Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Fast Rope Mitt

October 25th, 2024

• 100% Berry Compliant “Roper” Cow Leather
• Double Layered
• Firmer grain/external texture on the grain of the leather
• Softer texture on internal side

The Fast Rope Mitt is designed to provide protection during fast rope insertions. Made from durable American “roper” cow leather and Kovenex, it offers a unique two-finger pattern for easy access to your trigger finger after descending. Its foldable design ensures compact transport. This high-performance mitt is ideal for those looking for reliable, American-made gear for intense missions.

It’s cut and assembled to fold flat for transport in a typical Uniform Pocket; the FRM is low bulk and supports Short, Medium or Extended Fast Rope Insertions up to 90 Feet (27.4 Meters). Additionally, the FRM has an advanced two finger pattern that allows the User to rapidly expose his trigger finger to engage a firearm, this method is far faster than actually taking off a glove during extreme situations, the FRM can be pulled partially off and retained around the wrist by the second elastic strap across the back until time has become available to secure in through the reinforced retention loop at the cuff.

Visit FirstSpear to find American Made kit and accessories, Built For The X.

Posted in Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Handwear | 4 Comments »

Advancing Military Robotics: Highlights from the US Army’s HMIF Networks Industry Day

October 25th, 2024

On 13 September 2024, the U.S. Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) hosted its first Human Machine Integrated Formation (HMIF) Industry Day event focusing on the complex network architecture of the HMIF robotic capability at Aberdeen Proving Ground’s Myer Auditorium.

The in-person event was limited to U.S. vendors that are either members of the National Advanced Mobility Consortium (NAMC) or have an active business registration on SAM.gov. During the Industry Day event, representatives from RCCTO; the Combat Capabilities Development Command’s Command, Control, Communication, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Center; the Ground Vehicle Systems Center; and the Armament Center shared insights into the strategic approach for the HMIF network requirements. The event attracted over 125 industry representatives from 75 different companies, along with more than 25 personnel from government, military, and contractor support roles.

The objective of this one-day event was to inform vendors about the technical aspects of the HMIF Network, which is crucial for the command-and-control systems that connect Warfighters with tactical robotic formations. This Industry Day marked the beginning of the next phase in the procurement process—the accelerated drafting of the final Network Statement of Work (SOW), by 30 September 2024. In October 2024, the SOW will be released as a Request for Proposals to the National Advanced Mobility Consortium through the Army Contracting Command – Detroit Arsenal. The selection of the best proposed solution from industry proposals will take place in the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2025, with an award expected by early in the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2025.

The Army has designated the RCCTO as the materiel and acquisition lead for the HMIF program, employing an enterprise approach that utilizes previous science and technology investments in robotics to establish, test, and validate a combat use case for offensive robotic operations. RCCTO, along with elements of Army Futures Command, continues to pursue synchronized solutions across joint service domains to detect, track, identify, and engage enemy combatants, employing offensive machines in risky scenarios while ensuring that human operators remain safely distanced from direct and indirect fire.

The success of the HMIF Networks Industry Day and the benefits derived from it are expected to inspire similar events in the future as the RCCTO continues to collaborate with industry to secure the best materiel solutions and equipment for the Army and its Warfighters.

“Events like this help to communicate our top priorities for both the instant Network requirement as well as future HMIF capability as we look to leverage emerging technology to defeat current threats,” said Mr. Rob Monto, Director for RCCTO’s Advanced Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office.

By Venetia Gonzales

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

HENSOLDT to Host the Autumn Symposium of the “Förderkreis Heer” in Heidenheim

October 24th, 2024

Presentations, technology demonstrations and a site visit are the focus of the two-day event.

Heidenheim (Germany), 23 October 2020 – Sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT, together with the Förderkreis Deutsches Heer (FKH) is hosting this year’s FKH Autumn Symposium, which will take place in Heidenheim on 23 and 24 October. The two-day event brings together representatives from politics, industry, research and the military to exchange views on current trends and technologies in defence technology.

The symposium includes a variety of technical presentations in which experts provide insights into various aspects of modern defence systems. Among other things, the future of network-enabled warfare, the further development of sensor and reconnaissance technologies, and innovative approaches to improving the protection and defence systems used in the land domain will be discussed. The presentations will provide an opportunity for detailed analysis and a professional exchange of ideas on current challenges and solutions. At the autumn symposium, HENSOLDT will also be presenting the latest generation of optronics systems and thermal imagers for the Leopard 2, PUMA and Boxer RCT30 tanks.

A key element of the event is the field demonstration of the Military Utility Vehicle (MUV). This demonstrates innovative reconnaissance capabilities through the integration of land-based networked sensors. During a field demonstration, the MUV can detect camouflaged combat vehicles using machine learning algorithms and transmit the information in real time to a networked command and control information system. Equipped with an AI-based reconnaissance assistant, the MUV also supports command and control by passing targets between the vehicle’s workstations. Networked sensors such as laser warners and optronics enable automatic threat detection, making the MUV a crucial component of modern combat operations.

Participants will also be able to experience HENSOLDT’s target optics in action at a specially designed firing range. These optics, which impress with their high precision and reliability, are part of the modern equipment that HENSOLDT already supplies for military and security applications, such as the ‘Infantryman of the Future’ system (german: Infanterist der Zukunft, short: IDZ) for the German Army.

In addition to the technical presentations, the participants of the autumn symposium will have the opportunity to visit the HENSOLDT site in Oberkochen. The modern site reflects the company’s continuous investment in research and development. The site is working on innovative solutions that will help shape the defence technology of the future.

“HENSOLDT sees itself as a driving force in the development of innovative technologies for defence and security. As a proven partner and supplier of the German Army, we attach particular importance to providing solutions that meet the growing demands of modern digitised warfare,” explained Christian Ladurner, CFO of HENSOLDT AG, in his opening speech. “Our position as a technology provider is underpinned not only by groundbreaking products, but also by our commitment to promoting cooperation between industry and the military.”

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | No Comments »

FALCO Holsters Launches Innovative 3D-Printed OWB Holsters for Popular Handgun Models

October 24th, 2024

Ft. Lauderdale, FL – October 21, 2024 – FALCO® Holsters, a globally renowned manufacturer of high-quality firearm holsters, introduces the CX02 3-D Printed OWB Holster, designed for popular handguns like the Glock 17, 19, 26, 43, 43X, Sig Sauer P365 XMacro, and Smith & Wesson Shield 2.0. This revolutionary holster elevates everyday carry by combining precision engineering and manufacturing with a lightweight design that delivers exceptional retention.

“We are proud to offer improvements to firearm carrying experience for our customers and believe our 3D printing technology will continue to drive innovation,” explained Katarína Zacharová, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at FALCO Holsters. “Our new CX02 holster is a great example of how advanced 3D printing technology can revolutionize holster design by delivering straightforward function, practicality, and the tightest tolerances. The CX02 delivers a modern design with premium features,” she added.

The CX02 holster is constructed using state-of-the-art laser sintering (SLS) technology, which builds the holster in one solid unit, including the integrated belt loops. This precision manufacturing process delivers a weight reduction, making it more comfortable for EDC, and due to the single-piece design, maintenance is more manageable. While the CX02’s integrated sweatguard protects the firearm from body moisture, its adjustable retention screw offers a personalized, secure fit. Compatible with 2-inch duty and competition belts, the CX02 is optics-ready for all available firearm models. The CX02 is finished with polyshot surfacing (PSS), giving it a matte appearance that resists scratches and dirt. This premium finish adds to the holster’s durability, making it an excellent choice for both professionals and casual carriers.

CX02 Features:

• Outside the Waistband 3D-Printed Holster
• Available for Glock 17, 19, 26, 43, 43X, Sig Sauer P365 XMacro, and Smith & Wesson Shield 2.0
• Optics ready
• Single-piece 3D-printed construction with SLS technology ensures tight tolerances, light design, and simple maintenance
• Finish treated with polyshot surfacing for resistance to scratches
• Integrated sweat guard shields handgun from body moisture
• Adjustable screw for a customizable retention
• 2″ belt loops for duty and competition belts
• Ergonomic design for comfortable hip carry
• Lifetime Limited Warranty
• 30-Day Buyback Guarantee
• Color: black with FALCO logo
• MSRP: $139.95

To order the new FALCO CX02 3D-Printed Holsters for your handgun, visit the 3D-printed holster product page.

For more information about FALCO Holsters’ complete lineup of holsters and gear, visit FALCOHolsters.com.

Posted in Holsters, Press Release | 1 Comment »

AUSA 24 – Norotos Updates Lo-Sto Mount

October 24th, 2024

Norotos has updated their popular Lo-Sto mount for night vision goggles. It accepts both horn and dovetail style NVGs, now including ball and detent goggles (4949, 5050, and ANVIS-6).

Here you can see that it allows power plug into the mount to facilitate automatic shutdown when raised.

Features:

-Ergonomically Optimized Vertical, Tilt, and Fore/Aft-Eye-Relief Adjustment Levers for a custom-fit user experience
-Helmet Mount Release Button allows quick one-handed release from Helmet Bracket or Shroud
-Break Away Button permits user set breakaway or locked mode depending on operational needs with user adjustable tension release
-Push Button Deploy/Stow Release enables single-handed smooth & quiet NVG flip-up/flip-down
-Low Stow minimal visual aspect in stow position
-Horn & Dovetail NVG Interchangeability with dual sockets for quick-change conversion

norotos.com/products/lo-sto-helmet-mount-push-button

Posted in AUSA, Helmets, Optics | Comments Off on AUSA 24 – Norotos Updates Lo-Sto Mount

AUSA 24 – EXTRAGUARD by GORE-TEX Defense Fabrics

October 24th, 2024

Imagine a lightweight, highly durable footwear upper material with very low water absorption. Meet EXTRAGUARD.

This boot is from German manufacturer Meindel.

I first became aware of the EXTRAGUARD material at Enforce Tac and was pleasantly surprised to see a couple of boots featuring this new footwear technology from GORE-TEX Military Fabrics at AUSA. I immediately considered it for hot, wet aka jungle boots, but it looks like a couple of European brands are creating new temperate models.

This boot is by Slovak brand BOSP.

EXTRAGUARD isn’t a membrane like you’d expect from WL Gore & Co. Instead, it’s a stand alone material that looks like leather. It is sealed with GORE Seam Tape and may be used in conjunction with a GORE-TEX lining (inner bootie construction) for additional environmental protection.

Its durability and low water absorption means it doesn’t wrinkle, crease, warp, or fade. It’s also 40% lighter than leather and has low conductive heat loss when wet. It also dries faster than leather and doesn’t look worn out once it’s dry.

Posted in Advertiser, AUSA, Boots, Materials | No Comments »

AUSA 24 – MG Technologies LMG-A-GP

October 24th, 2024

I ran across the belt-fed machine gun mentioned in a recent NDIA poster in the RD USA booth.

Designed under a Cooperative Research And Development Agreement (CRADA) with United States Special Operations Command as a demonstrator to improve the capabilities of the current Mk48 Machine Gun, the LMG-A-GP from MG Technologies has dropped the weight to about 15 lbs. The weight is dependent on selected barrel length with quick change barrels available in 12.5″ to 18″.

Like the Mk48 it is chambered in 7.62 NATO, but convertible to 6.5 Creedmoor and 300 BLK. The operating system relies on continuous recoil with no rearward bolt carrier impact on the receiver.

While it wasn’t designed specifically for SOCOM’s current Lightweight Machine Gun – Assault program, it certainly could be a contender.

For more info, contact info@mgtech-usa.com.

Posted in AUSA, SOF, weapons | 10 Comments »

AUSA 24 – DefendTex Vengeance FPV Drone

October 24th, 2024

One of my personal missions at AUSA was to seek out truly attritable drones. One of the things I’ve taken away from the war in Ukraine is that with a consumption rate in excess of 10,000 per month, the attritable drone is the 155 shell of the future. These small, low-cost, disposable unmanned aerial systems are upending how we will conduct warfare. They are highly adaptable and are under constant revision as enemy TTPs adapt to their use. We’ve got to have something just as robust. In the hands of innovative American troops like SOCOM’s new robotics specialists, drones will be devastating.

Attritable, or consumable, apparently means a lot of things to a lot of people. For instance, when the Defense Innovation Unit’s Replicator initiative went to industry seeking out attritable drones they ended up buying AeroVironment Switchblade-600 loitering munition. A fine weapon to be sure, but our nation can hardly afford to expend them at the rate seen in Ukraine. If anything, our future adversaries are going to throw an order of magnitude more at us and we’ll need to be able to respond in kind.

One of the examples I ran across is from Australian small business DefendTex. They first impressed me years ago with their innovative Drone40.

The Vengeance is a First Person View drone manufactured in Australia and has been submitted to the US for Blue certification.

Offered in 7″, 8″, 10″, and 13″ models, it can carry up to 10kg of explosive ordinance over a distance greater than 20kms.

It is built with a goal of around $1000 per copy in mass production and features simple construction using zip ties in some instances and a single circuit board integrating flight control, ESC, OSD, VTX connector and servo output.

Although it is an FPV drone, it can be configured for autonomous terminal guidance as well as swarm tactics.

Posted in AUSA, Disruptive Tech, UAS | 2 Comments »