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Paolo Bigerna Triumphs at the Skiritai Legacy Sniper Competition with ZeroTech Optics

July 26th, 2023

ITALY, 25th July 2023 – The Skiritai Legacy Sniper Competition, held on 24-25 June 2023, ended with a spectacular victory for Paolo Bigerna, Testimonial of C&C Hunting Srl and Instructor and Training Manager of the Long Range Shooting Division of the OP. 07 TRAINING DIVISION Academy.

The competition saw Bigerna overcome top-level sportsmen, expert shooters and other operators from various Italian armed forces and beyond.

The competition was a grueling 30-hour event, with continuous activity both day and night. Each sniper was equipped with a bolt action or semi-automatic sniper rifle, a pistol and a backpack with all the equipment necessary for the task, including food and water. Targets, both metal and paper, were placed at ranges ranging from 65 to 900 m.

Bigerna, with 22 years of active service in the Italian Army, distinguished himself above all in the more complex exercises. His performance was particularly notable using the ZeroTech Trace Advanced 4-24×50 FFP Tremor3 scope. Despite the difficult conditions, such as spotting camouflaged targets, Bigerna managed to achieve impressive results. Also very important is the role of Marco Mirroni, Project Manager of the OP.07 Training Division and Marketing Development Consultant of C&C Hunting Srl, who provides valuable and constant support in the triangulation of these partnerships by managing field tests and product development.

“ZeroTech optics have played a significant role in my success,” Bigerna said. “The product offers excellent value for money and is the ideal choice for precision shooting. My experience in military and sports shooting, combined with the quality of these optics, has contributed to achieving this important result”.

C&C Hunting Srl, Official Sponsor of the Shooter and Exclusive Distributor for Italy of Zerotech Optics, expressed its pride for Bigerna’s result and for the support received from ZeroTech international. “We are thrilled with Paolo’s achievement and the performance of the ZeroTech scope. This competition was a testament to the quality of our products and the skill and professionalism of our shooters and collaborators,” said Roberto Catasti, CEO of C&C Hunting Ltd.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release, Shooting Sports | Comments Off on Paolo Bigerna Triumphs at the Skiritai Legacy Sniper Competition with ZeroTech Optics

USMC Completes 20,000 Flight Hours with MUX MALE MQ-9A

July 26th, 2023

SAN DIEGO – 24 July 2023 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) congratulates the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) on achieving a significant milestone of surpassing 20,000 flight hours with their Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Unmanned Expeditionary (MUX) Medium-Altitude, High-Endurance (MALE) MQ-9A Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).

To date, GA-ASI has delivered eight MQ-9A UAS to the USMC. Two of these MQ-9A aircraft are actively engaged in operational missions, playing a vital role in supporting mission-critical Marine Corps objectives. The USMC awaits delivery of 12 additional aircraft, which will fulfill their goal of three squadrons by 2025.

“This strategic acquisition of MQ-9As underscores the USMC’s commitment to strengthening their aerial surveillance capabilities and demonstrates their confidence in GA-ASI’s expertise in delivering top-tier UAS,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander.

Renowned for its fault-tolerant flight control system and triple-redundant avionics system architecture, the MQ-9A UAS embodies the industry’s highest standards of reliability and performance, surpassing those of many manned aircraft.

The USMC fleet will ultimately be entirely composed of the MQ-9A Extended Range (ER) configuration, enhanced with wing-borne fuel pods and reinforced landing gear. This model has been specifically designed to extend its endurance to more than 30 hours, enabling persistent long-endurance surveillance capabilities. Equipped with Full-Motion Video and both a Synthetic Aperture Radar and a Moving Target Indicator/Maritime Mode Radar, this advanced system provides the USMC with a comprehensive real-time situational awareness picture.

The USMC’s 20,000 flight hours with MQ-9A represent an impressive accomplishment in the field of unmanned aviation. GA-ASI is honored to have played a role in this achievement and looks forward to continuing its collaboration with the USMC to further advance the capabilities of unmanned systems and support their growing UAS squadrons.

Posted in Aviation, Press Release, UAS, USMC | Comments Off on USMC Completes 20,000 Flight Hours with MUX MALE MQ-9A

Strike Industries – RMR to ACRO Adapter Plate

July 26th, 2023

The Strike RMR to ACRO Adapter Plate is a convenient and versatile solution for mounting an Aimpoint® ACRO P-1/P-2 (or other ACRO footprint optics) on an RMR footprint slide or RMR optic mount. This mount is designed to work with both front RMR footprint recoil bosses and indexing posts, ensuring a secure and stable fit. The package includes front mounting posts for use with RMR fitment SI LITESLIDE or Strike Slide. Made from high-strength 6061-T6 aluminum, this mount is lightweight and durable. The included hardware is compatible with both standard (#6-32) and metric (M3) screw holes, making installation quick and easy. For hard use or just a good time at the range, the Strike RMR to ACRO Adapter Plate is an essential accessory for mounting your Aimpoint® ACRO P-1/P-2, Steiner MPS or other ACRO footprint optics on an RMR footprint slide or RMR optic mount.

www.strikeindustries.com/si-acro-rmr

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Allen-Vanguard Donate SCORPION ECM Training Equipment to Kenya’s International Peace Support Training Centre (Nairobi)

July 26th, 2023

Allen-Vanguard, a global leader in providing customized solutions for defeating Radio Frequency (RF) based terrorist and extremist threats, was recently invited to speak on global developments in Electronic Counter Measures (ECM) at the 5th African Annual C-IED Conference held the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC) Nairobi, Kenya. At the end of the event, Allen-Vanguard donated the training version of their SCOPRPION ECM manpacks to support future courses at the centre.

The guest of honour for the event was the Principal Secretary Ministry of Defence (The Honourable Patrick Mariru). Following a C-IED Technology Update briefing, Stuart Wilson from Allen-Vanguard presented Maj General Leuria (Assistant Chief of the Defence Forces, Operations, Plans, Doctrine and Training) inert versions of their SCORPION ECM manpacks, given their extensive use on the continent, to support future C-IEDD training for United Nations and African Union forces who deploy on peace keeping operations.

The IPSTC was established in partnership with the USA, UK, Canada, Japan, Kenya, Germany and UNDP to be the premier Peace Support Training, Research and Education Centre in Africa, with a mission to conduct training, education and research, informing military, police and civilian personnel in all aspects of peace support operations in order to improve the effectiveness of the response to complex emergencies for African Union nations and other countries. The annual C-IED conference is a 3-day gathering of international experts across policy, research and operations with the aim of sharing knowledge, best practice and future developments to improve the training and support of the 6000+ students that pass through the IPSTC before deploying on peace keeping operations.

As a key note speaker on C-IED Technology Update, Stuart Wilson (Allen-Vanguard – Business Development Director MENA) spoke specifically towards ECM. During his presentation, he explained the fundamentals of ECM, why it remains highly relevant, and how it reinforces the various levels of the C-IED pillars. Stuart also provided insight into potential future developments while highlighting design and operational constraints. After speaking, Sturt formally gifted the SCORPION training aids to the attending Generals and then provided training to the IPSTC instructors on their use and practical deployments considerations.

Bobby Strawbridge, Director Business Development for Allen-Vanguard said “We at Allen-Vanguard are very conscious that ECM equipment alone does not defeat the threat. Our vision is to create local capability, share knowledge, provide training and help to develop regional expertise so that those facing the greatest risk in peace keeping operations get the maximum possible protection. The IPSTC is a superb facility, training African nations in all aspects of peace keeping operations and we are more than happy to help contribute by supporting the defeat IED capability with our SCORPION training aids.”

www.allenvanguard.com

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27th Special Operations Wing to Participate in Talisman Sabre 2023

July 26th, 2023

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M —

The 27th Special Operations Wing will be supporting the tenth and largest iteration of the biennial Australian-led exercise, Talisman Sabre 2023, running from mid-July to early August.

Talisman Sabre is the largest bilateral military exercise between Australia and the United States, and provides an opportunity to strengthen relationships and interoperability amongst the key allies. The exercise is a demonstration of the strong alliance that is underpinned by deep levels of cooperation and trust built over decades of operating, training, and exercising together. Training together enhances the U.S. and Australia’s collective capability to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.

From the 27th Special Operations Wing, AC-130J Ghostrider gunships with the 17th Special Operations Squadron, an MC-130J Commando II with the 9th Special Operations Squadron, and the Mission Sustainment Team with the 27th Special Operations Support Squadron will participate in Exercise Talisman Sabre. Additionally, MC-130J Commandos with the 1st Special Operations Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, will participate.

The 17th SOS AC-130Js are already in the Indo-Pacific theater supporting exercise Teak Action, another Australian-U.S. bilateral exercise. Their presence in Australia marks the first time AC-130s have ever flown to Australia and operated there, highlighting one of our most critical alliances in the region.

Several other units from across the Wing, to include members of the 27th Special Operations Maintenance Group and the 27th Special Operations Mission Support Group, will be providing the munitions, maintenance, and logistics necessary for effective deployment to the region.

“The 27th Special Operations Wing’s support to Talisman Sabre is historic. It reaffirms Air Force Special Operations Command’s commitment to the region and our partnerships to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Jeremy Bergin, 27th Special Operations Wing commander. “The ability to rapidly project power into the region from Cannon AFB not only builds trust with our allies and enhances our collective capabilities, but it intentionally prepares Cannon’s Air Commandos to respond to our nation’s call…any time, any place, anywhere.”

The 27th SOW’s participation in the upcoming iteration of Exercise Talisman Sabre is a testament to AFSOC’s shift to align with National Defense priorities.

While Talisman Sabre is jointly sponsored by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and Australian Defence Force Headquarters Joint Operations Command, other nations participating are: Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, and United Kingdom.

27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

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USAF Flies with Angry Kitten Jamming Pod

July 25th, 2023

SAN DIEGO – 20 July 2023 – The U.S. Air Force flew a remotely piloted aircraft equipped with an Angry Kitten® ALQ-167 Electronic Warfare Countermeasure Pod for the first time on April 27, 2023. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. integrated the pod onto the aircraft.

The Angry Kitten EW Pod is supplied to the U.S. Air Force by the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) and has flown on other Department of Defense systems, including F-16s. GA-ASI integrated the EW pod in less than nine months at no cost to the U.S. Air Force by using a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement.

“It was great to see the Angry Kitten Pod on an Air Force platform for the first time,” said GA-ASI Vice President of DoD Strategic Development Patrick Shortsleeve. “Flying this EW capability on an MQ-9A demonstrates its possible use on future aircraft.”

The Air Force plans to continue flying with Angry Kitten Pods over the next 12 to 24 months to develop the best Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) to leverage EW capabilities in support of the Joint Force and partner nations.

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, EW, Guest Post, UAS | 2 Comments »

Samson Manufacturing Releases Polymer Version of Their Popular Mid-Length Grenade Style Vertical Grip

July 25th, 2023

Keene, New Hampshire – Samson Manufacturing Corp. has released a Polymer version of their Medium Grenade Style Vertical Grip. Samson Vertical Grips are renowned in the shooting world for their quality. The two-piece design allows you to remove the grip from the rifle while leaving the attachment lug in place. This must have rifle accessory has been constructed with high strength polymer, an ergonomic design with an aggressive texture for proper firearm control and can withstand heavy use without significant heat transfer.

Key features:

• Lightweight

• Heat Resistant

• Modular

• Durable

• Steel Attachment Rod

• Available in M-LOK®, KeyMod™, Evolution® and Picatinny Configurations

Specifications:

• Length 3.5”

• Weight Including Steel Attachment Rod 3 oz.

• Glass Filled Nylon 6

Shop Polymer Vertical Grips Here: Vertical Grips

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High Speed Gear Reveals New EP Series: Elastic Mag Pouches

July 25th, 2023

SWANSBORO, N.C. – July 24th, 2023 – High Speed Gear, a leading provider of tactical gear and accessories, is excited to announce the release of their highly anticipated EP Series: Elastic Mag Pouches. Engineered to meet the demands of the modern combat scenario, the EP Series offers unparalleled versatility, a low-profile design, and a lightweight construction.

The EP Series Elastic Mag Pouches are specifically designed to fit a wide range of rifle, pistol, and extended pistol magazines, ensuring compatibility with popular firearms utilized by military personnel, law enforcement agencies, and responsible civilians. The innovative design allows for quick and easy access to magazines when every second counts.

Constructed with a woven polypropylene core, the EP Series provides a point of index for magazines during reinsertion, enhancing overall efficiency and speed during critical operations. Additionally, the rigidity of the pouch allows for seamless mounting on belts or carriers to ensure stability and security during active engagements.

One of the standout features of the EP Series is the Mini MOLLE capability, enabling users to not only MOLLE the pouch as usual, but also facilitating compatibility with belts that have non-standard MOLLE widths.

We took are time with this one, and we are as excited about the EP Series as we are with our TACO line,” says Bill Babboni, COO of High Speed Gear. “At High Speed Gear, our mission is to always provide tactical gear that meets the highest standards of performance and usability. With the Elastic Mag Pouches, we have achieved just that. The innovative design of the EP Series fits what end users have been asking for, a price point ready – durable and reliable mag pouch. The versatility of these pouches makes them an essential addition to any tactical rig or loadout.”

One of the key advantages of the EP Series is its lightweight and low-profile design. Made from a fabric laminate, the pouch can lay almost completely flat when empty, making it ideal for operators who prioritize speed and comfort. Whether it’s a high-intensity operation or a long-range patrol, the EP Series ensures that users can move swiftly and effortlessly.

These Elastic Mag Pouches will be offered alongside High Speed Gear’s existing product lineup of top-quality tactical gear, including the infamous TACO® mag pouches, further enhancing their commitment to providing innovative solutions for professionals and enthusiasts.

For more information about the EP Series: Elastic Mag Pouches, visit their website at www.highspeedgear.com.

www.highspeedgear.com/elastic-rifle-pouch

www.highspeedgear.com/elastic-pistol-pouch

www.highspeedgear.com/elastic-extended-pistol-pouch

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