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SOFWERX – Day and Night Heads Up Display (DANHUD) Assessment Event

April 18th, 2024

SOFWERX, in collaboration with USSOCOM Program Executive Office Special Operation Forces – Warrior (PEO-SW) will host the Day and Night Heads Up Display (DANHUD) Assessment Event (AE) 25-27 June 2024 to identify solutions to enhance operator capability and situational awareness in both day and night conditions and decrease white-light self-illumination risk.

With the rapid advancements in both Augmented Reality (AR) and plug-ins that provide additional capability to the Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK), USSOCOM operators require a device that can display a wide variety of information without requiring the operator to look down at the End User Device (EUD) display on their chest. Such a device is expected to take the form of a look-through Heads-Up-Display (HUD) that would either mount onto the operator’s helmet or be integrated into ballistic eye wear, allowing for seamless heads-up operation. Because ATAK and future AR initiatives provide capability in both day and night conditions, this HUD device needs to be capable of being bright enough to be seen in sunlight, but also be used in conjunction with an operator’s Night Vision Goggles (NVG). Thus, the name for this device – Day And Night Heads-Up-Display (DANHUD).

Additionally, the operator must be able to quickly and easily change the type and number of battery cells powering their NVGs and the DANHUD system via a Modular Smart Battery Pack, allowing flexibility/adaptability in degraded logistics situations.

The objective is to discover and develop a HUD system (including a Modular Smart Battery Pack) that is capable of working both ‘stand-alone’ in daylight conditions and in conjunction with currently issued NVGs and future Advanced NVGs (such as the L3Harris Fusion Binocular (F-BINO) or Fused Panoramic NVG (F-PANO)) with integrated cameras/displays for night operation. Additionally, the HUD system needs to be able to receive data from an EUD-operating ATAK and be capable of powering and interfacing with helmet-mounted directional laser warning devices. The solutions provider(s) shall create an Interface Control Document (ICD) that allows ‘plug-and-play’ upgrades to the DANHUD system in the future. They should also expect to collaborate with USSOCOM operators to refine operator touch points and functionality throughout the development of the system.

Interested parties must submit 22 May 2024 11:59 PM ET. U.S. Citizens Only, ITAR Restricted.

For more details, visit events.sofwerx.org/day-and-night-heads-up-display.

Posted in Optics, SOF | No Comments »

GPO USA Adds Monoculars to Its Lineup of Premium Optics

April 18th, 2024

RICHMOND, Va. — GPO USA, a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-quality, affordable sporting optics, is proud to introduce two new 10X monoculars to its line of premium optics – the GPO PASSION 10x32ED monocular and the GPOTAC 10x42ED tactical monocular.

“Monoculars generally don’t get the respect they deserve when it comes to their lightweight, quick-handling, and ease-of-use features; most are too small and of poor quality,” said Mike Jensen, GPO, USA’s owner and CEO. “But, when a quality full-sized monocular becomes available, more people will discover its benefits. They will become increasingly popular for casual and professional use. These two new 10X GPO units have been designed to provide cutting-edge quality at an affordable price.”

The GPO M100 PASSION 10×32 monocular is designed for everyday use for those who might wish to capture an unexpected image that pops up unexpectedly – something that catches your eye while hiking, hunting, or even watching a sporting event – when packing a larger, more cumbersome binocular is not practical or convenient. A new GPO monocular is the perfect solution. This unit measures just 2.5x2x5.1 inches and weighs only 11.3 oz. With a 36mm ED objective lens, you can gather plenty of light, and the generous 14.5mm of eye relief and a 325-foot field of view will provide a large picture to view. It will focus quickly with a simple spindle.

The GPOTAC 10×42 ED tactical monocular is a more specialized device designed for tactical or field situations where a specialized optic for quick, accurate range measurement calculations is required. Designed with an off-center MIL reticle, this unit measures a mere 2.2×2.2×6.3 inches, weighs just 13.4 oz., has a generous 42mm objective lens, 14mm of eye relief, a 304-foot field of view, and focuses by twisting the eyepiece. It is the ideal optic for lightweight, compact, fast, and accurate target acquisitions.

Both units feature robust armor housing, GPOBright™ high-transmission lens coatings, ergonomic single wheel focus, and magnesium housing, and are waterproof (3 feet/30 minutes.) They will be available this spring at retailers nationwide and conveniently online at www.gpo-usa.com. The suggested retail price for the PASSION 10×32 ED is $289, and the MSRP for the GPOTAC 10×42 ED is $349. Both are backed by GPO USA’s industry-leading Spectacular Lifetime Warranty™.

For more information on GPO’s new monoculars and 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 | 1 Comment »

Lynx Defense – Bronx Rifle Case Now Available in M81 Woodland

April 18th, 2024

You asked and they answered, the Bronx Rifle Case is now available in M81 Woodland Pattern.

Inside it features a padded Velcro compatible bed to attach pouches as well as secure your firearm.

Additionally, there is a long zippered pocket within the lid as well as a small external zippered pocket on the lid. It’s topped off with suitcase-style handles as well as a removable shoulder strap.

Finally, the Bronx is offered in a variety of colors for those who are looking for something more discreet.

lynxdefense.com/urban-legend-series/bronx

Posted in Advertiser, Load Carrying, Weapon Accessories | 5 Comments »

Special Operations Joint Task Force Central Establishes Space Force Team

April 18th, 2024

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION, Southwest Asia —

Special Operations Joint Task Force Central established Space Force-Team Sentinel, Feb. 16, 2024.

Team Sentinel is SOJTF-C’s designated space support element operating throughout Central and South Asia and the Arabian Peninsula. It provides integrated full spectrum space-based capabilities across SOJTF-C’s area of operations.

Designed to optimize Special Operations Forces space integration, this team will provide integrated SOF specific space support, deliver innovative space solutions to unique problems, maintain awareness of threats, coordinate regional space operations, and integrate SOJTF-C with global space components to enable multi-domain special operations.

Team Sentinel supports and integrates with U.S. Central Command’s space component, U.S. Space Forces Central, contributing to unity of effort across the CENTCOM space enterprise.

Special Operations Joint Task Force-Central

Posted in Forces Focus, Guest Post, SOF, Space | 1 Comment »

US Air Force Fully Confirms Satcom Direct RO/RO Ku-band TRASC C-130 Capability Following 26-hour Endurance Test

April 17th, 2024

Melbourne, Florida/ 15 April 2024 – SD GovernmentSDG, the satellite communications provider for global governments and the US Air Force, has successfully tested the Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO) Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) satellite communications (SATCOM) capability SDG developed with Florida-based R4 Integration, Inc. (R4i) in a 26-hour 20-minute mission aboard a Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Hercules. Following the intense validation flight, the SD/R4i Tactical Removeable Airborne Satellite Communications (TRASC) BLOS solution is now fully available for US Air Force use.

Performed as part of Exercise Gnarly Explodeo, the maximum endurance mission recorded 100% reliability and availability from the TRASC system as it facilitated secure command and control data communications, defense applications, intelligence updates, electronic flight bags, video conferencing, voice over internet and WiFi calls. The equipment connects with the Intelsat FlexAir service, which employs an optimized high-throughput global satellite network to deliver dedicated airtime to government users. The SD/R4i TRASC system supports the commander of Air Mobility Command (AMC), General Mike Minihan, in achieving his intention to have 25% of the AMC fleet connected by 2025.

The SD/R4i TRASC BLOS solution integrates the SD Plane Simple® Ku-band terminal within a Multi-Purpose Hatch System (MPHS) designed to replace the existing C-130 standard upper forward or center fuselage hatches.The SDG team assisted US Air Force maintainers as they installed the system on a 41st Airlift Squadron, 19th Airlift Wing C-130J, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas.

“This platform enables global command and control, providing our crew with unparalleled situational awareness,” remarked Colonel Denny Davies, 19th Airlift Wing and Little Rock commander, after the mission. “It makes the C-130 much more resilient and capable in the vastness of the Pacific, reinforcing the Air Force’s core tenant of distributed control.”

The turnkey solution mounts the SD Plane Simple® antenna in the MPHS. It includes a compact RO/RO BaseBand kit that integrates a secure enclave, modem, Link-16, airborne router, and power supply. The stand-alone system only requires AC or DC power from the aircraft to operate and distribute real-time BLOS connectivity.

“SD prides itself on rigorously testing all our equipment before we put it into service. The success of this endurance flight exemplifies the power of our advanced technology and its versatility in delivering new capabilities to our forces. We are proud to add this connectivity solution to our growing military portfolio and look forward to supporting the system as it enters into service,” says Hayden Olson, Head of SD Government. “We are already receiving requests for demonstrations of the capabilities of the equipment to USAF representatives, such is the interest in the system.”

www.satcomdirect.com/government

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Comms, Press Release | No Comments »

Now Online in The Objective Series: SIG-MMG 338 Program (Part 1)

April 17th, 2024

In 2017, U.S. SOCOM challenged industry to provide potential solutions that could fill the gap between its man-portable, medium machine gun—the 7.62 NATO M240B/L, and its 84-plus-pound sibling—the 50 BMG M2A, a gap that was made all too apparent in the 2009 battle of COP Keating in Afghanistan.

This is the first post in a two-part series that details the journey of SIG SAUER’s machine gun development effort that began with the SIG MMG 338 for U.S. SOCOM’s LMG-M program, transitioned to the U.S. Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapons program, and is now returning to its roots.

www.sigsauer.com/blog/the-sig-mmg-338-program-conception-to-reality-part-1

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, SOF, weapons | 5 Comments »

Heresy Design Launches Vendetta Chassis for Ruger 10/22

April 17th, 2024

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho- Heresy Design® is proud to announce the launch of Vendetta™.

The Vendetta™ is a cutting-edge lightweight aluminum chassis system designed specifically for fixed barrel Ruger® 10/22® pattern barreled actions. Vendetta™ offers unmatched durability, versatility, and performance at a cost-effective price point.

Machined from 6061 T6 Aluminum, Vendetta™ combines strength and agility, providing shooters with a reliable platform for precision shooting.

Vendetta™ is available in three different rail lengths to accommodate various shooting preferences and styles. Whether for competitive shooting, hunting, or recreational use, Vendetta delivers exceptional performance and reliability in any scenario.Heresy Design® plans to release additional configurations including a takedown model in the coming months.

Key features of Vendetta™ include:

• Lightweight aluminum design (12.6-15 oz.) with slim profile (1.5”)

• Free float rail with centrally positioned MLOK® slots for customizable accessory mounting

• Machined-in QD sockets

• Compatible with all standard AR style pistol grips

• Five degree angled back rail for folding stocks or braces

• Compatibility with fixed barrel Ruger® 10/22® pattern barreled actions

• Available in three different rail lengths (3.25”, 6.375”, and 9.59”) to suit individual preferences

• Manufactured in the USA

• Limited lifetime warranty

• MSRP: $349.95 | MAP: $299.95

To purchase the Vendetta™ Chassis or for more information, please visit HeresyDesign.com.

Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories | No Comments »

VKTR Industries LLC. Announces Their Conference Level Sponsorship for the Texas Tactical Police Officers Conference

April 17th, 2024

VKTR Industries, a manufacturer of premier piston driven AR-15 rifles, is proud to announce their attendance and conference level sponsorship of the TTPOA Conference from April 25-26, 2024.

VKTR Industries will be an active vendor, and also have products on hand during the vendor range day April 24th .Attendees will have a chance to demo the various VK-1 options.

“We are extremely excited to support this event.” said Eric Luley, the National Sales Manager. “It is vital we get our product in the hands of professional end users for feedback, and the TTPOA is a great opportunity to do that.”

The VKTR Industries VK-1 is a self-regulating, short- stroke piston rifle, with full ambidextrous controls and a patented long advanced cam path.

Information on VKTR Industries rifles, these events, dealer programs, or law enforcement sales can be found at www.VKTRind.com or email Eric Luley at eluley@vktrind.com.

Posted in Industry, LE, Press Release | No Comments »