GORE-TEX Defense Fabrics’ All Weather Integrated Clothing System

GA-ASI Employees and Programs Win Seven AIAA Awards

June 14th, 2024

AIAA San Diego Section Awards Honor GA-ASI’s Outstanding Achievements
SAN DIEGO – 11 June 2024 – Employees and teams from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) were honored with seven awards from the San Diego Section of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) in the categories of lifetime achievement, outstanding aerospace engineering and engineering management, and community support at both the company and individual levels. The awards were presented at an event hosted by AIAA on June 1, 2024. GA-ASI is a leading employer in the San Diego area and manufacturer of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems solutions.

“I thank AIAA for honoring our relentless pursuit of innovation in aviation, as well as our excellence in program execution and community outreach,” said GA-ASI Engineering Vice President Dee Wilson. “Recognizing the pivotal role that our unmanned systems play in safeguarding national security; these accolades highlight the tremendous dedication and talent of our GA-ASI team.”

AIAA award winners from GA-ASI:

Senior Test Pilot Timothy Just was awarded for Lifetime Achievement. Tim’s career spans over four decades, during which he made unparalleled contributions to aviation and aerospace, including as a professional test pilot where he’s demonstrated exceptional airmanship and proficiency in flying in excess of 200 aircraft types. For GA-ASI, he has flown more than 20 first flights of prototype UAS, and he uses his extensive experience to provide critical input and feedback during the design and early test phases to help ensure that every first flight of a prototype landed successfully. Tim was also one of the first pilots to deploy overseas with the Gnat and Predator®series aircraft, developing tactics and procedures that have contributed to the revolutionary impact UAS have had in aviation. Tim is a three-time member of the United States Unlimited Aerobatic Team and has flown at many air shows, igniting an interest in aviation for an untold number of young men and women.

Owen Nucci, senior program manager for GA-ASI’s Leasing Services, won for Outstanding Contribution to Aerospace Management. Owen led the execution of GA-ASI’s Company Owned, Company Operated (COCO) lease contract to operate MQ-9B SeaGuardian® UAS for the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). Through Owen’s leadership, these contracts have broken new ground for UAS operations by flying under a civil authority, under International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Instrument Flight Rules, and in weather conditions that would have grounded previous generation UAS.

GA-ASI’s Off-Board Sensing Station (OBSS) Development Team, led by Program Manager John Malaney, won for Outstanding Achievement by an Aerospace Organization. The team was responsible for the first flight of the XQ-67A on February 28, 2024. With the flight of XQ-67A, funded by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), GA-ASI validated the “genus/species” concept first developed with AFRL as part of the Low-Cost Attritable Aircraft Platform Sharing (LCAAPS) program focused on building several aircraft variants from a common core chassis. The success of the OBSS Development Team culminated in a new contract award for GA-ASI from the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center to build production representative flight test articles of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft.

Adam Cooperberg won for Outstanding Contribution to Aerospace Engineering. Adam is the lead engineer of the MQ-9B SeaGuardian platform for GA-ASI, spearheading both development and sustainment activities since the creation of the first SeaGuardian. Adam was central in SeaGuardian’s successful deployment for several customer exercises in 2023, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, and Group Sail.

Jay Larkins won for Outstanding Contribution to the Community. Jay is a program manager for the Fleet Deployment Services team at GA-ASI, where he demonstrates unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership skills. In his off hours, Jay operates a pro bono law office where he works to provide legal assistance to low-income and indigent individuals in San Diego.

The General Atomics Sciences Education Foundation was awarded for its Outstanding Corporate Contribution to the Community. The Foundation, led by Lawrence Woolf, has catalyzed and supported employees participating in over 1,100 educational outreach activities and has provided over $250,000 in materials and equipment for schools and programs; granted more than $1 million in support to over 70 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) non-profits; and coordinated remote tutoring of at-risk first graders by more than 135 employees. The Foundation also supports major public outreach events, provides resources for employees who engage in outreach, and has developed many educational resources that are posted on the Foundation web site.

Finally, James McPherson won for Outstanding Contribution to the AIAA San Diego Section. James is GA-ASI’s program manager for U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) programs, and in 2023, James demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership in advancing the goals of the AIAA within the San Diego community and within GA-ASI. This award follows an AIAA award that James won last year when he was awarded for Outstanding Contributions to Aerospace Management.

G9 Defense .308 Win 145gr Barrier Blind Solid Copper Hollow Point

June 14th, 2024

Post Falls, ID. – (June 11th, 2024) – G9 Defense premium defensive ammunition, is pleased to announce the .308 Win 145gr Barrier Blind Solid Copper Hollow Point ammunition. The Barrier Blind Solid Copper Hollow Point from G9 provides exceptional barrier penetration, great expansion and 18″ of penetration with nearly 100% of weight retention. Compared to other offerings on the market, the G9 Barrier Blind Hollow Points stand out in common barrier penetration and demonstrates zero to minimal deflection through windshields, car doors and big game animals’ bones.

The .308 145gr Barrier Blind Hollow Point is a non-lead alternative that performs better than traditional lead-based projectiles. By design, any traditional hunting bullet is going to result in exposing game meat to lead, and lead fragmentation appears in nearly every game carcass where the projectile expanded. The BBHP is compliant with CA law and can be used anywhere that hunting with lead is prohibited.

Thanks to state-of-the-art CNC manufacturing, the reliability of the G9 .308 145gr is exceptional.

Upon contact with intended target the BBHP opens to 2x to 2.5x the size of the bullet, producing a consistent 18” wound track every time. Nearly 100% weight retention and predictable penetration make this round ideally suited for hunting or defense. Due to the nature of CNC manufacturing, reliability far exceeds traditional jacketed hollow points. In conventional ammunition, the jacket often separates from the core spoiling any chance of uniform terminal performance. This is not the case with G9’s machined solid copper projectiles. The three petals open and do not fold over beyond maximum expansions during terminal impacts. The machined solid copper hollow point with cut fracture points represents the current pinnacle in hollow point technology.

The G9 Defense 145gr .308 Win is also available with Alpha Brass. Their Optimized Case Head Design (OCD) far exceeds performance standards typically associated with cases. Their innovative technology is combined with industry leading manufacturing standards and the result is second to none. Their elevated level of performance combined with uncanny consistency, makes their brass the obvious match for our .308 Win Barrier Blind solid brass projectile line. Expect single digit standard deviations and next level accuracy. Learn more about Alpha Munitions at www.alphamunitions.com

G9 .308 145gr Barrier Blind Specifications:

– Caliber: .308 Win

– Bullet: 145gr Copper Solid

– Velocity: 2950 fps (24” barrel)

– Packaging: 20-count box

MSRP: $58.99

If you’re a vendor looking to add G9 Defense’s unique and innovative ammunition to your company’s portfolio, click here. To learn more about G9 Defense and its state-of-the-art ammunition, please visit www.g9defense.com.

G9 Defense .308 Win 145gr Barrier Blind Solid Copper Hollow Point

June 14th, 2024

Post Falls, ID. – (June 11th, 2024) – G9 Defense premium defensive ammunition, is pleased to announce the .308 Win 145gr Barrier Blind Solid Copper Hollow Point ammunition. The Barrier Blind Solid Copper Hollow Point from G9 provides exceptional barrier penetration, great expansion and 18? of penetration with nearly 100% of weight retention. Compared to other offerings on the market, the G9 Barrier Blind Hollow Points stand out in common barrier penetration and demonstrates zero to minimal deflection through windshields, car doors and big game animals’ bones.

The .308 145gr Barrier Blind Hollow Point is a non-lead alternative that performs better than traditional lead-based projectiles. By design, any traditional hunting bullet is going to result in exposing game meat to lead, and lead fragmentation appears in nearly every game carcass where the projectile expanded. The BBHP is compliant with CA law and can be used anywhere that hunting with lead is prohibited.

Thanks to state-of-the-art CNC manufacturing, the reliability of the G9 .308 145gr is exceptional.

Upon contact with intended target the BBHP opens to 2x to 2.5x the size of the bullet, producing a consistent 18” wound track every time. Nearly 100% weight retention and predictable penetration make this round ideally suited for hunting or defense. Due to the nature of CNC manufacturing, reliability far exceeds traditional jacketed hollow points. In conventional ammunition, the jacket often separates from the core spoiling any chance of uniform terminal performance. This is not the case with G9’s machined solid copper projectiles. The three petals open and do not fold over beyond maximum expansions during terminal impacts. The machined solid copper hollow point with cut fracture points represents the current pinnacle in hollow point technology.

The G9 Defense 145gr .308 Win is also available with Alpha Brass. Their Optimized Case Head Design (OCD) far exceeds performance standards typically associated with cases. Their innovative technology is combined with industry leading manufacturing standards and the result is second to none. Their elevated level of performance combined with uncanny consistency, makes their brass the obvious match for our .308 Win Barrier Blind solid brass projectile line. Expect single digit standard deviations and next level accuracy. Learn more about Alpha Munitions at www.alphamunitions.com

G9 .308 145gr Barrier Blind Specifications:

– Caliber: .308 Win

– Bullet: 145gr Copper Solid

– Velocity: 2950 fps (24” barrel)

– Packaging: 20-count box

MSRP: $58.99

If you’re a vendor looking to add G9 Defense’s unique and innovative ammunition to your company’s portfolio, click here. To learn more about G9 Defense and its state-of-the-art ammunition, please visit www.g9defense.com.

SIG SAUER at Eurosatory Exhibition: Hall 6, Booth #E25

June 14th, 2024

NEWINGTON, N.H., (June 13, 2024) – SIG SAUER will be exhibiting at the upcoming Eurosatory Exhibition, scheduled for June 17, 2024 – June 21, 2024, at the Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre in Paris, France. The SIG SAUER Stand is #E25 located in Hall 6.

SIG SAUER is proud to display and present its innovative defense and security products, including:

Next Generation Squad Weapons, XM7 and XM250 (NGSW): The U.S. Army chose the SIG SAUER Next Generations Squad Weapons to replace the M4, M4A1 and M249 weapons.  The NGSW systems will be on display and featured at the SIG SAUER Eurosatory Stand.

SIG 6.8mm Hybrid Ammunition: The 6.8mm SIG Hybrid Ammunition, designed and engineered to fill a capability gap requiring increased energy on target at range. The 6.8mm SIG Hybrid Ammunition will be on display and featured at the SIG SAUER Eurosatory Stand.

SIG SAUER MCX Rifles: The MCX platform has been developed as the best rifle system in the world.  The latest evolution, the MCX LIGHTWEIGHT will be on display and featured at the SIG SAUER Eurosatory Stand.

SIG SAUER MG 338: A belt-fed, lightweight, medium machine gun chambered in .338 Norma Mag, 7.62 NATO, and 6.8 mm NGSW Hybrid.  The SIG MG 338 is a man-portable platoon level battlefield solution, with a similar effective-range to the 0.5 caliber M2.  The SIG MG 338 will be on display and featured at the SIG SAUER Eurosatory Stand.

Remote Control Weapons Station (RCWS): General Robotics, a SIG SAUER company, is a world leader and premier developer and manufacturer of lightweight remote weapon stations and tactical robotics for manned and unmanned platforms and anti-drone applications.  The RCWS systems and system capabilities demonstrations will be featured at the SIG SAUER Eurosatory Stand.

To learn more about SIG military and defense products visit sigsauer.com/defense.  

 

UNITY Tactical Expands FAST Modular Accessory Suite With FAST PRO Clamp

June 14th, 2024

FAST™ FTC OMNI Updated for Additional Compatibility with Holosun™ Magnifiers
BROUSSARD, LA. (June 14, 2024) – UNITY™ Tactical, a designer of components that integrate tactical systems and optimize the human factor, announced an existing product update to the FAST™ FTC OMNI and a new accessory addition to its FAST Modular Accessory Suite.

The FAST FTC OMNI, which flips the magnifier to center for stowage, has been updated to now also accommodate Holosun™ HM3X and HM3XT magnifiers. Originally launched in 2022, the FTC OMNI was previously compatible with various magnifiers from EOTECH®, Sig Sauer®, Trijicon® and Vortex®.

The FAST Modular Accessory Suite now also includes the FAST Pro Clamp, which replaces the two-bolt rail clampallowing a SureFire® Pro light body to attach directly to the side of the mount. The light body can rotate up or down on the clamp for preferred placement.

The Pro Clamp is primarily designed to replace the two-bolt rail clamp on RAXIS™, allowing the end user to mount their light up front next to the laser, which is positioned on top of the rifle. In this use case, the light can fold up into the open pocket directly between the B.E. Meyers® MAWL® and the handguard.

“We focus on even the smallest details so that UNITY products give you an edge,” said Mike Roth, VP of business development for UNITY Tactical. “The FAST Pro Clamp is a small piece that fills a need for a specific use, but as part of the larger FAST ecosystem it broadens the capability and versatility of our mounting solutions. Expanding the FTC OMNI to also include compatibility with Holosun magnifiers does the same.”

The Pro Clamp will also attach to any FAST mount using a two-hole clamp. It must replace the FAST QD Lever, making it incompatible. This is primarily helpful on shorter handguards, such as a PDW where rail space is at a premium. In such cases, users can also utilize the Pro Clamp to mount a KIJI™illuminator using a SureFire Pro body.

The FAST Pro Clamp is made of 7075-T6 aluminum that is type III hardcoat anodized. It is available only in black and includes a lifetime warranty. It retails for $59 and is available for purchase now through authorized UNITY dealers and on UNITYtactical.com.

B5 Systems Unveils M-LOK Vertical Foregrip

June 14th, 2024

B5 Systems, a leading manufacturer of professional grade firearms accessories, is proud to announce the release of our latest product, the M-LOK® Vertical Foregrip. Precision engineered and designed to enhance ergonomics and handling for tactical, sporting, and recreational shooters.

The new Vertical Foregrip offers several key features:

Ergonomic Design: Engineered to provide superior comfort and control, the foregrip features an ergonomic shape which fits naturally in the hand.

Enhanced Grip Texture: The surface texture on all four sides ensures a secure grip even in wet conditions, or while wearing gloves.

Durable Construction: Made from high-strength polymer, the foregrip is designed to withstand rigorous use while maintaining a short profile, without adding unnecessary weight.

Versatile Mounting Options: Compatible with M-LOK® rail systems and mountable forward or reverse. Includes M-LOK® attachment hardware.

Colorways: Available in Black, FDE, Coyote Brown, OD Green, Wolf Grey as well as Multicam®, Multicam® Black, and Woodland.

The B5 Systems M-LOK® Vertical Foregrip is available now for purchase through B5 Systems’ official website and authorized distributors and dealers.

For more information about these and other products visit us at www.B5Systems.com

www.facebook.com/B5Systems

www.instagram.com/b5systems

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Fast Rope Mitt

June 14th, 2024

• 100% Berry Compliant “Roper” Cow Leather

• Double Layered

• Firmer grain/external texture on the grain of the leather

• Softer texture on internal side

Looking for a minimalist glove that won’t burn through your hands during those intense fast rope insertions? Look no further than the Fast Rope Mitt (FRM). Not only does it fold flat for easy transport, but its advanced two finger pattern allows for quick access to your trigger finger as soon as you hit the ground. This fast rope glove puts all other gloves to shame.

For more information, check out: www.first-spear.com/fast-rope-mitt.

DPAA Recovery Team Works to Bring Home WWII Service Member in Bosnia and Herzegovina

June 14th, 2024

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA —  

A Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) recovery team finished a joint field activity (JFA) in Bosnia and Herzegovina on May 31, 2024. They worked carefully with local officials and the U.S. Embassy to attempt to recover the remains of a U.S. service member missing since World War II. This team, composed of specialists from various fields, is united by a common mission: to bring our fallen heroes back home.

DPAA conducts extensive historical research on each case before excavation. Matt Cheser, a historian working at DPAA assigned to the Bosnian region, emphasized the importance of the work.

“There are still approximately 12 personnel missing from World War II in Bosnia,” Cheser stated. “It is our sacred obligation to bring them home.”

DPAA is committed to providing closure and peace to the families of the missing. To achieve this, each team deploys either a forensic anthropologist or forensic archaeologist as a scientific recovery expert (SRE) to study each case and lead excavations. This recovery team’s SRE, Dr. Laurel Freas, a DPAA forensic anthropologist, has been with the agency for 15 years. She explained how her extensive experience has prepared her for this mission.

“Every field mission I’ve done in the past has taught me important lessons that help me prepare for each new, upcoming mission,” Freas said. “For this mission, the most valuable past experiences relate to traveling to a new country, interacting with local officials we’ve never met before and who’ve never collaborated with DPAA before, and working with the team to bridge our differences in culture and language to convey the humanitarian nature of the agency’s mission.”

Freas highlighted the importance of earning trust and support from local officials.

“On this mission, we’ve been very fortunate to have excellent support from the local health inspector who has jurisdiction over the site where we were working,” said Freas. “I attribute that to the professionalism and dedication of the entire team.”

Garnering support from local officials is imperative to mission success but each mission and case are special and hold their own unique set of challenges.

“On most of my past missions, we were working in remote and isolated areas that are difficult to find, and even harder to get to,” said Freas. “On this mission, we’ve been working in and around a well-known local memorial monument, with all the concerns and sensitivities that go with that. It’s very important that we be conscious of our activities at all times, to make sure we’re always being respectful to the space we are working in.”

To face this challenge head-on and ensure collaboration success, DPAA works in partnership with multiple different organizations, commands, and programs. They acquire short term individual augmentees (STIA), such as linguists, who are valuable assets on every recovery team. Among the team members was U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Nikola Bozic, a STIA linguist who previously assisted the DPAA in investigating this case back in 2022. Bozic’s unique language skills and cultural awareness proved invaluable for navigating the complex cultural landscape of Bosnia. His expertise, combined with the wonderful hospitality of the local officials, ensured the entire mission ran smoothly.

“Growing up in Bosnia has had a profound impact on how I approached various situations during our mission,” Bozic shared. “My deep understanding of the local culture and customs has allowed me to bridge the gap in understanding how the local community perceives our team’s efforts. This understanding has been crucial in navigating sensitive conversations and building trust, leading to more successful operations.”

To gain a better understanding of not only the language but the cultures and customs, linguist such as Bozic undergo extensive training in their backgrounds. Bozic received further training from the Air Force Cultural Language Center, specifically through the Language Enabled Airman Program (LEAP) and eMentor language training.

“This training has equipped me with practical skills for current and future DPAA missions or partnerships,” Bozic noted. “It has underscored the importance of cultural understanding in our missions.”

Prior to 2022, Bozic never thought that his training would contribute to such an operation.

“I was initially unaware of what DPAA does,” said Bozic. “However, after participating in DPAA missions, I can confidently say that these were the most fulfilling experiences of my military career. These missions allowed me to contribute to a noble cause and help bring back our missing service members. If given the opportunity to be part of DPAA’s missions, I highly recommend seizing the chance to do something that you will remember positively for the rest of your life.”

Bozic is one of the many linguists invited back by DPAA to increase mission success. He, like other STIAs, returns because he holds a deep belief in DPAA’s mission.

“It’s a noble cause dedicated to locating and bringing home the remains of missing service members.” Bozic said. “The tireless work of DPAA signifies its commitment to fulfilling the promise made to our service members that they will never be forgotten or left behind. This dedication offers reassurance to families that one day, their loved ones’ remains will be located and returned home.”

Freas echoed this feeling, stating, “I feel incredibly honored and privileged to be a part of DPAA and contribute to the Agency’s mission. I am proud of the work we do to provide answers to the families of the missing.”

As the DPAA team continues its work in Bosnia, they carry with them the hope and determination to bring closure to the families of those who served and sacrificed so much during World War II. Their efforts are a testament to the enduring promise that no service member will ever be forgotten.

See the full image gallery here:  Bosnia and Herzegovina

By SSgt John Miller