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Rheinmetall Stepping Up Delivery of Combat Helmets to the Bundeswehr: Quality Inspection Successfully Concluded

December 15th, 2022

Rheinmetall has reached another milestone on the road to equipping the German military with a new combat helmet. On 6 December 2022, Christine Lambrecht, the German defence minister, took official delivery of the first items of military clothing and personal equipment ordered by the Bundeswehr in response to the abruptly changed security situation in Europe. The equipment includes the new combat helmet being supplied by Rheinmetall. Quick off the mark, Rheinmetall had already successfully concluded formal qualification of the tactical headgear as well as quality inspection of the first three lots of subsequent procurements.

In November 2020 the Bundeswehr placed an initial order with Rheinmetall for an advanced combat helmet. The framework agreement encompassed delivery of up to 20,000 “Combat Helmet, Special Forces, Heavy”. A first call-off of 5,000 helmets came the same month. The helmets were initially earmarked for special operations forces and specialized troops with an expanded basic capability for conducting special operations, as well as for equipping NATO’s VJTF 2023 spearhead force. In March 2022, spurred by the dramatic turn of events in Europe, the Bundeswehr significantly expanded its order. The new helmet model would now be known as the “Combat Helmet, Armed Forces”. In all, the follow-up order encompasses some 300,000 helmets, which will be supplied to the German military during the period 2022-2025. Rheinmetall is cooperating in this programme with two strategic partners. Total order volume exceeds €200 million.
Providing improved protection and more comfortable to wear, the new combat helmets feature decibel-independent hearing protection and a night observation device. They will substantially enhance the combat effectiveness of German infantry forces.

Since 2020, nearly 34,000 helmets have been supplied. By the end of the year, a further 11,000 will reach the troops. The order was won by Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics of Stockach, Germany. A specialist supplier of laser light modules, the company is extremely well-connected in the soldier systems segment.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, Helmets, International, Press Release | 2 Comments »

Strike Industries – OPPRESSOR Golf Ball Launcher

December 15th, 2022

The SI OPPRESSOR Golf Ball Launcher looks like a lot of fun. Based on the Strike Industries OPPRESSOR blast shield muzzle device which aids in redirecting blast and sound, the new SI OPPRESSOR Golf Ball Launcher also uses the patented quick detach Strike Rapid Engage Mount (SREM) system mount.

You have to use blanks but it will propel a golf ball up to 500 yards.

Posted in Weapon Accessories | 10 Comments »

Brouwer 0.250” Rise 45 Degree Offset Mount for BUIS

December 15th, 2022

The Brouwer 0.250” Rise 45 Degree Offsets are designed to work in concert with standard height Back Up Iron Sights (BUIS), and the B.E. Meyers MAWL providing the specific rise necessary for the BUIS’s to clear the top of the MAWL providing a clear line of sight.

Made from nitride coated, heat treated 4140 chromoly, the sights occupy only one rail slot.

Sold as a pair. Backup iron sights not included.

www.brouwersolutions.com/products/45-degree-offsets

Posted in Weapon Accessories | 6 Comments »

The iMUGS Consortium Demonstrates Autonomous Missions with Robotic Systems

December 15th, 2022

The integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System (iMUGS) project Consortium showcased the usage of autonomous unmanned ground systems for various defence missions, including intelligence gathering, casualty evacuation and last mile re-supply at the projects penultimate demonstration in Versailles, France. The event was led by Safran and Nexter and supported by other consortium members.

All the partners met in the premises of Nexter Robotics, made available during the weeks of integration and validation preceding the demonstration.

During the demonstration, three Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS UGVs equipped with payloads from the consortium members and cooperation partners fulfilled several autonomous missions to demonstrate the ability of the complete iMUGS system. These included autonomous mission planning from the operator’s point of view, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance) with object detection and recognition, autonomous re-supply and casualty evacuation and cyber threat response.

The missions, performed by the French armed forces, presented how manned units can utilize unmanned systems to conduct missions more safely and effectively. “Unmanned systems increase stand-off distance from the enemy and, thanks to various sensors and effectors, provide soldiers the means to gather a higher quantity and much more precise information about their operation area than humans are capable of,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics, the iMUGS Consortium lead.

“Autonomous unmanned assets are a game changer for armed forces as they allow the allocation of soldiers to more important tasks,” Väärsi added.

The UGV’s autonomous functionality that includes follow-me, waypoint navigation and obstacle detection and avoidance capabilities was developed by consortium members Diehl Defence, Milrem Robotics, Nexter and Safran. ISR was provided by OTEOS, the Escribano Mechanical & Engineering’s Electro Optic System, SAAB Grintek’s Laser Warning System (LWS) and Metravib Defence’s PEARL acoustic shot detection. Radio communication was provided by Bittium’s software defined radios.

The command and control (C2) and tactical C2ISR by GMV and sol.one were setup in the Krauss-Maffei Wegmann’s Boxer Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) with a C2 mission module and a static command centre. Cyber threat response was provided by Talgen. dotOcean and Insta showcased, via video, global and local swarming capabilities, respectively, in their in-house simulator.

The demonstration organized in France was the fifth of a total of six demonstrations held during the iMUGS project. The previous demonstrations were held in Estonia, Latvia, Finland, and Belgium. The last will be held in December in Germany.

Posted in International, Press Release, Robotics | Comments Off on The iMUGS Consortium Demonstrates Autonomous Missions with Robotic Systems

Bauernfeind New Leader of Air Commandos

December 15th, 2022

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind assumed command of Air Force Special Operations Command during a ceremony in the Freedom Hangar on December 9, 2022.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. presided over the ceremony where Bauernfeind took the guidon from Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, who will go on to serve as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force at the Pentagon.

During his tenure, Slife led the command to become a pathfinding force paving the way in key initiatives such as palletized effects, employing Mission Sustainment Teams and steering resources to armed overwatch. He also implemented a force generation process that achieved the intent of the Secretary of Defense, and more importantly, provided deployment predictability for the Airmen of the command.

“I’m proud to mark your transition to lead [AFSOC] at this strategic inflection point in our nation’s history,” said Brown. “I’m confident Tony’s leadership will ensure we are ready to compete and win. Tony, in every role, you’ve led our joint force and airmen to unprecedented success. You value insights that push the boundaries of the possible. I’m excited for you to have this opportunity to pour your immense talent and dedication into the Air Force Special Operations Command.”

Bauernfeind earned his commission in 1991 from the U.S. Air Force Academy and his wings in 1992 as a MC-130E pilot. He has held multiple assignments throughout the Special Operations community prior to becoming the AFSOC commander, including the 1st Special Operations Group commander and the 27th Special Operations Wing commander.

Also present at the ceremony was U.S. Army Gen. Bryan P. Fenton, Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command. Fenton spoke about Bauernfeind’s leadership abilities.

“As you’ve done in your previous positions, you get after it every single day with the tenacity to take care of, get more of and guard our most precious capability: people,” said Fenton. “You did that in an incredible fashion like you’ve done in every job we’ve known you to be a part of. You’ve got an incredible resume, which is exactly why you should lead this command.”

AFSOC’s mission is to present combat-ready forces to conduct and support global special operations missions. The command consists of highly trained, rapidly deployable Airmen, conducting global special operations missions ranging from precision application of firepower to infiltration, exfiltration, resupply and refueling of special operations forces’ operational elements.

Before passing the torch, Slife offered a few words to Bauernfeind.

“Tony, I see the journey behind, you see the journey ahead and that’s exactly the way it should be,” said Slife. “I only hope that you’re 1,260 days are as rewarding as ours have been. To the men and women of AFSOC, it’s been an honor of a lifetime to serve with you. Thank you all very much.”

Bauernfeind inherits a command with approximately 22,000 total force and civilian Air Commandos worldwide. He is now the 13th AFSOC commander.

“Chief Master Sgt. Olson and I are excited to work with the AFSOC communities around the globe in the months ahead to sustain and improve the quality of life for our Air Commandos and their families,” said Bauernfeind. “I’m proud of your accomplishments, but I’m more impressed by your outstanding professionalism and innovative spirit. I’m deeply humbled to take command of this great organization.”

Welcome home sir!

By 2nd Lt. Cassandra Saphore

AFSOC Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, SOF | Comments Off on Bauernfeind New Leader of Air Commandos

Galvion Wins Major NSPA Contract to Supply Ballistic Combat Helmets to NATO

December 14th, 2022

Galvion, a world leader in innovative head protection systems and power and data management solutions, has been awarded a framework contract by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) to supply its flagship Batlskin Caiman® ballistic helmet system. This announcement places Galvion as a major supplier of higher performance helmet systems, typically used by Special Operations Forces (SOF), to any NATO country wishing to purchase through NSPA.

The contract was awarded following extensive user trials conducted by the lead user nation under the supervision of the NSPA. The contract duration is three years with options to be extended to a maximum of seven years.

Selected by NSPA to meet the higher performance bracket of four specified helmet categories, Galvion’s flagship Batlskin Caiman® helmet comes in five sizes and is equipped with the very latest APEX lining system, an intuitively adjustable design that enables a customized fit for users. The Caiman helmet is scalable for highly dynamic operations, with mission-specific accessories (visor, mandible and helmet cover) also available through the framework contract. The helmet system has been tried and tested on operations and is already in service across multiple countries, primarily for SOF use, delivering unmatched levels of weight and comfort, and is expressly designed to incorporate electronics, communications headsets, and other critical equipment needs, now and into the future.

Jonathan Blanshay, CEO at Galvion said: I’m particularly proud to announce this contract award today. The Caiman system was developed over a number of years with extensive SOF operator collaboration and feedback, specifically with an eye to the future needs of users. It is a platform with a unique combination of agility, protection, weight reduction, and scalability, built to meet the real-world demands of the modern battlefield. Added Blanshay, This framework contract presents an exciting opportunity to get this class-leading helmet to a vast cross-section of those it was designed to serve, and we look forward to working through NSPA to outfit operators across NATO for years to come.

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Introducing IMPACT Experience Events

December 14th, 2022

Where Participants “Reach New Limits”

Traverse City, MI – (December 14th, 2022) IMPACT is an “experience” like no other. IMPACT Experience, a premier event company catering to the shooting sports industry, provides events specialized in all-terrain marksmanship training in partnership with FTW Ranch. IMPACT events are designed to be a stress-free experience for all levels hunters preparing for their next adventure, or shooters simply wishing to sharpen their skills with guidance from some of the best instructors in the world.

The IMPACT Experience event is focused on making certain that participants fully understand their rifle/optic as well as how to make necessary in-field adjustments. Part of the IMPACT Experience is an offering of premier field-tested rifles and optics that are then “fit” to the participants who are guided through FTW’s SAAM Precision class by their elite instruction staff. This hands-on training experience will provide participants the confidence of actually “using” and adjusting their equipment while understanding ethical yardages from various shooting positions in order to “Reach New Limits”.

IMPACT Experience events are also keenly targeted on assisting companies within and outside of the hunting and shooting sports industry. Custom IMPACT “experiences” can be implemented to focus on new product launch events, staff training, team building, as well as valuable time with select key accounts and customers.

“Having spent over 30 years in the consumer goods industry, I realized that a number of manufacturers did not recognize the value of a proper product launch strategy, impactful staff training or even creative ways of getting additional face time with key accounts and partners,” said Stephen Graham, Owner and Operator of IMPACT Experience.

So, whether you need a refresher on “Building Your House” or looking to further develop your skills individually or with a group, IMPACT and FTW are prepared to help you redefine your shooting limitations. Very few ranges in the world compare to the training in the hill country of Texas across FTW Ranch’s 12,500 acres consisting of 32 ranges and over 1400 targets where instructors will have access to create most any scenario you will likely encounter.

www.IMPACT-Experience.net

Posted in Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on Introducing IMPACT Experience Events

A World-Class Collaboration: Ball and Buck x Blaser R8 Hunting Rifle

December 14th, 2022

Gunnison, CO – December 13th, 2022 – Sporting lifestyle brand Ball and Buck and premium firearms manufacturer Blaser, announce their partnership with the debut of the special edition Ball and Buck x Blaser R8 hunting rifle. The rifle, reimagined by Ball and Buck founder and sportsman Mark Bollman IV, follows in their long-line of outdoor industry leading brand collaborations that include the likes of New Balance®, Danner Boots®, and Jeep®. Each rifle is hand-crafted from ultra premium wood, aerospace grade aluminum, and proprietary Ball and Buck materials.

“Four years ago I began the journey to create the best rifle on the planet–one that combined Ball and Buck’s timeless and understated style on the outside and industry leading technology and performance on the inside. With the precision engineering of German craftsmen and women, we took the iconic Blaser R8 Platform and infused our proprietary materials and design details to create an heirloom rifle that’s fit for a display case, but built to be used afield.”

The Ball and Buck x Blaser Signature R8 rifle begins its life with a hand carved stock and forearm from high-grade walnut; then it’s buffed with a smooth matte oil finish before it’s crowned with Ball and Buck signature leather and a pop of blaze orange stitching for a luxurious feel that only gets better with age. Every detail of this rifle was intentional from the custom engraved matte black receiver to its gold inlays, bolt head, and trigger and finally the individually numbered pistol grip cap.

“It was a pleasure bringing Mark’s vision to life and building a custom R8 that represents both brands so cohesively,” said Christian Socher, CEO, Blaser GmbH. “We are excited to introduce this elegant R8 rifle to Ball and Buck customers who, like our own clientele, appreciate superior performance and exceptional craftsmanship.”

The Ball and Buck x Blaser R8 Rifle is available exclusively through Clay Shooter’s Supply in Dallas, TX. Inquire today at ballandbuck.com.

Posted in Firearms, Press Release | Comments Off on A World-Class Collaboration: Ball and Buck x Blaser R8 Hunting Rifle