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U.S. Air Force And Archer Enter Into Contracts Worth Up To $142 Million Representing Landmark Investment In EVTOL Technology By U.S. Military

August 1st, 2023

• Archer has been partnering with the Department of Defense (DoD) since 2021 on a series of projects through the Air Force’s AFWERX program with the goal of helping the AFWERX Agility Prime program assess the transformational potential of the vertical flight market and eVTOL technologies for DoD purposes

• This new execution phase of the partnership includes the delivery of up to 6 of Archer’s Midnight aircraft, which the Air Force is targeting for use in personnel transport and logistics support, rescue operations and more

• This expansion of Archer’s partnership with the DoD represents a significant investment in the future of the country and will help ensure the U.S. maintains its leadership position in aviation

• The other military branches have the opportunity to leverage these contracts as a platform for additional projects, which could increase the total value of Archer’s DoD partnership

SANTA CLARA, CA, – Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR), a leader in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, today announced that it has significantly expanded its partnership with the DoD by signing new contracts with the U.S. Air Force with a total value of up to $142 million. The new contracts signal the U.S. military’s recognition of the transformative potential Archer’s innovative eVTOL aircraft brings to our country’s Armed Forces. This new execution phase of the partnership includes the delivery of up to six of Archer’s Midnight aircraft to the Air Force, the sharing of additional flight test data and certification related test reports, pilot training, and the development of maintenance and repair operations. As a result of these contracts, Archer will create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America.

Archer has been partnering with the DoD since 2021 on a series of projects through the U.S. Air Force’s AFWERX program with the goal of helping the AFWERX Agility Prime program assess the transformational potential of the vertical flight market and eVTOL technologies for DoD purposes. Now, with Archer recently completing the manufacturing of its first Midnight aircraft, the DoD recognizes that with its vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, target payload of approximately 1,000lbs, proprietary electric powertrain system, and low noise profile, Archer’s aircraft represents a potential paradigm shift in military aviation and operations. These aircraft hold the promise of enhancing rapid response, agility, and operational effectiveness across a wide range of mission profiles, from personnel transport and logistics support to rescue operations and more. Archer’s Midnight aircraft are expected to provide a much safer and quieter alternative to helicopters while being more cost-effective for the U.S. military to transport, operate and maintain in the field.

“This historic agreement reflects the steadfast commitment by our Armed Forces to embrace the cutting-edge technology our eVTOL aircraft offer,” said Adam Goldstein, Archer’s Founder and CEO. “It’s clear that the development and commercialization of eVTOL technology continues to remain a national priority. We look forward to working closely with the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Air Force to integrate Midnight into their operational fleet with a focus on transport, logistics and rescue operations.”

“It is our mission to ensure the U.S. continues to lead the world in developing and deploying emerging aerospace technology,” said Colonel Tom Meagher, the lead for AFWERX Agility Prime programs. “eVTOL aircraft represent the cusp of the third revolution in aerospace, and these aircraft and their descendents will drive advances in capabilities and efficiency. Our contracts with Archer Aviation provide the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Air Force the opportunity to play a role in ensuring from the onset, and as the technology evolves, that we unlock the many benefits these aircraft have to offer the U.S. military.”

“As a retired senior military leader who was responsible for U.S. forces, operations and activities throughout the continent of Africa, I’m thrilled with this agreement and its potential impact on the capabilities of our Armed Forces,” said Retired 4-Star General and Archer Government Services Advisory Board Member, Steve Townsend. “The United States has always been at the forefront of technological innovation, and this partnership demonstrates our nation’s commitment to maintain that position. I commend the visionary leadership at DoD which led to this contract and Archer’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of aviation technology.”

This announcement comes on the heels of Archer announcing the formation of the company’s Government Services Advisory Board in May. The goal of the advisory board is to allow Archer to more fully engage with U.S. government and public safety agencies to explore opportunities to commercialize its eVTOL aircraft. The members of this advisory board are assisting and facilitating Archer’s direct engagement with appropriate government agencies and officials to advance both consideration and implementation of Archer’s eVTOL aircraft and related technologies. The board includes Retired 4-star General Steve Townsend, Retired 3-star Lieutenant General David A. Krumm, Retired 3-star Vice Admiral Ron Boxall, Retired 2-star General Clayton M. Hutmacher, Retired 2-star General Bill Gayler, and Retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael J. Durant.

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Contracts, Industry, Press Release, Research | 3 Comments »

New RCR Ruggedized Closed Reflex with RMR Footprint

August 1st, 2023

Trijicon, Inc., the global provider of innovative aiming solutions to the military, law enforcement, and personal-defense minded individuals, is proud to introduce the new Trijicon RCR™ or Ruggedized Closed Reflex. An extremely durable closed emitter optic, the RCR meets the demanding standards for military and law enforcement applications where a compact sealed emitter optic is needed.

Based on the award-winning, industry-standard Trijicon Ruggedized Miniature Reflex (RMR®), the RCR is waterproof to 66 ft., and able to achieve unprecedented levels of mechanical and electronic robustness. Built with 7075-T6 aluminum using the RMR patented shape, the RCR absorbs recoil and other impacts and diverts stresses away from the lenses.

Beyond the shape, the RCR also shares the RMR’s footprint. Employing Trijicon’s new, innovative capstan screw design, the RCR mounts directly on any slide or plate that currently accepts an RMR. The capstan screw system is easy to use, and testing has proven it to be incredibly robust, while also preventing over-torquing, cross threading, and stripping out of the screw head. The RCR is also the same deck height as the RMR, allowing for use with RMR-compatible iron sights.

Brightness settings are adjusted manually, with 10 brightness settings to choose from, including three night vision options and one super bright option. The LED illumination is powered by one CR2032 battery. The battery easily top-loads into the unit without the need to remove the RCR from the firearm and re-confirm zero after a battery change. Not that a user will need to change batteries very often. A single CR2032 battery will provide an amazing 6 years of continuous use at brightness setting 5 of 10 at 70°F.

A true-color, multi-coated lens provides wide-band light transmission to ensure minimal change in target area color. The 3.25 MOA red dot is easily adjustable for elevation and windage and no special tools are needed. Adjustments are at 1 MOA per click, with a total of 150 MOA travel possible.

The RCR includes upgraded electronics featuring ruggedized battery contacts and electronics to ensure performance and survivability in harsh environments. Adjustment buttons are distinctive and easy-to-use.

The Made-in-USA RCR is ready for immediate adoption by any user who needs the durability and footprint of the RMR in a miniature sealed emitter reflex optic.

For more information on the new Trijicon RCRTM and the complete array of Brilliant Aiming Solutions™ for the hunting, shooting, military, and law enforcement markets, visit Trijicon.com.

Posted in Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on New RCR Ruggedized Closed Reflex with RMR Footprint

SIG SAUER Statement on Montville, CT Police Department Incident

August 1st, 2023

NEWINGTON, N.H., (July 31, 2023): SIG SAUER has the following statement relative to a reported unintentional discharge from an officer at the Montville, CT Police Department on Monday, July 24, 2023:

“We have seen the news reporting of the incident involving a P320 discharge at the Montville (CT) Police Department. We are confident, as is the case in all instances, that when the factors and evidence are reviewed this will be proven to be an unintentional discharge as a result of inadvertent contact with the trigger, and that the pistol did not fire without a trigger pull.

In reviewing the video footage of this incident currently available, it appears that the involved firearm was not fully seated in its holster and the holster retention hood was not fully closed over the pistol at the time of discharge (images below). This improperly holstered condition would have left the firearm’s trigger exposed and vulnerable to actuation. Even if properly holstered, the features of the involved holster allow for foreign object intrusion and interaction with the trigger, as has been seen in other incidents.

We regret that the involved agency jumped to conclusions regarding the cause of this discharge without first carefully examining the footage of the incident and providing SIG SAUER with an opportunity to assist in the examination of the involved firearm.

The P320 model firearm is used effectively and safely every day, by both civilians and armed professionals. Despite years of litigation and extensive discovery, no one has ever been able to replicate a condition under which the P320 could discharge without a trigger pull, and experts who have attempted to assert such a claim have been repeatedly thrown out of court as unqualified and/or unreliable. Three separate federal courts (in the matters of Frankenberry v. SIG SAUER, Mayes v. SIG SAUER, and Hilton v. SIG SAUER) have concluded that the two experts who have proffered a theory of uncommanded discharge are unfit to testify in court because they are unqualified and/or their opinions are untested and unreliable. In the only case regarding a P320 discharge to proceed to a full trial (Guay v. SIG SAUER), a jury of 12 rejected these experts’ unproven and unscientific theory, and found unanimously in favor of SIG SAUER. SIG SAUER stands behind the proven safety and reliability of the P320.”

Posted in Advertiser, Firearms, Industry, LE, Press Release | 10 Comments »

TNVC Presents: Night Vision Minute

August 1st, 2023

Tactical Night Vision Company (TNVC) is excited to announce our latest project – a brand-new video series, ‘Night Vision Minute.’ Our goal? To take customers and end-users on a deeper dive into the world of night vision devices through bite-sized, easy-to-understand information and insights.

With new videos releasing on Tuesdays, ‘Night Vision Minute’ is your fast-track to understanding night vision technologies. In these videos, we don’t just scratch the surface; we dig into your burning questions, providing a firm footing for both those just starting their journey and seasoned night vision users looking to sharpen their knowledge.

Spoiler Alert: though the series is called ‘Night Vision Minute;’ our commitment to delivering high-value content means we’re not bound by the 60-second mark. We’ll continue to expand the envelope with long-form content and videos, all tailored to give you the best educational experience possible. (Don’t worry, we’ll keep doing the long videos for those who want to take a deeper dive!)

www.youtube.com/tnvcinc

TNVC INC Night Vision Minute: What Tubes Should I Choose?

TNVC INC Night Vision Minute: Otte Gear Helmet Bag Configurations

Our sincere hope is that ‘Night Vision Minute’ serves as your launchpad into the fascinating, sometimes complex, but always captivating world of night vision technology. We’re eager to explore topics that are of particular interest to you, so feel free to shoot us your suggestions!

Stay tuned for ‘Night Vision Minute’ videos on our Youtube channel – new videos release on Tuesdays. Hit that subscribe button so you won’t miss anything! To get more scoop on ‘Night Vision Minute’ and other exciting offerings from TNVC, visit www.tnvc.com.

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense visual information does not imply or constitute DOD endorsement.

Posted in Advertiser, Media, Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on TNVC Presents: Night Vision Minute

Really Right Stuff – Sniper Tripod Advanced Kit Issued NSNs

August 1st, 2023

While this isn’t exactly a new item, it’s going to be new to many readers. Last May, the US Army issued NSNs for a new tripod kit from Really Right Stuff to update the old sniper kits.

The Sniper Tripod Advanced Kit (NSN: 1005-01-702-7501) consists of tripod, high-performance ball head, versatile clamps, and adaptable mounts as well as a carrying bag.

The core of this Made in the USA Kit is the RRS tripod which features carbon fiber legs which are both light and strong. The tripod can instantly transition from ground level to standing using their pull tabs. It features four leg sections meaning it can be made quite compact for travel, and will sustain a load of up to 80 pounds.

The component NSN list is:

SubA-TFCT-34L Tripod Only (No Anvil-30) 1005-01-702-7382

Anvil-30 ARC Ball Head (only): 1005-01-702-7401

STAK Carrying Bag: 1005-01-702-7517

USR 240mm: 1005-01-702-7494

M-LOK Hardware: 1005-01-702-7494

Harris Bipod Adapter (HBA): 1005-01-702-7507

SC-ARC Bipod Clamp: 1005-01-702-7507

VR-76: 1005-01-702-7489

MPR-73: 1005-01-702-7485

QD Leg Collar: 1005-01-702-7510

Apex QD Mount: 1005-01-702-7510

Foot Spikes: 1005-01-702-7415

Posted in Army, Weapon Accessories | 6 Comments »

Supacat and NP Aerospace Hand-Over Recovery Vehicles to the British Army

August 1st, 2023

Pictured (left in both images) Supacat LWRV Vehicle towing an HMT vehicle

This week, Supacat and NP Aerospace will be delivering new Lightweight Recovery Vehicles to British Army units in Tern Hill and Leuchars as part of the UK Ministry of Defence Protected Mobility Engineering and Technical Support (PMETS) contract.

The Lightweight Recovery Vehicle (LWRV) designed by Supacat and NP Aerospace as engineering authority for PMETS have successfully reached Initial Operating Capability (IOC). They were presented to the Vehicle Support Team within DE&S at an event at Supacat facilities in Devon.

In June 2023, serving members from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and Royal Irish Regiment received operational training on the vehicles, and this week they will receive their first vehicles. Later this year, the British Army will receive two further Supacat LWRV vehicles to fulfil their need for off-road capability in harsh environments like those encountered during Operation Newcombe in Mali, Africa.

LWRV has addressed the capability gap for a recovery vehicle with the off-road performance to follow the routes of the British Army’s High Mobility Transport (HMT) `Jackal` and `Coyote` vehicles, developed by Supacat. The solution utilises four in-service Jackal 2 vehicles with the addition of Supacat’s innovative ‘Extenda’ removable 3rd axle to provide the recovery module and configure the 4×4 Jackal 2 as the 6×6 `Coyote`. The LWRV solution incorporates Supacat’s patented ‘Supalift’ recovery system technology, enabling the recovery of both the Foxhound and HMT platforms.

Brigadier Matt Wilkinson, Vehicle Support Team Leader at DE&S, said: “The announcement of the Lightweight Recovery Variant reaching Initial Operating Capability is the product of fantastic collaboration between the British Army, Defence Equipment and Support, Supacat and NP Aerospace under the PMETS contract. We now have a Lightweight Recovery capability, which the British Army can exploit to inform the Army’s Future Soldier requirements for recovery vehicles.”

David Petheram, Managing Director & Senior Vice President, NP Aerospace, commented: The PMETS contract has run successfully for the last four years, delivering significant innovations that have benefited the British Army on operation. Achieving IOC is an important step in our lightweight recovery vehicle programme with Supacat and demonstrates our joint collaboration with industry partners for the benefit of the UK MOD.”

Phil Applegarth, Director and Head of Supacat, said: “We are thrilled to hand over new

LWRV vehicles to the British Army in partnership with NP Aerospace. This solution fills a crucial capability gap and showcases the HMT’s modularity as a highly adaptable vehicle that can accommodate various system integrations based on operational needs. The LWRV has been equipped with a ground-breaking technology called “Supalift,” which significantly extends the lifting capacity of light vehicle recovery systems for the Army.”

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Blue Ridge Knives to Purchase Ontario Knife Which Will Cease New York Operations

July 31st, 2023

In a deal expected to close this week, New York-based Servotronics is selling Ontario Knife for $2.1 million to Virginia’s Blue Ridge Knives. Along with this sale, the knife manufacturer will cease operations in Upstate New York, where it has manufactured since 1889.

Parent company Servotronics has owned Ontario Knife since 1967, but makes the majority of its income from motion control equipment.

The company is well known for its government contract knives like the M9 bayonet. A visit to the Ontario Knife Company website informs the reader:

Thank you for visiting our website. We are currently in a transition and not accepting orders.

The factory in Elma, New York may remain open as Servotronics works to keep the 36 employees and determine what they can use the factory for.

No word yet on what plans the new owners have for the future of Ontario Knife.

Posted in Industry, Knives | 5 Comments »

Galvion Releases Upgraded MAX-8 Mission Adaptive Charging Station

July 31st, 2023

Galvion, a world leader in power and data management solutions, has announced the release of an upgraded version of their successful Mission Adaptive Charging Station™, known as the MAX-8. The MAX-8 is a portable charging solution that reduces operational battery burden, allowing teams to do more with less. MAX-8 is currently used and trusted by troops around the world, including segments of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, NATO Forces, first responder teams, and commercial users.

The recent enhancements to the MAX-8 were developed following extensive user engagement and deliver a suite of capability upgrades to meet the constantly evolving power needs of tactical and commercial partners. Notably, the MAX-8 delivers an AC/DC power supply increase from 280W to 480W, power output increase from 400W to 1000W, battery charger output increase from 5.0 Amps to 8.0 Amps, and a relocated USB-B port that enables firmware upgrades in less than one minute. Certified to meet or exceed a range of standards, including the standards for the CE Mark, CISPR 11 Class A and FCC part 15 Class A, Radiated and Conducted Emissions standard, MIL-STD-810H, HERO, HERP, HERF Compliance and MIL-STD-1275 with a NATO slave cable.

Built to withstand the harsh conditions of expeditionary operations, the MAX-8 can draw power from multiple sources, including solar and vehicle, to charge different types of batteries simultaneously – with no setting changes needed. The intelligent plug-and-play power management system automatically evaluates the power source and adjusts charge rates to maximize power and minimize charge time. The smart battery charging function prioritizes and tops off the fullest battery first, allowing users to get back to their mission as fast as possible with a fully charged battery.

Kristen Lomastro, President of Active Systems at Galvion, said: “The upgrades to the MAX-8 are a direct result of feedback from Galvion customers operating in austere and challenging conditions around the world. They wanted more charging power and performance, without sacrificing the ease-of-use and ruggedness of the original design. We responded with a solution that charges batteries more quickly and efficiently than before.” She added: “Our priority at Galvion is to deliver operational efficiencies and effectiveness for our users. Faster charging means less burden while out in the field, allowing operators to concentrate on the mission, and that is what drives everything that we do here.”

Posted in Power, Press Release | Comments Off on Galvion Releases Upgraded MAX-8 Mission Adaptive Charging Station