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TD Inc Lens Guard for the Aimpoint COA Optic

February 17th, 2026

TangoDown® Inc. is pleased to announce the release of the Lens Guard for the Aimpoint® COA® optic (ACLG-001). The ACLG-001 is here to protect the front lens of your optic from damage.

The ACLG-001 is made of aerospace grade aluminum and finished with a Type III hard coat anodize. The lens guard easily attaches with the supplied screws and wrench. The guard mounts to the front of the optic only.

** The ACLG-001 only fits the Aimpoint® COA optics. Consult the Aimpoint® COA TDP for details.

**The ACLG-001 does NOT fit other Aimpoint® optics.

**Please read installation instructions prior to installation. If you’re not familiar with installing/modifying parts, please seek proper assistance.

For more information on the ACLG-001, visit: tangodown.com/aclg-001-lens-guard-for-aimpoint-coa

MSRP: $47

Customer Questions: sales@tangodown.com

Posted in Advertiser, Optics, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | No Comments »

Tag Dynamics – VELOX ISV

February 17th, 2026

The VELOX ISV from Tag Dynamics is a purpose-designed infantry squad vehicle engineered for tactical mobility, adaptability, and operational dependability.

Built on a proven Toyota Hilux commercial chassis, the Velox ISV combines rugged durability with responsive performance across diverse terrain. Its lightweight and rigid design enables speeds of up to 175 km/h while maintaining a 600 km operational range, giving your team the agility and endurance needed in dynamic environments.

Configured as a 2+2 four-seater, the VELOX ISV supports up to 1,000 kg payload, allowing integration of mission equipment, modular systems, or an optional rotating turret and gunner station to match specific operational needs.

Every detail of the VELOX ISV reflects practical engineering and real-world utility, from its intuitive interior layout designed for rapid response, to its reinforced exterior built to withstand demanding field conditions.

For more information visit www.tagdyn.com.

Posted in Mobility | No Comments »

101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Conducts UAS Competition Tryouts, Showcasing Innovation and Readiness

February 17th, 2026

FORT CAMPBELL, KY – The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) conducted competitive tryouts for its UAS team on Jan. 12, 2026, here, identifying Soldiers who will represent the division in an upcoming Army UAS competition while reinforcing the unit’s commitment to innovation, readiness and modernization across the force.

Held at Fort Campbell, the tryouts brought together Soldiers from across the formation who demonstrated technical skill, adaptability and problem-solving abilities while operating unmanned aerial systems.

“The Army has sent a very clear demand signal to identify and employ the best drone teams and best drone operators, ” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Page Frazier, a member of the Robotics and Autonomous Integration Directorate. “And here at the 101st Airborne Division we are prepared to answer that call.”

Soldiers across the formation were evaluated on their physical endurance through the Air Assault obstacle course, techniques on how to employ a UAS, and how to navigate a drone system in a confined area. These attributes that were being evaluated reflected how emerging technologies are increasingly integrated into modern battlefield operations.

“The most challenging part about the tryouts so far is the air assault course, mixed with running to the nets, and then flying around, ” said Spc. Markus Sund, a participant in the drone tryouts.

This event directly supports the Army’s broader modernization strategy, and places emphasis on the importance of unmanned systems in future conflicts which is evolving the modern-day battlefield. Division leadership within the 101st Airborne Division hones in on the concept that innovation is a critical component of lethality and readiness.

As the Army continues to integrate advanced technologies into training and operations, the division sets forth to remain the trailblazers of that transformation. Through events like the UAS competition tryouts, the division is ensuring its Soldiers are equipped, empowered and prepared to meet tomorrow’s challenges head-on.

The selected team will continue training in preparation for the upcoming Army drone competition, representing the division’s commitment to excellence, adaptability and innovation across the force.

Story by SGT Parris Kersey

101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)

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

Rheinmetall Framework Agreement with NATO Procurement Agency for 120mm Tank Ammunition – Initial Order Worth Around €200 Million

February 16th, 2026

Rheinmetall is further expanding its role as a leading manufacturer of 120mm tank ammunition. The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has called off its first batch of ammunition, worth around €200 million, under a 2025 framework agreement for 120mm ammunition, a contract of substantial scope and value. The end customers are various NATO countries.

The ‘Basic Contractual Instrument’ (BCI) signed with NSPA in July 2025 defines the terms and conditions as well as all technical specifications for various types of 120mm tank ammunition. NATO and NATO-equivalent members can use the framework agreement to simplify the procurement of Rheinmetall ammunition. They can order the ammunition directly from the NSPA. This significantly simplifies the procurement of 120mm tank ammunition within the Atlantic Alliance. Rheinmetall can thus further expand its role as a leading supplier of 120 mm tank ammunition.

Used in the field by many nations since 1980, Rheinmetall’s 120mm smoothbore technology has become the established main battle tank armament within the armed forces of Germany, NATO and other allied nations worldwide. It is the standard system on the Leopard 2 and M1 Abrams main battle tanks. Due to their superior performance and still available power reserves, Rheinmetall can continue to offer innovative and threat-appropriate technical solutions in the caliber 120mm in the medium term.

Posted in Ammo, Contracts, International, NSPA, Press Release | No Comments »

Picatinny – How It Really Works!

February 16th, 2026

This was shared by Spuhr on Instagram.

When the Picatinny rail (MIL-STD-1913) was originally designed, it was intended to use only the 45-degree angled surfaces for clamping and reference (highlighted in green on the drawing). The tolerance to the top flat surface was deliberately made very large.

Advantages of the original design (green surfaces):

• A QD mount can be attached and detached on a huge variety of rails with extremely tight control — total width tolerance is only about 0.1 mm!

• This makes the system very forgiving of manufacturing variations between different rails.

Disadvantages:

• The mount will always sit slightly canted depending on the exact width of the rail.

• For most practical purposes, this doesn’t matter at all… but it drives people with OCD absolutely crazy…

NATO’s recommendation since 2009 (STANAG 4694): Use three surfaces instead (highlighted in red): the two 45-degree sides plus the top flat as the primary reference.

Advantages:

• The mount will always sit perfectly straight and level

Disadvantages:

• In addition to the ~0.1 mm width tolerance, you now also add 0.25 mm tolerance to the top flat.

• That adds up to a cumulative tolerance of up to ~0.6 mm (0.024”).

• This works fine for screw-fixed mounts, but it’s a disaster for QD mounts — they become much harder to get consistently straight and repeatable across different rails.

What we do at Spuhr:

• Fixed mounts: We follow the NATO/STANAG recommendation (red surfaces) for maximum straightness and repeatability.

• QD mounts: We stick to the original Picatinny design (green surfaces only) to keep tolerance stack as low as possible and ensure compatibility with as many rails as possible.

The last picture shows one of our custom inspection fixtures for QD mounts — we use it to verify that they sit reasonably straight despite rail variations.

NATO really missed an opportunity by not tightening up that loose 0.25 mm top-flat tolerance — it would have made QD systems so much better!

Posted in As Seen On Instagram, Guest Post, History, Weapon Accessories | No Comments »

Apparently, There Are Blue Skilcraft Pens as Well

February 16th, 2026

The ubiquitous government issue Skilcraft pen has been around since 1968. Even after switching over the Air Force, I always got the Black ones but apparently they came in Blue as well.

If you really miss them, they are available on Amazon. You can even buy the Blue ones there.

Posted in History | 3 Comments »

Dan Green Joins Tomahawk Performance to Lead Advanced R&D

February 16th, 2026

Nashville, TN – February 16, 2026 – Marking a major step forward in its product development strategy, Tomahawk Performance announced today that Dan Green, former Vice President of Design at Arc’teryx, has joined the company to lead Advanced Research & Development.

Green is widely respected within the performance apparel industry for his design leadership and innovative concepts. His impressive body of work includes 20 years spent at Arc’teryx, where he helped drive the development of outdoor and military apparel systems that set benchmarks across the industry.

At Tomahawk Performance, Green will lead Advanced R&D initiatives focused on development of next-generation technical apparel and layering systems. Working closely with Design Director Capri Philip, he will accelerate the innovation programs currently under way, including new material applications, evolved layering systems, and expanded design and product capabilities.

“I was part of Tomahawk’s early product concept push in 2023,” says Green. “It’s great to be back in the mix. I am really impressed that the original vision is sharper than ever and how incredibly far forward the brand has come. I am here to bring my practical hands-on approach to big projects that make a real difference.” Combining firsthand feedback from the military special operations and law enforcement community with Green’s deep expertise in technical apparel design strengthens Tomahawk’s ability to address complex, unresolved performance gaps in operational gear.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with Dan in the past, and I’m thrilled to have him join Tomahawk,” says Marc Elbaz, Tomahawk Performance CEO. “His ability to translate complex problems into innovative solutions is unparalleled. We have a lot of exciting work in front of us— expect to see transformative progress in the months ahead.”

Dan Green’s addition reinforces Tomahawk Performance’s position as a rapidly growing technical apparel company focused on purpose-driven solutions for demanding operational environments. Further announcements stemming from these advanced development programs are expected in the coming year.

For additional information, visit tomahawkperformance.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Press Release | 2 Comments »