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Industry Day at the Range Action Target Safety Award Recipient is Franklin Armory

February 3rd, 2022

LAS VEGAS, N.V. – February 1, 2022 – The Industry Day at the Range Safety Award, sponsored by Action Target, honors the participating company that demonstrates the highest standard of safety throughout the event. The 2022 Action Target Safety Award was awarded to Franklin Armory at the Boulder Rifle and Pistol Club Range on January 17.

The winner of the Action Target Safety Award receives a $2,000 credit toward the 2023 Industry Day at the Range event. Franklin Armory has elected to donate the $2,000 to Project ChildSafe. Project ChildSafe is a National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) program committed to promoting firearm safety to communities across the United States.

“Action Target recognizes the importance of promoting firearms safety throughout our industry. As market leaders, we understand the importance of building the safest and most advanced shooting ranges possible. We are proud to be a part of this great event and honored to recognize and congratulate Franklin Armory for taking the appropriate steps at Industry Day to promote firearm safety.”. says Mike Birch, President and CEO at Action Target.

Safety auditors judged shooting exhibitors during Industry Day, and the score was determined by range safety criteria such as providing hearing and eye protection, control of ammunition and safe handling of firearms on the firing line. Scoring also took into consideration the posting of rules, availability of first aid kits at the shooting stations and crowd management.

“We recognize that Industry Day at the Range is a fast-paced event, and like all firearms, our products require diligent adherence to the four rules of firearm safety,” said Jay Jacobson, Franklin Armory President. “Our team has consistently made safety not just a plan, but a process. The fruit of that labor has been a safe and successful experience for all who attended. We know all of our industry peers share this commitment, and it is with great honor that we receive this award.

This year’s Industry Day at the Range included quality and purpose driven media buyers who arrived for the annual event. With a steady stream of individuals at the range, visitors flowed through exhibitor lanes testing products and watching demonstrations by top manufacturers and suppliers.

The 2022 Industry Day at the Range was held at the Boulder Rifle and Pistol Club in Boulder City, Nevada on Monday, January 17. More information about Industry Day at the Range can be found at SHOTShowRangeDay.com

DroneShield Successfully Integrates with US Govt Team Awareness Kit (TAK)

February 3rd, 2022

DroneShield (ASX:DRO), an Australian-U.S. global leader in Artificial Intelligence based platforms for protection against advanced threats such as drones and autonomous systems, has today announced that their Sensor and Command-and-Control platforms are now fully compliant with the U.S. Government’s Team Awareness Kit (TAK). The TAK system, originally developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is used extensively throughout the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Allied forces.

This critical integration allows for operators in the field to receive detailed threat detection information to improve their situational awareness, in a common format compliant across a range of systems. DroneShield sensors including RfPatrol, RfOne and DroneSentry-X are now able to stream data directly to TAK servers providing both command Operations Centres and field operators access to the real-time sensor information and intelligence.

In addition, DroneShield’s Command-and-Control (C2) platform, DroneSentry-C2, which utilizes the latest in AI and Machine Learning (AI/ML) and Sensor Fusion technologies, is compliant with the TAK communication standard. This enables operators to take full advantage of DroneShield’s distributed sensor network, integrating data from multiple sensors and sensor modalities including radar, radio frequency (RF) and electro-optical (EO) and thermal recognition to provide a seamless and integrated picture of threat assessments onto their personal TAK device. Both DroneShield sensors and the C2 system have implemented the Cursor-on-Target (CoT) protocol as the means of sending information to TAK and interoperable systems. The CoT protocol is widely used amongst US prime contractor platforms and their U.S. DoD, Federal Law Enforcement, and Allied Forces customers.

DroneShield Chief Technology Officer, Angus Bean, commented, “Battlespace is rapidly evolving, and robotic platforms continue to be both a central capability and a threat to Allied forces. It is critical that DroneShield technology can meaningfully contribute to building this battlespace awareness. Common operating platforms such as TAK empower wide-ranging technologies and to generate a cross-compatible system of sensors and operating platforms.”

Additional information about the system can be found at www.droneshield.com.

6.8mm Cleaning Kits from Pro-Shot

February 3rd, 2022

Between the upcoming US Army Next Generation Squad Weapons program announcement and commercial release of 6.8mm ammunition and firearms by SIG SAUER, True Velocity and others, Pro-Shot thought it was the perfect time to release dedicated cleaning kits.

The RUCK Series Rifle Kit includes:
-32.5″ Working Length Pro-Tuff Coated (PTC) Rods (5 Qty. 6.5” Length Rods)
-(Coyote Cases get Coyote Coated Rods; Multi-Cam & Black Cases get Black Coated Rods)
-MPH – Black Out Multi-Purpose Locking Swivel T Handle
-6.8mm Bore Brush
-6.8mm AR Platform Military Style Chamber Brush Spear Tip Jag
-6.8mm Brass Patch Holder
-6.8mm Bore Obstruction -Stuck/Broken Case Remover
-1 Step BIO MIL-SPEC CLP 0.5 fl. oz. Tube
-Gun Brush Double End – Nylon
-6.8mm Cotton Flannel Cleaning Patches
-UV Bore Light Chamber Flag

The line offers a couple of options including a dual 9mm/6.8mm kit.

www.proshotdefense.com/6-8-9mm-st-ystem

Silencer Central Scheduled to Attend the NRA Great American Outdoor Show

February 3rd, 2022

Sioux Falls, South Dakota – February 3, 2022 – Silencer Central, America’s largest silencer dealer, will attend the NRA Great American Outdoor Show February 5-13 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Silencer Central will have sales experts on hand to answer questions about the new eForms process which is expected to cut the suppressor buying process to under 90 days.

“Show season is in full swing and there’s an excitement around the Great American Outdoor Show that brings a lot of energy,” said CEO of Silencer Central, Brandon Maddox. “This nine-day event is a huge opportunity to bring our new suppressors- the Banish 46 and Banish 338- to the public and share with those who know the benefits of hunting suppressed. We’re working to get these products in the hands of hunters to further our reach.”

The Great American Outdoor Show is an event held annually that celebrates hunting, fishing, and outdoor traditions that are valued and treasured by millions of American and their families. Hosted by the NRA, outdoor enthusiasts from across the nation enjoy the world’s largest consumer outdoor sports show.

Silencer Central is proud to support the NRA mission to uphold the Second Amendment and properly educate and train gun owners, law enforcement and the military. The company delivers silencers directly to customers in the 42 states where silencers are legal. The shipping process has revolutionized the way suppressors are sold and allows for customers to streamline their purchasing experience by cutting out unnecessary hurdles to silencer ownership. Customers can buy direct from Silencer Central at the event. For more information, call 888-781-8778 or visit SilencerCentral.com.

For more information about the Great American Outdoor Show visit www.greatamericanoutdoorshow.org.

MMI Textiles to Relocate HQ to a Larger Facility

February 3rd, 2022

WESTLAKE, OH – January 24, 2022 – MMI Textiles Inc., a global diversified supplier of industrial and custom fabrics and textile components with military, tactical, medical, commercial, and apparel expertise has announced a major expansion of its operations. 

MMI Textiles is relocating to a new headquarters and distribution center. They needed a larger facility to accommodate growth and future endeavors. MMI’s current location is around 9,000 sq. ft. while the new headquarters will boast more than 45,000 sq. ft. of space. This new space includes an attached warehouse and large testing lab – giving MMI more control over shipping speed, quality, and much more. Also, a fitness center and cafe for their team.

“I cannot say enough about the teamwork and dedication at MMI. In just over a year, we will have opened up a manufacturing facility as well as a new HQ with distribution. Our team has a commitment to always being better, regardless of the obstacles that may get in our way.” said Chief Operating Officer at MMI Textiles, Nick Rivera.

MMI’s current office will remain open throughout – they will officially be in the new location by February 4th. Disruptions to services should be minimal. Our phone number will remain 440-899-8050. 

MMI TEXTILES NEW ADDRESS:

1 American Rd. Suite 950 Brooklyn, OH 44144

US Army Awards FN America LLC Contract for M240L Machine Guns

February 3rd, 2022

The Department of Defense recently announced the following contract award:

FN America LLC, Columbia, South Carolina, was awarded a $49,973,579 firm-fixed-price contract for M240L medium machine guns and titanium receivers. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 27, 2027. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (W15QKN-22-D-0010).

Developed in 2011, the M240L sheds five pounds from the standard model thanks to a Titanium receiver and polymer trigger frame. Additionally, it is equipped with a 4? shorter barrel and a redesigned collapsible buttstock assembly. The M240L variant is equipped with the forward-mounted MIL-STD 1913 rail kit.

Sweden Offers BAE Systems’ Combat-Proven CV90 to Slovakia

February 3rd, 2022

ÖRNSKÖLDSVIK, Sweden — Feb. 1, 2022 — BAE Systems has confirmed its bid submission, together with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), for the advanced, combat- proven CV90 in response to the Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic’s acquisition of 152 new Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV) in multiple variants. The offer will ensure the production and delivery of the CV90 in collaboration with local Slovak industry, on time and to budget.

The joint filing by FMV and BAE Systems confirms the Swedish states’ support for Slovakia, further strengthening governmental relations as the country looks to modernize its ground forces by 2030. The bid includes support with training, tactics, and future development and welcomes Slovakia as a member of the CV90 User Club.

BAE Systems Hägglunds, which manufactures the CV90 in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, has delivered multiple CV90 export programs to European customers. With a history of highly successful industrial cooperation that goes beyond the mechanical assembly of the vehicle, the team will work with several Slovak companies to deliver the CV90s to the Army.

“BAE Systems’ approach is built on strategic collaboration with local suppliers, enabling them to play a high-value role in the development, production, training, and support of the CV90 MkIV and all its variants,” said Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, managing director of BAE Systems Hägglunds. “We are committed to exceeding the mandated 40 per cent requirement for direct content as we work closely with Slovak industry to deliver the most capable, combat-proven IFV on the market today.”

In June 2021, the CV90 participated in dynamic and static demonstrations to Slovak VIPs, including defense minister Jaroslav Na?, and representatives from the Army at the Military Technical and Testing Institute of Záhorie, Republic of Slovakia. Three variants of the CV90 family – the CV90 MkIV, an Armoured Personnel Carrier, and the Medium Tank CV90120 – showcased the diverse capabilities of the CV90 fleet.

Available in 15 variants, the CV90 is designed to provide optimum mobility, with the highest level of protection in any terrain or tactical environment. The latest version, the CV90 MkIV, combines improved battlefield speeds and handling with an upgraded Electronic Architecture to support future growth capabilities as the complex battlefield evolves.

The CV90 is in operation with Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. There are nearly 1,300 CV90s of numerous variants in service. The vehicle has an established track record and is designed to accommodate future growth to meet evolving missions.

347 RQS Tests New Vehicle Drop for Lead Wing

February 3rd, 2022

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga (AFNS) —  

The Side by Vehicle (SXV) is the newest Search and Rescue Tactical Vehicle added to the 347th Rescue Group’s arsenal, bringing more firepower and range than other models.

Although the 38th Rescue Squadron has been integrating the SXV into ground combat training scenarios, this was the first time they teamed up with the 71st RQS for an aerial delivery of an SXV, Jan. 20.

“This is the first step in building greater ground mobility options for the 38th Rescue Squadron and Air Force Special Warfare,” said Lt. Col. Michael Vins, 38th RQS commander. “Wherever paratroopers and combat rescue officers can land, we can potentially drop a (a lighter-weight tactical vehicle) or SXV to assist with ground mobility.

“For example, if an airfield is attacked and runway unusable, we could drop in a Guardian Angel team and pair of vehicles to consolidate survivors into a casualty collection point, treat life-threatening injuries, provide security and prepare for extraction,” Vins added.

The drop took roughly a year to execute because the vehicle – stripped of weapons, equipment and fuel – weighs 4,445 pounds and is near the parachute weight limit. Accommodating the increased load required additional preparation.

“In order to be one-hundred percent combat effective, we need to see what works with the aerial delivery package and what does not,” said Master Sgt. Daniel Lillis, 38th RQS pararescue flight chief. “Once the vehicle and team leave the aircraft there may be little to no outside support. We need to determine what is required to be self-sufficient for extended durations of time in multiple environments. Additionally, we’re testing the durability of the vehicle itself upon airdrop – confirming that falling from the sky will not render the vehicle inoperable.”

This vehicle can be used to move equipment, personnel or patients to different locations. Furthermore, it has potential to develop the ability to provide power and be used as a moving communication center. Employing the vehicle requires personnel to know its capabilities, durability and sustainability.

“Understanding capabilities and limitations of our equipment is vital prior to employing it on an actual mission,” Lillis said. “Constantly refining our rescue equipment and employment of the equipment is crucial to remaining effective as we look to the future of warfare and rescue.”

By adding an additional infiltration and exfiltration method, Moody Air Force Base hones their Lead-Wing capabilities. This allows rescue personnel to be more agile.

“The reality is Guardian Angel has a vast array of employment methods such as boats, vehicles, on foot, or any type of aircraft the (Department of Defense) has to offer,” Lillis said. “Preparing for a peer-to-peer, or near-peer threat requires us to think outside the box and train toward other methods of infiltration/exfiltration.”

This drop marks the beginning of solidifying standard operating procedures using the SXV, and although it may not be the primary method for each mission, it adds another option to the rescue toolkit.

“As we progress, we’ll integrate the drops into scenarios with derigging procedures, ground movements and recoveries,” Vins said. “If successful and safe, we’ll be able to show a proof of concept to senior leaders of another infiltration method to bring isolated personnel home.”

Story by Airman 1st Class Deanna Muir, 23rd Wing Public Affairs

Photos by MSgt Daryl Knee