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DAF Unveils Art Commemorating 75 Years of Air and Space Power

September 5th, 2023

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

Department of the Air Force senior leaders presided over a ceremony unveiling commemorative wall art titled, “A Shared Foundation; Celebrating 75 Years of Air and Space Power,” at the Pentagon Aug. 29.

DAF celebrated the 75th Anniversary of Air and Space heritage in September 2022 and commissioned the art to help tell the stories of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, which required nearly 18 months to complete due to the artist’s extensive research into each of its numerous elements.

The artist, Warren F. Neary, focused the content of the piece on the contributions of Airmen and Guardians throughout the eras. Beginning with the earliest airpower innovators in the Army Air Corps, the art highlights significant milestones and achievements.

“[Neary] met with DAF leadership and visited bases around the country to capture the range of the missions and the people that compose our Air and Space Forces,” Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall remarked. “The people you see in the painting are depictions of real Airmen, real Guardians; both are part of our heritage and those who are currently serving … [This artwork shows] people who helped build our organization, the aircraft and equipment that shaped our experiences and the missions that drove it all.”

In addition to depicting Airmen and Guardians, the artwork features various Air Force and Space Force platforms and systems. In total, 114 unique visual elements are incorporated into the piece.

Each group of elements in the artwork is designed to form the shape of the delta or infinity symbols. The delta symbol carries a deep, historic meaning for both the Air Force and Space Force and signifies upward trajectory and rapid advancement. The infinity symbol represents the ever-present requirements for adaptation, improvement, innovation and vigilance.

“Our heritage is incredibly important — it tells our story. It reminds us of who we are and where we have come from, and why it all matters. The images that surround this piece are powerful. They shape our culture, our sense of purpose and our warfighter mindset.”

-Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall

Neary has created many works of art throughout his career depicting subjects of air and space power. He has received national-level recognition, and his artwork has been exhibited in the National Museum of the Air Force, the Museum of Aviation, the U.S. Air Force Art Collection and the U.S. Army Center for Military History, in addition to private collections.

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

U.S. Air Force photos by Eric Dietrich

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Guest Post, History, Space | 1 Comment »

Vortex Introduced the Razor HD 13-39×56 Spotting Scope

September 4th, 2023

Built to seamlessly fit the packs of today’s weight-wary, backcountry hunters.

BARNEVELD, Wis. – When every ounce counts, this tag-filling machine gives advanced hunters every tool they need in the compact package they demand. Sacrifice nothing with the Razor® HD 13-39×56.

Every ounce matters on long backcountry hunts, where the terrain and the elements can make each step a slog. But hunters are not willing to sacrifice exceptional performance to save on weight. For them, the Razor® HD 13-39×56 spotting scope is the ideal solution, blending premium optics and a compact form factor.

Glassing on the move doesn’t get any better. At just 10.4″ long and 28.6 oz. for the angled model (11.1″ and 29.5 oz. for the straight), the Razor® HD 13-39×56 fits your pack and the way you hunt. Rapid deployment is a snap thanks to a compact, snag-free design highlighted by a helical focus wheel, giving you total control over this spotter’s wide field of view.

• HD Optical System Delivers brilliant edge-to-edge color and clarity in all light conditions.

• Compact Design Incredibly packable without sacrificing optical performance.

• Helical Focus Snag-free for faster, easier packing and mounting.

• Arca-Swiss Compatibility Fits most tripods out-of-the-box for mount-and-go convenience.

• Wide Field of View Perfect for covering vast landscapes.

The Razor® HD 13-39×56 also advances the premium optical experience hunters expect from the Razor® HD line. The HD optical system is further augmented by XR™ Plus lens coatings, which provide maximum light transmission for peak clarity and the very best low-light performance. All of that is protected by a rugged build to stand up to the bumps and bruises of backcountry hunts.

Razor® HD 13-39×56 Spotting Scope Angled
MSRP: $1,299.99
MAP: $999.99

Razor® HD 13-39×56 Spotting Scope Straight
MSRP: $1,299.99
MAP: $999.99

Posted in Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on Vortex Introduced the Razor HD 13-39×56 Spotting Scope

DTC Showcases The Sentry 6161 Soldier Radio at DSEI 2023

September 4th, 2023

Ashburn, VA, Aug. 30, 2023 — Sentry 6161

Domo Tactical Communications (DTC), a CODAN company based in Southampton, UK, is excited to announce that is showcasing the Sentry 6161 Soldier Radio at DSEI 2023.

The Sentry 6161; a rugged, lightweight, military grade radio that incorporates DTC’ robust MIMO MANET Mesh IP technology is designed to meet the requirements of the modern dismounted solider.

The compact radio features DTC’ MeshUltra™ tactical waveform in a frequency range of 1.2 – 1.7GHz, 2W adjustable power output and Ethernet & USB connectivity for plug & play MOTS/COTS peripherals. Weighing only445 grams, with a low power consumption, the Sentry 6161 is the latest generation ‘best in class’ MANET Mesh Soldier Radio.

DTC’ unique MeshUltra™ waveform operates in narrow channels within a single, robust and scalable network. This technology is proving effective in real-time environments where interference avoidance is critical for deployment teams who require rebroadcast, high-speed, long-range, reliable video, audio, and data.

Unmanned Systems

DTC continues to expand the BluSDR family range of radios for Unmanned Systems and is showcasing several new features and hardware variants at DSEI. The BluSDR range is built on DTC’s renowned SOL8 software defined radio platform and provides both OEM and boxed radio solutions tailored specifically for UXV applications. The outstanding Size Weight and Power advantages of the platforms, together with DTC’s unique software functionality,provide a proven and fit for purpose communication solution for UXV platforms.

Driven by market demand for Unmanned Systems solutions, DTC has designed a 2x5W sled as a lightweight 620g addition to the BluSDR™-90 family that provides the same capabilities as the 2.5kg boxed product. This is a great alternative for UAV integration when long-range communications of up to 90km is required.

For customers who wish to evaluate our lightweight BluSDR™-6, we now offer a boxed evaluation kit with all necessary components for a user to integrate in their UXV system. This product offers up to 2x200mW output power, using DTC’s MeshUltra™ waveform technology.

A comprehensive range of Video and IP products will be on stand H2-218 during DSEI 2023. For more information, please visit domotactical.com or email info@domotactical.com.

Posted in Comms, DSEi, International, Press Release | Comments Off on DTC Showcases The Sentry 6161 Soldier Radio at DSEI 2023

TNVC Welcomes Ian Gilchrist to the TNVC Team

September 4th, 2023

Redlands, California—

TNVC is proud to announce that Ian Gilchrist has joined the TNVC Team as our newest Training & Sales Associate! Ian is joining TNVC after a thirteen-year career in the U.S. Navy, including twelve years as a member of Naval Special Warfare (NSW).

As a Training and Sales Associate, Ian will join TNVC’s expert Mobile Training Team, adding to their already considerable real-world experience, as well as being an integral member of TNVC’s Business Development and Government Sales Teams.

After joining the Navy in 2009, Ian attended Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) in 2010 as well as attending the demanding Special Operations Combat Medic course (SOCM) before being assigned to SEAL Team 7 in 2012. During his time at SEAL Team 7, Ian has deployed multiple times to Middle East, and was most recently assigned to Naval Special Warfare Training Detachment Group One from 2017 to 2022 as an Assault Cell and Close Quarters Combat (CQC) Instructor.

“We’re extremely excited to have Ian on board at TNVC. Our mobile training team is one of the best in the industry, with decades of experience in both the military as well as SWAT and domestic law enforcement,” said Victor DiCosola, President, CEO, and founder of TNVC, adding: “TNVC has always been an end-user focused company, so it’s important for us to have people on the team with relevant, recent, real-world experience using night vision and thermal equipment and understand that what’s important is not cost, social media clout, or what looks cool, but that the equipment meets the needs of guys on the ground and providing them with the best capabilities available to do their jobs. We expect Ian to be a huge asset not only to us, but more importantly to our customers as an integral member of our team at TNVC.”

Please join us in welcoming Ian to the team and to the TNVC Family!

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on TNVC Welcomes Ian Gilchrist to the TNVC Team

Annual Conference Refines Military and Civilian Aviation Safety

September 4th, 2023

DESTIN, Fla. —

The 492d Special Operations Wing safety office organized the annual Mid-Air Collision Avoidance conference at Destin Executive Airport in Destin, Florida, August 10, 2023.

This year’s MACA conference brought together the 96th Test Wing from Eglin Air Force Base, the 919th Special Operations Wing from Duke Field, the 1st Special Operations Wing and 492nd SOW from Hurlburt Field. Planners refined the event to extend outreach to several civilian airports within the Eglin AFB range of operations, covering the world’s largest U.S. military airspace range. Civilian pilots that fly out of multiple airfields within the range received an integrated brief from the MACA safety team, Federal Aviation Administration officials, and local air traffic controllers.

“A lot of the (civilian) pilots around here have been flying for several years and know the military airspace,” said Ray Mansfield, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety education and training team volunteer. “They don’t always know the changes that occur every year, but this meeting tells us what aircraft are there and what’s going on.”

This annual event aims to bolster the knowledge of general aviation aircrew about operating in and around the military airspace from fields like the Destin Executive Airport and the surrounding area. Every branch of the U.S. military conducts aircraft training in this local area at times. Attendees benefit by gaining an understanding of military aircraft types they may encounter, insights from Air Traffic Control officials and lessons learned from the previous year. Civilian pilots attending the event learn more about the functions and procedures of this unique airspace over the bases in the Florida Panhandle.

“What makes it unique here is the total mixture of airfields,” said Eric Zimmerman, chief of airspace management mission planning at Eglin AFB. “You have everything from Hurlburt’s combat type aircraft to Eglin’s fighters, the fast movers, and then we’re mixing that with civilian air traffic like here at the Destin airport.”

The joint participation raises safety awareness and fosters stronger bonds with the wider area aviation community. Education and awareness learned in the conference also results in stronger cooperation between bases using the shared airspace and operating environment. While existing safety agreements are in place across the wings at Duke, Eglin, and Hurlburt, this collective effort significantly strengthens wing and Air Force safety relationships.

“Public outreach and conversation with the general aviation community about past experiences promotes a mutual exchange for military and civilian aviators, enhancing airspace safety for all,” said Major Brent Dillard, 492nd SOW flight safety officer. “We’re pleased with this year’s achievements and look forward to growth in next year’s event.”

This annual alliance with civilian partners achieves safer skies and fosters a commitment to shared airspace safety. The collaboration solidifies and strengthens the backbone of military air power and general aviation, in dedication to safe flying experiences for all.

By TSgt Jonathan McCallum, 492d Special Operations Wing

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Guest Post | Comments Off on Annual Conference Refines Military and Civilian Aviation Safety

Huish Outdoors Announces the Next Chapter of Oceanic+ Oceanic+ Now Works With Your iPhone via the New Oceanic+ Dive Housing

September 3rd, 2023

Salt Lake City, UT, August 30, 2023—Last year, Oceanic partnered with Apple to take its 50 years of dive expertise and created an app that transforms an Apple Watch Ultra into a full-featured dive computer. This innovative partnership sparked widespread interest in scuba diving worldwide and fueled the growth of the sport.

Today the next chapter of Oceanic+ begins with the launch of the new Oceanic+ Dive Housing, available at local retailers in late September, or now for pre-order here. The Oceanic+ Dive Housing is the first of its kind to take full advantage of your iPhone underwater for the best in underwater photography, dive computers, and sharing capabilities so now anyone can share their underwater adventures and stories.

“Oceanic+ has already transformed the way we dive,” said Mike Huish, CEO of Huish Outdoors. “With the new Oceanic+ Dive Housing, it will now change the way we will share our adventures.”

Designed for rugged underwater use, the Oceanic+ Dive Housing is depth rated to 60 meters (196 feet). It features an automatic vacuum pump for air removal along with universal mounting points to accommodate various underwater photo accessories.

The Oceanic+ Dive Housing is equipped with a depth and temperature sensor to enable the Oceanic+ app to transform the diver’s iPhone into a fully functional dive computer. It works with iPhones starting from SE 2nd generation to the latest version using iOS16 and above. Its battery provides a full week of diving and is fully rechargeable in 45 minutes with a standard USB-C cable.

The Oceanic+ app is the heart of the ecosystem for diving with Apple Watch Ultra and iPhone using the Oceanic+ Dive Housing. The new capabilities of the Oceanic+ app allow divers to use both the Apple Watch Ultra and iPhone with Oceanic+ Dive Housing concurrently on the same subscription, giving them the ability to run both dive computers independently at the same time.

The combination of the Oceanic+ App and Dive Housing is powerful in defining how divers will tell their stories about their dive adventures. The logbook now features a carousel of pictures and videos taken during the dive and showcases at what depth and time the media was recorded. For sharing, the diver can overlay the dive profile on top of the photo to tell a more interesting story for their family and friends to enjoy.

“Oceanic+ continues to revolutionize the dive experience, offering underwater capabilities for iPhone. Now divers can save pictures and videos directly to their logbook and easily share their stories with family and friends,” says Nick Hollis, Oceanic Brand Manager.

The cutting-edge Oceanic+ app empowers photographers to capture media files in both compressed and RAW formats, each offering unique benefits to cater to diverse preferences and needs.

“The Oceanic+ Dive Housing is a game-changer for underwater photography enthusiasts. Whether divers prioritize the convenience of automatic color correction or the creative control of RAW, the Oceanic+ app and Oceanic+ Dive Housing have them covered,” says Andrea Silvestri, VP of Product Development and Design at Huish Outdoors.

The Oceanic+ Dive Housing works in connection with the Oceanic+ app. The app is subscription-based and includes a free version and a paid subscription for more advanced photo and dive computer features. The Oceanic+ app can be downloaded here.

Posted in Maritime, Press Release | Comments Off on Huish Outdoors Announces the Next Chapter of Oceanic+ Oceanic+ Now Works With Your iPhone via the New Oceanic+ Dive Housing

Civilian Marksmanship Premier Shooting Expo – October 18th at Talladega Marksmanship Park

September 3rd, 2023

The Civilian Marksmanship Premier shooting expo will be held October 18th at the Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama. It’s open to the public and is a hands-on event where visitors will have the opportunity to test ammo, firearms and accessories on their, state of the art, technologically-advanced outdoor range.

Tickets on Sale NOW!
$75 (if purchased before September 1, 2023) / $100 (after September 1, 2023

All attendees will receive a free range pass ($90 value) as well as a $200 off certificate for a pair of Hunters HD Gold glasses.

Visit CMP.org for more information.

Posted in Shooting Sports | Comments Off on Civilian Marksmanship Premier Shooting Expo – October 18th at Talladega Marksmanship Park

DAF Selects JetZero to Develop Blended Wing Body Aircraft Prototype

September 3rd, 2023

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

The Department of the Air Force selected JetZero for the next phase of a blended wing body prototype aircraft project Aug. 16.

The effort aims to mature BWB technology and demonstrate its capabilities, giving the department and commercial industry more options for future air platforms.

With a design that differs from a traditional tube-and-wing aircraft, the BWB blends the aircraft body into its high-aspect-ratio wing, decreasing aerodynamic drag by at least 30% and providing additional lift. This increased efficiency will enable extended range, more loiter time, and increased payload delivery efficiencies, capabilities that are vital to mitigating logistics risks.

“Blended wing body aircraft have the potential to significantly reduce fuel demand and increase global reach,” said Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall. “Moving forces and cargo quickly, efficiently, and over long distance is a critical capability to enable national security strategy.”

Several military transport configurations are possible with the BWB. Together, these aircraft types account for approximately 60% of the Air Force’s total annual jet fuel consumption.

As outlined in the fiscal year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, the Department of Defense plans to invest $235 million over the next four years to fast-track the development of this transformational dual-use technology, with additional private investment expected. The effort is the result of collaboration between the Department of the Air Force, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Defense Innovation Unit, with assistance from the DoD’s Office of Strategic Capital.

“It’s been a little over a hundred years since a few brave Airmen took to the skies and proved the first aerial refueling capability, extending the global reach of our Air Force. This announcement marks another game-changing milestone for the Air Force in our efforts to maintain the advantage of airpower effectiveness against any future competitors,” said Dr. Ravi Chaudhary, assistant secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations, and Environment. A former C-17 Globemaster III pilot and engineer, Chaudhary is leading efforts to ensure efficiencies in operational energy to build greater agility for theater commanders.

While the BWB concept has been around for decades, more recent technology advancements in structural design, materials technology, manufacturing, and other areas have made large-scale production achievable.

The commercial industry, including passenger airlines and air freight companies, stand to benefit from development of this technology as well, increasing available cabin or cargo space while decreasing operational fuel costs.

The Air Force Operational Energy Office expects completion of initial flight testing as early as 2027.

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Contracts, Guest Post | Comments Off on DAF Selects JetZero to Develop Blended Wing Body Aircraft Prototype