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Second RAF Protector Now Operating in Waddington

July 24th, 2024

With Two Protector RPAs in the UK, GA-ASI Has Delivered a Total of 10 Protectors to RAF;
First Four Cadres of RAF Aircrew Complete Training at FTTC

SAN DIEGO – 22 July 2024 – The United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force (RAF) now has two Protector RG Mk1 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) operating at RAF Waddington. The secondProtector has started its ground trial at RAF Station Waddington with first flight expected in August.Protector is based on the MQ-9B SkyGuardian®RPA developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), and is specially configured for the RAF. The RAF has taken delivery of 10 of their total order of 16 Protectors from GA-ASI, with eight aircraft currently undergoing RAF crew training, test, and evaluation in the United States.

“We’re thrilled to see a second Protector operating at Waddington,” said Chris Dusseault, GA-ASI’s vice president of MQ-9B in Europe. “The Royal Air Force is a great partner for GA-ASI, and we look forward to additional MQ-9B aircraft operating in the U.K. and more broadly across Europe.”

Simon Holford, Uncrewed Air Systems Delivery Team Leader at Defence Equipment & Support, said: “Seeing delivery and assembly of the second Protector aircraft in the UK is yet another measure of the significant progress on this project and testament to the hard work of everyone involved. Together with the three aircraft we have already taken delivery of in the US (which remain in the US for use in trials and/or training), we have now taken delivery of five of the sixteen aircraft we have ordered.”

Officer Commanding 31 Sqn, Wing Commander Maccoll said, “I’m delighted to see another RAF Protector assembled at RAF Waddington, thanks to the hard work of our Programme team, Defence partners, contractors, and the skill of 31 Squadron personnel. This Summer, Protector will undertake further test and evaluation and we expect more aircraft arrivals before the end of the year. “

In another program milestone, the first of four cadres of RAF aircrew completed training on April 29, 2024, at GA-ASI’s Flight Test and Training Center (FTTC) in Grand Forks, North Dakota. TheGA-ASI training involved RAF Operational Conversion Units (OCUs), which are comprised of eight crews, including pilots, sensor operators (SOs), and mission intelligence coordinators (MICs) from 31, 54, or 56 Squadrons.

The scope of the training is focused on foundational skills required to operate the Protector air vehicle and its equipment, including the Multi-Spectral Targeting System (MTS), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Mission Intelligence Station (MIS), and System for Tasking and Real-Time Exploitation (STARE). Training involves building solid foundations for both normal and emergency operations in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems, instrument flying, and Automatic Takeoff and Landing Capability (ATLC).

With the completion of the Protector Technicians course at GA-ASI facilities in Southern California on May 16, 2024, Number 31 Squadron now has another 21 qualified maintainers. As part of their training course, the RAF maintainers were able to directly support the training flights for their aircrew counterparts who were completing the live flying element of their Operational Conversion course from North Dakota.

MQ-9B is GA-ASI’s next-generation RPA System (RPAS), delivering exceptionally long endurance and range, with auto takeoff and landing under SATCOM-only control, and will be able to operate in unsegregated airspace using the GA-ASI-developed Detect and Avoid system. In addition to the RAF, contracts have been signed with Belgium, Canada, Taiwan and the U.S. Air Force in support of the Special Operations Command. The Japan Coast Guard is currently operating the MQ-9B for maritime operations, which the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) also selected for its Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Trial Operation Project. MQ-9B has additionally supported various U.S. Navy exercises, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, and Group Sail.

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Sneak Peek – Breaching Tool Quivers from S&S Precision

July 24th, 2024

S&S Precision has offered a sneak peek of their upcoming new breaching tool quivers.

Hoolie Tool Quiver

Bolt Cutter Quiver

Sledge Tool Quiver

Coming soon to www.sandsprecision.com.

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Air Force Special Operations Command and Armaments Research Company Successfully Complete Prototyping Effort

July 24th, 2024

(A Special Operations Mission Sustainment Team member with 27 Special Operations Wing demonstrates firing from cover. Source: 371 Special Operations Combat Training Squadron)

Highlights:

• Milestones completed in collaboration with the 371st Special Operations Training Squadron.

• Technology integration supports future developments for Enhanced Situational Awareness combined with small unmanned aerial systems.

• ARC artificial intelligence-enabled weapon sensors support training for austere airfield defense within Agile Combat Employment.

Washington, DC – July 22, 2024 – Armaments Research Company (ARC) announced today that it has successfully completed a prototyping effort with the United States Air Force Special Operations Command to enhance training for austere airfield defense.

“Over the past year, we’ve worked to develop and demonstrate a tool that will enable connectivity, situational awareness, and decision-making at our tactical echelon. In future conflicts, the USAF must rapidly maneuver our bases and elements across the battlefield to generate combat air power in an expeditionary environment. That level of maneuver requires our tactical leaders command and control their forces, secure their location, and generate combat power.” – Lt Col Sean M. Williams, 371st Special Operations Combat Training Squadron Commander.

Through ARC’s Engage capability, Airmen are enabled to collect tactical scenario training data in real-time related to orientation of weapons, ammunition consumption, and maneuver of friendly forces.

The effort focused on leveraging advanced technologies and simulation systems to replicate real-world scenarios, providing aircrew members with immersive training experiences that closely mirror operational environments. AFSOC aims to empower its personnel with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in high-intensity, rapidly changing combat situations within emerging Agile Combat Employment doctrine.

Posted in AI / ML, Air Force, Contracts, Press Release, SOF | Comments Off on Air Force Special Operations Command and Armaments Research Company Successfully Complete Prototyping Effort

HOP Munitions Fills the Gap Amid Vista Outdoor’s Uncertainty

July 24th, 2024

Hayesville Ohio, USA – [July 2024] – In light of recent news regarding Vista Outdoor’s ammunition division facing potential sale and shareholder uncertainties, HOP Munitions, a trusted U.S.-based ammunition manufacturer, is stepping up to provide American shooters with a reliable and high-quality alternative.

Vista Outdoor’s Market Challenges

Vista Outdoor, a leading ammunition supplier, is experiencing significant challenges that have led to concerns among shareholders and consumers. Speculation about potential sales or restructuring has introduced uncertainties in the market, prompting many shooters to seek dependable sources for their ammunition needs.

Impact on American Shooters

The instability surrounding Vista Outdoor’s future poses several risks for American shooters:

? Supply Chain Disruption: Potential changes in Vista Outdoor’s operations could lead to delays and shortages, disrupting the supply of ammunition for recreational, hunting, and self-defense purposes.

? Price Fluctuations: Restructuring or new ownership might bring price adjustments, making it difficult for shooters to plan their purchases.

HOP Munitions: A Trusted Alternative

Amid these challenges, HOP Munitions stands out as a steadfast provider of high-quality ammunition. HOP Munitions is committed to domestic production and strategic sourcing, ensuring a stable and reliable supply for American shooters.

Key Advantages of HOP Munitions:

? Consistent Supply: Despite industry-wide challenges, HOP Munitions has maintained a steady supply of ammunition through effective production management and strategic sourcing.

? High-Quality Products: HOP Munitions prides itself on producing ammunition that meets stringent quality standards, providing shooters with reliable performance for various applications.

? Domestic Production: By manufacturing ammunition within the U.S., HOP Munitions reduces dependency on foreign suppliers, offering a more secure and stable supply chain.

Navigating the Gun Powder Shortage

The ammunition industry has also faced a gun powder shortage, affecting many manufacturers. HOP Munitions has navigated this challenge by diversifying suppliers and optimizing production processes, ensuring continued supply even when others face delays.

Transparency and Communication

HOP Munitions values transparency and has kept customers informed throughout the gun powder shortage, building trust and loyalty. This commitment to clear communication further distinguishes HOP Munitions as a reliable partner for American shooters.

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TacJobs – Position with Project Manager Electronic Warfare and Cyber

July 24th, 2024

NEW JOB OPPORTUNITY!!!

Project Manager Electronic Warfare and Cyber has a job opportunity announcement open on USAJobs for a Business Management Analyst, NH-1101-04, term position within the C5 OTA Program Management Office at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. This announcement is open to the public to apply through 01 August 2024 at USAJOBS – Job Announcement.

This position was previously announced and canceled due to the absence of regulatory information. Anyone who applied under the original announcement (MCAD241765343430DHA) must apply to this announcement to be considered.

www.usajobs.gov/job/801201900

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AFSOC Seeks sUAS Group 3 Swarm Carrier Drone Capability

July 24th, 2024

The U.S. Air Force Offensive small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) System Program Office (SPO) has issued a Request for Information to Industry to conduct market research to determine Industry’s ability to provide capabilities supporting the Air Force Special Operations Command’s (AFSOC) Adaptive Airborne Enterprise (A2E) concept within 24 – 36 months.

What they are after is a Group 3 sUAS capable of internally carrying and deploying Group 2 sUAS equipped with an Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) payload. Essentially, a drone capable of being launched from a C-130 which carries and deploys a swarm of even smaller drones.

This is one of three distinct RFIs to be issued that will cover the sUAS platform needs for fielding Adaptive Airborne Enterprise (A2E) capabilities within 24 – 36 months of this RFI.

The SPO intends to release three distinct RFIs, each covering a specific A2E sUAS capability, detailed below. The SPO is seeking Industry responses to help inform how it can provide AFSOC with air-launched sUAS capabilities that integrate Group 2 Air-Launched ISR systems, Group 3 Air-Launched Swarm Carrier systems, and Group 3 Air-Launched Signature Managed systems within the A2E architecture (see Appendix A, Figure 1) while complying with a Modular Open System Approach (MOSA). Specifically, the SPO will be seeking responses for each of the three capabilities below via three separate and distinct RFIs:

• Group 2 ISR – To be internally carried and air-launched via Common Launch Tube (CLT) from a Group 3 Swarm Carrier.

• Group 3 Swarm Carrier – To be deployed from a C-130 as an air-dropped, palletized effect, internally carrying and able to launch Group 2 ISR sUAS from CLTs.

• Group 3 Signature Managed – To be air-launched from a Group 5 system, act as a C2 node in a network/swarm of sUAS and send data from the contested/denied environment to the Joint Force.

Solutions must align with MOSA design principles and be cost-effective for the government. They must also be compatible with an Autonomous Government Referenced Architecture and the software chosen to support that architecture. Finally, solutions must demonstrate a maturity level and production capacity that confidently conveys the ability to deliver scalable quantity within 36 months.

RFI responses are due no later than (NLT) 1700 EST (sic) on August 09, 2024.

Read the details at sam.gov.

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Contracts, SOF, UAS | Comments Off on AFSOC Seeks sUAS Group 3 Swarm Carrier Drone Capability

Belleville Boot Releases New USMC Combat Boot

July 24th, 2024

Belleville Boot Co., a leading manufacturer of military and tactical footwear has announced the arrival of an all new USMC certified combat boot. The 520 MOTO is one of the lightest available options for Marines built on Belleville’s exclusive VIBRAM Incisor outsole with a strobel-stitch construction that feels more like an athletic shoe with the durability and support you expect from Bellevilles. 100% USA genuine cattle-hide leather and 1000D nylon with cool mesh lining for enhanced breathability.

Now available on Bellevilleboot.com and the MCX.

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CSAF Leadership Library: July 2024

July 24th, 2024

Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.

-John F. Kennedy

Airmen,

In this time of consequence, we stand at a critical juncture with the opportunity to shape the architecture of our current and future Air Force. As we reoptimize and adapt to the challenges of an evolving security environment, your leadership has never been more important. This next installment of the Leadership Library is intended to provide you with a collection of resources designed to educate, inspire, and provoke thoughtful discussion.

John Kotter’s Leading Change is a must-read for Airmen seeking to drive meaningful change and innovation. Drawing on real-life examples, Kotter outlines a multi-step process that enables leaders to navigate the complexities of change and overcome resistance. By understanding the nuances of change management, Airmen will be better equipped to create a more agile and adaptive force.

George Marshall: Defender of the Republic is a thought-provoking biography exploring one of America’s most influential military leaders and statesmen. By examining Marshall’s leadership style and decision-making process, Airmen will gain valuable insights into strategic planning and crisis management. This work will aid Airmen seeking to better understand the complexities of leadership and the importance of character in shaping outcomes. General Marshall was clearly an extremely effective leader in a time of consequence.

In this At the Table episode, Unveiling the Motivation Vacuum in the Workplace, the podcast offers practical strategies for leaders to enhance motivation, retention, culture, and productivity. The key to success lies in aligning individual and team goals while fostering resilience. This episode provides valuable insights into the challenges of maintaining motivation in the workplace and offers actionable solutions for leaders to create a more driven and productive team.

The recently released CNAS report, Evolution not Revolution: Drone Warfare in Russia’s 2022 Invasion of Ukraine, explores the transformative impact of drones on the battlefield. The report provides an insightful analysis of the changing character of war, focusing on the role of drones in modern warfare. As Airmen, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest technological advancements and their implications for the battlefield.

This library release is designed to empower Airmen at all levels by exploring advanced technologies, delving into the intricacies of leadership, and drawing parallels between historical and contemporary contexts. Through engaging with these selections, I am confident that you will be better equipped to meet the challenges we face today. These titles can be accessed and tracked through the E-Learning CSAF Library Journey.

Together, we will continue to ensure that our Air Force remains the most formidable and ready force in the world. Stay curious, stay engaged, and lead with confidence.

Editor’s note: The CSAF Leadership Library is a fluid set of media selected by Gen. Allvin that evolves as novel ideas are published, recorded and debated. New entries will be added periodically throughout the year.

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | Comments Off on CSAF Leadership Library: July 2024