FirstSpear

General Atomics and EDGE Establish Partnership To Manufacture, Test and Repair Electromechanical Systems

February 18th, 2025

SAN DIEGO – 17 February 2025 – EPI, an entity of EDGE Group and the cornerstone of precision engineering in the UAE’s aerospace, oil and gas, and defence industries, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with General Atomics-Systems Integration, an affiliate of General Atomics.

The signing ceremony was held on February 17, 2025, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre during the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2025.

“Through this collaboration, EPI will significantly expand its capabilities. This will include the establishment of a state-of-the-art facility to support the production of electromechanical systems,” said Michael Deshaies, CEO of EPI.

“Working with EPI will mark a leap forward in the development and manufacturing of this advanced aviation technology,” said General Atomics-Systems Integration Vice President Scott Sappenfield. “We expect to offer safe, affordable, high-performance solutions to replace legacy systems in military and commercial aircraft.”

This project is enabled by the Tawazun Council (Tawazun Economic Program). A key milestone in the project will be the certification of EPI’s facility as a Part 145 repair centre. This will involve the production airworthiness certification process and the test and evaluation of prototype units, ensuring compliance with the highest industry standards.

Professional Citizens Project – Field Notebooks

February 18th, 2025

Field notebooks are the same size as the CM manuals with 100 lined pages. Hopefully, they’ll add some with gridded pages.

Offered with various camouflage pattern covers.

tpcproject.com

Hydra Weaponry Unveils the HYDRA H3 (Grease Gun) Modular Magazine Well

February 18th, 2025

Bringing the iconic Grease Gun legacy into the future with modular innovation.

Hermon, Maine (February 2025) – Hydra Weaponry, Maine’s largest firearms employer, designers, and manufacturers of the truly modular MARCK-15 Hydra® Weapon System, proudly announces the release of the HYDRA® H3 (Grease Gun) Modular Magazine Well, a tribute to the legendary M3 Grease Gun, now seamlessly integrated into Hydra’s advanced modular weapon system. Designed to accept Grease Gun-style magazines, the HYDRA H3 45ACP mag well is built for adaptability, working not only with Hydra’s proprietary systems but also with other manufacturers’ upper receivers and the Hydra QCB.

?“The M3 Grease Gun was a staple for Special Forces operators, armored vehicle crews, and warfighters for decades. My father, Mack Gwinn Jr., who served as a Special Forces Recon soldier during the Vietnam War, was intimately familiar with its rugged reliability,” said Mack Gwinn, III, Owner of Hydra Weaponry. “With the HYDRA H3 Mag Well, we’re bringing that same enduring legacy into the modern era, offering shooters a modular, high-performance solution that keeps the Grease Gun spirit alive.”

The HYDRA H3 mag well is a vital component in Hydra Weaponry’s adaptable firearm ecosystem and can be found in the following platforms:

MARCK-15 HYDRA VIPERA 45ACP H3 Pistol (Grease Gun)

MARCK-15 HYDRA 45ACP H3 Modular Rifle (Grease Gun)

Hydra Modular Stripped Lower Receiver with H3 45ACP (Grease Gun)

Complete Hydra Modular Lower Receiver with H3 Mag Well 45ACP (Grease Gun)

?HYDRA® H3 (Grease Gun) Mag Well

Specifications:

Weight: 1 lb.

Dimensions: 4 × 3.5 × 2 inches

Select Bullet Button Option: California Bullet Button Option Available (+$45.00)

With its precision engineering and deep historical roots, the HYDRA H3 (Grease Gun) Modular Magazine Well delivers a unique blend of heritage and innovation, making it an essential upgrade for modern shooters looking to embrace the versatility of Hydra Weaponry’s modular system. MSRP $275.

Dealers interested in carrying any of the H3 options should contact Tanner Smart for the Hydra Dealer Program.

For more information on Hydra Weaponry, visit the new website at www.hydraweaponry.com.

Tech Connect – High-Performance PPE for Extreme Environments

February 18th, 2025

Do you have an innovative solution for next-generation personal protective equipment (PPE) that enhances comfort or communication in high-temperature, high-noise industrial environments? Tech Connect’s multinational client is looking for mature technologies ready for pilot-scale field testing by Q3/Q4 2025, focusing on:

Thermal Management Technologies
-Providing comfortable interior environments
-Maintaining user mobility and field of view
-Managing high ambient and radiant heat

Communication Systems
-Extended high-temperature durability
-Minimal impact on existing PPE
-Allowing person-to-person and group communication

Finalists will be invited to a virtual meeting in April 2025, where you will present your solution directly to their client’s team. Successful entrants may receive partnership opportunities, including demonstrations, consulting, contract research, or licensing agreements.

Submit by March 1 and tell them how your innovation can help shape the future of high-performance PPE.

Learn more at techconnect.org/2025-high-performance-ppe-for-extreme-environments-sprint

B&T BlueLine – 556 Direct-Thread Suppressor

February 18th, 2025

A recent addition to the B&T 3D printed suppressor line, the BlueLine 556 Direct-Thread Suppressor is now available from Arms Unlimited.

Designed for law enforcement, the BlueLine offers 1/2×28 direct thread mounting on 5.56mm rifles, but it is also compatible with B&T’s modular HUBs which allow users to use quick-disconnect adapters as well.

Specifications:

Caliber: 5.56mm

Weight: 15.1 ounces

Length: 7.43 inches

Diameter: 1.375 inches

Material: 718 Inconel

Finish: Cerakote

Full Auto Rated: Yes

Thread Pitch: 1/2×28 Direct Thread HUB

armsunlimited.com/bt-blueline-556-direct-thread-suppressor-1-2×28

New App Helps Expedite Communication with AF BMT Trainees

February 18th, 2025

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas —

The 37th Training Wing is collaborating with a new platform to provide information to families of trainees faster than ever – all with just a few clicks.

The Department of the Air Force’s Basic Military Training has partnered with Sandboxx, a digital platform, as a way to facilitate communication and increase engagement between trainees and their loved ones during what can otherwise be seen as stressful time.

Trainees must first opt in to use the app, which is free to download. Once they do, pre-identified family and friends receive a link to create a profile. Registered users can access information including a trainee’s mailing address and weekly updates that detail the training experience.

“The goal is to help families understand what their trainee is experiencing as they progress through BMT and learn what it entails,” said Col. Will Cooper, commander, 37th Training Wing.

The app provides a faster way for families to communicate with trainees by allowing them to send digital letters, which are then printed and delivered, as an added service. This serves as an option for trainees, as traditional mail will continue to be delivered. For more information about BMT, visit www.basictraining.af.mil.

-37th Training Wing Public Affairs

SK Customs Introduces Fourth Production of “La Revolución” Series

February 17th, 2025

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – February 14, 2025 – SK Guns® announces “Presidente Madero,” the fourth production in the historic Mexican “La Revolución” series. A tribute to Francisco Madero, the 37th president of Mexico, SK Customs will provide a limited production run of only 300 Colt 1911 Full-Size Government models chambered in .38 Super. Featuring a highly polished royal blue finish with selective 24K gold plating, each pistol includes a special engraved edition number. 

Madero quickly became a pivotal figure in Mexican history due to his role in the Mexican Revolution. His greatest achievement is widely recognized as challenging the long-standing dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz. Madero is credited with initiating democratic reforms that would go on to transform Mexico’s political landscape. 

A wealthy landowner and political activist, Madero authored La Sucesión Presidencial en 1910 (translated: The Presidential Succession of 1910) in which he called for fair elections and democratic governance. His ideas resonated with many Mexicans dissatisfied with Díaz’s authoritarian rule. When Díaz attempted to suppress his opposition, Madero led a revolutionary movement that forced Díaz to resign in 1911, marking a significant victory for democracy in Mexico. 

“Though Madero’s presidency was short-lived, his legacy has lasted for generations,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Guns. “He is an undeniably important figure in Mexico’s battle for independence and democracy, and we are proud to honor his place in the history books. His contributions are significant for Mexico and the world as a whole, and they should not be forgotten.” 

 As president, Madero sought to implement political and social reforms. He promoted freedom  of the press, encouraged democratic participation and worked to curb the influence of  powerful elites. He also aimed to address land reform. Despite his good intentions, Madero faced significant opposition from conservatives, foreign interests and even former allies. His inability to maintain unity ultimately led to his overthrow and assassination in 1913 during La Decena Trágica, (translated: Ten Tragic Days). 

Keeping the common elements of the Pancho Villa, Venustiano Carranza and Pascual Orozco  productions, the series continues with a depiction of the “Monument to the Revolution” in Mexico City.  

Wrapped around the slide is a cannas lily, which is native to Mexico, along with an illustration of Madero in 24k Gold plated on horseback with his supporters and army. The still popular slogan of the Revolution “Sufragio Efectivo No Reelección” (translated: Effective suffrage, no re-election) is engraved inside a 24k Gold banner. 

The right side of the slide depicts a 24k Gold illustration of Presidente Madero and his advisors with the word “Triunfante” (translated: triumphant). To complete the firearm, a portrait of Madero sits on top of the slide, and just below the iconic Mexican Eagle respective to its era. 

This installment is available for purchase here, MSRP starting at $3,000.  

The new La Revolucion series will begin shipping in late April of 2025. 

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to be the first to learn of our newest production launches, or visit www.skguns.com to learn more. 

Unobtanium Gear – SLEDS AICS / MRAD Pre-Order Open

February 17th, 2025

Unobtanium Gear has heard your requests and they’ve answered. They designed these with the full range of features from the SLEDS pouch suite – Easy reindexing, an elastic front admin pocket, and three included retention methods.

To help determine production quantities and to offer some of the less common patterns, they’re releasing these for preorder first.

They’ll be orderable in all patterns/sizes from now until 2-28-25. Once the preorder has closed, we’ll get the first batch made and shipped out by 3-7-25.

Variants:

– MRAD MK22 (.308, 338NM, 300NM, will also hold 1-2 AICS long action mags with flap installed)

– AICS Short Action (5rd, 7rd .308, 6.5CM)

– AICS Long Action (5rd 300WM, 338LM)

unobtainiumgear.com/products/sleds-aics-mrad