Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Introducing BCM Mk2 Charging Handles

August 24th, 2023

Meet the new BCM MK2 Charging Handles.

IMMEDIATE ACTION

Driven by over a decade of feedback from real-world combat operations, BCM has made continual design refinements and structural improvements to the charging handle in the M4 and M16 to address the current manual of arms for the weapon system.

Optimizing the contours into a snag-free profile that facilitates immediate manipulation with an end user’s reaction side grip, the range of BCM Charging Handles is available with both ambidextrous and asymmetric controls as well as a size range accommodate different end- users handsize.

There are four types:

Medium Asymmetric
Medium Ambi
Large Asymmetric
Large Ambi

MK 2 RECEIVER OPTIMIZED

The U.S. patents pending BCM Mod 3 Charging Handle now features upper and lower and side exhaust channels to vent gas from the chamber away from the shooter during operation of the weapon. While these channels are optimized for the BCM MK2 Upper receiver, they still provide improved gas diversion on all Mil-Spec upper receivers.

LIFE SAVING TOOLS

Redesigned to eliminate the load on the pivot pin and keep the energy from charging close to the centerline of the carbine/rifle, BCM Mk 2 Charging Handles provides an uninterrupted engagement surface with no pinch points to catch skin or other material that could induce a malfunction during a time-is-life manipulation.

A patented ambidextrous design with simplified mechanism for robust performance, each Charging Handle is crafted with MIL-SPEC grade forgings and machined from 7075 T6 aluminum, with a hard coat anodized finish per Mil-A-8625F, Type III, Class 2.

MADE IN AMERICA

All BCM components and accessories unite state of the art manufacturing with lightweight and durable materials to ensure components that last a lifetime, performing far beyond performance requirements established nearly six decades ago.

BravoCompanyMFG.com/mk2_charging_handle

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AFSOC hosts 2023 Weapons and Tactics Conference

August 24th, 2023

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

AFSOC held the 2023 Weapons and Tactics Conference led by the command’s Operations directorate, 2-11 Aug.

Weapons and tactics experts from across the AFSOC enterprise gathered to participate in mission focused working groups to produce warfighter driven solutions to tactical problems. The conference also facilitated an academics portion as well as a Tactics Review Board to evaluate current practices, to ensure the command is postured to defeat threats now and in the future.

Brig Gen Rebecca Sonkiss, AFSOC deputy commander, kicked off the conference explaining the importance of continuously improving weapons and tactics.

“As America’s Air Commandos, we must be Ready to Fight Tonight and be Pathfinders for Tomorrow. Ready tonight means that we consistently and realistically train and train hard,” said Sonkiss. “It is important that you build expertise and toughness through challenging and complex scenarios and continue to iterate and innovate to stay ahead of our adversaries across the spectrum of conflict.”

Working groups during the conference included focus areas such as precision strike, irregular warfare, specialized mobility, information warfare, and small unmanned aerial systems tactics.

Weapons and tactics experts were able to work together to identify solutions and objectives to effectively improve Special Operations tactics, techniques, and procedures in highlighted focus areas prioritized by AFSOC.

On the last day of the conference, Lt Gen Tony Bauernfeind, AFSOC commander and command’s leaders were briefed on Tactic Improvement Proposals from the TRB in addition to proposed solutions gathered from the working groups.

Bauernfeind concluded the conference by energizing the weapons and tactics experts in the room with gratitude and intent on the way forward.

“It is going to be this team of experts that will make us more effective against our adversaries,” said Bauernfeind. “We must continue to tackle these hard problem sets, drive for solutions, and then go faster so we are postured to best enable the joint force. The solutions we work through during WEPTAC conferences are imperative to shaping our tactics and the mission effectiveness of our Air Commandos for tomorrow.”

By Capt Amy Rasmussen, Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, SOF | Comments Off on AFSOC hosts 2023 Weapons and Tactics Conference

The Racker from True North Concepts

August 23rd, 2023

The Racker from True North Concepts is a One-handed Pistol Manipulation Tool, designed to avoid the extreme damage done to holsters during one-handed pistol manipulation drills.

truenorth-usa.com/product-category/waist-management/reload-assist

Posted in Weapon Accessories | 3 Comments »

Safariland’s Liberator IV Now NTOA Member Tested and Recommended

August 23rd, 2023

Jacksonville, Florida – Safariland®, a brand of The Safariland Group®, a leading global provider of safety products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets and one of Cadre Holdings, Inc.’s (NYSE: CDRE) (“Cadre”) key brands is proud to announce the Liberator® IV Advanced Single Comm Headset is now Member Tested and Recommended by the National Tactical Officers Association.

“The Liberator IV, the first multi-mode, dual fuel single communications headset to hit the market, is designed to meet the rigorous demands of military and law enforcement users in any tactical situation,” said James Imhoff, GM of Communications for Safariland. “We’re proud to be recognized by the NTOA, further showcasing the peak performance of this product.”

Safariland sets standards with the Liberator IV in tactical advancements, boasting revolutionary technologies like Active Noise Reduction (ANR), Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Dual Mode with ANR/ANC simultaneously. With industry-leading sound localization and advanced protection technology, this headset promotes maximum situational awareness and threat detection, facilitating rapid decision-making during critical operations. These American-made systems enhance operational efficiency and personnel safety on the front lines, where every second counts.

Since 2003, the NTOA Member Tested and Recommended Program has rigorously tested over 3,000 products in real-world situations, holding significant importance for numerous law enforcement agencies when making product purchasing choices. The results of these tests are disseminated to the law enforcement community.

To learn more about Safariland’s communications systems and how Safariland is committed to building lifesaving equipment, visit Safariland.com.

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S2MARTS Research OTA Releases Inaugural Project Aimed at Advancing Materials Research

August 23rd, 2023

Aug 16, 2023 – The Department of the Navy (DoN) has embarked on a groundbreaking research endeavor under the S2MARTS Research OTA (Other Transaction Authority), with the announcement of the OTs inaugural project: Characterization and Improvement of Boron Nitride Nanotubes and Their Composites.

S²MARTS Research is uniquely situated under The Strategic & Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems (S²MARTS) 10 U.S.C. 4021 agreement created by The Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Crane Division to effectively bridge the gap between research and prototyping. By expanding the Navy’s capabilities in material design, processing, characterization, and testing, Boron Nitride will provide a solid foundation for future innovations in defense technologies.

This initiative aims to enhance capabilities in designing, processing, characterizing, and testing materials for research and development. This materials research opportunity ensures that the Navy remains at the cutting edge of material science, fostering advancements that can enhance mission success and bolster national security.

With a particular focus on boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs), this project seeks to delve into the unique properties of this emerging material. Leaning into the opportunity a research OT provides, this project encourages exploration of other materials with similar properties and their synergistic combinations to optimize performance and expand the Navy’s material portfolio.

Boron Nitride Nanotubes (BNNTs): A Promising Material

BNNTs are continuously gaining attention in the scientific community. These nanotubes exhibit exotic properties of thermal conductivity, high strength, and electrical resistivity, making them attractive for further exploration. As manufacturing techniques continue to advance, BNNTs are becoming more accessible, necessitating further research to characterize, enhance, and optimize their properties. The DoN recognizes the importance of staying at the forefront of material science, which is why this project focuses on BNNTs as a key area of exploration.

Characterization, Form Factors, and Processing Methods

The challenge statement extends beyond the characterization of BNNTs alone, encompassing a comprehensive study of their potential form factors and processing methods. By investigating various form factors, such as films, fibers, and composites, researchers can uncover the full spectrum of BNNT applications. Additionally, understanding the most effective processing techniques will enable the Navy to harness the full potential of BNNTs in diverse environments and scenarios.

Expanding the Research Scope

While BNNTs serve as the primary focus, it is important to note that the project does not limit its exploration to this material alone. Instead, this research opportunity encourages the inclusion of materials with similar properties and those that can synergistically enhance the performance of BNNTs or enable novel use cases. By adopting a broader perspective, the Navy aims to capitalize on the collective potential of multiple materials systems, promoting innovation and addressing a wider array of research challenges.

Get Involved with S2MARTS Research

The announcement of this project further positions the Navy at the forefront of research and development, ensuring its readiness to leverage cutting-edge materials for future defense applications. The project’s anticipated duration of 12 months, with the possibility of a 24-month extension, aims to yield significant advancements in material science.

S²MARTS Research was designed to open the door for new innovators who previously would not have been able to support projects in an academic or research-focused capacity. Under NSTXL’s open consortium model, current members already have immediate access to this opportunity. Innovators who wish to only operate under the S²MARTS Research program will be offered free membership.

Posted in Materials, Press Release, Research | Comments Off on S2MARTS Research OTA Releases Inaugural Project Aimed at Advancing Materials Research

SCUBAPRO – New Odin Helmet Mask Strap for Team Wendy SAR Helmet

August 23rd, 2023

SCUBAPRO has been working closely with the Search and Rescue (SAR) community to help with the development of a new Odin Helmet Mask strap. SCUBAPRO has the Odin Helmet mask strap which allows you to attach any SCUBAPRO mask that works with the comfort strap to an Ops Core, Team Wendy exfil, Galvion helmet rails, and even the Ops Core Skull mounted system. Essentially, for anytime you must wear a helmet and a dive mask at the same time. When using a diver propulsion vehicle (DPV), the Patriot3 Jet boots, or over the beach (OTB), any time it’s a good idea to wear a helmet.

With the updated TW Odin strap you can now attach your SCUBAPRO mask to the Team Wendy SAR helmet. Allow for ease of use when using a mask with a helmet. It is made for SCUBAPRO by S&S Precision and is in the process of being added to the US Navy SAR State of the Art Catalog (SOA). This will allow all Navy SAR swimmer to use it, with any SCABAPRO Mask that works with the comfort straps.

Both Odin straps now have a new mask clip which allows the strap that attaches to the mask, to be pulled tighter with one hand.

Part number for the Odin strap (older model) that works with Ops Core, Team Wendy Exfil and Galvion helmets.
24.815.100

New Odin strap TW for the Team Wendy SAR helmet
24.815.200

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Helmets, Maritime | Comments Off on SCUBAPRO – New Odin Helmet Mask Strap for Team Wendy SAR Helmet

AeroVironment, Inc to Acquire Tomahawk Robotics

August 23rd, 2023

AeroVironment’s unmanned systems paired with Tomahawk Robotics’ AI-enabled technology will allow warfighters to operate various connected robotic solutions in the battlefield and share information between multiple domains with one common controller

ARLINGTON, Va.– AeroVironment has announced its anticipated acquisition of Tomahawk Robotics, a leader in AI-enabled robotic control systems. The acquisition will enable deeper integration of both companies’ technology, leading to enhanced interoperability and interconnectivity of unmanned systems through a singular platform with similar control features. This will ultimately enable warfighters to operate various connected robotic solutions in the battlefield and share information between multiple domains with one common controller. The two companies entered into a definitive agreement under which AeroVironment will acquire 100% of Tomahawk Robotics equity for a total purchase price of $120 million to be paid in a mix of cash and stock.

Founded by Brad Truesdell and Matt Summer in 2018, Tomahawk Robotics is the visionary force behind the groundbreaking Kinesis Ecosystem, an unmatched tactical capability designed for the warfighter first. At the heart of this innovation lies Kinesis, an AI-enhanced and open architecture common control system that seamlessly integrates the network of battle-proven unmanned expeditionary vehicles, sensors, and third-party software onto a single pane of glass. Powered by innovation, the Kinesis Ecosystem delivers targeted situational awareness and precision strike capabilities for the human-machine teams across the battlespace.

“The acquisition of Tomahawk Robotics will not only provide AeroVironment with strong new members of our team, but a quality brand and products that are widely respected in the industry. Tomahawk Robotics will become part of the small UAS (SUAS) business unit within AeroVironment’s Unmanned Systems segment. We intend to retain all of their workforce and existing facilities in Florida,” said AeroVironment’s CEO and Chairman Wahid Nawabi. “We will support all existing Tomahawk Robotics customers and their products will remain platform agnostic to the market and within the industry. We also plan to introduce Tomahawk Robotics solutions to AeroVironment’s growing network of more than 55 allied nations.”

“Combining features of our Crysalis operating system with Tomahawk Robotics’ AI-enhanced Kinesis platform means pairing the best common controller technology with the most ubiquitous unmanned systems on the market today,” said AeroVironment’s Senior Vice President of Unmanned Systems Trace Stevenson. Tomahawk Robotics’ Kinesis control system was integrated into AeroVironment’s small unmanned aircraft family of systems including Raven© B and Puma TM 3 AE in 2022.

“Tomahawk Robotics’ solutions will accelerate our adoption and implementation of AI and autonomy into AeroVironment platforms,” continued Stevenson. “We’re confident that the combined experience and expertise of our two teams will result in a variety of unmatched unmanned expeditionary vehicles that meet our customers’ emerging needs and exacting standards.”

“Our motto has always been ‘warfighter first.’ Everything we’ve designed or made has been optimized to better equip and prepare soldiers on the battlefield,” said Tomahawk Robotics’ CEO Brad Truesdell. “Joining AeroVironment means our solutions will have a broader reach and the opportunity to be optimized by not only AeroVironment’s family of systems, but the broader robotics community, better enabling warfighters across the globe.”

“Acquiring Tomahawk Robotics strengthens our value to our customers as we will be uniquely qualified to support multiple platforms and offer the best solution for their operational needs,” continued Nawabi. “Tomahawk Robotics’ products will enable AeroVironment’s solutions to achieve an elevated Modular Open System Approach (MOSA) desired by our customers, and the opportunity to expand into new and adjacent markets for interconnected soldiers with a Common Operating Picture enabled by AI and autonomy.”

Posted in Industry, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on AeroVironment, Inc to Acquire Tomahawk Robotics

SPX CommTech Launches Latest Transportable Tactical COMINT 953 RF Receiver

August 23rd, 2023

• New Communications Intelligence (COMINT) Radio Frequency Receiver delivers superior threat analysis at a time of heightened electronic warfare activity.

• 953 COMINT Radio Frequency Receiver will be exhibited for the first time at DSEI 2023.

Wappenham, UK, 22 August 2023 – SPX CommTech, formed by TCI and ECS, today launches its next generation 953 Communications Intelligence (COMINT) Radio Frequency (RF) Receiver for superior identification, direction-finding, and tracking of hostile RF signals to support COMINT and Counter-UAS tactical operations. It will be exhibited for the first time at DSEI, Excel London, on stand H2-874, between 12-15 September 2023.

The new 953 COMINT RF Receiver builds on the success of its predecessor and now boasts reduced size and weight, but with greater power. This makes the device portable for dismounted operations and easily mounted on a vehicle to support mobility operations. For example, it can be carried to an elevated position in a dismounted role, such as a tactical position only accessible on foot or on top of a high-rise building, to ensure the antenna is situated at height for optimum signal detection and increased range.

The 953 COMINT RF Receiver performs continuous, unmanned, remote, and real-time signal collection up to 80MHz bandwidth across a frequency of up to 40GHz for signal monitoring, collection, and direction-finding. This bandwidth delivers a sweet spot between monitoring sufficient signal breadth and amplitude to ensure quality and accuracy in identifying threats.

The 953 COMINT RF Receiver is powered with removable hot-swappable batteries for round-the-clock use. The new compact chassis is IP-67 rated to withstand temperatures up to 50°C to deliver full operational capability in extreme hostile climatic environments. It also boasts increased removable storage of up to 2 TB for enhanced data capture.

“All around the world, heightened political, military and societal tension, and the growing use of electronic warfare, demonstrates the unparalleled importance of managing and understanding the RF spectrum today. Threat analysis and response are critical to global security, so we are excited to welcome the next generation product of our successful RF range, currently used across 20 countries,” says Graeme Forsyth, Counter-UAS Product Manager at SPX CommTech.

The 953 COMINT RF Receiver is powered by SPX CommTech’s well-renowned Blackbird software application, which detects, identifies, direction-finds and tracks signals of interest to support, find, fix and strike operations, and mitigate electronic warfare threats. It also tracks the RF emission of UAVs and their controllers or Data Links to support counter-responses. Blackbird can record the signal environment for look-back analysis without interrupting the current mission. It simplifies the collection task and can trigger automated actions and support unattended operations.

Utilising part of the 953 COMINT RF Receiver, Blackbird also uses geolocation to enable defence teams to visualise the location of the frequencies for improved intelligence-gathering and threat management. Blackbird’s intuitive point-and-click user experience suits all skill levels and is an evolution of the proven intuitive interface in previous models. This ensures minimal training requirements for existing customers while enabling new users to master the system quickly.

The new 953 COMINT RF Receiver is backwards compatible with previous COMINT versions and other technologies from SPX CommTech, for cost avoidance, uninterrupted service and seamless scalability for our users. It can also be integrated with open-source or customer-supplied mapping and other integrations.

The 953 COMINT RF Receiver is available today, and current COMINT models in service with customers will continue to be supported by SPX CommTech.

For more information, visit www.tcibr.com. Book a time to discuss your COMINT needs with us at DSEI (Excel London, 12-15 September 2023) by emailing tci_sales@spx.com.

Posted in CEMA, Information Warfare, International, Press Release, Sensors | Comments Off on SPX CommTech Launches Latest Transportable Tactical COMINT 953 RF Receiver