FirstSpear TV

Thermal Augmentation Device Update: Available for Preorder!

July 1st, 2024

Redlands, California—

TNVC and Safran Defense & Space, Inc. (Safran DSI), formerly Safran Optics 1, are excited to announce the release of the Thermal Augmentation Device (TAD), one of the most exciting new products in the Visual Augmentation Systems space—and available now for Pre-Order exclusively through TNVC!

tnvc.com/shop/safrandsi-tad-thermal-augmentation-device

Production units are rolling off the line now with the first commercial deliveries occurring by August! These initial units are available for Pre-Order at an introductory price of $6,500 and available with multiple bracket options, including PVS-14-based optical lens assemblies, the L3Harris BNVD (PVS-31) and GPNVG, and Elbit/EOTECH/Theon AN/PVS-31D (additional options available).

TAD is based on the AN/PAS-29B Enhanced Clip-On Thermal Imager (ECOTI), and is a small, lightweight system that clips on to almost any existing Night Vision Goggle system. TAD creates an instant thermal fusion capability without any permanent modification to the device or system by projecting a thermal overlay into the intensified image, providing the user with superior detection, situational awareness and identification capabilities compared to using an I2 or thermal system by itself.

At only 90 grams (including the mounting bracket and internal battery), TAD is smaller and lighter than the AN/PAS-29B ECOTI, while featuring an improved 672 x 544 10 µm uncooled LWIR microbolometer sensor while retaining the ECOTI’s 30o circular field of view (FOV), allowing users to detect moving man-sized signatures atup to 250M depending on conditions. TAD is also backwards compatible with most existing legacy AN/PAS-29A (COTI) and ECOTI mounting brackets.

TAD allows users to upgrade their existing systems to obtain and employ fusion capabilities at a low cost, without needing to purchase and field an entirely new goggle system. While dedicated systems and even systems like the ECOTI offer a tremendous range of capabilities, particularly with ATAK and other Augmented Reality integration capabilities, not all users may need them. TAD offers a “no frills” fusion at 40% less cost, making it ideal for commercial and law enforcement customers who simply want the thermal detection capabilities withoutneeding to use a secondary device like a handheld thermal monocular or having to pay for unused features.

“I2 / Thermal Fusion is becoming THE standard for headborne Visual Augmentation Systems,” notes TNVC COO, Augee Kim. “With devices like the ENVG-B and SBNVG becoming standardized across close combat formations across the DoD, I2 / Thermal Fusion offers a significant edge to users in extreme low light conditions and heavily wooded or shaded areas, including subterranean operations, as we begin to face adversaries with their own night vision capabilities.”

TAD, created and manufactured by Safran DSI, is available exclusively at TNVC.com for Pre-Order with commercial deliveries expected to begin by August!

tnvc.com/shop/safrandsi-tad-thermal-augmentation-device

OTTE Gear – Down Range Pant

July 1st, 2024

I first saw the new Down Range Pant from OTTE Gear during Enforce Tac. Now available for order, this pant is packed with features.

Made from a stretchy NYCO blend, the Down Range Pant has a modern fit with integrated knee protection.

Features:

– Gusseted crotch
– Flat-lying waistband and hook & loop fly
– Padded and adjustable waistband
– Hi-abrasion resin kneecaps and premium kneepads
– Large hand-warmer pockets
– Streamlined cargo pockets (no snagging) with magnetic closure
– Secure storage zippered cargo pockets that double as vents
– Zippered calf pockets
– Knee volume shock cord adjustments with cord garage
– Hem opening adjustments

Available in OCP, Charcoal Grey, Coyote Brown, and Ranger Green in numbered pant sizes from 28 – 44″ with lengths up to 36″ (varies).

ottegear.com/collections/pants/products/down-range-pant-ocp

SIG NEXT Opening Night

July 1st, 2024

Last week SIG SAUER launched a year’s worth of new product during a two-day event called SIG NEXT. This video is a great summary of launch night which was attended by hundreds of media, top SIG dealers, and SIG employees.

The launch includes:

P365-FUSE

P320-FLUX Legion

– ROMEO-X Enclosed optic

– MCX-SPEAR 6.8

– .277 FURY Ammunition

– CROSS-MAGNUM Sawtooth @ Signature Meateater Ammunition

– P226-X5 Reserve

– P226 40th Anniversary

– P320-X5 SX

– ECHO family of thermal sights

Several items are already shipping to dealers like the P365-FUSE and P320-FLUX Legion. Even then, expect a few more surprises throughout the year.

B5 Systems Expands Line of Retro Firearm Accessories for the CAR15

July 1st, 2024

Xenia, OH – [July 1, 2024]

B5 Systems, a leading provider of professional grade firearms accessories, proudly announces the expansion of its retro firearm accessories, designed specifically for the CAR15. These components blend classic aesthetics with modern materials, providing authentic and high-quality options to enhance your CAR15 or other Clone Rifles, available in Black and OD Green.

The B5 Systems Retro Line includes:

CAR15 Stock: Faithful to the original design, this mil-spec stock offers a nostalgic look while incorporating modern materials for improved durability. It features sharp checkering and fixed sling mounts.

LS2 Pistol Grip: Combining a classic contour with advanced polymer construction and built in storage, this grip provides the perfect balance of nostalgia and functionality.

CAR15 6-Hole Handguard: These drop in carbine handguards capture the original slim 6-hole design with integral heatshield.

B5 Systems retro series pays homage to classic AR15 parts and accessories while being made of modern materials and to the same exacting standards of all B5 Systems products.  The retro line of products is perfect for your Military Clone or Modern KISS build.  

For more information about these and other products visit us at www.B5Systems.com

www.facebook.com/B5Systems

www.instagram.com/b5systems

MATBOCK Monday – New NAVAIR Aviation Vest by MATBOCK

July 1st, 2024

The MATBOCK Aviation Vest uses a variant of our Ghost Material that is significantly stronger and more durable than traditional fabrics currently used. This variant is FR. This version of the Aviation Kit was specifically designed to meet and exceed all NAVAIR FR standards.

The system weighs 6.5 lbs (2.9kg), compared to a CMU-37/P, which weighs 23.2 lbs (10.5kg), or a CMU-33/A, which weighs 14.4 lbs (6.5kg).

Our vest is well over 1/2 the weight of the current systems and is much more comfortable and user-friendly.

The floatation device will upright an unconscious patient 100% of the time. The pistol holster was designed for left—or right-handed shooters. It also allows the user to adjust the angle of the pistol.

For the lower body, the kit comes with a standalone leg harness system or when integrated with the HAALO belt. Below are both versions.

Here are a few more images showing the front, sides, and back of the MATBOCK Aviation Vest.

Stay tuned for other videos showing the vest, and next time, we will cover other features of the MATBOCK Aviation vest. If you are interested in getting some for your HELO Squadron to test, please reach out to PMA202 or you can reach out to MATBOCK at sales@matbock.com

National Guard Members Test Skills at Cyber Shield 2024

July 1st, 2024

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Almost 1,000 participants flooded the Virginia National Guard State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach for the longest-running and largest Department of Defense cyber defense exercise May 31 to June 15, 2024.

Cyber Shield is an annual National Guard event that hosts National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers, Airmen, civilian cyber professionals and international partners worldwide.

A number of National Guard State Partnership Program countries, including Poland, the Republic of Moldova, Lithuania, Romania, the Republic of Georgia and Kosovo joined this year’s cyber shield exercise.

“The importance is international outreach,” said North Carolina Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Todd Webster, a cybersecurity team leader. “Not only are we able to help cyber developing companies and countries, but we’re also able to provide outreach across the globe.”

Cyber forces were brought together in Virginia Beach to develop, train and test their limits. Those involved had the opportunity to attend rigorous courses, conduct cyber exercises, and test their skills in this year’s NetWars competition.

Cyber Shield held training classes tailored to various skill sets, including Pen+, Security+, Linux+ and CISSP.

“Our overall goal for Cyber Shield is to train and learn on the cyber domain,” said North Carolina Army National Guardsman Lt. Col. Brian Dodd, Cyber Shield’s defensive cyber team chief. “We learn how to better respond to incidents in the cyber domain and how to better react to the problems that we see.”

This event was designed to increase participants’ ability to infiltrate, defend and enhance the cybersecurity network for global defense measures.

“We continue to see increased severity and increased frequency of cyber attacks regularly,” Dodd said. “There are more threats than there have ever been in the cyber domain, so we need to come to an event like this and train together.”

By Hannah Tarkelly, 449th Combat Aviation Brigade

Tac Jobs – Army Museums Director

June 30th, 2024

Attention all Museum professionals, this GS-15 position for Director, Army Museums is now open for applications. Location is at Fort Belvoir, VA.

The closing date is 10 July. Be sure to apply ASAP for this exciting opportunity!

Apply on USAJobs at this link;

www.usajobs.gov/job/796532500

Savage Announces New Episode of Savage Journeys: Making It Rain Outdoors

June 30th, 2024

WESTFIELD, Massachusetts – June 28, 2024 – Savage Arms® announces the release of its newest Savage Journeys episode: Making it Rain Outdoors. This story follows Savage Arms ambassadors Rain and Jason Williams and the generational tradition of hunting and fishing that Rain Williams was born into and is sharing with her family. The Williams hope to instill in their children the same passion for the outdoors and inspire other families to connect with nature to ensure the legacy continues for future generations.

Viewers can watch as Rain tells the story of her father and grandfather instilling a love for the outdoors in her from a young age, and how she came to introduce her husband Jason to hunting and fishing when they began dating. Now parents of three, viewers witness them discuss combining parenthood with the outdoors and the balance that takes. The Williams also describe how their brand, Rain Outdoors, came to be and the mission of their platform.

“My husband was passionate about promoting where he was from in the city so he knew all about social media. He would take pictures of me outside hunting and fishing and the brand started building from there,” said Rain Williams. “For a long time, I knew that I wanted to get young people involved, especially young women. Hearing from parents who tell me that their daughters decided to start hunting or fishing because of me is what inspires me to keep making content and building Rain Outdoors.”

As important as creating and sharing content is to Rain and Jason, they stand firm in the idea that the most important job they can do in growing the outdoor community is to instill those values in their children. The Williams work hard to teach their sons that hunting and fishing is more for the harvest than anything else, showing them every step of the process from the catch or kill to a home-cooked meal.

“Rain’s story is important to tell because it highlights the power of family traditions and the vital role of teaching the next generation to cherish our outdoor heritage,” said Kristin Boeshart, Digital Marketing Manager at Savage Arms. “Rain and Jason share their joy for the outdoors and their family every day on their pages.”

The Williams continue to pursue their goals, with a bright vision for the future of Rain Outdoors. Having recently released her first children’s outdoor coloring and activity book, Rain Outdoors Into the Wild, Rain hopes to spark children around the country’s interest in the outdoors, hunting and fishing. Rain and Jason’s adventures are documented on their Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.

“We’re trying to build an outdoors legacy that will last beyond our lives and this is just the beginning of that journey,” said Rain Williams.

This Savage Journeys episode debuted on the Savage Arms website and through its social channels on June 28. For more information about Savage Arms and Savage Journeys, visit savagearms.com.