FirstSpear TV

Sneak Peek – SIG Machine Gun Optic & Weapons Attached Ranging Platform

February 5th, 2025

During a recent Global Defense Demo Day in Las Vegas, SIG SAUER unveiled several new technologies. In this article, I’m going to give you a Quick Look at the Machine Gun Optic and Weapons Attached Ranging Platform, both of which continue to be under development by SIG Electro Optics.

The prototype MGO features a disturbed reticle and uses the same technology as the ROMEO9T so there’s no forward light leakage.

Consider the MGO a technology demonstration at this point, so the final form factor will likely change significantly. Screen intensity is adjustable and the sight is powered by 2x CR123A batteries, but definitive run times haven’t yet been established.

There are no mechanical adjustments and you can establish as many zeroes as you’d like, but most will just resort to barrel A and barrel B.

The MGO is fed distance to target data for the disturbed reticle via the WARP (Weapons Attached Ranging Platform) which is also a prototype. You can see it mounted piggy back on the MGO. There is currently a Bluetooth remote switch under development which activates the laser.

The WARP lasers are 1550nm (mil only) with 905nm for a proposed civilian variant. WARP is powered by a single CR123C battery.

Both the MGO and WARP remain under development and won’t be available for sale until at least until next year.

Arctic Angels Rehearse MEDEVAC Operations Ahead of JPMRC

February 5th, 2025

FORT GREELY, Alaska — On a frigid early morning along the Alaskan frontier, the 25th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team and the 1-52nd General Support Aviation Battalion, Arctic Aviation Command — both of the 11th Airborne Division, — conducted a medical evacuation rehearsal ahead of Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 25-02, near Delta Junction, Alaska, Jan. 18, 2025.

The MEDEVAC rehearsal comes only days before the start of JPMRC 25-02, the Army’s newest Combat Training Center, focusing on large scale combat operations in remote and extreme Arctic winter conditions, where the ability to reach and treat casualties is key.

“Rehearsal is very important,” said 2nd Lt. Allen Sanchez, a platoon leader assigned to Charlie Company, 25th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division. “We have to practice our skills because, at the end of the day, we have to be prepared for things that may change in real-life situations.”

The Donnelly Training Area and its extreme cold temperatures, high winds and ever-changing conditions presents challenges, but learning to operate in that environment is vital for building soldiers that live up to the division’s motto: Arctic tough.

“This rehearsal is essential because we are in an Arctic environment, where resources are limited,” said Spc. Brandon Martinez Segura, a combat medic assigned to Charlie Company, 25th BSB, 1st IBCT, 11th Airborne Division. “So we need to practice getting all casualties out of this environment and to safety.”

With mere hours of daylight during the winter months, rehearsing in darkness is nearly unavoidable, but is critical to ensuring combat medics are prepared to treat any injury, no matter the conditions.

“It is crucial that we practice how to properly aid a patient in the cover of night; we hope to gain experience and learn from our mistakes,” Sanchez said.

By PFC Makenna Tilton, 27th Public Affairs Detachement

GeoCue Announces New Partnership with Clogworks Technologies

February 4th, 2025

Setting New Standards in European Aerial Mapping with Enhanced LiDAR Capabilities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 3, 2025

Huntsville, AL – GeoCue, a global leader in LiDAR acquisition and data processing solutions, is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with UK-based drone designer and manufacturer, Clogworks Technologies Limited. This partnership brings together GeoCue’s TrueView LiDAR and LP360 software solutions with Clogworks’ best-in-class Dark Matter range of multi-rotor UAVs, delivering a unique and highly efficient mapping and surveying solution to professionals around the world.

Clogworks Technologies, founded in 2014 in Yorkshire, UK, specializes in delivering modular and adaptable carbon fiber drones that excel in challenging and complex environments. The partnership with GeoCue positions Clogworks to offer its customers advanced LiDAR scanning technology along with LP360—an industry-leading data processing software that offers quick turnaround and in-depth analytics. By combining these offerings, clients can benefit from an end-to-end data capture and analysis solution, backed by extensive training and customer support.

“For over a year, we’ve enjoyed great cooperation on UK projects with GeoCue, and we value their transparent approach to pricing and outstanding technical expertise,” said Laurence Opdam, Director of Clogworks Technologies Limited. “By becoming a TrueView hardware integrator, as well as offering LP360 software, we’re confident we can deliver the highest quality solutions for our customers. This new partnership will help us meet the growing demand for non-Chinese drone and LiDAR integrations worldwide.”

“Clogworks has demonstrated outstanding innovation and expertise in designing highly capable UAVs. Integrating our TrueView 535 sensor with their Dark Matter hX Gen 2 drone opens exciting possibilities for customers seeking fully integrated, high-precision LiDAR solutions,” said Vincent Legrand, Vice President of Global Sales at GeoCue. “We have already seen impressive performance in the field, and we look forward to providing surveyors, government agencies, and research institutions with an all-in-one approach that ensures accurate data capture and streamlined workflows.”

With this alliance, Clogworks will offer GeoCue’s TrueView products globally, ensuring seamless integration of LiDAR sensors to its Dark Matter UAV platforms, including the Dark Matter hX Gen 2 and the Dark Matter qD Gen 2. Both companies are committed to ongoing research and development, delivering cutting-edge solutions for professional operators in surveying, engineering, and other geospatial applications.

Crow Shooting Supply Rebrands to Crow Wholesale and Launches New Website

February 4th, 2025

GRINNELL, Iowa (January 31, 2025) – Crow Shooting Supply has officially rebranded to Crow Wholesale, marking a significant milestone in its history. This transformation reflects the company’s continued growth and commitment to delivering exceptional value and service to its customers. Alongside this rebrand, Crow Wholesale has launched a new website designed to provide a seamless and efficient shopping experience tailored to the needs of its partners.

According to Shawn McGuire, VP of Sales, “This isn’t just a new name—it’s a new era for us. We’ve listened to customer feedback and built a modern online platform to make running their businesses simpler and more efficient.”

The new website offers several improved features, including a mobile-friendly design that ensures a seamless shopping experience on any device.

Better Account Tools: Users can quickly access account summaries and order history and manage invoices all in one place.

Easier Shopping Features: The platform includes wish list capabilities and an intuitive browsing experience.

Comprehensive Support: A quick-start video is available to guide users through logging in and exploring the platform’s new features.

Despite these changes, the company’s dedication to quality, excellent service, and customer success remains steadfast.

crowwholesale.com

Mechanix Wear – Cold Weather Glove System

February 4th, 2025

The Mechanix Wear Cold Weather Glove System consists of several Berry and non-Berry compliant gloves and mittens to be used alone or in conjunction with one another for varying climate conditions.

Consisting of Knit Liner, Intermediate Layer, Heavy Insulation Mitten and Outer Mitten Shell, the handwear was designed for a US Army cold weather glove system program.

For more information contact Mechanix Wear at govsales@mechanix.com.

DARK SYSTEMS – DarkFighter Gimbal K9 Camera

February 4th, 2025

Dark Systems is proud to present the DarkFighter Gimbal K9 Camera

This system is revolutionizing the standards of visual technology for tactical users requiring a tool that is as robust as it is advanced. This system addresses these needs with its cutting-edge stabilization and imaging capabilities, offering high-definition visuals that ensure no detail is missed in critical situations. This digital system remains economical and affordable for K9 units. 

What sets the K9 Camera apart is its advanced gimbal technology, which ensures that the video remains perfectly stable even in the most dynamic or unstable conditions. This level of stabilization is crucial for ensuring the accuracy of the captured content, allowing users to focus on their mission without being hindered by equipment limitations. Moreover, its compact design does not sacrifice functionality; rather, it enhances portability and usability, making it ideal for tactical use where quick deployment is often necessary. 

The Darkfighter Gimbal K9 Camera is a back-mounted system, no cable. The End User Device is capable of receiving video up to 200 meters away from the canine. This K9 camera is mesh capable, additional radios can be used to extend the operational range and user’s vision.

Dark Systems is the world leader in K9 helmets. Worldwide, over 3,000 of the company’s products have been deployed to the military and law enforcement agencies, SAR and K9 handlers. Each day, they use the DarkFighter K9 Helmet to protect their personnel. Dark Systems is a company of high-level engineers and professionals committed to listening, understanding and responding to our customers’ mission-critical needs.

www.darksystems.com

Team O’Neil’s Tactical Driving Tuesday – Counter-Interdiction

February 4th, 2025

Not interested in having your vehicle boxed and possibly kidnapped, or other exposed to other nefarious goings on? Then you need to think about counter-interdiction tactics. Like Instructor Wyatt will tell you, keep it moving; no matter what.

If you’re in need of in-person training like this, sign up for the Team O’Neil Tactical Driving Course at their facility in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. This five-day course includes driving under NODS and is available to military and other government agencies as well as civilians.

Arktis Unveils Exciting New ‘Contact Collection’ Field Layer

February 4th, 2025

Exeter, Devon – Arktis, is proud to announce the launch of its new field layer system, the Contact Collection. Part of their new Elite range, the ContactCollection marks a continued launch of new and updated designs to its range as even this year Arktis celebrates its 40th Anniversary.

A huge leap forward for Arktis with Next-Gen Fit, Function, and front-line performance at the fore of the Contact Collection

Meet the future of field performance gear with the CONTACT Collection from Arktis. Their new Elite Generation marks a step forward in their tactical design. Built to work seamlessly within their recently unveiled Layering System and developed for front-line professionals, this collection combines the latest in fabric technology with uncompromising fit, function, and durability.

Performance-Driven: Engineered to push the limits with fabrics that excel in the harshest conditions.

Next-Gen Fit & Function: Designed for ultimate comfort and freedom of movement.

For Professionals: Tailored for active law enforcement, military personnel, and those who demand the best on the front lines.

The Contact Collection is here – geared up for those who refuse to settle for anything less than peak performance

The Contact Collection is inspired by years of operator feedback and research into the latest fabrics and design trendsand is built for frontline professionals who refuse to settle for less than peak performance. Each product in the collection reflects our mission to provide quality, function, and durability. Highlights of the collection include:

Contact UBACS:

The Contact Ubac is a modern update of our classic Ubac design. It features a sturdy front and back yoke for enhanced durability when used with plate carriers. Additionally, we have introduced a new inherently flame-resistant (FR) jersey body that improves comfort and longevity. The fit has been refined with newly tapered sleeves, and the gusseted cuff allows for easy rolling of the mission-critical hero sleeve.

Contact Combat Trousers:

The next generation of Arktis combat trousers. The Contact Combats have been completely redesigned with a new fit that maximises flexibility and comfort to provide our best combat trousers to date.
Large cargo pockets with internal elastic loops create an easily accessible but secure area and a forward zip for easy seated access. The articulated knees and outer 330D Cordura panelling provide high durability, and the integrated internal knee pad option ensures enhanced user comfort.
The Contact Combat Trousers use a mechanical stretch Ripstop construction to maximise their function introducing mechanical stretch not found in standard ripstop.
Lighter than our standard ripstop and ready to flex with you, the Nylon Cotton blend weighs only 185gsm. Lightweight, sturdy and comfortable with our usual DWR finish for water resistance.

Contact Jacket:

Introducing our Contact Field Jacket, a new lightweight outer-field layer as part of our Contact Collection, featuring the same design characteristics and form factor as our Elite Stealth Jacket for excellent layer integration.
Utilising a multi-functional hood; adjustable hem and cuffs; pit zips to allow the wearer to dump heat; and an ergonomic fit with cutting-edge mechanical stretch Ripstop fabric.

According to Chris Trimby, Arktis Design Manager:

“I am very proud to have been part of the team delivering the new Contact Field range of specialist tactical garments in the Arktis Anniversary year and helping steer the brand toward a new chapter.

We have spent the last 18 months designing and developing every element of the contact range, including;

Modernising the fit of our garments to be ergonomic and to work with the body to create a comfortable field layer.

Industry leading, lightweight Cordura Nylon/Cottonmechanical stretch Ripstop fabric.

And regular consulting to ensure the design accounts for the in-field functions required by the modern operator.

 We’ve field-tested with Military and Police personnel to ensure Arktis delivers technical and high-performance garments to meet the standards the brand has adhered to for the last 40 years!”

store.arktis.co.uk