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Angel Armor Unveils Next Generation Truth SNAP Plate System for Superior Safety and Scalability at IACP 2024

October 20th, 2024

The Truth SNAP Plate System is the latest in modular body armor protection and offers unparalleled lightness, thinness, and multi-threat defense.

FORT COLLINS, CO, UNITED STATES, October 18, 2024 — Angel Armor is proud to announce the launch of its all-new Truth SNAP® Plate System, a groundbreaking advancement in personal protection for Law Enforcement and select Military personnel. This innovative system, designed with both safety and flexibility in mind, includes several product variations, each engineered to provide the highest level of defense while maintaining lightweight and thin profiles. Angel Armor will debut the new Truth SNAP rifle plates at IACP 2024, held at the Boston Convention Center, where attendees can experience the product firsthand with the chance to win a vest and plate of their choosing at Booth 1001.

The Truth Snap Plate System encompasses a range of products: the 308 Standard, 308 Premium, 308 Ultra base plates, and the ceramic 855 Strike Face Plate. The 308 Standard and 308 Ultra base plates are certified to NIJ 0101.06 Standard (Level III) when used with RISE Armor Packages or other compatible soft body armor vests. The 308 Premium base plate is coming soon, pending the release of NIJ certification. Notably, these plates feature the patented magnetic SNAP system, making it easy for users to quickly and securely attach or remove components based on the desired threat level.

The key features of the Truth SNAP Plate System include:

Groundbreaking Design: This is the thinnest and lightest certified* plate system on the market, featuring a proprietary multi-curve design and a refined aesthetic finish.

Superior Safety: Provides advanced protection against handguns, rifles, stabs, and special threats, exceeding NIJ standards. The dual-strike face design ensures multi-round capability.

Scalable Protection: Users can easily “SNAP” the ceramic 855 Strike Face Plate onto any Truth SNAP base plate for tiered rifle and handgun protection. The base plate selections vary in weight, thickness, and price and are available in various cuts and sizes.

Technical specifications highlight the system’s robustness. The 308 Ultra offers thickness as low as 0.53” (13.5mm) and weights ranging from 0.65 lb (0.29 kg) to 2.21 lb (1.00 kg), depending on the cut and size. Similarly, the 308 Premium and 308 Standard versions provide great performance and technical specifications.

Angel Armor remains committed to enhancing Officer safety with products that are not only protective but also practical and adaptable. The Truth SNAP Plate System sets a new standard in the field, ensuring that users never have to compromise on protection or mobility.

For more information, visit angelarmor.com.

Posted in Armor, LE, Press Release | Comments Off on Angel Armor Unveils Next Generation Truth SNAP Plate System for Superior Safety and Scalability at IACP 2024

GALLS Announces Sponsorship of 5th Annual Force on the Course Golf Scramble

October 20th, 2024

This annual event, hosted by Do Something Extraordinary Golf Club, aims to support at-risk students in Lexington by fostering meaningful connections with local first responders and veterans.

Lexington, Ken. (October 2024) – GALLS, LLC®, the nation’s leading supplier serving America’s public safety and military professionals, is proud to announce its sponsorship of the 5th Annual Force on the Course, taking place on Nov. 2, 2024, at Tates Creek Golf Course in Lexington, Kentucky. The event is hosted by the Do Something Extraordinary Golf Club and aims to support at-risk students in Lexington by fostering meaningful connections with local first responders and veterans through STEM learning and a day of golfing. Sponsorship of the event and team registration are still available.

Force on the Course is a community event designed to connect students with local heroes, including first responders and veterans, providing an opportunity to learn how STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) contributes to community safety. In addition to the educational aspect, participants will enjoy a complimentary 18-hole round of golf made possible by generous sponsors.

“We’re thrilled to support this incredible initiative that brings together students, first responders, and veterans in such a meaningful way,” said Mike Fadden, CEO of Galls. “Galls has always been dedicated to backing those who serve, and through events like Force on the Course, we’re able to give back to the community while helping inspire the next generation.”

Galls encourages businesses and individuals to join the event by sponsoring teams or individual holes. The event offers several sponsorship tiers:

• $1000 Gold Sponsor: includes a team of four, logos on event shirts and golf carts, a table at the event, and lunch.

• $500 Silver Sponsor: includes a team of four, logos on event shirts, and lunch.

• $150 Hole Sponsor: showcase your company with signage at one of the holes.

Teams of four are invited to participate in the scramble, and Local Hero Teams, made up of first responders and veterans volunteering with students, can join free of charge.

The event kicks off at 9:00 am with participant check-in and a welcome session, followed by a STEM-focused activity for students. The golf scramble will begin at noon and continue until 5:00 pm, ending with an awards ceremony.

This is a fantastic opportunity for the community to support local students and honor first responders and veterans. All proceeds from the event will go toward initiatives benefitting at-risk youth.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities or to register your team, please visit docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe_kdqxYWpgXhTdadryGdHKL0sVkzyso-g5TjBkZRxTuRXGyg/viewform.

For more information on Galls, please visit the website at www.galls.com and on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook.

Posted in Charity, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on GALLS Announces Sponsorship of 5th Annual Force on the Course Golf Scramble

Rugged Suppressors Donates $15,000 to Support ASA Foundation-Backed Lawsuit to End Suppressor Bans in Illinois and Beyond

October 20th, 2024

Travelers Rest, SC – Rugged Suppressors has generously donated $15,000 to the American Suppressor Association Foundation (ASA-F) to support its ongoing litigation aimed at overturning suppressor bans in Illinois and seven other states. This significant contribution will help fund the ASA-F’s efforts to make suppressors legal in all 50 states, advancing the fight for firearm owners’ rights.

The ASA Foundation, the 501(c)(3) arm of the American Suppressor Association, is leading this charge through its backing of the landmark case Anderson v. Raoul. The lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of Illinois’ suppressor ban and seeks to establish legal precedent that will dismantle similar laws across the country. The funds donated by Rugged Suppressors will not only support the continuation of this critical ASA Foundation-backed lawsuit, but also enable the ASA-F to expand its legal efforts to other states, such as California and New Jersey.

“We are proud to stand with the ASA Foundation in their fight to overturn suppressor bans in Illinois and other states,” said Michael Derdziak, CEO of Rugged Suppressors. “This donation reflects our commitment to ensuring that law-abiding citizens in all 50 states can finally have the right to own and use suppressors. We believe that, with the ASA Foundation’s leadership, we can bring about significant change and expand access to suppressors where it is currently restricted.”

Knox Williams, President of the ASA Foundation, expressed his gratitude for Rugged Suppressors’ support, saying, “Rugged Suppressors’ donation comes at a crucial time. These essential funds allow us to continue the litigation in Illinois. We are incredibly grateful for Rugged’s commitment to this cause and their support of our Foundation-backed legal efforts.”

Posted in 2A, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on Rugged Suppressors Donates $15,000 to Support ASA Foundation-Backed Lawsuit to End Suppressor Bans in Illinois and Beyond

Sagewood Armament Para-Buckle – Sling Attachment

October 19th, 2024

We don’t see a lot of innovation these days, particularly with buckles, but Sagewood Armament has hit it out of the park with this one.

The Para-Buckle – Sling Attachment is available in two sizes: 1″ and 1.25″ and allows an interface between sling and weapon using 550 cord. I’m sure users are going to come up with 100 other ways to put it to good use as well.

Made from 1/8″ thick G10, the Para-Buckle is offered in OD Green and Black. Get them at sagewoodarmament.com/sling-hardware/para-buckle-g10-2-pack.

Posted in Materials, Weapon Accessories | 2 Comments »

Spread Warmth, Make a Difference! Send a Woobie to Western NC

October 19th, 2024

Western North Carolina still needs our help! As temperatures drop, the need for warmth is growing in WNC. We’re proud to announce our partnership with Uwharrie Outdoor Inc. to support relief efforts in the area. From now through December 31, for every Exfil Woobie Poncho Liner purchased, we’ll donate an identical one to those in need.

Now is the perfect time to buy—these woobies make the ideal gift for anyone who enjoys the outdoors or as a handy emergency item to keep in the truck. Get your holiday shopping done while making a difference in someone’s life!

Shop now and help spread warmth this season!

Exfil Woobie Poncho Liner

As cooler weather moves into Western North Carolina, the need for warmth has never been greater. First responders and volunteers are working tirelessly to provide essential items—like jackets and blankets—to those in need. But they can’t do it alone.

Here’s how you can help: From now until December 31, we’re partnering with Uwharrie Outdoor Inc. to support the community. For every woobie purchased, we will donate an identical one to the relief efforts in Western NC, helping provide comfort and warmth to those in need. Together, we can make a real difference.

Buy Now for $79.00 at raptortactical.com/exfil-woobie-poncho-liner.

Posted in Advertiser, Charity, Guest Post, Shelter | Comments Off on Spread Warmth, Make a Difference! Send a Woobie to Western NC

After a Year of Development, Army Releases Blue Book

October 19th, 2024

WASHINGTON — During the “Leading Change Brief” at the annual AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington D.C. on Oct. 15, 2024, Sgt. Maj. of the Army, Michael A. Weimer, announced the U.S. Army has completed and released a digital Blue Book with a companion website. The Blue Book development was announced at last year’s AUSA Annual Meeting.

“You can’t build standards and discipline in a time of crisis,” Weimer said last year. “If we’re really going to be truly ready for large-scale combat operations, we have to have those standards and discipline before we get called upon for that.”

Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond S. Harris, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, was tasked to lead the Blue Book development.

“To meet the SMA’s intent, we had to ensure that we created a digital version that can be accessed anywhere at any time on any device and that is what the team was able to do,” Harris said.

The purpose of the Army Blue Book is to support history, heritage, lineage, and standards and discipline while simultaneously reinforcing trust at echelon and strengthening the Army profession. The book also includes commonly violated or misunderstood standards. The Blue Book is based on the original intent of Baron von Steuben’s Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States and will serve as the base for all unit standards books to create commonality and consistency throughout the Army.

The TRADOC team traveled to several installations across the Army to gather input for the Blue Book. “We wanted to hear from the force during Blue Book development,” said Sgt. Maj. Tyson Crosby, TRADOC Enlisted Initiatives Group and Blue Book lead planner. “We traveled to five installations, engaging with students and cadre from our Non-commissioned Officer Academies. We also solicitated input and insight from senior Army leaders.”

Although TRADOC was tasked with developing the Blue Book, Crosby said they wanted to ensure NCOs outside of TRADOC had input as well.

“The Blue Book mission was not a singular effort. We received great input and feedback from across the Army, making it a collaborative work. The Blue Book is for the entire Army and our overall plan reflects that,” Crosby said.

The final version of the Blue Book is 23 pages (three chapters), designed to be the first three chapters of a unit-level Blue Book. Once a user opens the Army Blue Book through the QR code, they can download the Blue Book PWA using the phones settings, which will create an app on the phone’s screen. In terms of useability, this will act no differently than app from an application store

Through Army University, TRADOC also developed a progressive web application centered around “Strengthening the Profession.” The webapp will serve as a leadership development and Army professionalism hub. It will also give users the ability to print a Blue Book PDF version. The Strengthening the Profession site will be contemporary and user friendly and will include hot topics, links to relevant sites, and professional articles all relevant to strengthening the Army profession and leadership. TRADOC will be the proponent of the site with regular reviews and updates.

The webapp can function like a native, downloadable app from an application store, but will require a QR code or the weblink to access first. When on the site, users can download the app that will take them directly to the site.

“The Army Blue Book was best developed as a PWA,” stated Matthew MacLaughlin, Army University’s mobile division chief. “The instructional designers determined how the info in the book would be optimized for the format, and then the computer scientists built the framework to ensure the execution is seamless and for all screen sizes.”

He added that while native applications have their place, the PWA format for publications allows for faster updates and provide a native-app experience for the user. The website can detect the user’s device type and will format accordingly.

Weimer said the Blue Book is for living by a standard and enforcing that standard amongst teams that are preparing for combat.

“Be disciplined and be brilliant at the basics,” Weimer said.

TRADOC will review the Blue Book content often and conduct updates as necessary.

The new Blue Book can be viewed online through the Central Army Registry website.

By SGM Jason Stadel

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | 2 Comments »

GA-ASI Completes Full-Scale Fatigue Test on MQ-9B for Second Lifetime

October 18th, 2024

SAN DIEGO – 14 October 2024 – On Sept. 30, 2024, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (G A-ASI) completed a major milestone with the full-scale fatigue testing of an MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). The team completed the “second lifetime” of fatigue testing, which is equivalent to 80,000 operating hours and represents an important step in validating the design of the airframe system. The testing is part of the aircraft certification to NATO standard STANAG 4671, where the aircraft will ultimately be tested through three lifetimes, thereby proving the 40,000-hour lifetime of the airframe.

The full-scale fatigue test simulates the aircraft’s design service through the application of repeated structural loading on the assembled airframe. The testing identifies any potential structural deficiencies ahead of fleet usage and assists in developing inspection and maintenance schedules for the airframe. The results of the test will be used as part of the documentation for certification and will form the basis for in-service inspections of structural components.

MQ-9B is GA-ASI’s most advanced RPA and includes the SkyGuardian® and SeaGuardian® models as well as the new Protector RG Mk1 that is currently being delivered to the United Kingdom Royal Air Force (RAF).

“Full-scale fatigue testing is an integral part of validating the airframe design and a key input for the certification of the airframe prior to entering service,” said Chris Dusseault, vice president of MQ-9B in Europe. “The completion of the fatigue test builds confidence for our MQ-9B customers that the SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian meets the stringent design rigor and is mature at Entry into Service.”

The testing is the validation of years of design and analysis efforts. This is the second of three lifetimes of testing for the airframe. Two of the lifetimes simulate the operation of an aircraft under normal conditions, and the third has intentional damage inflicted on the airframe’s critical components to demonstrate its resistance to operational damage that may occur over the lifetime of the air vehicle.

Testing was conducted from Jan. 31, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2024, at Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research in Wichita, Kansas. The airframe tested is a production airframe purpose-built to support the test campaign.

In addition to the RAF, contracts have been signed for MQ-9B with Belgium, Canada, Japan, Taiwan and the U.S. Air Force in support of the Special Operations Command. The Japan Coast Guard is currently operating the SeaGuardian for maritime operations, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) selected SeaGuardian for its Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) RPA System Trial Operation Project.

Posted in Aviation, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on GA-ASI Completes Full-Scale Fatigue Test on MQ-9B for Second Lifetime

At EDGE, Lockheed Martin Drives Advancements in AI, Crewed-Uncrewed Teaming and Networked Connectivity for U.S. Army

October 18th, 2024

The Big Picture

At several 2024 U.S. Army demonstrations such as Project Convergence and Army Futures Command’s Experimental Demonstration Gateway Event (EDGE), Lockheed Martin is demonstrating crewed-uncrewed teaming, uncrewed-uncrewed operations, Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) and integrated systems in various missions relevant to 21st Century Security® in all domains including through the digital frontier.

During EDGE, Lockheed Martin conducted highly realistic air/ground teaming scenarios with uncrewed aerial and ground vehicles. A launched effect provided overwatch guidance for a quadruped that navigated urban terrain with human and vehicle obstacles. This technology is designed to operate in environments with degraded or intermittent communications, and scale to many uncrewed systems. Image courtesy DVIDS.

The Details

During EDGE, Lockheed Martin conducted successful AI and launched effects demonstrations including rapid integration into Lockheed Martin’s mission systems thanks to the company’s open architecture systems. Image courtesy DVIDS.

During EDGE, Lockheed Martin conducted highly realistic air/ground teaming scenarios with uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), acting as launched effects surrogates, and uncrewed ground vehicles (UGV).

In one mission scenario, a launched effect provided autonomous overwatch guidance for a quadruped that navigated urban terrain with human and vehicle obstacles. This technology is designed to operate in environments with degraded or intermittent communications, and scale to many uncrewed systems.

The successful demonstrations included rapid integration into Lockheed Martin’s mission systems thanks to the company’s open architecture systems.

The scenario played out in the Air-Ground Littoral, an area where the majority of Army operations, both air and ground occur.

Lockheed Martin sees the Air-Ground Littoral as the space primarily occupied by ground forces, supporting helicopters and launched effects, between the ground and up to a few thousand feet of altitude.

Expert Perspectives

Dan Morrison, technical program manager, Lockheed Martin

“Our experimentation is refining autonomous, collaborative behaviors and proving out AI/ML systems in a realistic and challenging environment. Ultimately, this will further enable commanders to better integrate humans and machines in formation and offer increased standoff and reduced workload for Soldiers.”

Michael Harasimowicz, director, AI Innovations, Lockheed Martin

“AI enabling technologies are critical for the U.S. Army to harness decision advantage by extending and expanding sensor understanding at the edge of the battlespace. One day very soon you will see a mission where a Black Hawk helicopter sends information to launched effects that is out ahead of the fight and communicates with a UGV for first contact with the opposing force.”

Going Deeper: The Lockheed Martin AI Center

Lockheed Martin’s AI Center (LAIC), and the experience of our Applied AI researchers combined with the expertise of teammates who are U.S. Army veterans led to the successes at EDGE.

Fifteen members of the LAIC went to Yuma to support EDGE to support five separate AI-enabled capabilities.

“We are demonstrating our suite of AI capabilities for coordinated use and intuitive control across the Air and Ground domain featuring the Lockheed Martin Stalker uncrewed system and a Spot®, Boston Dynamics Quadruped Robot,” said Harasimowicz. “This synchronization of airborne and ground-based defenses demonstrates Lockheed Martin’s commitment to Force Protection Technologies, a key mission for the U.S. Army.”

Posted in Press Release, Robotics, UAS | Comments Off on At EDGE, Lockheed Martin Drives Advancements in AI, Crewed-Uncrewed Teaming and Networked Connectivity for U.S. Army