XC3 Weaponlight

PROJECT 7 Armor Introduces ICON — A Scalable, Multi-Mission Ballistic System Built For Changing Assignments

September 3rd, 2026

September 1, 2026 – LA VERNE, CALIF. — PROJECT 7 Armor is proud to announce the release of the ICON Multi-Mission Vest, its newest tactical armor platform and the most versatile system in the PROJECT 7 lineup. Developed in response to real-world feedback from law enforcement and military professionals, ICON was created for operators whose assignments and threat profiles can change from one mission to the next.

Rather than requiring separate armor platforms for concealed, patrol, plate-rack, and tactical entry applications, ICON brings those capabilities into a single, highly configurable system. It can be worn streamlined for daily operations, configured for concealed or Class A wear by transferring its soft ballistic panels into an optional internal carrier, or scaled with rifle plates and additional ballistic protection for tactical entry.

Key ICON features include:

• Removable internal ballistic yoke for added protection while maintaining a close-to-body, lower-profile fit

• Adjustable shoulder system designed to accommodate clothing layers, seasonal gear, and changes in operator fit

• Optional internal concealable carrier allowing ICON soft armor to be worn beneath clothing or a Class A uniform

• P7 STIK™ Removable Rifle Retention System, utilizing rigid Kydex to stabilize the rifle securely against the platform

• Gap protection at the cummerbund and compatibility with P7’sfull suite of ballistic accessories provide added coverage for high-risk entry operations

“ICON came directly out of conversations with operators whose jobs don’t stay in one lane,” said Jon Becker, CEO of PROJECT 7 Armor. “An operator may be working patrol one day, a task force assignment the next, and a tactical operation after that. We wanted to create a platform that could move with that operator instead of forcing them to move between completely different armor systems. ICON gives them the ability to tailor protection, loadout, and profile to what the mission actually requires.”

Designed Around the Operator

ICON also expands the level of fit and adaptability available within the PROJECT 7 armor line, offering the widest range of sizing and scaling options of any P7 platform. Multiple cummerbund, ballistic package, loadout, MOLLE/PALS, liner, and accessory configurations allow agencies to tailor ICON to individual operators and specific mission requirements. The result is a highly wearable, entry-capable armor platform built to scale across a broad range of operational needs.

Availability

The PROJECT 7 ICON Multi-Mission Vest is available for agency purchase exclusively through AARDVARK, PROJECT 7 Armor’s sole-source distributor. Law enforcement and military agencies can configure their platform and request a quote through project7armor.com or aardvarktactical.com.

Reptilia Introduces the ARCA-S Handguard: Direct-To-Tripod Capability In A Purpose-Built Rifle Handguard

September 3rd, 2026

HILLSBOROUGH, NC –  September 2026 – Reptilia Corp introduces the Arca-S Handguard, a purpose-built rifle handguard designed around a machined-in Arca-Swiss interface that provides direct-to-tripod capability without sacrificing the modularity of a modern M-LOK handguard.

Designed for shooters who rely on a tripod for stability, positional shooting, observation, or rapid rifle deployment, the Arca-S Handguard integrates a 2.8” Arca-S section at the rear of the handguard, where the rail meets the upper receiver. This location provides a rigid, repeatable mounting interface while keeping the remainder of the handguard clean and fully configurable.

“The goal was to integrate the Arca interface into the handguard rather than bolt another component onto the rifle,” said Reptilia. “The result is a cleaner, more capable system that gives the shooter direct access to a tripod while maintaining the M-LOK functionality they expect.”

At the center of the design is Reptilia’s patented turnbuckle mounting system, which provides a secure and repeatable attachment across standard AR15 upper receivers without adding unnecessary bulk. The handguard maintains full M-LOK compatibility, allowing shooters to configure their rifle with bipods, lights, and other accessories alongside the integrated Arca interface.

The Arca-S interface draws from the Arca-Swiss standard originally developed for precision photography and now widely adopted by shooters seeking fast attachment, smooth fore-and-aft adjustment, and a stable connection to a tripod. By machining the interface directly into the handguard, Reptilia eliminates the need for an additional Arca rail or adapter.

PURPOSE-BUILT. FULLY INTEGRATED.

The Arca-S Handguard is designed to provide a straightforward interface between rifle and tripod while maintaining the ergonomics and modularity expected from a modern fighting or precision-oriented rifle.

Key features include:

  • Integrated 2.8″ Arca-S interface at the rear of the handguard
  • Direct-to-tripod capability
  • Reptilia patented turnbuckle mounting system
  • Full M-LOK compatibility
  • Designed for standard AR15 upper receivers
  • Machined aluminum construction
  • Available in Black and FDE
  • Proudly made in the USA
  • Backed by a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects

The Arca-S Handguard is available now – SHOP NOW

Field Tested, Future Ready: New U.S. Army Campaign Shows the Power of Real-World Training

September 3rd, 2026

“Field Tested” immerses audiences in the field environments where Soldiers build confidence, teamwork, and skills for the Army and beyond

At a Glance

The U.S. Army’s new marketing campaign, “Field Tested,” immerses audiences in the real-world training environments where Soldiers gain hands-on experience and proven skills that prepare them to take on whatever comes next.

“Field Tested” speaks to young adults who are navigating an uncertain landscape by showing how Army training equips Soldiers with the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to succeed in any future.

Three headlining films follow real Army Soldiers through the field as they demonstrate leadership, problem-solving, and camaraderie while operating advanced technology including drones, geospatial systems, and coding tools, giving audiences a firsthand view of the Army’s training environments.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2026 — At a time when many young Americans feel uncertain about the future, the U.S. Army today announced “Field Tested,” a new marketing campaign that immerses audiences in the real training, discipline, and challenges that mold possibilities into capabilities and unshakeable confidence.

The latest chapter in the Army’s “Be All You Can Be” brand story, “Field Tested” immerses audiences in the field—the Army’s unmatched, real-world training environment where Soldiers learn by doing. The campaign shows how these experiences help Soldiers solve complex problems, lead under pressure, and rely on one another to overcome challenges.

“Young adults are entering a world defined by uncertainty—from a changing job market to rapid advances in AI—and many are looking for a tangible path forward,” says Brig. Gen. Scott C. Woodward, Army Chief Marketing Officer. “We cannot predict what comes next, but we can prepare for it. ‘Field Tested’ shows how Army training helps Soldiers build the confidence, adaptability, and skills needed to meet the changing demands of the battlefield and beyond.”

Through real Soldier stories and authentic training environments, “Field Tested” also highlights the Army’s modernization, showing evolving careers and capabilities, from drone operations and geospatial analysis to coding and intelligence.

Creative Approach to “Field Tested”
“Field Tested” offers an unfiltered view of how the modern Army operates by capturing training as it unfolds. The three films follow real Army Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division at Fort Polk, Louisiana, operating in authentic environments, based on the real-world training that develops Soldiers into strong communicators, sharp problem-solvers, and unfailing teammates:

“The Field is the Teacher” follows Soldiers building real-world skills using drones, mapping technology, coding, and problem-solving in the field. The experience gained here prepares them to lead and operate under pressure wherever they go next.

“The Field Takes a Team” follows Soldiers coordinating across roles, relying on each other in the field, and building bonds that last beyond the mission. Working together, they learn to communicate, support one another, and move as one team.

“The Field Makes Us Stronger” follows Soldiers being tested by the terrain, cold, heat, night, and every obstacle the field puts in front of them. Each challenge builds the strength to handle whatever lies ahead.

“Some of the most profound lessons I’ve learned in the Army didn’t come from a briefing room, they came from the field,” says Gen. Christopher C. LaNeve, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army. “The austere environment is where we operate and strip away the non-essentials. The field builds the mental and physical toughness you need to endure the challenges of the battlefield. This campaign is a call to those ready to be tested.”

“Field Tested” combines multiple forms of media capture—including handheld and cell phone footage, digital photography, disposable cameras, drone cinematography, and documentary-style moments—so the camera behaves like a participant, capturing on-the-ground moments where real Soldiers operate advanced technology, solve problems under pressure, and support one another.

Where to Find “Field Tested”
“Field Tested” will connect with audiences nationally and locally through a mix of social, digital, gaming/streaming, and customized email channels, as well as high-impact media channels including Twitch, YouTube, Meta, Reddit, LinkedIn; broadcast platforms including Paramount, NBCU, and ESPN; and GoArmy.com.

For more information on “Field Tested” and opportunities available in the Army, visit GoArmy.com/FieldTested.

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Svenska Aerogel’s Customer Launches Fire-Resistant Coating Tailored for the Marine Industry

September 2nd, 2026

Svenska Aerogel’s (“the Company”) customer, a European manufacturer of paints and coatings, is launching a new industrial and fire-resistant coating for the marine industry. The Company’s aerogel material enhances the coating’s fire performance, thereby contributing to increased safety onboard vessels. The coating is intended for use on interior surfaces, such as walls and ceilings.

The customer’s product has been developed for commercial shipping and meets the applicable requirements set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The maritime sector is subject to stringent safety requirements, driving demand for fire-protective solutions. Such solutions play an important role in limiting the spread of fire and protecting structures and escape routes.

“We are pleased to see our material, Naerogel®, being used in a product that addresses a clear market need and, above all, contributes to increased safety for people onboard,” says Tor Einar Norbakk, CEO of Svenska Aerogel.

The fire-resistant coating will be sold on a project-by-project basis, and the customer has begun its sales activities.

Curtiss-Wright to Provide Sensor Processing for Northrop Grumman’s Improved Threat Detection System

September 2nd, 2026

ITDS processor, paired with Northrop Grumman’s ATHENA sensor, will enhance aircraft and aircrew survivability

ASHBURN, Va. – Sept. 1, 2026 – Curtiss-Wright announced today that it was awarded an approximately $14 million contract from Northrop Grumman to provide sensor processing equipment supporting the Phase II development of the U.S. Army’s Improved Threat Detection System (ITDS), the future threat warning system designed to protect aircraft from air defense systems. The program aims to deliver advanced missile warning and threat detection capabilities across current and future U.S. Army aviation platforms, including the AH-64 Apache and MV-75 Cheyenne Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft.

Curtiss-Wright’s ITDS integrated processor provides a modular, ruggedized solution designed to ingest high-bandwidth sensor data, perform real-time processing and data fusion, and enable rapid integration of new capabilities within an open systems architecture that is purpose built for portability from platform to platform. Paired with Northrop Grumman’s Advanced Tactical Hostile Engagement Awareness (ATHENA) sensor, Curtiss-Wright’s integrated processor will enable timely missile warning and critical information flow across the platform to protect aircraft and aircrews.  

“Combining Curtiss-Wright’s highly durable processing capability with Northrop Grumman’s ATHENA sensor will result in an unrivaled threat detection capability, providing the potential to protect aircrews from virtually any weapon system – air to air or surface to air – employed by our adversaries,” said Brian Perry, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions. “Our integrated processor excels at rapidly processing and transporting large amounts of data in the most demanding environments, making it the optimal computing solution for latency-critical sense and response protection systems such as ITDS.”

Curtiss-Wright’s integrated processor utilizes MOSA- and SOSA aligned modules integrated within a conduction-cooled chassis designed for airborne deployment. High-speed optical interfaces and configurable I/O provide support for both modern digital sensors and legacy aircraft interfaces, enabling integration across a wide range of aircraft protection architectures. The integrated processor also delivers groundbreaking artificial intelligence-enabled compute architecture and real-time net-centric data sharing which ensures the platform can evolve alongside emerging sensor technologies, algorithms, and countermeasure systems.

About ATHENA

The ATHENA sensor is designed to enhance aircraft survivability by providing 360-degree situational awareness and high-resolution threat detection, capable of geolocating electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) threats such as unmanned aerial systems, air to air missiles, anti-tank guided missiles, and rocket-propelled grenades.

About ITDS

ITDS will provide the capability to detect, classify, cue and declare on existing and emerging EO/IR threats. ITDS is designed to operate based on rapid threat classification and initiating the appropriate countermeasure system, such as directable infrared and/or expendable countermeasures. ITDS also provides appropriate hostile fire indications, differentiating between small arms and rocket threats.

ITDS will be a Future Airborne Capability Environment (FACE)-conformant and Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA)-compliant system, able to operate on a digital backbone. It will be composed of IR sensors, a processor, and a memory module. 

For additional information about Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions products, please visit defense-solutions.curtisswright.com and LinkedIn.

MAAK Gear – Grip Cables

September 2nd, 2026

MAAK Gear’s grip cables are a handy way to keep various cables and cords you use for travel organized. Thanks to three colors you can also categorize them.

www.maakgear.com/products/cable-grip

Anduril to Deliver Hardware and Shelter Integration for Army’s TITAN Program

September 2nd, 2026

The U.S. Army has awarded Anduril a $65 million delivery order for production in support of the Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node (TITAN) program. The award was made through the Army Enterprise Agreement, which provides a streamlined contracting mechanism for the Army to procure Anduril products and capabilities. Under the delivery order, Anduril will produce and integrate hardware subsystems and mission shelters for TITAN, with Palantir serving as the program team lead.

Army units pull sensor data from a variety of satellites, aircraft, and ground systems. Processing and combining different forms of data traditionally relies on large, fixed infrastructure that is difficult to move and vulnerable to detection or attack. TITAN brings that capability into a mobile ground station.

TITAN fuses diverse sources of data into a common intelligence picture while in the field with combat units. This allows Soldiers to receive and act on real-time data in austere environments, rather than routing it back to a fixed command post. TITAN is designed to accelerate targeting and strike, freeing dependencies on older data processing methods.

Under the award, Anduril will deliver hardware for eight TITAN systems—four TITAN Advanced and four TITAN Basic. TITAN Advanced offers greater processing and integration capability, while the Basic variant provides greater mobility for rapid deployment.

Anduril will manufacture the ruggedized, vehicle-mounted systems and integrate the power, thermal, control, and operator subsystems that enable TITAN to function in the demanding environments in which Soldiers operate.

This award marks TITAN’s transition from prototyping to production.

Anduril has supported the program since 2021, serving as the lead hardware systems architect and incorporating Soldier feedback throughout the design and testing process. TITAN hardware is built at Anduril’s facility in Costa Mesa, California.

As the Army plans additional TITAN orders in FY27, Anduril is prepared to scale production and meet growing demand.

Ruck Ready: Three New Mission-Ready Boots From Rocky

September 2nd, 2026

Rucking. Range days. Field exercises. Long miles under load. For those who demand more from their footwear, Rocky Boots has introduced three new military styles built to keep up when the mission gets demanding.

The new C4T Commercial Military Boot, USMC S2V Military Boot and USMC S2V Steel Toe Military Boot give military personnel, tactical professionals and serious outdoor athletes purpose-built options for everything from loaded rucks to extended time on the range.

For lighter, faster movement: The Rocky C4T Commercial Military Boot weighs just 1.25 pounds per boot and combines a dual-density EVA/rubber outsole with 5mm lugs, a fiberglass shank and a wide toe box. Its breathable full-grain leather construction and Rocky Air-Port Comfort footbed are designed to deliver comfort during long days on foot. The boot is also GSA, TAA and military uniform compliant.

For serious rucking and field use: The Rocky USMC S2V Military Boot is built around Rocky’s proven S2V platform and is USMC certified as of 2025. It pairs water-resistant, flash-resistant leather with 1,000-denier CORDURA® nylon, S2V Sieve technology for air circulation and water drainage, Roll-Stop Ankle Stability and a high-walled Vibram® sole. Triple-stitched construction adds another layer of durability for hard use. The Berry-compliant boot is made in the USA.

For added protection: The Rocky USMC S2V Steel Toe Military Boot takes the S2V platform and adds an ASTM-compliant steel toe and electrical hazard protection. It maintains the features that make the S2V a strong choice for demanding environments, including 1,000-denier CORDURA®, water-resistant leather, S2V Sieve technology, Roll-Stop Ankle Stability and a high-walled Vibram® sole.

For ruckers and tactical athletes, footwear can make or break a long day under load. Rocky’s latest military boots are engineered to provide the stability, traction, durability and protection needed when miles, weight and terrain start adding up.