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GERMAN PRECISION OPTIC USA’s Super Compact CENTURI 4-16x44i Combines FFP High Magnification with Extreme Compactness

September 18th, 2024

RICHMOND, Va. (Sept. 16, 2024) — Tactical operators and shooters using short, lightweight tactical rifles demand both precision and high-end variable power in their riflescopes. The GPO Super Compact CENTURI 4-16x44i provides the smallest and lightest package in today’s market.

Measuring only 9.9 inches in length and weighing just 20 oz., this new GPO Super Compact CENTURI 4-16x44i features DOUBLE HD glass elements, which deliver exceptional optical clarity. The MIL illuminated reticle, coupled with .1mil radian click turrets featuring a zero-stop locking ballistic functionality, ensures precise targeting and swift adjustments. The addition of a fast-focus ocular and a 3rd turret parallax adjustment knob enhances the overall shooting experience. GPObright™ lens coating technology and PASSIONdrop™ hydrophobic lens coatings ensure clarity in the most challenging light conditions. Designed for short ultralight tactical rifles, the CENTURI 4-16x44i meets every tactical feature discerning shooters seek.

“Crafted for shooters demanding FFP (first focal plane) high magnification in extreme compactness, this riflescope embodies the perfect fusion of value and performance,” said Mike Jensen, GPO USA’s owner and CEO. “At just 9.9 inches long, it combines FFP precision, double HD glass, MIL-based reticle, and zero-stop locking turrets — perfect for short ultralight tactical rifles. It’s the most compact high-performance riflescope of its kind found anywhere and delivers unmatched value and performance in a compact form.”

CENTURI 4-16x44i Super-Compact FFP Riflescope Specifications

Reticle: MIL-FFP

Weight: 20 oz.

Length: 9.9 oz.

Eye Relief: GOOD 3.75 in.

FOV @ 100y: 34-9

Tube Size: 30mm

Turret Click Adjustment: 0.1 milrad

Max Elevation Adjustment: 22 milradian, 80″

Max Windage Adjustment: 100″, 36 milradian

Turret Style: ZeroStop Locking Reset

Parallax Setting: 10y to inf.

Magnification: 4-16X

Turret Rotation Style: Counter-Clockwise Up

This first-of-its-kind riflescope will be available this spring at select retailers nationwide and conveniently online at www.gpo-usa.com for $619.99. For more information, as well as a look at GPO USA’s complete lineup of riflescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, laser rangefinders, accessories, and much more, visit the company’s website, www.gpo-usa.com.

Posted in Optics, Press Release | 5 Comments »

Rheinmetall Defence UK Signs the Armed Forces Covenant, Demonstrating Ongoing Commitment to the Armed Forces Community

September 18th, 2024

Rheinmetall Defence UK is proud to announce its formal commitment to supporting the UK Armed Forces by signing the Armed Forces Covenant. This important step highlights Rheinmetall Defence UK’s dedication to recognising and honouring those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, as well as their families, in the workplace and beyond.

The signing took place on 12 September at Rheinmetall House in Bristol, where Director Land Equipment (DLE) Major General Lizzie Faithful-Davies joined Rebecca Richards, Managing Director of Rheinmetall Defence UK, to officially sign the Covenant. This partnership underscores Rheinmetall Defence UK’s ongoing dedication to supporting the Armed Forces community through meaningful actions and initiatives.
By signing the covenant, Rheinmetall Defence UK pledges to uphold the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, ensuring that no member of the Armed Forces community faces disadvantage in society, and that all are treated with respect and fairness. This commitment includes providing paid leave for employees who are Reservists or Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, allowing them to attend essential training exercises, and continuing to support Armed Forces charities through donations and fundraising efforts.
Rheinmetall Defence UK is also committed to fostering an inclusive recruitment process that actively supports the employment of veterans, service spouses, and partners, recognising the unique skills and experiences that they bring to the company. By offering flexible working arrangements for Reservists and providing opportunities for Cadets through insight days and other engagement activities, Rheinmetall Defence UK is reinforcing its long-term support for the Armed Forces community.
Rebecca Richards, Deputy CEO at Rheinmetall Vehicle Systems International, expressed her enthusiasm for the company’s commitment, stating: “We are delighted to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, recognising our commitment to supporting those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, as well as their families. Our commitment includes allowing paid leave for employees who are Reservists or Cadet Force Adult Volunteers to attend training exercises, continuing to support Armed Forces charities, and ensuring our recruitment process supports the employment of veterans, service spouses, and partners. Signing this covenant reinforces our gratitude for the service and sacrifices of the Armed Forces community and demonstrates Rheinmetall Defence UK’s unwavering support for their welfare, both within our organisation and in society.”

By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, Rheinmetall Defence UK is joining thousands of organisations across the UK in publicly committing to support those who protect our nation. The company looks forward to continuing its partnership with the Armed Forces, supporting veterans, Reservists, and their families, and upholding the principles of the Covenant in all its operations.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Rheinmetall Defence UK Signs the Armed Forces Covenant, Demonstrating Ongoing Commitment to the Armed Forces Community

Strike Industries – MOD2 Stock Storage Bar

September 18th, 2024

The MOD2 Stock Storage Bar is designed specifically to fit on to the Strike Industries Strike MOD2 Stock, offering space for accommodate for CR123A, 18650, 18350, AA, and AAA batteries.

It’s aluminum so it can conduct electricity so you’ll want to use the included rubber pad dividers. While the bar’s main compartment is watertight, there’s also a compartment at the bottom which isn’t, giving you two sections for storage.

www.strikeindustries.com/si-strike-es-mod2-bar

Posted in Advertiser, Weapon Accessories | 2 Comments »

D&M Holding Announces Expansion of WRE Primer Facility and New Smokeless Propellant Factory

September 18th, 2024

D&M Holding Company Announces Expansion of Current White River Energetics Primer Facility and New Smokeless Propellant Factory

DES ARC, Ark. (September 17, 2024) – D&M Holding Company, Inc. (D&M), an ammunition and energetics engineering company, is investing $70 million to expand its current White River Energetics (WRE) ammunition primer and energetics facility in Des Arc, Arkansas, and build a single-base, smokeless propellant factory.

“Currently, there is a worldwide shortage of smokeless propellant that is affecting munitions availability globally,” said Dan Powers, President and CEO of D&M Holding Company, Inc. “This will be the first single-base propellant factory to be built in the United States in over 50 years.”

White River Energetics currently has 125 employees at the Des Arc facility, with 73 new employees added in the past year. The expansion will create 100 new jobs and increase the Des Arc campus from 14,000 square feet to over 100,000 square feet of manufacturing space. Construction on the expansion is underway and expected to be completed in Q1 2026.

“We are proud of all the people and employees who have worked tirelessly to support WRE and make this happen,” said BJ Rogers, Vice President of Operations, D&M Holding Company, Inc. “Having grown up in Des Arc, I’m personally proud to see the successes that have been made with primers and look forward to continued success in the future production of propellant.”

This expansion will enable WRE to scale its energetics and primer manufacturing to meet customer demand as well as develop new products. “This expanded campus also provides a facility for R&D and for training for our customers for whom we are building factories around the world,” said James Jones, Vice President of Business Development, D&M Holding Company.

D&M and WRE supports domestic and international clients in the defense and sporting markets through its development of turnkey factories, and its manufacturing and distribution of energetics for various types of ammunition, including primers for small and large caliber pistols and rifles. For more information visit D&M Holding Company and White River Energetics.

Posted in Ammo, Industry, Materials, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Beez Combat Systems FGM (FPV Google Mount)

September 18th, 2024

The FGM (FPV Goggle Mount) is one of our products developed for our Unmanned Systems collection. Designed to mount the DJI Google 2 and SKY04 FPV goggles to a tactical helmet.

The mount has helmet bungee attachment points to help stabilize the mount to the helmet. The drone operator can maintain helmet protection, secure the goggles and support the battery system to the helmet.

The FGM interfaces with the Wilcox G24 mount/helmet shroud system using a Wilcox dove tail. This ensures a perfect fit, retention, and longevity.

The hands-free mounts enhance the drone operator’s abilities in a fast-paced tactical environment by increasing situational awareness and operational readiness.

For additional information and availability – Beez Combat Systems

***all Wilcox trademarks, brands, etc are the sole property of the respective company. Wilcox does not endorse these products***

Posted in Guest Post, Helmets, UAS | Comments Off on Beez Combat Systems FGM (FPV Google Mount)

Australia’s Albanese Government Invests in Domestic Rocket Motor Program

September 18th, 2024

The Albanese Government is investing in a sovereign rocket motor program to help keep Australians safe, and generate well-paid, high-skilled jobs.

The Government is seeking options from industry to establish a manufacturing complex that will enable production of rocket motors for some of the world’s most advanced missiles in Australia.

This is backed by an initial investment of $22 million over the next three years, which will help grow Australia’s advanced high-tech manufacturing sector and boost long?range strike capabilities for the Australian Defence Force (ADF), making the nation safer.

It is underpinned by the Albanese Government’s Future Made in Australia agenda, which will improve the resilience of supply chains, provide for greater strategic sovereignty, enhance export opportunities, and deliver broad economic and employment benefits, particularly in regional Australia.

Rocket motors are a critical component of missiles and required for most guided weapons, including Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) missiles, which under the Albanese Government will be made in Australia from next year. It’s expected the rocket motor complex will begin production by the end of the decade.

The rocket motor program is part of the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise which is backed by up to $21 billion over the decade through the 2024 Integrated Investment Program.

The Albanese Government also announced today it will invest up to $60 million over the next five years to develop the next generation of guided weapon sub-systems and components, such as hypersonic and long-range strike. This will enable partnerships between industry and Defence and allow the next generation of guided weapon technologies to enter the supply chain of GWEO Strategic Partners.

This investment will also deliver industry-manufactured prototypes of the critical seeker, fuse and warhead sub-systems and aligns with the work being done as part of the Advanced Rocket Motor Technology Demonstrator program, which has leveraged collaboration from Five Eyes science and technology partners.

The rocket motor program and Advanced Rocket Motor Technology Demonstrator program are key to enhancing Australia’s national security. They are part of the Albanese Government’s ongoing commitment to delivering on the 2024 National Defence Strategy’s recommendation to invest in and uplift Australia’s domestic manufacturing capability.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy:

“Today’s announcement represents a leap forward for the Australian defence industry and continues to deliver on the Albanese Government’s commitment to providing the ADF with the capabilities it needs to make Australians safer and safeguard our national interests.

“This is another investment in a future made in Australia and the more than 100,000 Australians, including in regional Australia, that are benefiting from the Government’s commitment to grow our sovereign defence industry and sovereign industrial base.

“This program is an endorsement of Australian ingenuity. Making solid rocket motors in Australia will build on Australia’s proud history as a manufacturing nation and contribute to a future made in Australia.”

Australian Defence Media Release on behalf of:

The Hon Pat Conroy MP

Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery

Minister for International Development and the Pacific

Posted in International, Munitions, Press Release | 1 Comment »

AFSOC Commander Addresses Balancing Current and Future Requirements at AFA

September 18th, 2024

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. – Lt. Gen. Michael Conley, commander Air Force Special Operations Command, shared his outlook on balancing current operational success and future requirements in the face of Great Power Competition during the Air and Space Force Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference panel here Sept 16.

“It is an exciting time to be in AFSOC, we are leaning very hard into future capabilities figuring out what our role is in a future fight but we do not have the luxury of just looking to the future we also have to make sure the men and women we send down range are ready to go,” said Conley.

Conley joined Lt. Gen. Adrian Spain, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Air Force for Operations and Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess, Commander, U.S. Space Forces – Space and Combined Joint Force Space Component Commander for the Wars We’re Fighting panel.

On any given day AFSOC has approximately 1,000 deployed Air Commandos worldwide conducting operations, training and joint exercises. As an early adopter, AFSOC is completing its first 2-year Force Generation cycle, which has streamlined how Air Commandos are presented to the Joint Force.

“Force generation has proven to be a win for AFSOC,” said Conley. “It has really helped our ability to clearly explain the forces we have available to go out the door and support [the Joint Force], what we have in reserve, and what the risks are of reaching into that reserve force.”

Articulating capacity and risk while maintaining crisis response capabilities requires Air Commandos who understand the threats and are disciplined, adaptable, and ready to answer the Nation’s call.

“People are the thing I need more of – not just people, but the right people. We need problem solvers; we need thinkers, and it takes a while to build up a special operator to go downrange,” said Conley.

Current and future Air Commandos provide the Joint Force with placement and access in strategic locations, however when looking at Great Power Competition Conley says AFSOC needs to better to connect with other Air Force MAJCOMs like Pacific Air Forces and U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa to provide SOF unique capabilities.

“I am challenging my team to be better at being the Air Force’s SOF component, so I want to be able to reach out to Gen Hecker (USAFE-AFAFRICA Commander) or Gen Schneider (PACAF Commander) and say how can AFSOC help you with some of your tough problems because I think in Great Power Competition we are going to need to be better integrated so now is the time to start moving out in that direction.”

In the face of Great Power Competition, AFSOC is striving to provide SOF unique capabilities, deter challengers and ensure success should deterrence fail.

– Courtesy of AFSOC

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, SOF | 1 Comment »

GA-ASI Displays Future of Uncrewed Airpower at AFA ASC 2024

September 17th, 2024

Air Force Conference Will Feature Actual XQ-67A OBSS and Full-Scale CCA Model

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD – 16 September 2024– Are you ready to see the future of uncrewed air power? General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) announces major displays during the Air Force Association’s (AFA) Air, Space & Cyber Conference, Sept. 16–18, 2024. During the show, just outside Washington, D.C., GA-ASI will exhibit:

• The Air Force Research Laboratory’s XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station(OBSS) – the actual operational aircraftwill be parked for static display at GA-ASI’s booth #734.

• A full-scale model of GA-ASI’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), on display at the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s booth #1834.

Journalists and other AFA conference attendees are encouraged to view these and other GA-ASI exhibits to get the latest on how the company’s leadership in aircraft hardware, autonomy software, and other cutting-edge capabilities make it the strongest contender to build the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) for the U.S. and its allies.

OBSS

GA-ASI built the XQ-67A OBSS as part of an Air Force Research Laboratory effort. The aircraft flew for the first time in February 2024 and completed its initial round of flight testing in June. To demonstrate the maturity of its unmanned air-to-air platforms, GA-ASI engineers performed an Agile Combat deployment to the Gaylord Convention Center of the actual operational aircraft, using common commercial support equipment, to booth #734.

CCA

In addition, GA-ASI is showcasing a full-scale model of its CCA aircraft at booth #1834. In April, GA-ASI was selected to build a production CCA for the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center. Large numbers of these highly capable autonomous warplanes will fly alongside, and well ahead of, legacy human-piloted fighters to enhance their sensing, networking, and combat capabilities.

“We’re excited to show our industry colleagues what the future force will look like,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander.

Posted in Air Force, Press Release, Tradeshow, UAS | Comments Off on GA-ASI Displays Future of Uncrewed Airpower at AFA ASC 2024