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Avon Protection Awarded NATO Contract for CBRN Protective Boots & Gloves

July 19th, 2023

The framework contract will run for three years with two additional one-year options

18 JULY 2023, Melksham, UK: Avon Protection has been awarded a three-year contract, with two optional one-year extensions, by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) for CBRN protective boots and gloves. The framework contract will allow NATO nations and partners to place orders for Avon Protection’s EXOSKIN-B1 boots and EXOSKIN-G1 gloves.

Launched in 2022, the EXOSKIN range of boots and gloves are manufactured from Avon Protection’s proven rubber technology. The range protects operators against Chemical Warfare Agent, Toxic Industrial Chemical and biological threats.

The ambidextrous EXOSKIN-G1 glove features a rubberised outer layer textured to maintain grip in wet conditions, and an intelligent, seamless inner knitted liner that has a conductive tip on both the thumb and forefinger to enable the wearer to handle and operate electronic touch screen devices.

The EXOSKIN-B1 boot provides improved durability and agility in the field, with quick-release straps to secure the garment over standard footwear. A highly textured sole improves the wearer’s manoeuvrability in all underfoot conditions.

Designed for quick donning and doffing, the EXOSKIN range integrates with many protective suit ensembles, delivering advanced dexterity and agility in the field while maximising protection for the operator.

“This contract further underlines Avon Protection’s close partnership with NATO for the provision of CBRN protection capability. To date several nations have actively deployed the FM50 respirator under the ongoing NSPA framework contract for that system,” Steve Elwell, President, Respiratory Protection for Avon Protection, said. “With the new boots and gloves contract, all NATO nations will now have the ability to acquire our EXOSKIN products, allowing them to benefit from our wider portfolio of market-leading technologies and to keep their operators safe in the field during CBRN situations.”

Posted in CBRNE, Contracts, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Avon Protection Awarded NATO Contract for CBRN Protective Boots & Gloves

Jim Scoutten of Shooting USA Has Passed Away

July 19th, 2023

Well known Shooting USA host Jim Scoutten has passed away.

In his thirty years of reporting the shooting sports, Jim played a pivotal role in the industry and will be greatly missed.

“As always, shoot safely, shoot often, and keep ‘em in the ten ring”

-Jim Scoutten

May He Rest In Peace

Posted in Memorial | 7 Comments »

Shaw Concepts – Midride Compatible Sidekick Holster Pad

July 19th, 2023

Recently added to the Shaw Concepts line, the Sidekick Holster Pad has been well received, but they didn’t realize how popular the MidRide UBL is over the LowRide UBL.

As of this Friday’s restock, the Sidekick Holster Pad will be MidRide compatible.

shaw-concepts.com/products/side-kick-holster-pad

Posted in Holsters, Load Carrying | 1 Comment »

Legend Compression (All Weather) Merino Wool Over-The-Calf Boot Sock Pre-Launched at Modern Day Marine 2023

July 19th, 2023

The LEGEND® technical and product development teams have worked with the Marine Corps, for over two years to develop this compression Over-The-Calf merino wool SEABAG/Combat boot sock. The focus was the use of mild graduated compression to reduce foot fatigue, improve blood circulation, and provide added support throughout the boot sock. Dense terry cushioning throughout the leg, with added cushioning in the seamless toe, foot, heel and shin provide added comfort, support and minimize sock movement to prevent blisters.

Whether the attendee was a young Marine or a Marine Corps Officer; they all had blister horror stories to share. Based upon their past experiences they asked very specific questions as to the user benefits of compression, durability, comfort, features to help to eliminate blisters, stay up in their boots, anti-microbial, and wicking ability.

Invariably, at the end of each conversation the young Marines asked when the style would be available at the Exchange and the Officers asked the Marine Corps program development status.

Production has begun, inventory is being built to supply retail orders and potential, projected, future Military needs.

The LEGEND® Compression Tactical Boot Sock program is Proudly “Made in USA” and is Berry Amendment Compliant!

www.legendcompressiontactical.com

Posted in Clothing, MDM, Press Release | Comments Off on Legend Compression (All Weather) Merino Wool Over-The-Calf Boot Sock Pre-Launched at Modern Day Marine 2023

492d SOTRG Change of Command, Air Commando Development Center-Provisional Activation

July 19th, 2023

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

Today, Colonel Brian Helton relinquished command to Colonel Robert Johnston who is now dual-hatted as commander of the 492d Special Operations Training Group and the Air Commando Development Center-Provisional, ACDC-P.

The evolution to ACDC-P with this change of command signifies Air Force Special Operations Command’s commitment to deliberate training and experiencing, to ready Air Commandos for crisis, competition, counter violent extremism and conflict.

“I am honored to be part of this team and extremely grateful for the privilege and the opportunity to lead it,” said Johnston. “This is an extraordinary unit charged with a critical responsibility; to develop our air commandos for future generations to come. You’ve already done it in an outstanding manner, and I expect nothing less as we make the transition.”

The ACDC-P is comprised of the U.S. Air Force Special Operations School, the 371st Special Operations Combat Training Squadron and the new 370th Special Operations Combat Training Squadron planned for fiscal year 2024. Additionally, the ACDC-P will be a direct report unit to the Air Force Special Operations Command commander.

The center will execute development for all personnel assigned to AFSOC, core-SOF and non-core SOF AFSCs, as well as direct specialized combat training in the appropriate Force Generation phase to enable preparation in addition to certification, verification, and validation prior to deployment. Standing up the ACDC-P demonstrates the commitment AFSOC places on developing a high-performing Air Commando force.

“We’re reframing our thinking on the way we organize, train and equip Air Commandos to meet our future challenges,” said Lt Gen Tony Bauernfeind, AFSOC commander. “We must continually develop our teams by ensuring our Air Commandos have the right training and experiences they need to fight tonight…and standing up the ACDC will meet that intent.”

These changes continue AFSOC’s efforts to get after Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. C.Q. Brown Jr.’s five drivers for change across the force: Force Generation, Agile Combat Employment, Multi-capable Airmen, wing A-staff implementation and mission command.

By 2nd Lt Cassandra Saphore, Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Forces Focus, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | 1 Comment »

Bundeswehr Contracts with Rheinmetall for Several Hundred Thousand Artillery Shells; Order Worth Around €1.3 Billion

July 18th, 2023

The need to replenish stores of ammunition caused by the war in Ukraine is resulting in major artillery ammunition contracts for Rheinmetall.

The German Bundeswehr has just issued a large-volume order for service and practice artillery ammunition worth around €1.3 billion, including value added tax. Two contracts to this effect have now been signed at the Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) in Koblenz.
Rheinmetall has been awarded a new framework contract for the supply of 155mm artillery ammunition, while an existing framework contract has been expanded. In all, the scope of delivery encompasses several hundred thousand shells of various types, including fuses and propelling charges. Set to run until 2029, the new framework contract represents potential order volume of around €1.2 billion, including VAT.

Furthermore, the Bundeswehr has expanded an existing framework agreement for DM121 ammunition. In addition to the framework contract cited above, this represents order volume of around €137 million, once again including VAT. The volume of the existing framework contract thus increases from €109 million to a total of €246 million, including VAT.
Featuring insensitive characteristics, the DM121 high-explosive shell is used for training and exercise purposes.

The first call-offs for service and practice ammunition from the framework contract cited above came as soon as the contract was signed. Delivery of shells worth €127 million (including VAT) is due take place shortly.

Ever since its foundation over 125 years ago, Rheinmetall has been a reliable partner of the artillery corps. Even today, the pressing and drawing process invented by company founder Heinrich Ehrhardt is used for producing modern artillery barrels. Rheinmetall’s family of artillery ammunition includes, among other ordnance, the high explosive DM121, the DM125 smoke/obscurant shell, the DM121 SMArt search-fused round (jointly developed with Diehl Defence), as well as the RH68 practice version and the range-optimized RH1901 and RH1902 smoke/obscurant shells. The Group’s product portfolio also encompasses the versatile Assegai family of 155mm artillery ammunition made by Rheinmetall Denel of South Africa. It includes insensitive munitions (IM), conventional high explosive (HE) rounds, as well as smoke/obscurant, illumination, infrared illumination, and other shells. With its boat tail (BT) and base bleed (BB) configurations, the Assegai family displays a ballistic equilibrium, ensuring that the entire ammunition spectrum can be used at its maximum effective range of approximately 40 kilometres. Under the framework contract, the Bundeswehr will be introducing the tried-and-tested Assegai ammunition family.

The latest orders underscore once again Rheinmetall’s technological lead as a developer and producer of ammunition in Europe. Furthermore, the framework contracts will help to assure a secure supply of ammunition to the armed forces of Germany and other NATO nations, enabling better planning of production processes and optimum utilization of capacity. Moreover, thanks to assured long-term production of various types of ammunition during the lifetime of the contract, resulting in availability at short notice, the framework contract also offers logistical advantages to other 155mm artillery users. For Rheinmetall, the framework agreement means a basic level of capacity utilization at its ammunition production plants for years to come.

Posted in Contracts, International, Munitions, Press Release | 4 Comments »

Introducing ROMEO-X Series Red Dot Sights from SIG SAUER Electro-Optics

July 18th, 2023

NEWINGTON, N.H., (July 18, 2023) – Introducing the all-new ROMEO-X series of optics from SIG SAUER Electro-Optics; inspired by the recently released mil-spec ROMEO-M17 the ROMEO-X delivers military grade performance, reliability, and durability for civilian everyday carry. The ROMEO-X series of red-dot sights is offered as a ROMEO-X Compact for micro-compact pistols to include the P365 and a ROMEO-X Pro for full-size pistols to include the P320.

“The ROMEO-X family of red dot sights is completely optimized for everyday carry and built using the same technology and testing standards of our mil-spec optics that are designed to withstand the rigors of the battlefield,” said Andy York, President, SIG SAUER Electro-Optics. “The ROMEO-X Series is designed for ease of use beginning with the side battery placement leading to an overall low deck height of the sight. This profile gives the optic an extremely low position when mounted to the slide for a full sight picture and co-witness with the existing standard-height iron sights. The ROMEO-X Compact and ROMEO-X Pro are engineered, tested, and built-in Oregon to be the ultimate aiming solution for EDC.”

The SIG SAUER Electro-Optics ROMEO-X Series red-dot sights are available in a compact version (ROMEO-X Compact), to fit micro-compact pistols, and a Pro version (ROMEO-X Pro), to fit full-size pistols, featuring a distortion-free aspheric glass with a patent-pending Beryllium Copper flexure-arm adjustment system, in 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum housing with machined anti-reflection grooves on shooter facing surfaces. The ROMEO-X Series optics incorporate a high-efficiency point source red LED emitter with 2 MOA dot / 32 MOA circle reticle, side independent brightness adjustment buttons, 15 brightness settings including night vision settings, and a side-mounted CR1632 battery compartment with a threaded battery cap so the optic does not need to be removed from the pistol for battery changes. Additionally, the ROMEO-X Series offers a low deck height for standard-height iron sight co-witness, has a minimum continuous runtime of 20,000 hours at medium brightness setting and utilizes MOTAC™ (Motion Activated Illumination), MAGNETAC™ (Magnetic Activation), and D.A.R.C™ (Dark Adaptive Reticles & Coatings) technologies.

ROMEO-X Compact:
Clear Aperture Diameter: 24mm
Reticle: 2MOA Dot / 32 MOA Circle
Lens Type: Asphere
Illumination Settings: 15 ( 12 Day / 3NV)
Overall Length: 1.62 inches
Overall Width: .94 inches
Overall Height: 1.23 inch
Mounting Footprint: SHIELD™ RMSc
Weight (w/o battery): 1.0 ounce
MSRP: $519.99

ROMEO-X Pro:
Clear Aperture Diameter: 24mm
Reticle: 2MOA Dot / 32 MOA Circle
Lens Type: Asphere
Illumination Settings: 15 ( 12 Day / 3NV)
Overall Length: 1.84 inches
Overall Width: .94 inches
Overall Height: 1.23 inch
Mounting Footprint: DeltaPoint™ Pro
Weight (w/o battery): 1.15 ounces
MSRP: $589.99

Like all SIG SAUER Electro-Optics the ROMEO-X Series includes the Infinite Guarantee, an unlimited lifetime guarantee that requires no warranty or receipt should your optic need to be replaced at any time.

For complete information about the SIG SAUER Electro-Optics ROMEO X-Series or watch the product video visit sigsauer.com. The ROMEO X-Series optics are now available at retailers and sigsauer.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Optics, Press Release | 6 Comments »