerial data collection in even the busiest airspace,” Ellis said. “With multi-faceted aerial collection capabilities, users can gather data faster with enhanced precision and reduce operational risks.”

OPTIC’s development is structured in three phases, with foundational modules for personnel, fleet, and mission planning. Future phases will introduce a repository for processing, storage and dissemination of actionable data, expanded safety planning for larger UAS groups, advanced data consolidation, approved mobile device accessibility, and AI-driven tools to further optimize mission planning, execution, and decision making.

Maximizing Value Across USACE Districts

OPTIC’s capabilities directly translate into value for USACE by reducing timelines, improving outcomes, and optimizing resources. Its scalability ensures that it meets the needs of both military and civilian operations.

“The capabilities of UAS’ add significant value by driving down risk to personnel and improving fidelity through more accurate and detailed survey data, while reducing costs,” Ellis said. “By minimizing risk to personnel and providing highly detailed, accurate survey data, we can improve decision-making, reduce costs, and drive better project outcomes.”

Innovation and Collaboration

The development of OPTIC reflects the APO’s focus on continuous improvement, innovation, and cost-effective solutions. By leveraging in-house expertise, the APO is advancing mission planning capabilities while ensuring efficiency and adaptability. Additionally, collaboration with other federal agencies strengthens resource sharing and strategic partnerships, further enhancing UAS operations.

“We’re committed to incorporating the most innovative technology to maximize the safety and effectiveness of aerial survey data collection,” Ellis said. “Through investments in research and partnerships with industry leaders, we’re shaping the future of UAS mission planning and operational tracking.”

A Future-Focused Platform

By integrating real-time metrics, advanced analytics, and a Commander’s Dashboard, OPTIC equips UAS operators and leadership with a comprehensive operational view that enhances situational awareness and decision-making. This platform reflects the APO’s commitment to enabling safe, effective, and efficient UAS operations while maximizing resources.

“OPTIC is not just a tool; it’s the culmination of decades of expertise,” Ellis said. “It paves the way for smarter, faster, and more informed decision-making, ensuring mission success across the full scope of USACE UAS missions.”

With a phased development approach and a strong emphasis on safety, collaboration, and efficiency, OPTIC is set to transform UAS operations across USACE and beyond, providing UAS operators and decision-makers at all levels with enhanced capabilities to meet the demands of modern engineering challenges with confidence and precision.

OPTIC Development Phases

Phase 1: Direct Replacement of MARS (Q2 FY25)

Phase 1 will focus on developing three foundational modules to serve as a direct replacement for MARS:

Personnel Module: Tracks crewmember status, qualifications, currency, and regulatory compliance.
Fleet Module: Monitors the operational status, configuration compliance, and readiness of aviation assets.
Mission Planning Module: Facilitates mission airspace coordination, risk assessments, and compliance tracking.

These modules maintain the core functionality of MARS and incorporate automated alerts during the planning process to prevent regulatory or safety violations. Another Phase 1 feature will be the Leader’s Dashboard to provide situational awareness to decision makers on their UAS operator and system operational readiness to make more informed decisions for mission execution.

Phase 2: System Alerts and Notifications (Q1 FY26)

Phase 2 will enhance OPTIC’s functionality by incorporating a data repository to store and share data amongst other organizations in OPTIC. This phase will include:

Sensor-agnostic data repository to store and share collected data.
Email and text message notifications for upcoming deadlines, training requirements, and maintenance schedules.
Access via approved mobile devices to improve accessibility in field environments.
Dropdown menus to assist in personnel and equipment module ease of use.
Data consolidation and trend analysis of equipment issues and failure rates to improve UAS acquisition decisions.
Integration of software for regulatory compliance for mission planning and safety assessments for larger UAS.

These enhancements will ensure that all personnel and equipment remain in compliance with published regulatory requirements and postured to support USACE and its partner organizations.

Phase 3: AI Integration (Q2 FY27)

Phase 3 will focus on integrating advanced AI-driven features to further elevate OPTIC’s capabilities. These features will include:

Predictive analytics to identify potential risks and optimize mission planning.
AI-enhanced data processing to provide actionable insights in real time.
Advanced decision-support tools to assist commanders in making data-driven operational decisions.

By completing Phase 3, OPTIC will fully realize its potential as a cutting-edge platform for mission planning, operational tracking, and decision-making support.

By Amanda Rae Moreno

Posted in Army, Guest Post, UAS | No Comments »

Roark Aerospace Announce Production of “Canens” a Portable Device That Effectively Targets Fiber Optic UAV’s

May 15th, 2025

Roark Aerospace have today announced the commencement of production for their “Canens” C-UAS system.

The Canens system is designed to specifically target and neutralize UAV’s operating on fiber optic communications.

Fiber optic link based UAV’s were first discovered operating in the Ukranian conflict towards the end of 2024. They had previously been deemed impervious to traditional C-UAS solutions such as High Energy Microwaves with tactics reverting back to more archaic methods involving nets and small arms fire.

The Canens system has two operational functions that work in tandem to deliver a direct C-UAS solution for fiber optic link UAV’s.

The first element of the system is the use of Hyper Spectral and IR imaging to detect “in-use” optical cables. The combination of HSI and IR helps differentiate in real-time between cables that are deployed and are cables that are redundant from previous operations. In addition, the use of HSI can also allow operators to determine the likely distance that the UAV has flown at the point of identification, this can provide onward operational solutions for targeting operators.

The second element of the system is the use of a steerable and adjustable electrohydraulic shockwave to massively increase interferometric noise around the fiber optic cable. The increase in interferometric noise disrupts the signal between the UAV and the operator which, in the case of fiber optics, results in the UAV losing power and control, it will simply crash to the ground.

The electrohydraulic shockwave is created by thousands of electrohydraulic transducers that are formed of miniscule, 3D printed titanium microelectrodes embedded in epoxy and set in a basin based design. The shockwave is adjustable and steerable either by a manual operator or by the Plexus automated targetting system built by Roark.

Canens will be available in Q3 of 2025 with pre-orders being taken currently. Canens will initially be available in portable and sentry units as well as vehicle mounted, a hand-held variant is due for release in Q4 2025.

roark-aerospace.com

Posted in International, Press Release, UAS | 3 Comments »