Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Forward Controls Design Expands Pistol Optic Plate Lineup

September 20th, 2023

Forward Controls Design is excited to announce new additions to the OPF (Optics Plate, Forward Controls) family of optics plates. Forward Controls Design supports factory-milled slides, as they provide a standardized mounting solution for a wide variety of optics that users can choose to mount on their handguns.

FCD primarily develops and produces plates for LE and MIL authorized and issued pistols, and supports optics made in USA and allied countries. OPF-G, RMR started shipping in March of 2020 and, within months, these plates became known as the best plates for Glock MOS and RMR, FCD has been delivering these hard use products to LE, MIL, and civilian customers ever since.

FCD’s plates focus on three criterias: A design that can hold the optics immobile before the sight to plate screws are installed and torqued to spec (for optics with screws installed from the top, such as RMR, SRO, and RMR HD), tight tolerances, and material. All of which must be met for a product made for LE and MIL applications.

Machined by shops in Texas and Idaho, FCD only uses US sourced 4140 steel with tight tolerances exceeding that of the pistol manufacturers. OPF optics plates provide secure mounting for optics that can maintain zero through drops, one hand loading/reloading manipulations, and battery changes (RMR).

You can see the chart here.

In August, we have added additional plates for the Heckler & Koch VP9, Staccato, and the FN 509T. For a complete list of all OPFs organized by handgun and optic, see the chart below. As always, these products are proudly designed and manufactured in the USA.

forwardcontrolsdesign.com

Posted in Optics, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Forward Controls Design Expands Pistol Optic Plate Lineup

TacJobs – B&T Seeks Marketing Manager

September 20th, 2023

You’re an industry veteran looking to join a company that is building revolutionary technology. You’re at a point in your career where you want to be surrounded by a superstar team that is running at full speed to maintain market dominance, while moving strongly to overtake another. You love the security of a big company with military contracts, but what really drives you is the flexibility and startup mentality to be an impact player, contributing to product and market definitions. You have passion for our core markets including shooting sports, technology, outdoor adventure, military, law enforcement and are active in at least one. You’re looking to work hard, have fun, and for a big win on your resume.

Job Overview: B&T USA is seeking a Marketing Manager to contribute and manage marketing initiatives that support the sales team and our channel partners.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Planning & Execution

• Work directly with the Vice President of Marketing to build annual and quarterly plans that directly support sales and revenue objectives

• Manage key marketing programs supporting in-house commercial sales, external rep agencies, retailers and distributors.

• Engage with our agency relationships including public relations, digital marketing, website management and professional content services

• Ensure our brand, pricing and messaging stays protected and enforced in the market

• Contribute to our social media strategy and implementation ensuring it supports our channel just as well as it supports our direct sales efforts

• Support, organize and attend key conferences and industry trade shows

• Develop thought leadership pieces that continue to position B&T as both an industry leader and breakaway innovator

• Participate in ongoing meetings with key sales and product employees

• Publish internal communications on a regular basis that keeps the entire organization (inclusive of 3rd party partners) abreast of company news, new content and/or changes to any of our products or marketing material

• Stay up to date on the latest marketing trends and tools

Data & Analytics

• Ensure all marketing efforts and budgets are aligned with monthly and quarterly KPIs

• Sift through marketing data to find important trends

• Run surveys to answer questions and challenge internal observations and opinions

• Analyze and understand with extreme detail competing products in the market

• Support the sales team and product team with real world analytics on the current performance of our markets, products, and geographies.

Skills

• Experience in working cross functionally with key sales and product employees

• Ability to define and manage a multi-faceted marketing plan that includes supporting both a sales team and a direct to dealer channels

• Verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, customer service and interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently and manage one’s time.

• Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, and marketing methods.

• Ability to apply historical data and to analyze marketing trends related to shifts in product, positioning, seasonality, and other possible course corrections

• Very savvy technically with all key computer applications such as, Microsoft Word, Excel, Dropbox, and Zoom; as well as key marketing and analytical platforms such as, Google Analytics, Facebook Business Manager, and Social Analytics tools, as well as Adobe Illustrator, photoshop and Lightroom.

Education & Experience

• BS in Marketing or Business preferred, or equivalent industry experience

• Passion for the shoot, hunt, outdoor markets and are active in at least one

Qualifications

• 5-7 years applicable experience in digital and product marketing

• Demonstrated ability to coordinate cross functional teams and deliver unity of effort

• Successful support of new product launches and new business capture

• Must be able to process large volumes of information quickly and determine common threads and relate it to current marketing strategy

• Must be a team player with strong problem-solving skills and ability to operate in conditions of uncertainty

• Experience within the firearms, outdoor or similar industries

• Excellent interpersonal, and communication skills to foster a cooperative environment

• Ability to develop recommendations and justify sound business decisions and strategies

Work authorization:

• United States (Required)

Salary Range

• $60,500 – $77,000

• Comprehensive benefits package includes health, dental, vision, employer matched 401K and more.

• This position is remote

About B&T USA

B&T USA, a Florida-based firearms, suppressor and accessories manufacturer operating under license of B&T AG SWITZERLAND, which was founded in 1991 as a designer and manufacturer of the industry’s most advanced suppressors. Under the leadership of Karl Brügger, B&T AG has evolved into a world leader in the design, manufacture, and sale of the most technologically advanced, high-performance weapons systems in the world. From the comprehensive APC (Advanced Police Carbine) line, recently adopted by the United States Army, to the new 9mm USW® (Universal Service Weapon) and USW conversion kits; B&T weapon systems are used globally by police, Special Forces, and elite military units.

B&T USA and all of our employees are committed to conducting business with the highest ethical standards. We require all employees to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, rules and regulatory orders. Our reputation for honesty, integrity and high ethics is as important to us as our reputation for creating innovative solutions.

B&T USA is an equal opportunity employer.

Apply here.

Posted in TacJobs | 1 Comment »

Canadian-owned BLOCKHOUSE launches Global Protective Equipment Company

September 20th, 2023

OTTAWA, September 18, 2023 – Today marks the official launch of a new Canadian-owned and operated enterprise, BLOCKHOUSE, a leading global provider of equipment for military, Special Forces and Law Enforcement end users.

BLOCKHOUSE’s objective is to acquire and accelerate innovative equipment manufacturers to help establish the future of military and Law Enforcement equipment.

BLOCKHOUSE provides prospective companies the resources and leadership to expand their market share and generate long-term growth. They offer access to international distributor partners, marketing and design services and operational expertise to help companies optimize and expand into the global market. With years of experience working with leading manufacturers, distributors, and end users worldwide, BLOCKHOUSE is equipped to drive success and is looking for opportunities to expand their portfolio of brands.

“BLOCKHOUSE is rooted in years of industry experience with one goal in mind; to bring innovative leading-edge products to Law Enforcement and military end users,” said Mike Klein, Chairman of BLOCKHOUSE, “We have a vast understanding of the marketplace and a global network to take companies to the next level.”

Founded in 2022, BLOCKHOUSE is comprised of exceptional brands renowned for their innovation and quality. BLOCKHOUSE currently holds two companies under its portfolio:

WARQ, a manufacturer of protective helmets for marking and force on force training ammunition designed to protect and enhance training capabilities for Law Enforcement and military end users. BLOCKHOUSE acquired WARQ in 2023 to scale operations and launch into the North American Market. Read the case study here.

DEFILADE Protection Systems, manufacturers of the Discreet Deployment System (DDS), the next generation in personal protective equipment for law enforcement was acquired by BLOCKHOUSE in 2022.

BLOCKHOUSE has more than 40 global partners in 20+ countries, making up a robust international network of dealers and distributors. Additionally, a strategic partnership in Canada and the United States with RAMPART Corporation, a major supplier of operational equipment to military, Law Enforcement and armed agency end users.

For more information about BLOCKHOUSE, visit our website: blockhousecorp.com

Posted in Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on Canadian-owned BLOCKHOUSE launches Global Protective Equipment Company

General Purpose Suppressor from RD

September 20th, 2023

RD has just launched their new General Purpose Suppressor which is designed for use with both rifles as well as belt-fed guns in 7.62mm to 8.6mm. It integrates their forward venting, Breathable Technology to negate the effects of back pressure.

Made from Haynes 282, this 3D printed suppressor weighs 23.5 ounces and is 7.5″ long. It attaches to the weapon via their taper lock, RD KFM-MG QD Flash Hider.

To help mitigate the thermal signature produced by the suppressor, they’ve also used a proprietary I/R non-reflective coating.

Attendees at next week’s NDIA Future Forces Capabilities range day in Huntsville will get to try the General Purpose Suppressor out.

RD expects the GPS to be available for order no later than AUSA or early to mid October 2023.

Posted in Advertiser, Suppressors | Comments Off on General Purpose Suppressor from RD

The Ghost Robotics Vision-60 As ISR Platform

September 20th, 2023

A lot has been made of the weaponization of ground robots. Much of it is is due to our fascination with science fiction. No sooner is an image shared online like the one above of a robot armed with a machine gun than the comments about “Skynet” and “Terminators” kick in. But what is lost on most is why we developed robots in the first place. It wasn’t to deliver a lethal effect; there are lots of ways to make that happen. Robots were created as helpers, in order to remove humans from environments which might endanger them.

We’ve also got to accept a truth which is lost on many. The robot isn’t the capability, it’s the vehicle which delivers the capability. We desire effect and that requires various capabilities which come in the form of payloads. What makes various types of robots more desirable over others is how they deliver the payload to the right place, at the right time, to have the right effect. We use robots to reduce risk, particularly to humans.

Take for instance this image from last week’s DSEI show in London. We see a Ghost Robotics Vision 60 Quadraped – Unmanned Ground Vehicle carrying another robot, in this case an unmanned aerial system configured for an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance role. This combination may be perfect, depending on the operational environment. It may be highly lethal to humans and require close access to the target of the surveillance.

To be sure, there are definite reasons to weaponize ground robots. They can be used in overwatch for example, or to guard perimeters. But in each case, they are desirable in these roles because they take a human out of a threat environment. Recently, the US Army stated that it wants to place a Next Generation Squad Weapon XM7 rifle, firing the new 6.8mm cartridge on a Vision 60 Q-UGV. There are technical challenges which a couple of commercial companies have worked through, but it can be done. The question is, “why?” What effect do they believe it will provide? Is it the right payload for that platform?

During the Robotics track of next week’s NDIA sponsored Future Forces Capabilities event in Huntsville, Alabama, you’ll see a lot of talk of various means to weaponize robots. It makes sense considering the event evolved from annual small arms and armaments meetings. However, we need more participation from the ISR community in this event.

The air side of unmanned systems has taken the opposite path. Long dominated by collection activities, they’ve only more recently integrated kinetic weapons delivery to their repertoire.

I believe the best use of at least the smaller classes of ground robots is as platforms for various sensors, including ISR, CBRN and as comms relay nodes for these and others. Persistent access to items of intelligence value puts operators at risk. What’s more, the task is time consuming and boring. a human’s efforts are best spent elsewhere, like considering how to use the data being vacuumed by a multitude of robots fitted witg various collection payloads.

As a former SIGINTer and Intelligence officer I’ve been thinking a lot about how to use ground robots for ISR. There is a lot of synergy to be had between the air, subsurface (maritime), and ground robotics communities when it comes to payloads. We need more interest from the developers of sensors in utilizing ground robots of various classes as platforms and cross talk between the various warfighter communities.

Robots are coming to the battlespace. It’s up to us to determine how to best use them. Some will be armed and some will conduct ISR. Others will serve as logistics enablers and communications nodes.

We need to brainstorm ways to get the most out of our investment in ground-based unmanned systems. Soon, I’ll share a concept I’ve come up with to use Vision 60 Q-UGVs to access challenging terrain and environments to conduct Multi-Int persistent ground surveillance.

-Eric Graves

Editor

Posted in Advertiser, CEMA, ISR, Robotics | 1 Comment »

Army Announces Terrestrial Layer System – Brigade Combat Team (TLS BCT) Manpack Prototype OTA Agreement

September 20th, 2023

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, MD – After more than six months of competitive white papers and technical evaluations for the Terrestrial Layer System – Brigade Combat Team (TLS BCT) Manpack, the U.S. Army entered into an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement through the Consortium for Command, Control, and Communications in Cyberspace (C5) with Mastodon Design, LLC to support Phase 1 – Prototype Build and Demonstration. The agreement totals $1,521,490 for a 9-month Period of Performance.

The TLS BCT Manpack system will be a tailorable, modular, terrestrial capability that allows the integration of Signals Intelligence and Electromagnetic Warfare collection, processing, exploitation, reporting, and effects capabilities for SIGINT Collection Team and Electromagnetic Warfare Team elements. TLS BCT Manpack will provide the Brigade Combat Team commander a tactical advantage with agility and improved intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting in Multi-Domain Operations.

“The TLS BCT Manpack compliments the TLS BCT and TLS Echelons Above Brigade (TLS EAB) family of systems with a shared and open systems approach that creates the flexibility and efficiencies needed against a highly adaptive threat,” said Kenneth Strayer, Project Manager, Electronic Warfare and Cyber (PM EW&C). PM EW&C plans to transition the TLS BCT Manpack from prototyping to production in FY2024.

Posted in Army, CEMA, Contracts, EW, Guest Post | Comments Off on Army Announces Terrestrial Layer System – Brigade Combat Team (TLS BCT) Manpack Prototype OTA Agreement

Brownells Adds to Popular BRN-180 Line

September 19th, 2023

GRINNELL, Iowa (September 19, 2023) – Brownells unveiled two new additions to its popular line of BRN-180 uppers, releasing a 14.3” and a 13.9” complete upper, both chambered in .223 Wylde.

Both uppers are in stock and shipping now.

The BRN-180 uppers combine the best design aspects of the original AR-180 with modern upgrades like an integral Picatinny rail for easy optics mounting and a free-float handguard to help maximize accuracy.

The two new BRN-180 uppers will offer the same adjustable short-stroke gas piston system as the other BRN-180 uppers and feature a recoil mechanism completely contained in the upper – allowing for use with a folding stock, or no stock at all.

Both uppers will drop seamlessly onto any standard AR-15 lower, or any purpose-built BRN-180 lower receiver.

Because both uppers have barrels shorter than 16” all NFA rules apply. Uppers do not come with muzzle devices to allow customers the option to pin and weld one into place.

• 430106122 BRN-180 14.5” barrel, 223 Wylde Chamber. $849.99 retail

• 430106123 BRN-180 13.9” barrel, 223 Wylde chamber. $849.99 retail

To learn more about the two newest BRN-180 uppers, or the BRN-180 line, visit the BRN-180 Page.

Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Brownells Adds to Popular BRN-180 Line

215 Gear – Sniper Attachment Platform

September 19th, 2023

Designed as an ecosystem for the Sniper or Observer, providing versatility in mounting and configuration options. As your needs change, the system will provide mounting solutions to ensure your application end state is met. Machined with a monolithic, full width Arca Swiss rail for mounting to a RRS tripod head.

Additionally, 21 mounting holes are added for our 1/4-20 Optic Mounting Screws; with 16 M-LOK compatible channels. These channels are for mounting M-LOK compatible accessories, such as Picatinny mounting rails and specialty accessories. You can configure from a Shooting Bag platform to mounting optics, laser range finders or lasers in minutes. We are expanding accessories for this platform, based on current and future mission requirements.