I spent last week putting several thousand rounds through the latest suppressor from SureFire, the SOCOMRC3. I can attest, like the title of this video claims, it offers low back pressure without compromise. I never got even a whiff of exhaust from back pressure. This video is a great introduction to the next generation of SureFire suppressors.
NIOA has begun ammunition production for the Army’s next-generation armoured Boxer vehicle, marking a significant milestone for munitions manufacturing in Australia.
The company will produce 40,000 rounds of medium calibre training ammunition at the Commonwealth Government-owned NIOA-operated plant in Benalla, Victoria for the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV) which is being made in Queensland by Rheinmetall.
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy (centre) with GWEO Chief AVM Leon Phillips (left) and members of the NIOA team at the Benalla facility…and (below) the 30mm projectiles coming off the line, bound for testing in the Boxer combat vehicle’s cannon.
It comes as the Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy announced a $220 million investment in munitions production at Benalla and another government-owned contractor-operated (GOCO) factory at Mulwala in regional New South Wales.
Minister Conroy and Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise Chief AVM Leon Phillips OAM toured NIOA’s Benalla operation last Friday (Eds: October 6) as the first batch of 30mm projectiles was being prepared to roll off the line.
A key recommendation of the Defence Strategic Review was to replenish GWEO stocks and to establish sovereign missile and munition manufacturing facilities in Australia.
“Improving Australia’s ability to manufacture the munitions our defence force needs is not only critical to meeting the strategic challenges we face as a nation, it will also support local industry and well-paid, skilled local jobs,” Minister Conroy said.
“The Mulwala and Benalla munition factories underpin Australia’s ability to develop critical propellants, explosives and munitions for the Australian Defence Force.”
NIOA Australia and New Zealand CEO Ben James welcomed the Government’s investment in domestic munitions production.
“This will further support Australia’s growing defence industrial base and comes at an exciting time as we ramp up production of the Boxer ammunition at Benalla,” he said.
“NIOA’s $12m investment at Benalla reflects our commitment to work with Government and Defence in delivering sovereign capability and local jobs.
“We have a highly qualified and professional team at Benalla who have worked exceptionally hard to reach this key milestone in sovereign munitions manufacture.”
The NIOA tenancy at Benalla maintains the Commonwealth’s capabilities for the manufacture of primary energetics, pyrotechnics, medium calibre, mortar and tank ammunition, hand grenades, fuzes, primers, along with various laboratory test facilities.
The company recently completed work recapitalising 120mm tank ammunition for the Australian Army’s M1A1 Abrams tank fleet.
GORE-TEX manufacturers W.L. Gore & Assoc celebrated 45 years of working with the US Army with their heritage wall. They dug back into their archives to showcase Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System, Gen II ECWCS, and Gen III ECWCS as well as some footwear including the Matterhorn boot which was popular as both an issue and private purchase item.
This timeline includes some wave top events in Gore’s relationship with the US Army.
For more information on ECWCS, visit www.goretexprofessional.com/blog/navy-seal-testing.
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —
Extended Reality (XR) is revolutionizing the way Air Force Special Operations Command is approaching training and readiness. XR is an umbrella term that encompasses Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) to create a spectrum of experiences that range from fully virtual environments to overlays of digital content onto the real world. These technologies manipulate our perception of reality, hence the term “extended.” The manipulation of reality is at the core of XR, and it’s transforming the training landscape of AFSOC.
The XR Training Program’s mission is to provide Air Commandos the ability to conduct repetitive readiness training anyplace at any time through secure, autonomous learning distribution and reporting across all command disciplines. The vision is equally ambitious: to be a training program that employs virtual, mixed, and augmented training methodologies, producing warfighters with greater skillset competencies and proficiency in a more realistic environment, at a reduced cost, and on a shortened timeline.
In the beginning of FY23, AFSOC established an XR cross-functional team dedicated to creating an XR Training Framework for the entire command.
“Our first step as a command was to admit we had fallen behind in the evolution of training technology,” said Capt. Kyle Schoonover, Chief of AFSOC XR Training Program. “In true AFSOC fashion, in just a few months we went from this realization to producing a MAJCOM-wide framework capable of incorporating all existing XR technologies as well as charting a path forward for future development in the years to come.”
This framework operates on a crawl, walk, run strategy, composed of four distinct lines of effort (LOEs):
LOE 1: Virtual Hangar
The foundational effort for XR in AFSOC focuses on initial qualification academic training for all aircrew support and mission support personnel, including maintenance and Mission Sustainment Teams. A prime example of this is the “Virtual Hangar” initiative by AFSOC A4. This innovative program leverages VR to enhance AC-130J, MC-130J, CV-22 and munitions maintenance workforce training. The “Virtual Hangar” offers comprehensive Instructor Tools and custom-built Learning Modules, ranging from checklist execution to 3D-modeled schematic overlays.
LOE 2: NexGen Instructor
AFSOC plans to incorporate VR into all Flying Training Units (FTUs) responsible for training AFSOC aircrew. Training modules will cover the academic phases of the FTU syllabi such as academics on aircraft systems and mission equipment. Collaborative partnerships with other Major Commands (MAJCOMs) will be pursued when appropriate, and pathfinding will be the norm when required.
LOE 3: Fusion & Integration
The integration of XR into operational units is a pivotal aspect of AFSOC’s strategy, with a particular emphasis on mission events. These events can range from emulated flight of AFSOC aircraft, to special tactics, to our medical community across the entire continuum of patient care.
LOE 4: The Future Fight
The pinnacle of AFSOC’s XR Training Framework envisions the utilization of Augmented Reality (AR) for aircrew and special tactics teams. Imagine a CV-22 pilot flying over Melrose Air Force Range in New Mexico while their visor displays real-world terrain from distant locations like the Indo-Pacific region. Meanwhile, the pilot’s visor reveals a digital wingman controlled by a ground-based XR device. The goal is to replicate any battlespace via XR technology back at the home station.
“AFSOC’s XR framework provides every unit in the command with a readily digestible and easily repeatable strategy to modernize their training through next-generation methodologies of instruction,” said Schoonover.
The AFSOC XR Training Framework’s implementation is ongoing. While teams across AFSOC continue to work through LOE 1 by immersing in virtual reality and “Virtual Hangars”, LOE 2 is on the horizon with small group XR testing sessions with the AC-130J FTU planned for Summer 2024 and the C-146 FTU planned for Fall 2024. As investment into the training program framework continues, the line of efforts will gain momentum.
“AFSOC is heavily invested in enhancing readiness and training through initiatives like XR,” said Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, AFSOC commander. “The use of XR in training allows Air Commandos to experience highly realistic simulations of complex scenarios, missions, and environments they may encounter in real-world operations. This practice is paramount as we prepare for current and future operating environments. I’m excited to see where this program goes and we will be ready to build upon each line of effort as resources become available.”
With a comprehensive XR Training Framework in place, AFSOC is poised to transform its training methodologies, ensuring that Air Commandos are better prepared and equipped for strategic competition.
By Capt Amy Rasmussen
Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs
Gun Cover Designed Specifically for Hot Suppressors with New Heat Shield Technology
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – October 10, 2023 – Butler Creek®, maker of smart, field-proven hunting and shooting accessories, is now shipping its new Element Gun Cover for rifles and shotguns. With its durable, water- and abrasion-resistant fabric, this rifle and shotgun case protects your firearm from the harshest conditions in the backcountry or on the range. The Element gun cover is also available in a suppressor ready model featuring a unique “Heat Shield” technology. This optional feature allows the cover’s heat resistant fabric (up to 900 degrees) to securely store firearms before they have fully cooled down.
“Whether you’re trying to keep grandpa’s old rifle safe from bumps and bruises, or just trying to stay one step ahead of potential rust when the rain and snow flies, the Butler Creek Element Gun Cover is a versatile solution for any long gun,” said Monte Koenigs, product manager for Butler Creek. “We also wanted to give today’s gun owners peace of mind when using suppressors or other muzzle devices. With the Element Gun Cover’s Heat Shield fabric, firearms can be placed directly into the case, regardless of whether the barrel or muzzle is hot from recent use.”
The Butler Creek Element Gun Cover fits rifles and shotguns between 41″ and 54″ in length, plus it’s compatible with firearms outfitted with optics. Depending on Element Gun Cover model, it is also compatible with or without suppressors. Over 14” of the high temperature-resistant Heat Shield fabric has been placed in the muzzle end of the cover allowing it to stand up to hot suppressors. It also boasts enough space to fit most full-sized suppressors even if equipped with mirage cover. A gap on the bottom allows for sling or bipod access.
The gun cover is also designed for quick removal so you can get your rifle back into action at a moment’s notice. When not needed, the entire cover can easily be stuffed into your pack.
Both models of the Butler Creek Element Gun Cover offer gun owners an affordable, durable option to protect their firearm for less than $50. To learn more about the Gun Cover or to see Butler Creek’s full selection of hunting accessories, check out ButlerCreek.com.
17-23 Oct, MATBOCK will be attending ADEX out in South Korea. MATBOCK will be in the booth with SUOPTICS, booth E577. Send them an email at sales@matbock.com to get on their schedule.
The SPD Paladin Hoodie is built to perform, built to last, built in the USA. A rugged, technical, soft-shell hoodie designed for adventurous pursuits in cool to cold weather and made for those who are more than just capable, speak softly, carry big sticks and the self-reliant who can move with confidence in wild to dangerous places. The Paladin Hoodie has ample freedom of movement by virtue of its 4-way stretch materials, blocks wind, is highly breathable, and shrugs off snow, damp, and drizzle. Made with traditional industrial sewing techniques and fully stitched construction, featuring our Expedition Cloth shell exterior, and fully lined with our Guide Cloth, this hoodie has got you covered. Cut to fit over moderate layers when desired for variable temperatures and features strategically placed pockets for generous storage of your EDC tools.
The Paladin Hoodie is made under Prometheus Design Werx’s sub-label Special Projects Division, and a part of their CORE-Line. Available in Universal Field Gray and All Terrain Brown.
The Design and R&D Team at PDW states:
“The Paladin Hoodie is something of a legacy style from our company Founder and Chief Designer, where his early apparel designs were often fielded by those who found themselves in dangerous places all over the globe. Purpose driven, practical, useful, versatile. Whether you’re running over washboard in a Hilux, stuck in a hurricane seat, or horse packing through Charyn Canyon, the Paladin Hoodie is your one grab-n-go, do-it-all cool-cold weather jacket. Like all of our apparel, we follow our own Long Life Apparel ethos where we design and produce our apparel to last far beyond the typical industry life cycle standards and do not subscribe to ‘fast fashion’ or disposable consumerism.”
The SPD Paladin Hoodie will be available for purchase for $309.00 via their website, prometheusdesignwerx.com on Wednesday 11OCT23 at noon PST.
What good would a weapon in 5.7mm be without special ammunition to go with it? This poster from the recent Future Forces Caoabilities Conference is the perfect companion to yesterday’s installment.
Contact information is on the poster for those interested.
