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SOFWERX – SOF Space 2040 Event

June 12th, 2023

SOFWERX, in collaboration USSOCOM J59 Concept Development and Integration – Experimentation (J59 CDI-E) will host a Table-Top Exercise (TTX) 26-27 July 2023, in Orlando, FL, which intends to bring together Industry, Academia, Government, and futurists in an exploration, design thinking, facilitated event to assist USSOCOM in decomposing future scenarios and missions. The theme of the TTX is “SOF Space 2040: Integrating SOF into the Space Domain”.

There have been rapid and transformative developments in the Space Domain, with many countries increasing their investments and interest in space, growth in new technologies and platforms, and significant activity from commercial players. These developments range from an exponential deployment of satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO); to more capable launch vehicles and spacecraft with greater payloads; and planned missions to exploit cislunar space and colonize the Moon and Mars. The number of space-related applications is far-reaching and includes communications, imaging, mining, manufacturing, exploration, tourism, scientific research, intelligence, military power, and human settlement.

The event will be a compelling opportunity for leading minds in Industry, Academia, Labs, and Government, as well as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to collaborate and ideate with other experts.

By participating, you will join a diverse group of experts in fields including space, defense, technology, gaming, manufacturing, robotics, science fiction, and international relations, and human factors who will gather to paint a picture of how you see the space domain in 2040, identify what challenges and opportunities could arise, and discuss how any challenges could be addressed.

You will network with other experts and use design thinking to explore concepts from future technology areas. The TTX is not limited to SOF-specific solutions; however, the outputs of the event should be aligned and/or designed to support USSOCOM operations when envisioning new mission sets for future Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel in Space – whether on earth, on orbit, in cislunar space, on the lunar surface, or elsewhere.

If you are an expert in any of the following areas of interest or in related fields, please consider participating in the TTX.

Space Technologies
Defense Systems
Computing
Communications
Gaming
Science Fiction
Space Manufacturing
Robotics
International Relations
Futurism
Human Aspects of Space

What you will do at the SOF Space 2040 Event:

• Describe what might be the characteristics of the Space Domain in 2040 and beyond.

• Describe what might be the predominant technologies within the future Space environment of 2040 and beyond.

• Describe what might be the challenges that will be faced in space in 2040 and beyond.

• Describe what concepts might lead to solutions that address these challenges.

• Describe what planning might be done starting now to address these challenges.

• Describe what investments should or might be made to ensure that DOD has the right technologies, processes, people, and resources to succeed.

Request to attend here.

U.S. Citizens Only…Submit NLT 30 June 2023 11:59 PM ET

Posted in SOF, Space | Comments Off on SOFWERX – SOF Space 2040 Event

Grip Force Extended Base Pad

June 12th, 2023

Conventional extended base pads primarily have a square or rectangular shape. Their designs mostly consist of flat or slightly angled surface areas on all sides and a flat section on the bottom. These designs are not ergonomic. They do not provide proper surface contact and feedback to the shooter during the reload sequence.

The advanced ergonomic design of the Grip Force EBP resolves all of these issues of conventional extended base pads.

The Grip Force EBP is the result of ergonomic evolution. When developing the Grip Force EBP, we studied the exact manner in how the human hand operates during a reload sequence. How the hand indexes the base pad and magazine in its pouch. How it wraps around the base pad and magazine body when removing the magazine. How it orients the magazine toward the magazine well, and how the hand functions when inserting, seating, and locking the magazine into the pistol.

The Grip Force EBP is designed to work with the hand naturally. The result is optimized speed and efficiency of the reload sequence.

FIT = FUNCTION

The EBP design allows for a faster and more consistent index.

The EBP fits the hand better, increasing feel and control.

The extended and contoured underside remains in contact with the hand during reloads. That continuous hand contact increases speed and efficiency.

The Grip Force EBP can be used on Standard (G17/G22) or Compact (G19/G23) sized magazines. The Grip Force EBP increases magazine capacity by +5 rounds of 9mm and +4 rounds of .40 cal.

Additional features include:

• Ambidextrous indented side panels enhance the operation for immediate action drills.

• A reinforced 3-pin locking bridge offers additional security against the base pad separating from the magazine body.

• The ergonomic shape of the EBP aids in concealed carry; the base pad design prints less underneath clothing.

• The ergonomic shape of the EBP offers an enhanced grip surface for compact (G19-sized) pistols.

• The EBP has a non-glare finish, suitable for MIL/LE duty use.

For more information, please visit our website.

www.gripforceusa.com

Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories | 8 Comments »

Blue Force Gear Releases Updated ULTRAcomp Wallet Just in Time for Father’s Day

June 12th, 2023

Pooler, GA – Blue Force Gear is proud to announce the release of its updated ULTRAcomp® Wallet. Made from a self-extinguishing fabric, it’s literally a wallet your money can’t burn a hole through. The ULTRAcomp Wallet’s water-resistant and anti-microbial properties make it a great line of defense against summer swamp ass. And it reduces IR signatures, so you won’t have to worry about it giving away all those covert purchases you “didn’t” make.

The ULTRAcomp Wallet is designed to be as slim as possible while holding up to 12 credit/debit cards and licenses. The oversized bill fold accepts most forms of paper currency, including Canadian and EU size currency. And because it’s made from ULTRAcomp—the same material Blue Force Gear uses in its plate carriers, battle belts, and other tactical gear—this wallet exceeds military tear- and abrasion-resistance standards. How’s that for durability?

The ULTRAcomp Wallet is available at BlueForceGear.com in four colors: MultiCam®, Coyote Brown, Black, and Wolf Gray.

To learn more, visit blueforcegear.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Materials, Off-Duty | 2 Comments »

Sneak Peek – GBRS Group x Cobalt Kinetics Signature Carbines

June 12th, 2023

GBRS Group has a bunch of cool new stuff at the recent ADS Federal Range Day, but this is something set aside for the consumer market.

Cole and DJ have worked with Cobalt Kinetics to introduce signature carbines. Coming soon, they’ll be offered through Firearms Depot.

Posted in Black Rifle | Comments Off on Sneak Peek – GBRS Group x Cobalt Kinetics Signature Carbines

MTEK STRIKE Ballistic

June 12th, 2023

Weighing a mere 2.0 lbs, the STRIKE Ballistic is MTEK’s lightest helmet to date. Devoid of traditional rain systems, the new Monorail features a single MLOK slot for attachment of AMP arms, incorporating hearing and ballistic protection into a single piece of equipment. The standard chinstrap bolt pattern allows the installation of all common retention systems.

Specifications:

STRIKE Ballistic NIJ IIIA tactical helmet. Complete system weight 2.0 lbs.

Ballistic Shell Specifications:

* IIIA Ballistic Performance (NIJ 0106.01-0108.01)

* Lightweight Shell (1.1 lbs / 0.5 kg)

* Non-darted ballistic material (no internal seams or weak points)

* Undercut geometry contours to the natural shape of the head

* High side clearance for communications headsets

* Available in Coyote, Black, Green.

www.mtekusa.com/strike-ballistic/strikeballistic

Posted in Helmets | 3 Comments »

GA-ASI Seaguardian Supports Northern Edge 2023

June 12th, 2023

Flights Featured ESM, COMINT, Detect and Avoid, AIS, and Link 16 Capabilities

SAN DIEGO – 07 June 2023 – As part of a U.S. Navy contract, an MQ-9B SeaGuardian® Unmanned Aircraft System from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) supported the NORTHERN EDGE 2023 (NE23) exercise May 8-19, 2023. The training exercise, which took place in the Gulf of Alaska, was one of a series of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (IPACOM) exercises that prepares joint forces to respond to crises in the Asia Pacific region.

GA-ASI’s SeaGuardian is a maritime derivative of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian® and remains the first UAS that offers multi-domain Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Targeting (ISR&T) and has an internal payload suite that can prosecute surface and subsurface targets in support of Fleet Operations.

During NE23, SeaGuardian provided real-time Maritime ISR&T data feeds to the various IPACOM operations centers including Pacific Fleet, Pacific Air Forces, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Joint Exercise Control Group (JECG) and various exercise and real-world watch floors. Real-time sensor data – including Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), radar, and full-motion video – was Processed, Exploited and Disseminated (PED) by operators via Minotaur Mission System. The Minotaur system was developed by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. It links sensors, SIGINT, cameras, radar and communications equipment into a single, automated system that allows operators to more efficiently identify, track and target simultaneously with other users for expedited dynamic tasking. This classified data was transmitted to the Joint Fires Network using new DoD technologies allowing for the smart routing of communications between widely distributed communications nodes.

In addition, SeaGuardian showcased an array of operational payloads, including Electronic Support Measures (ESM), Radar Moving Target Indication (MTI) and Inverse Synthetic-Aperture Radar (ISAR), Communication Intelligence (COMINT), Automatic Identification System (AIS), high-definition Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) imaging system and Link 16.

The ESM payload on SeaGuardian was supplied by Sierra Nevada Corporation and the COMINT payload was made by L3Harris Technologies. The aircraft featured the SeaVue Multi-role radar from Raytheon Technologies. GA-ASI’s Link 16 solution leveraged the L3Harris Small Tactical Terminal (STT) KOR-24A radio and Ultra Electronics Air Defense Systems Integrator (ADSI) host software ran on the Parry Labs Stellar Relay Common Compute Module.

The GA-ASI-developed Detect and Avoid (DAA) system was also installed in SeaGuardian and received a limited certification from NAVAIR. This enabled SeaGuardian to perform beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations within the exercise airspace.

SeaGuardian’s multi-domain capabilities allows it to flex from mission to mission and pass real-time sensor data directly to the fleet through Link 16 and satellite feeds to the shore-based command and intelligence centers. During NE23, the MQ-9B effectively passed ISR&T information to various surface and air units, and a litany of other U.S. and foreign units taking part in the exercise.

In addition to its contributions to the exercise, the SeaGuardian self-deployed from GA-ASI’s Desert Horizons flight operations facility in El Mirage, Calif., to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, covering over 2,000 nautical miles in a single flight and demonstrated SeaGuardian’s unrivalled expeditionary attributes. The aircraft self-deployed back to El Mirage following the exercise. All flights were flown from a forward deployed Mission Command Element comprised of a Certified Ground Control Station and Mission Intelligence Station located Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, exercising UAS Expeditionary Concept of Operations (CONOPS) in support of Exercise objectives.

Posted in Press Release, Sensors, UAS | Comments Off on GA-ASI Seaguardian Supports Northern Edge 2023

Blackhawk Sponsors Tactical Athlete Jared Halbert

June 11th, 2023

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – June 5, 2023 – Blackhawk®, a leader in law enforcement and military equipment for over 20 years, is proud to sponsor tactical athlete Jared Halbert for the 2023 Tactical Games season. This season, Halbert is competing in both individual Men’s Elite events as well as Men’s Elite Team events with Blackhawk teammate Zach Rodman.

A former owner of The Tactical Games, Halbert has been immersed in the competitions since 2019, and prior to that was active in 3-Gun and a variety of other shooting competitions. Over the years, Halbert has racked up an impressive competitive resume, with two Men’s Elite National Championships in 2020 and 2021, 11 Elite Regional wins and 14 total Elite podium appearances.

“I had been working with the Blackhawk team for about a year before coming on board to shoot for them,” Halbert said. “Their professionalism and the way they treated their athletes drew me to the Blackhawk team, and I look forward to continuing the success that my teammates Zach and Ehea have started this season.”

Recently, Halbert and Rodman took first place in the Elite Team Event at the South Carolina Tactical Games. Last season, the pair took second place in the Elite Team Event at the West Virginia Tactical Games. Halbert also won first place in the Team Event at the Burnet Sniper Challenge.

Throughout The Tactical Games, Halbert has been running a full suite of Blackhawk gear, including the T-Series® L2C holster and Foundation Series Tac Nylon plate carrier and belt.

“The Foundation Series is my go-to gear for tactical games competition,” said Halbert. “The plate carrier is very minimalist, but so effective. With its reduced weight and simple setup, traversing obstacles is easy.”

Outside of competition, Halbert owns Texas Shooting Academy in central Texas along with two friends. He and his wife also own Rattler Crossfit in Liberty Hill, Texas.

“Don’t over think it, just sign up and show up,” Halbert said when asked for advice for prospective competitors. “The sport is for everyone and there is a division for all levels of shooters and fitness levels. Whether you started working out or shooting a week ago or 10 years ago, there is a place for you to have an unforgettable experience.”

To learn more about The Tactical Games, head over to thetacticalgames.com, and to learn more about Blackhawk or to see their full lineup of holsters and tactical gear, check out Blackhawk.com.

Posted in Industry, Press Release, Shooting Sports | Comments Off on Blackhawk Sponsors Tactical Athlete Jared Halbert

Milrem Robotics Led Consortium Successfully Delivers the iMUGS Project

June 11th, 2023

The iMUGS consortium, led by Milrem Robotics and composed of several major European defence, communication and cybersecurity companies and high technology SMEs, successfully completed and delivered the project to the European Commission.

The consortium, that started work on the 32,6 MEUR integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System (iMUGS) project in late 2020, completed all the contractual activities and tasks, reaching the operative and technical objectives in May 2023.

“This project set a great example of cooperation and high-level results which we can expect also from coming European Defence Fund Projects. On behalf of the participated Member States, I would like to thank the Coordinator, Milrem Robotics, and all the industry partners involved for making this happen,“ said Martin Jõesaar, iMUGS project officer in the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments.

“The completion of iMUGS is a huge milestone for all involved parties. It is also a testimony that cooperation within 7 European Member States and between 13 different companies and organizations, in no way a simple task, is possible when working towards a worthy goal – strengthening the defence capabilities of the Union,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

iMUGS created a European-wide architecture for ground and aerial platforms, command, control, and communication equipment, sensors, payloads, and algorithms. The project addressed challenges for interoperability, perception, and decision-making.

Progress was shown in periodic events arranged at all participating Member States consisting of Estonia, Latvia, Finland, Belgium, France, Germany, and Spain. “During iMUGS the consortium demonstrated that unmanned systems play a crucial role in military environments and scenarios, paving the way for wider adoption and use of these systems in the near future,” Väärsi added.

As a result of the project and the technology developed, the European Union will have a pathway for improved ability to respond to emerging military threats and challenges. iMUGS and its envisaged follow-up and peer projects will increase the efficiency and effectiveness of EU military operations through improved coordination of multiple assets and resilient collaboration between manned units and unmanned systems benefiting from digital communications.

The systems developed will improve situational awareness, leading to faster and more accurate decision-making for increased mission success rates and increased overall safety of military operations.

“The project also improved EUs competitiveness and reputation as an expert and innovator in the field of unmanned systems,” Väärsi said.

iMUGS was a 13-party collaboration focused on developing a modular and scalable architecture for hybrid manned-unmanned systems. The parties involved are Milrem Robotics (project coordinator), Latvijas Mobilais Telefons (LMT), Talgen Cybersecurity, Safran Electronics & Defense, NEXTER Systems, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, Diehl Defence, Bittium, Insta Advance, SOL1, dotOcean, GMV Aerospace and Defence, and the Royal Military Academy of Belgium.

Posted in International, Press Release, Robotics | Comments Off on Milrem Robotics Led Consortium Successfully Delivers the iMUGS Project