The PenCott Line Of Camouflage patterns expands in 2018 with the introduction of “LeatherNeck”, named in honor of the colors of the MARPAT Marine Corps uniform. This product will be worn at SHOT Show by Sean from 02401 Tactical and they’ll have caps, gaiters and jackets coming as well.
Last month, James Yeager was kicked off of Youtube. But he accepts that he needs Youtube, stating that it’s the second most powerful search engine on earth after Google.? While he pursues alternatives, he’s set up shop at a new Youtube address.
He claims that in its previous incarnation, you only got him at 75%, which was still more than they could handle. While he will still offer product reviews and tactical tips, he plans to throttle it back to 25% this time.
The plan is to reach the masses via Youtube and say what he really wants to at libertv.com. Eventually, he hopes that his libertv project will include others.
MONROVIA, Calif., Jan. 3, 2018 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for both defense and commercial applications, today announced the formation of a joint venture to develop solar-powered high-altitude long-endurance, or HALE, UAS for commercial operations. This category of UAS is also referred to as high-altitude pseudo-satellites, or HAPS. The joint venture will fund the development program up to a net maximum value of $65,011,481.
The joint venture, HAPSMobile, Inc., is a Japanese corporation that is 95 percent funded and owned by Japan-based telecommunications operator SoftBank Corp. and 5 percent funded and owned by AeroVironment, Inc. AeroVironment is committed to contribute $5 million in capital for its 5 percent ownership of the joint venture, and has an option to increase its ownership stake in HAPSMobile up to 19 percent at the same cost basis as its initial 5 percent purchase.
“This is a historic moment for AeroVironment. For many years, we have fully understood the incredible value high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft platforms could deliver to countless organizations and millions of people around the world through remote sensing and last mile, next generation IoT connectivity,” said Wahid Nawabi, AeroVironment chief executive officer. “We were searching for the right strategic partner to pursue this very large global opportunity with us. Now we believe we are extremely well-positioned to build on the decades of successful development we have performed to translate our solar UAS innovations into long-term value through HAPSMobile, Inc. Our entire team is excited, and we look forward to transforming this strategic growth opportunity into reality.”
AeroVironment pioneered the concept of high-altitude solar-powered UAS in the 1980s, and developed and demonstrated multiple systems for NASA’s Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology, or ERAST program, in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In August 2001, the AeroVironment Helios prototype reached an altitude of 96,863 feet, setting the world-record for sustained horizontal flight by a winged aircraft. In 2002, the AeroVironment Pathfinder Plus prototype performed the world’s first UAS telecommunications demonstrations at 65,000 feet by providing high-definition television (HDTV) signals, third-generation (3G) mobile voice, video and data and high-speed internet connectivity. Multiple United States government agencies funded the development of the hybrid-electric Global Observer unmanned aircraft system from 2007 through 2011. Global Observer represents a solution for extended operation over high Northern and Southern latitudes during local winters, when the sun’s energy is insufficient to maintain continuous solar aircraft operation at high altitude.
SoftBank Corp. and AeroVironment, Inc. have agreed to license certain background intellectual properties to HAPSMobile, which will own the newly developed UAS intellectual property and possess exclusive rights for commercial applications globally, and non-commercial applications in Japan. AeroVironment will possess exclusive rights to the resulting intellectual property for certain non-commercial applications, except in Japan. AeroVironment will also possess exclusive rights to design and manufacture all such aircraft in the future for HAPSMobile, subject to the terms of the Joint Venture Agreement.
For additional information, please see AeroVironment’s Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 3, 2018.
LEHI UT, January 22nd, 2018 – ScopeSlicker NX is the last scope cover you’ll ever need. Made by Alpine Innovations, ScopeSlicker NX employs a simple yet effective method to keep it from falling off. While other scope covers end up missing in the field, ScopeSlicker NX not only stays where you put it, but offers innovative cleaning features found on no other scope cover.
ScopeSlicker NX is designed with 2 retaining bands that fit under the optic to keep it secure on top of the optics while scoping. When you need to cover your optics, flip both ends of the scope cover down, and your ScopeSlicker stays protected from the elements.
“We knew we could improve upon what is on the market,” says Darren Jones, CEO and designer of Alpine’s products. “We’ve heard that hunters were losing their scope covers while hunting in thick terrain. The last thing you want to do is damage or scratch your expensive optics. Now you no longer have to keep buying scope covers that fall off while you hunt. ”
The .5mm neoprene design includes two handy finger pocket microfiber cleaning cloths, one on each end of the scope cover, to keep your optics free from smudges and dust. The ScopeSlicker NX also has the ability to fit a wider range of the most commonly used scope sizes, ranging from 12″ to 17″ in the regular size, to 14″ to 20″ in the large size. ScopeSlicker NX’s flexible fit even accommodates scopes with high turrets, so it’s sure to fit your preferred optic.
Be sure to see the new ScopeSlicker NX available now at AlpineProducts.com and is available in many major retailers Spring of 2018
Manassas, VA, January 3, 2018 – The U.S. Air Force has awarded a new $48 million contract to Aurora Flight Sciences for the continued development of the Orion Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).
Orion is a twin-engine high performance UAS that can stay aloft over 100 hours at a time with payloads in excess of 1,000 pounds. Development of the Orion started in 2006 and its first flight was in August 2013. In December 2014, the Orion established the current UAS world endurance record with an 80-hour, 2-minute and 52-second flight.
The new contract funds the development of a certified version of Orion that will be suitable for deployment anywhere in the world. The work will be performed in Columbus, Mississippi, and Manassas, Virginia.
WESTFIELD, Massachusetts – January 3, 2018 – Savage firearms is pleased to unveil a refreshed version of its legendary Model 110 series rifles that takes fit, form and function to new heights. The updated Model 110 lineup features a fresh look and the all-new user-adjustable AccuFit system. Savage will launch the new lineup at the 2018 SHOT Show January 23-26 at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Model 110 series’ extreme makeover began as a cosmetic facelift focused on style and aesthetics, but soon grew into a quest to produce a platform that would allow hunters and other shooters to perfectly customize fit for ultimate accuracy, without a trip to a gunsmith. The result was the development of the revolutionary AccuFit system: www.savagearms.com/accufit.
AccuFit features adjustable components that allow users to custom-fit both comb height and length of pull. The only tool needed is a Phillips-head screwdriver.
“AccuFit makes it easy for shooters to achieve a fit that allows them to shoulder the gun and align their eye with the optics in a consistent manner, without having to move their head around to compensate for being the wrong height or distance from the scope,” said Beth Shimanski, Savage senior marketing manager. “The resulting combination of a solid cheek-to-stock connection, proper eye relief and comfortable, personalized fit add up to better shooting form and improved accuracy.”
Comb height is controlled by five riser settings, adjustable in 1/8-inch increments. “Simply select the riser that creates cheek-to-stock contact and aligns your line of sight parallel to the barrel or scope,” Shimanski explained. Length of pull is likewise fully adaptable to the shooter’s stature by using the four inserts included with the rifle.
“AccuFit is usually a set-and-forget system, but its versatility allows you to tailor length of pull and comb height as needed, such as when changing optics or donning bulky clothing for cold-weather hunting,” said Shimanski. “AccuFit also accommodates physical changes, making it the perfect youth gun that will grow with the shooter throughout a lifetime of use.”
Shimanski noted that AccuFit’s adaptability also increases the rifle’s resale value, because it can easily be customized to fit the new owner. Likewise, the gun can be adjusted as needed if the gun is handed down to a family member.
It’s only a prototype but this wallet by Triple Aught Design got the attention of a lot of their customers when it showed up yesterday on Instagram.
The Thunderstorm Technology Demonstration Program is sponsored by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Emerging Capability & Prototyping, Rapid Reaction Technology Office (RRTO).
The intent is to accelerate the delivery of innovative capabilities to the warfighter by demonstrating and experimenting with the capability in an operationally relevant environment. The results of this effort will be used to inform decision makers of emerging and available technology solutions that enhance or improve existing capabilities with a focus on small unit operations.
They are soliciting technology candidates from private industry, government research and development (R&D) organizations and academia for inclusion in future capability demonstration and experimentation events focused on the support for small unit operations. Technologies must be at a technology readiness level (TRL) of 4 or greater.
Thunderstorm 18-1 will be the first of a series of FY18 planned events in support of small unit operations, with demonstrations and experiments planned for March 2018 at or near Fort Bragg, NC.
The notional scenario is a small team is deployed for an operation in a potentially hostile region. The team is lightly equipped and required to be highly mobile to support the mission requirements. The operational area may have a variety of physical and electromagnetic environmental constraints. The team is required at all times to operate in all types of terrains (desert, forest, mountain, open, urban, etc.), vegetation (desert, grassland, brush, forest, etc.) and in all environmental conditions.
The program is interested in the following capabilities:
• Wireless tactical headsets for improved tactical communications: resistant to jamming, secure, use within vehicle and with dismounted personnel.
• Power for individual and squads – battery longevity: wearable power generation/harvesting technologies, proximity charging, next generation batteries for Soldier and squads (potential combination of battery & body armor); power management tools (analytics/AI to decide when/how each item is powered for max efficiency).
• Goggle or helmet mounted heads-up display – capability to improve Situational Awareness (SA), Augmented Reality (AR), etc.:
o Display of networked information (sensor display(s), mapping, alerts, etc.), networked to command center, identification of persons of interest;
• Sensor technologies providing enhanced SA – next generation night vision, see through walls, see around corners/over roofs, ID/alert potential threats (predictive analysis), 360° awareness/vision, see through smoke & other obscurants, magnification, stand-off biometrics, etc.
• Sniper training platform – augmented reality and/or virtual reality system for maintaining sniper training.
• Robotic technologies & automation – improved operations thru unmanned systems, automated processes, etc.: support/improve decision making, reduce number of personnel required for mission, remove person from dangerous jobs, e.g. possible CBRNE threats.
o Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) – small, light, man-portable, tactical systems operating autonomously/semi-autonomously; modular payloads to support multiple missions, all terrains.
• Small unit Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) – ability to operate in buildings or tight spaces
• Covert UAS – stealth to perform surveillance and reconnaissance missions without attracting unwanted attention due to its visual and/or acoustic properties; small UASs (Group 1 (0-20 lb.) and Group 2 (21-55 lb.)) that can be launched and recovered without the use of a runway.
• Personnel signature management – textiles/material to manage signature of radar, electronic, thermal, infrared, visual, electro-optical, and acoustic detection technologies. Alter or camouflage aspects of the operator or their equipment to make them undetectable and/or unrecognizable.
• Soldier down/medical alert – person in need of medical care, reports medical condition/status, contains pertinent medical records.
o Ability to scan personnel (with associated wearable technology or leads as required).
o Ability to determine Soldier workload, hydration, heartrate, blood pressure, temperature, and other vital health indicators to support Soldier efficiency and “The Golden Hour” from injury to medical support.
• Multispectral beacon – non-signals ability to quickly identify all personnel and their positions in all weather and climate conditions; providing positive identification to overhead close air support.
• Security for commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) apps – ability to utilize standard apps with an encryption level to support communications with Partner Nation Force (PNF).
• Cellphones teamed with HF/VHF transceivers – ability to send text and other data (encrypted) from a cellphone over an HF / VHF transceiver.
• Tactical hotspot or denied area internet – providing LTE and Wi-Fi and an information gateway in a denied environment.
• PNF communications and sensor control systems using indigenous commercial systems – exfiltration of secure data (AES encryption) from PNF via commercial system; data pulled, viewed and heard in real-time.
• Suppressed weapon system – accurate fires providing quieter, less flash, reduced recoil, lighter, stronger system.
• Lensless cameras – lightweight systems that do not require mechanical movement to capture images.
• LED LIDAR – lightweight systems that can provide near range measurements.
All capabilities should emphasize individual mobility and automated operations with a goal of limiting/reducing size, weight, power, etc. and reducing or eliminating operator workload requirements.
Although the date on FBO has passed to accept applications, the KO will take additional applications until 1700EST Friday, 5 Jan 18.
For instructions on how to apply, visit www.fbo.gov.
