Yesterday I got a chance to check out the new PALICE frame from Eureka Molding.
Patterned after the classic ALICE frame, this polymer version weighs 1.5 lbs. it won’t squeak like an ALICE frame or assume a bent shape if flexed.
AeroVironment Introduces VTOL Kit for Puma AE UAS
May 10th, 2023New vertical take-off and landing kit expands operational capabilities and streamlines constrained area operations
AeroVironment’s Puma VTOL Kit enables rooftop launch and landing (Image: AeroVironment, Inc.)
ARLINGTON, Va., May 9, 2023 – AeroVironment, Inc. today introduced the Puma™ VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) kit, designed for plug-and-play integration into Puma 2 AE and Puma 3 AE small unmanned aircraft systems (SUAS). The optional Puma VTOL kit expands the operational capabilities of the combat-proven Puma system in complex terrain, as neither runway nor large open space are required for launch and recovery of the VTOL-equipped Puma, allowing operators to launch anywhere, anytime.
Leveraging AeroVironment’s Crysalis™ ground control solution, the added VTOL capability now allows a single Puma operator to execute missions and streamline operations through features like one-button launch and recovery.
“The modern battlefield offers varying types of complex terrain features, both natural and manmade, that can pose challenges to small unit operations and their use of unmanned aircraft. Our new Puma VTOL kit provides the operator with a wider range of launch and land capabilities, enhancing the unit’s mission while further safeguarding its personnel during these periods of transitional flight,” said Shane Hastings, AeroVironment’s vice president and product line general manager for small UAS. “The VTOL kit converts the Puma AE into a highly precise and agile ISR asset where a single operator can effortlessly launch the aircraft from a small space and attain mission-critical information of enemy forces in a timely manner and land on a desired rooftop or other small, targeted areas.”
Integration of the Puma VTOL kit requires minimal one-time modifications to the aircraft’s airframe by qualified personnel. Once modified, the plug-and-play Puma VTOL kit can be easily added or removed in the field within a couple of minutes, allowing operators to quickly transition between a fixed-wing and VTOL platform to suit varying mission needs with a single aircraft.
Available as an add-on option for new Puma 3 AE system orders and as a retrofit kit for already fielded Puma 2 AE and Puma 3 AE aircraft, both fielded and new aircraft can take advantage of this VTOL capability. To learn more about the new operational capabilities of Puma AE and Puma VTOL kit, visit www.avinc.com/pumaae.
Raytheon Technologies Introduces OXYJUMP NG Oxygen Supply System for Military Parachutists
May 10th, 2023Advanced technology provides advantages for special operations missions – enabling longer glide duration on higher altitude jumps, maximizing oxygen use and reducing system weight
TAMPA, FL (MAY 9, 2023) – Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies business (NYSE: RTX), introduced its OXYJUMP™ NG oxygen supply system for use in high altitude jumps by parachutists. The OXYJUMP NG system’s breakthrough technology enhances mission capabilities with a longer gliding distance, improves jumper safety, is easy to use and contains significant size and weight advantages over legacy systems.
Existing oxygen supply systems are limited in extended high-altitude operations, restricting the effectiveness and reach of parachute missions.
Utilizing Collins’ oxygen pulse technology – already certified by one NATO country – the OXYJUMP NG system provides customers with a smaller, lighter weight solution which automatically adjusts oxygen levels to enable longer mission profiles.
“The OXYJUMP NG system gives allied armed forces the stealth, readiness and safety necessary to complete the most complex jumps on earth,” said Brad Haselhorst, vice president and general manager of Military, Safety and Cargo Systems at Collins Aerospace. “The OXYJUMP NG system not only keeps up with the evolving nature of combat jumps, but it’s ready for use today.”
Designed for comfort and ease of use, the OXYJUMP NG system operates automatically and includes an ergonomically designed mask to comfortably and securely fit against the face, giving users peace of mind and keeping them focused on their most critical tasks.
Collins Aerospace’s OXYJUMP NG system will be on display at SOF Week in Tampa, Florida at booth L910.
ASA Hires VP Of Marketing Jessica Kallam
May 10th, 2023ATLANTA, GA: The American Suppressor Association (ASA) is thrilled to announce the hiring of Jessica Kallam as the Vice President of Marketing. With over two decades of experience in the firearms industry, Jessica is a proven leader in marketing, communications, and public affairs.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Jessica onto our team,” said Knox Williams, Executive Director of ASA. “We’ve known Jessica for years, and have always admired and respected her work ethic and acumen. She brings a skill set that will dramatically strengthen the Association and our ability to effectively advocate.”
“SHE BRINGS A SKILL SET THAT WILL DRAMATICALLY STRENGTHEN… OUR ABILITY TO EFFECTIVELY ADVOCATE.”
— Knox Williams, Executive Director of ASA
Prior to joining ASA, Jessica was the Vice President of Marketing, Customer Service, and Warranty for ASA sponsor SilencerCo. During that time, she worked directly with ASA on multiple fundraising and awareness campaigns.
“I am incredibly excited to join ASA’s fight for pro-suppressor reform,” said Jessica Kallam, VP of Marketing of ASA. “With over 20 years in the firearms industry working for some of the top brands, I can’t think of a better way to support them than to fight for our rights. Knox Williams and Owen Miller have done a fantastic job pursuing legislation (and litigation) in every state that does not currently allow suppressor ownership with the No State Left Behind Campaign and I look forward to helping them make suppressors legal in all 50 states.”
Join us in the fight to help protect and expand your right to own and use suppressors by becoming an ASA Member at www.ASAMember.com.
Liemke Introduces German-Made Luchs-1 and Luchs-2 Thermal Optics
May 10th, 2023San Antonio, Texas (May 9, 2023) – Liemke, a leader in high-definition thermal imaging for hunting, is pleased to introduce the premium Luchs line of thermal optics. Made in Wetzlar, Germany, the Liemke Luchs (or Lynx as translated in English) incorporates the latest in thermal technology in these versatile devices that can be clipped onto any daytime riflescope or used as a handheld monocular.
Fast and quiet with a startup time of only five seconds for both Luchs models, and a standby mode for immediate activation, the Luchs-1 has a 35mm lens with heat signature detection range of up to 1,750 meters while the Luchs-2 has a 50mm lens with heat detection up to 2,500 meters.
Luchs thermals have a whisper-quiet calibration procedure with a rapid refresh rate of 50 Hz and are easy and intuitive to operate. Both models feature a 1024×768 OLED color display and a 640×512 12 µm VOx sensor for high contrast and detailed images. The Luchs-1 delivers a large field of view of 22 meters at 100 meters and an image that completely fills within the daytime riflescope at 2x magnification. The Luchs-2 has a field of view of 15.4 meters at 100 meters. Two image modes provide optimal detail rendition in varying weather conditions and there are five color modes, including an Extra Dark mode setting for glare-free images at night.
Easy and intuitive to operate, the Luchs thermal units have internal memory of 32 GB and a Wi-Fi function for live streaming via an app. Users can capture photos and videos of their hunt on the internal memory even while streaming live, and these can be transferred later via USB-C port. The built-in rechargeable battery has a run time of up to 9 hours and the three-position switch – On/Standby/Off – can be used to extend battery life in the field.
“Liemke is the top thermal optics brand in Germany, and the new German-made Luchs line raises the bar even higher when it comes to quality and performance,” said Jason Evans, CEO Blaser Group USA. “American hunters will recognize and appreciate the premium Made in Germany construction, advanced thermal technology, and high-definition performance the Luchs thermal optics deliver. Aptly named after the lynx, the Luchs-1 and 2 models deliver outstanding thermal night vision for hunters.”
Settings are easily adjusted on the Luchs units, and the hunter’s preference is saved when the device is turned off and available every time the device is restarted. The tough, shock-resistant aluminum housing is rain and dust protected in accordance with IP67, and the objective lens is protected by a scratch-resistant Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating for extra protection in the field. The Luchs-1 weighs 20.5 ounces and Luchs-2 weighs 22.4 ounces.
For more information, visit LUCHS-1.
MSRP:
Luchs-1 $5,554.00
Luchs-2 $6110.00
Octasic Assembles Strategic Advisory Committee for US Federal and DoD Markets
May 9th, 2023
Tampa, FL, May 9, 2023 — Octasic, a manufacturer of programmable silicon for mission-critical wireless applications, has formed a Special Advisory Committee made up of esteemed experts with decades-long experience in defense and intelligence. The committee will provide advice and guidance to Octasic in its engagements with the US Federal and Department of Defense (DoD) markets.
The committee members were chosen for their expertise in engineering and communications, as well as their unique insights into the future of public security systems and battle-ready technology. The committee’s mission is to ensure Octasic conforms to and grows with the needs of its US Defense and federal agency clients, and to provide invaluable customer insights across these sectors.
“The creation of this strategic committee is an important milestone for us as it reflects our mission and priorities to create a more secure and connected world. It is essential for us to do so while respecting the highest standards of ethics and governance,” says Sébastien Leblanc, CEO of Octasic. “With the insight and guidance of the committee, we will ensure that solutions developed for this market provide the highest levels of quality while continuing our dedication to 5G wireless innovations and beyond.”
With more than 155 years of combined experience the Octasic Strategic Advisory Committee Members are:
Gary Martin, retired PEO-C3T (US DoD): Gary Martin is a retired Program Executive Officer with more than 33 years of service in the US Army. From 2015 to 2018, Martin headed the Program Executive Office Command, Control, and Communications-Tactical (PEO C3T). Leading more than 1,600 personnel, he took on significant challenges in 23 major army programs. Martin holds a Master of Science in Engineering Management from the University of Pennsylvania and graduated from the Management Development program at Harvard Business School.
Henry Muller, retired Director CERDEC (US DoD): Henry Muller’s engineering and R&D expertise have proven invaluable to the US Armed Forces. His 33-year service includes a role as Director for the US Army Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC). Here, he spearheaded technical research for C4ISR, provided strategic guidance, and established CERDEC’s Science and Technology portfolio. Muller holds a Master of Science in Management of Technology from the Stevens Institute of Technology and graduated from the Harvard Senior Executive Fellows program. He also holds Army Acquisition Corp. Level III Certification in Engineering, Program Management, and S&T Management.
Thomas Trask, Retired LGEN USAF (US DoD): Thomas Trask retired five years ago from his role as Vice Commander of the US Special Operations Command, Lt. Gen. He planned, coordinated, and executed actions with the Office of Secretary of Defense and the Joint Staff, among other government agencies. Throughout Lt. Gen. Trask’s 33 years of service in the Air Force, he accumulated more than 3,200 flight hours and 50 combat missions with Operations Just Cause (Panama), Operation Desert Storm (Kuwait), and several missions in the Balkans, Bosnia, and Kosovo. He holds three master’s degrees in political science from Troy State University, the Naval War College, and Air University School and Advanced Airpower Studies.
Harry Coker, Retired Executive NSA & CIA: Retired Intelligence Executive and Naval Officer Harry Coker served in CIA leadership positions for nearly two decades. These roles spanned Science & Technology, Public Affairs, and Open Source Enterprise, where he was responsible for leveraging publicly available information. Coker served on the National Security/Foreign Policy team for the Presidential Transition Team of the Biden-Harris administration. Most recently, he completed a joint duty assignment as Executive Director of the NSA—a position that placed him third in command of the largest US Intelligence community. Mr. Coker is a recipient of the Presidential Rank Award and the CIA’s Don Cryer Award for Diversity and Inclusion Leadership.
Christian Rousseau, retired COL CAF (CA DND): Retired from the Canadian Armed Forces Intelligence Branch, Col Rousseau brings more than 35 years of military intelligence experience to the table. He has been a leader and manager of all-sources intelligence enterprises at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels, nationally and internationally with the UN and NATO in Europe, the Balkans and Afghanistan. Of note, France awarded Christian the rank of Chevalier de l’Ordre national du Mérite for his outstanding work as Defence Attaché managing bilateral military cooperation in a particularly challenging time.
Octasic will be exhibiting at SOF Week, Tampa, FL, on May 9 – 11, 2023, from Booth # 1653.
SOF Week 23 – MRZR Alpha from Polaris
May 9th, 2023
SOF Week is the first time Polaris showed the Arctic mobility package as a whole on the MRZR Alpha including the Arctic camouflage wrap. Other recent vehicle updates include a recently completed Engineering Change Proposal to increase the towing capacity to 2500 lbs.
Another ECP in progress increases the exportable power while maintaining full cargo space and payload. Currently the MRZR Alpha has 1 kilowatt of exportable power. The ECP in progress will provide an additional 1 kilowatt and as much as 5 kilowatts both stationary and on the move.
SOF Week 23 – SIG Reduced Signature Assault Rifle Update
May 9th, 2023Last September USSOCOM awarded SIG SAUER a contract for the Reduced Signature Assault Rifle which is commercially available as the Rattler and is in service with allied SOF. Every program results in slight tweaks to the item finally issued. Seen below is the current version (top) and the RSAR as originally adopted (bottom).
Selected in 300 BLK, 7.62×39 and 5.56, the three variants now have a common barrel length, 7.75″.
Additionally USSOCOM recently completed the safety certification so these should be going into service soon.
