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SIONYX OPSIN Adds Mobile App and Significant UX Upgrades

October 25th, 2023

The helmet-mounted digital night vision just got better, with new features and improvements

BEVERLY, Mass. (Oct. 24, 2023) Relentlessly working to enhance the performance and functionality of their products, SIONYX announces a new mobile app and significant firmware update for OPSIN, a helmet-mounted digital night vision monocular that features their proprietary XQE-1350 Black Silicon sensor to deliver ultra-low-light images and video.

For over 16 years, SIONYX has developed its silicon-based photonics technology in support of advanced imaging for a wide range of customers, including the U.S. Department of Defense. In late 2022, SIONYX introduced their innovative sensor technology into the shooting, hunting, tactical, and law enforcement markets with the launch of OPSIN, their first purpose-built helmet-mounted monocular. OPSIN captured the industry’s attention with its impactful advances to stagnating tools and implications for the future of night vision.

SIONYX sensor technology extends visibility beyond what the human eye can perceive, enabling observation, detection, identification, and recording of targets of interest in near darkness. OPSIN offers color imaging in moonless starlight conditions with a rich layer of natural detail and clarity. Many users have adopted OPSIN, utilizing its video and image recording and stealth navigation capabilities in low-light operations such as surveillance and firearms training.

To further enhance the capabilities of OPSIN, SIONYX is introducing a new app. It is compatible with both Android and iOS devices and enables video streaming, as well as command and control functions. The firmware update will elevate OPSIN’s overall functionality with enhancements to the heads-up display and introduction of new modes and features. This strategic step serves to fortify an already game-changing product, solidifying SIONYX’s position as an innovator in the industry.

A key advantage of digital night vision technology is its capacity for unlimited firmware upgrades, which progressively improves the camera’s performance. In contrast, analog night vision tubes degrade over time and are susceptible to irreversible damage from overexposure to bright light. The OPSIN 2.0.0 upgrades enhance usability through a color-rich and intuitive, modern user interface with data available at-a-glance. The update also introduces new features and capabilities that enable operators to carry out tasks more effectively under a wider range of environmental conditions.

“Today’s operators rely on next-gen technologies that improve situational awareness and output data to expedite and improve decision making, keeping them informed, safe, and ultimately allowing them to complete missions successfully,” said Robert Pignataro, General Manager of the Commercial Product Division of SIONYX. “As our team develops new features and benefits, OPSIN users can rest assured that we will pass those benefits on to them through simple firmware updates. The speed at which technologies improve in our modern time is astounding and our customers will benefit from these advances as quickly as we develop them, without needing to invest in new gear.”

OPSIN Firmware (V2.0.0) Upgrades & App:

? SIONYX Mobile App: The SIONYX app works on both Android and iOS platforms. Users will have the ability to connect multiple SIONYX products, adjust settings to optimize performance, and stream and record video from camera to app.

? Comprehensive System Status: Users will benefit from a redesigned heads-up display showing real-time critical system information, essential for keeping operators informed.

? Intuitive Button Interface: The front knob and button controls have been revamped for improved, intuitive functionality. These changes cater to new settings seamlessly and allow customization to the operator’s most used features.

? Advanced Image Processing: OPSIN 2.0 brings elevated image processing and introduces advanced options to enrich the low-light user experience.

? ROI Mode Update: The update introduces a Region Of Interest (ROI) filter, enabling effective handling of high dynamic scenes, including those involving lasers or intense IR illumination.

? Three options (Wide / Narrow / OFF) are available for the ROI filter, tailoring to different scenarios. OPSIN’s Auto Gain Control (AGC) adjusts accordingly for the best image quality. While great for navigation or general observation, the ROI filter remains optional. With the ROI off, OPSIN delivers higher detail across the entire field of view.

? Monochrome Mode: Designed for extreme low-light conditions, Monochrome mode offers the choice to view images in grayscale. By reducing color noise in the dimmest environments, OPSIN provides a cleaner image that’s easier to interpret.

? 2D Noise Filter: The optional two-dimensional image noise filter is particularly beneficial in outdoor environments with moderately busy scenes. This filter smooths sharp transitions between subjects and reduces overall noise, resulting in better image quality and a more natural visual experience.

? Improved Location Services: The update includes enhancements to the digital magnetic compass and GPS satellite data display for a smoother user experience.

The SIONYX mobile app updated firmware (V2.0.0) for OPSIN, and supporting accessories are now available. For more information about SIONYX and OPSIN click here.

Posted in Optics, Press Release | 4 Comments »

CTOMS Academy – Emergency Bleeding Control Training

October 25th, 2023

CTOMS Academy announces the release of its Emergency Bleeding Control training package. This online training includes both the standard and advanced Emergency Bleeding Control courses, giving students in-depth instruction on circulation anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology, and the principles of massive hemorrhage management including direct and indirect pressure, wound packing, bandaging, and the use of various types of tourniquets.

Like all CTOMS Academy courses the training is presented to students with an engaging mix of live video, motion graphics, and 3D animations to facilitate Students understanding of the topics. The Emergency Bleeding Control package includes demonstration video from labs using pathophysiological training models.

CTOMS Academy provides online training suitable to both medical professionals and non-medics operating in tactical and non-tactical environments. Clients include military, law enforcement, and emergency medical service groups. Many civilians, looking for training beyond standard First Aid, also find tremendous value in these courses.

Once enrolled, students can access their course material 24/7 from anywhere in the world, provided they have internet. Learning is self-paced, and the course will remain active for 3 years.

For more information on the Emergency Bleeding Control training package, and other Tactical Trauma Care training, visit CTOMS Academy.

For volume, government, or agency pricing please contact training@ctomsinc.com Use code SSD25 for 25% discount on all online training.

Posted in Advertiser, Medical, Training | 1 Comment »

40th Anniversary of Operation Urgent Fury

October 25th, 2023

On the morning of October 25th, 1983, America awoke to reports that US forced had invaded the small Caribbean nation of Grenada, in order to liberate American medical students from danger posed by political instability. Joined by Regional Security System troops from a variety of Caribbean partner nations, they swiftly overwhelmed the Grenadian and Cuban troops.

While Operation Urgent Fury was in name a joint force operation, and included the use of Special Operations Forces, it highlighted many interoperability challenges, such as use of joint operational overlays and communications issues.

Several stove pipe problems suffered by the pre-Goldwater-Nichols military were identified during this operation. Additionally, Urgent Fury was conducted with many systems dating from the Vietnam war.

Just six years later, during the invasion of Panama, saw the first employment of several new weapons developed during the Reagan buildup such as the F-117 stealth fighter and the Marine Corps LAV-25. Grenada was a great learning experience for the US military as it highlighted issues with joint service operations, particularly in the communications arena as well as interoperability between Special Operations and General Purpose forces. For example, SOF also took a much more prominent role in operation Blue Spoon during the Panama invasion. We’ve come even further in the past three decades.

Finally, as with any conflict, lives were lost. Let us not forget the 19 Americans killed in action and the 116 who were wounded. Unfortunately, there were also 24 Grenadian civilians killed in the conflict.

Posted in Cold War, History | Comments Off on 40th Anniversary of Operation Urgent Fury

CMSAF Underscores Need for 137th SOW Multi-Capable Airmen

October 25th, 2023

WILL ROGERS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Okla. (AFNS) —

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass saw firsthand how Airmen with the 137th Special Operations Wing set the Oklahoma Standard across the force during a visit Oct. 12.

She encouraged every service member she met to understand the “why” of the Air Force’s prioritization of learning multiple skill sets and becoming multi-capable Airmen, noting that the wing had leaned into the concept through its mission sustainment team.

“I hope you appreciate learning this skill set that we hopefully will never have to tap into,” Bass said. “We are more focused on reoptimization than we ever have been before. How do we reoptimize what the Air Force looks like to do the number one thing we are supposed to: defend our nation?”

She noted that the variety of civilian and military experience of Air National Guardsmen makes them ready-made to be formed into small mission teams, whether someone is a power production specialist in the Guard and a mechanic as a civilian, or a fireman in the Guard and a carpenter as a civilian.

Staff Sgt. Anthony Hill, 137th SOW Mission Sustainment Team, or MST, member, is a civil engineer Airman and policy analyst for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma as a civilian. He encountered the MCA concept during a previous deployment to Africa where they did not have the equipment and training needed to rapidly establish a base for austere operations.

“The tent systems we were setting up were more difficult and heavier in design, it took a longer time to train individuals and assemble units with those different levels of experience and they required a dedicated power grid,” he said. “The tent systems that are now part of our MST deployment package would have made a huge difference in sustaining the mission in that expeditionary environment.”

Discovering how to better equip Airmen for expedient operations in locations with limited resources has been the focus of the MST since its inception. A photo of the MST’s preliminary training activity was featured in the U.S. Air Force “Profession of Arms” as it calls for Airmen to serve in whatever form is needed to get the mission accomplished while meeting the expected standard of excellence.

“Our number one job is to deter. If deterrence does not succeed, we will make sure that we are able to compete and win. We are not fighting conflicts that we have before. We have to optimize ourselves in the information, space and cyber domains because if you lose in those things, you lose – period.”

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass

Airmen with the 137th Special Operations Group have developed equipment to be compatible with an expeditionary warfare environment. On the tour, Bass encountered the mobile processing, exploitation and dissemination center, which was built to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations in austere locations.

“We were the first to develop this package,” said Tech. Sgt. Stephen Rosebrook, 285th Special Operations Intelligence Squadron, Oklahoma National Guard. “We have since trained active-duty special operations squadrons as well as partner nation forces.”

The 137th SOW mission is to provide forces organized, trained and equipped to support combatant commanders across the spectrum of conflict. Ensuring its citizen air commandos are prepared to deploy to the fight together anytime, anywhere, is a focus of the wing.

“We have got to reprioritze and reoptimize to make sure that we can continue deterring,” Bass said. “It is not our job to predict when challenges and crises and conflict will come, but it is our job to be ready today for anything.”

By TSgt Brigette Waltermire, 137th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, SOF | Comments Off on CMSAF Underscores Need for 137th SOW Multi-Capable Airmen

Brownells Appoints Bryan Stuntebeck as Chief Revenue Officer

October 24th, 2023

Grinnell, Iowa (October 24, 2023) – Brownells, the leading provider of firearms accessories, gunsmithing tools, and firearm parts, is pleased to announce the promotion of Bryan Stuntebeck to the esteemed position of Chief Revenue Officer. In this elevated role, Bryan will spearhead an exceptionally talented team, driving growth and innovation across Brownells Direct Marketing and Crow Wholesale business divisions.

With a distinguished history spanning over eight decades, Brownells has upheld its reputation for excellence in the firearms industry. Bryan Stuntebeck’s elevation to Chief Revenue Officer represents a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to delivering quality products and services to customers.

Bryan Stuntebeck brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having served in various leadership capacities within Brownells. He has consistently demonstrated a keen understanding of market dynamics, a profound appreciation for customer needs, and an unwavering dedication to nurturing a culture of excellence within the organization.

Under Bryan’s leadership, the Direct Marketing business and Crow Wholesale business divisions are poised for continued growth and success. “We are thrilled to appoint Bryan Stuntebeck as our Chief Revenue Officer,” said Pete Brownell, CEO & Chairman of Brownells. “Bryan’s leadership has been instrumental in our company’s success, and we have full confidence in his ability to steer our revenue-generating efforts. With his guidance, we are excited to embark on a new era of growth and innovation.”

Posted in Industry, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Diversitex Has Tigerstripe Cordura Laminate In Stock

October 24th, 2023

Diversitex has 500D Cordura laminate in both Jungle (VTS) and Desert (DTS) variants in stock.

Contact Mark at Diversitex to order.

Posted in Advertiser, Camo, Materials | Comments Off on Diversitex Has Tigerstripe Cordura Laminate In Stock

New XS Night Sights for Magnum Research Desert Eagle Pistols

October 24th, 2023

Fort Worth, Texas (October 24, 2023) – XS® Sights is pleased to now offer its new R3D 2.0 and DXT2 Big Dot night sights for Magnum Research Desert Eagle pistols.

R3D 2.0 Tritium Night Sights

These new and improved second-generation tritium self-defense sights are brighter, stronger, and easier than ever to install. Engineered to improve speed and accuracy in any light, the R3D 2.0 is a notch and post design with two rear tritium dots and a high-contrast Orange or Green dual-illuminated Glow Dot front sight. The Glow Dot’s self-luminous tritium vile glows in low or no light for 12 years and is surrounded by XS’ proprietary photoluminescent Glow Dot which makes the front sight brighter than the two rear tritium dots. The brightness, when combined with the wide notch, provides more visible indexing for increased precision and accuracy.

DXT2 Big Dot Night Sights

This second-generation Big Dot sight delivers ultra-fast target acquisition in any light thanks to its industry-leading large front sight with Glow Dot and tritium center. Available with an Orange or Yellow front sight, the Glow Dot is visible even before the tritium can be seen. This glow, in addition to the large dot size, improves speed and accuracy while shooting on the move. Its V-notch rear sight with vertical white stripe and tritium inset facilitates a dot-the-‘i’ sight picture that is fast and instinctive in high-stress situations.

Retail Price: $142.99

All XS sights are backed by a 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee. The company also offers a 12-year warranty on all tritium products and a limited lifetime warranty on all other products. For more information, visit www.xssights.com.

Posted in Optics, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on New XS Night Sights for Magnum Research Desert Eagle Pistols

B&T BWC9

October 24th, 2023

B&T’s BWC9 is a folding personal defense chassis designed to be a compact, non-descript accessory that hides in plain sight. In its folded form, it can be carried using the integrated carry handle. In this position, placing slight rearward pressure upon the charging handle, a subtle flick of the wrist completely unfolds and locks the BWC9 into its extended position. It can be refolded and stowed nearly as quickly.

The BWC is being sold as an accessory; users will provide their P320 FCU and complete slide assembly of their choice (Sub-Compact through X-Five length, including threaded barrels). Not compatible with suppressor height sights. Aimpoint ACRO P-2 is included.

Posted in Weapon Accessories | 11 Comments »