Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Limited Tickets Are Now Available For Exclusive Primary Arms Optics 2023 Range Day

April 5th, 2023

HOUSTON, TEXAS – This April 13th, Primary Arms Optics will be hosting its annual Range Day at the Atterbury Shooting Complex, just outside Indianapolis. For the first time, this exciting range event is open to the public, allowing you to shoot the latest and unreleased products alongside your favorite content creators. Tickets are available now on the Primary Arms Optics 2023 Range Day webpage.

Every year, Primary Arms Optics hosts this exclusive range event to connect content creators with the industry’s leading tactical and outdoor brands. For many, this is the first opportunity to demonstrate new and upcoming products on a live range, where content creators can highlight the performance of their latest designs in action. Historically, this event has drawn many of the leading figures in the industry, including top names like the Military Arms Channel and IPSC World Champion J.J. Racaza as well as major media like Recoil Magazine and Pew Pew Tactical.

For the first time ever, this event will also be open to the public with limited spaces. Attendees will be able to try this year’s newest firearms, optics, and accessories from dozens of top brands, including GLOCK, Heckler & Koch, Steyr, HUXWRX, Troy Industries, and more. More than just a range day, this event also includes exciting off-range activities like archery, knife throwing, axe throwing, and an auto racing simulation. There will also be thousands of dollars in giveaways, plus music and catering from local businesses.

The list of sponsoring vendors is provided below:

Adams Arms

Anderson Manufacturing

C+H Precision Weapons

CAA USA

Cloud Defensive

GLOCK, Inc.

Gun Butter

Heckler & Koch

Holosun

HUXWRKS

IWI US, INC.

M+M Industries Inc.

Night Fision

Rearden Manufacturing

Resilient Suppressors LLC

SAR USA

Silencer Shop

Steyr Arms USA

Trailblazer Firearms

Troy Industries

Zendira

… and more!

“This year, Primary Arms Optics’ annual Range Day is headed to Indianapolis, bringing new brands, new activities, and new excitement for everyone attending,” says Ken Ross, Director of Outbound Marketing at Primary Arms. “One of our goals this year was to make the event open to the public, so we’re proud to say that tickets are now available, and we hope to see you there!”

Ticket sales are limited, so interested attendees are encouraged to reserve their place early! To secure your spot, or to learn more about the event, visit the Primary Arms Optics 2023 Range Day webpage.

For more information on Primary Arms Optics, follow Primary Arms on social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Posted in Advertiser, NRA, Press Release | Comments Off on Limited Tickets Are Now Available For Exclusive Primary Arms Optics 2023 Range Day

PM SWAR Vision of the Army Soldier 2030 & Beyond Industry Day

April 5th, 2023

Program Executive Office Soldier, Project Manager Soldier Warrior (PM SWAR) is hosting a two-day industry event on 17-18 May 2023 at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 8100 Loisdale Rd., Springfield, VA 22150, to inform DoD Contractors of the PM SWAR vision of the Army Soldier 2030 and beyond.

PM SWAR is interested in DiD contractors with experience in Heads Up Display (HUD) Hardware and Software, Sensor and Laser Technologies, Army Platform Integration, and Wearable Battery Technologies.

DoD participants for this event are:

Program Executive Office Soldier, Project Manager Soldier Warrior

Product Manager (PdM) Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS)

Product Manager Soldier Maneuver Sensors (SMS)

Product Manager Soldier Precision Target Devices (SPTD)

Program Executive Office Simulation, Training and Instrumentation, Project Manager Synthetic Environment

Product Manager One World Terrain (OWT)

Program Executive Office Command Control Communications-Tactical (C3T), Project Manager Tactical Radios

Product Manager Handheld, Manpack and Small Form Fit (HMS)

Visit sam.gov to learn more.

Posted in Army, PEO-Soldier, Research | Comments Off on PM SWAR Vision of the Army Soldier 2030 & Beyond Industry Day

In Memoriam SGM Billy Waugh (USA, Ret)

April 5th, 2023

I’m sorry to report that the legendary Billy Waugh, who served his nation for over 50. years in US Army Special Forces, and after his military retirement with the Central Intelligence Agency, has passed away at age 93.

Born William D. Waugh, he hailed from Bastrop, Texas and joined the US Army in 1948. Initially serving as a paratrooper with later service in the Korean War, he eventually joined Special Forces and served there until his retirement in 1972 at the rank of Sergeant Major. In 1977 he joined the CIA as an paramilitary operations officer and retired from that gig in 2005.

Consider this; at age 71, he participated in the opening days of Operations Enduring Freedom, deploying as one of the first Americans going into Afghanistan as a member of a CIA team sent there to destroy the Taliban and Al Qaeda at Tora Bora.

But by that point, he was already a legend. In addition to serving in MACV SOG, he was a pioneer of Military Free Fall techniques, having conducted the first HALO combat jump into Vietnam.

Billy Waugh succumbed today to a prolonged illness.

May He Rest In Peace…

Posted in Memorial | 18 Comments »

Rheinmetall Welcomes the Start of Negotiations to Build More Than 100 Boxer Combat Vehicles in Australia for the German Bundeswehr

April 4th, 2023

Rheinmetall has welcomed the Germany-Australia letter of cooperation to progress a proposal to build Boxer combat vehicles in Australia for export to Germany, expanding the close cooperation and defence partnership between the two nations in the land domain. The Boxers to be built in Australia are intended for the German Army’s “schwerer Waffenträger Infanterie” (heavy weapon carrier infantry), a direct tactical fire support vehicle for infantry forces.

The letter of cooperation, signed on 23 March 2023 in Canberra by The Hon Pat Conroy MP, Australian minister for defence industry, and Mr Thomas Hitschler, German parliamentary state secretary in the German minister of defence, will enable the start of formal negotiations between the German and Australian authorities and Rheinmetall to establish appropriate legal and commercial arrangements.

Following successful conclusion of negotiations, the German Boxer vehicles will be built, utilizing production capacity at Rheinmetall’s state-of-the-art Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) at Redbank in South East Queensland, alongside the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRV) being produced for the Australian Defence Force.

The “schwerer Waffenträger Infanterie” (sWaTrInf, for short) is based on the Australian Army’s Boxer CRV. This is a proven 8×8 combat vehicle equipped with a reconnaissance vehicle mission module including the two-man Lance turret. Its main armament is the Rheinmetall MK30-2 ABM automatic cannon, which also features in the German Puma infantry fighting vehicle. In the long term, the German armed forces intend to procure more than 100 Boxer sWaTrInf to replace the current “Wiesel” (weasel) to serve as a direct tactical fire support platform for its infantry units.

Delivery is scheduled to begin in 2025.
In speaking of the potential export order, John Abunassar, head of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems division, noted the commonality between the Australian and proposed German Boxer sWaTrInf vehicles, and the trust placed in Rheinmetall by the two allies: “The German Boxers to be built at MILVEHCOE will be modelled on the Australian Boxer Reconnaissance vehicle variant.

The opportunity would be one of the largest Australian defence exports in the nation’s history, and support Rheinmetall’s vision to build and grow Australia’s defence industry capability as well as integrating it into the Group’s global supply chains.”

“Rheinmetall in Australia has more than 900 staff, high-tech skills and an established production plant that includes vehicles, armour and electronics manufacturing at Redbank”, adds Nathan Poyner, managing director of Rheinmetall Defence Australia. “Our Australian and global supply chain will continue to grow, with small- and medium-sized enterprises benefitting as we secure new orders to complement existing export programmes. We welcome the close partnership between Australia and Germany throughout the land vehicle domain as the two nations work together to increase global security.”

News of the letter of cooperation on the German Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier proposal follows the start of production of Rheinmetall’s Australian Boxer with the “Striking of the Arc” at MILVEHCOE on Monday, 20 March. There, in the presence of Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, the symbolic first weld was placed for the Australian-made Boxer CRV.

The Boxer vehicle is an advanced, armoured 8×8 vehicle in service with armies around the globe. The Boxer offers enhanced troop safety, security and protection, coupled with high levels of firepower and mobility for sustained operations ranging from peacekeeping to high-intenstiy combat.

In Australia, Rheinmetall is the largest supplier of military vehicles for the Australia Defence Force. In addition to the 211 Boxer vehicles delivered under the Land 400 Phase 2 project – 133 of which are the CRV variant with the manned Lance turret – the company also services the Australian armed forces’ HX fleet, which comprises over 2,900 vehicles. In addition, the company has put forward its Lynx infantry fighting vehicle for the Australian Land 400 Phase 3 project.

Posted in International, Press Release | 1 Comment »

CAL FIRE: Building on the Basics

April 4th, 2023

SUN PRAIRIE, WI – Steady and deliberate. That’s the approach taken by leaders at the CAL FIRE Training Center (CFTC) these days for providing a solid foundation for their firefighters. And, for the past 22 years, the Assistant Fire Chief training tower has been a cornerstone on their drill grounds, helping those trainers with their operational instructions.

“Our approach to training has simplified over the years,” says Battalion Chief Dave Semple with the Training Center for CAL FIRE in Ione, Calif. “We’re focusing on ‘back to basics’ that builds a strong base for our employees.”

Located in Amador County, 35 miles southeast of Sacramento, the Training Center sits on 420 acres and was established in 1967. Year-round training on structural firefighting based on California State Fire Training curriculum, emergency response, wildland command and control are all provided at the Training Center. The all-steel training tower from Fire Facilities is used to complement many areas of the training.

“The Assistant Fire Chief tower is used every month — and sometimes every week — in some capacity,” according to Semple. “During the past two decades it’s easy to calculate that several thousand firefighters have trained on the tower.”

Quality Training for All

At CFTC, Semple and Battalion Chief Brett Fucillo work for Division Chief of Fire Training Rob Wheatley. Together they create training scenarios that challenge firefighters and prepare them for what they’ll experience in their jobs throughout California.

“CAL FIRE provides extensive wildfire training to our employees,” says Semple. “However, most of the training involving the tower focuses on structural firefighting. We conduct search drills, deploy fire hoses, and raise ladders against the exterior of the tower. The annex section of the tower is used for burning. A big plus is that the tower has enough space to provide quality training to large group numbers.”

The Assistant Fire Chief has three separate areas: a four-story fire training tower, a residential section and a burn room annex. Multiple training scenarios are possible including rappelling, roof ventilation, high-angle rescue operations, forcible entry without penetrations and live fire burn scenarios.

“Overall, the Fire Facilities tower has held up well since its installation in 2001,” says Semple. “It wasn’t foreseen that the tower would experience this much use in 20+ years at CFTC. It’s currently in the process of some repairs, due to the high amount of use it’s been exposed to over time. However, we continue to use a large portion of the facility even during repairs. This tower is part of the backbone of our training program. We rely on it as a key element of training for our program participants.”

Fire Facilities, Inc. (FFI), founded in 1989 and an ISFSI corporate sponsor, manufactures a full line of steel fire training structures engineered to withstand real-life firefighting conditions. From mobile units to burn rooms to high-rise towers, FFI training models are available in a multitude of configurations. Our parent company, Trachte Building Systems, is one of the largest and oldest manufacturers of steel self-storage systems in the industry. For more information, visit www.firefacilities.com or call 800-929-3726.

Posted in Industry, Press Release, Training | Comments Off on CAL FIRE: Building on the Basics

Freedom Atlantic – Universal PD Cable

April 4th, 2023

Freedom Atlantic’s Universal PD Cable is designed to connect your EUD to your radio and be compatible with all radio configurations, keeping your radios alive longer.

Features:

• 5, 9 and 12V power to EUD (USB Power Delivery 3.0)

• 100mA to 2A configurable current output

• Adjust charge rates real-time using PD protocol messaging

• Real time power role swapping

• Reconfigurable USB Type C interface: swap between host and
peripheral modes

• *Peripheral connector options for legacy radios: Glenair 6-pin, Fischer, ODU

freedom-atlantic.com

Posted in Comms, Power, TAK | Comments Off on Freedom Atlantic – Universal PD Cable

Glock 17 Gen 5 Barrel Upgrades: Faxon’s Solution

April 4th, 2023

The Glock 17 Gen 5 has gained attention for its reliability, user-friendliness, and precision. With a considerable following, it’s no wonder that many opt for this particular handgun. Nevertheless, even well-regarded firearms can be enhanced in terms of performance and accuracy. A crucial component of any handgun is the barrel. In the case of the Glock 17 Gen 5, a barrel upgrade may potentially influence the overall performance and precision of the weapon. Faxon Firearms has prepared a guide about what to expect when it comes to upgrading your barrel.

Glock 17 Gen 5 barrels compared to other Glock barrels.

Glock 17 Gen 5 barrel (bottom) Glock 17 Gen 1-4 barrel (Top)

5 Benefits of Upgrading Your Barrel

Upgrading the barrel of your Glock 17 Gen 5 can offer a range of benefits that can improve its performance and enhance your shooting experience. Here are some of the top benefits you can expect:

Improved accuracy: One of the most significant benefits of upgrading your Glock 17 Gen 5 barrel is improved accuracy. A high-quality barrel will have a tighter bore and more precise rifling, which can help stabilize the bullet and keep it on target. This can be especially beneficial if you’re using your Glock 17 Gen 5 for competitive shooting or self-defense purposes, where accuracy is critical.

Increased range: Another advantage of upgrading your Glock 17 Gen 5 barrel is increased range. A high-quality barrel can improve the bullet’s velocity, allowing it to travel further and hit targets at longer distances. This can be particularly useful for outdoor shooting or hunting.

Enhanced safety features: Some aftermarket barrels for the Glock 17 Gen 5 may come with enhanced safety features, such as improved feed ramps or a tighter chamber. These safety features can improve reliability and reduce the risk of malfunctions or misfires.

Increased Reliability: Aftermarket barrels are often made with higher-quality materials than stock barrels, such as stainless steel or titanium. These materials can be more durable and resistant to wear and tear than a stock barrel, reducing the risk of failure or malfunction. Also, most aftermarket barrels are precision-machined to tighter tolerances, which makes the fit and function more consistent.

Ammunition Compatibility: Another factor that can contribute to increased reliability is the ability of aftermarket barrels to shoot a wider range of ammunition types. The stock barrel of the Glock 17 Gen 5 is designed to handle a specific type of ammunition, and using different types can sometimes lead to jams or malfunctions. However, many aftermarket barrels are designed to handle a wider variety of ammunition types, making them more versatile and reliable in a wider range of situations.

Glock 17 Gen 5 Barrel Differences

The Glock 17 Gen 5 features a switch to Glock 19 locking geometry.

While the Gen 4 and Gen 5 19 barrels have different geometries, the Gen 5 barrels do away with the slope at the barrel hood and instead go to the simple right angles that the 17/34 have always had, similar to most G19 Gen 1-4 aftermarket barrels.

Due to the shared locking block, a Gen 5 17 barrel can theoretically be used in a Gen 5 19.

However, it’s important to note that Gen 1-4 17 barrels are not compatible with a Gen 5 17.

Even though Glock improved the Glock 17 Gen 5 OEM barrels to make them more accurate (hence the name “Marksman Barrel”), there is still room for improvement.

Popular Glock 17 Barrel Options | Faxon Firearms

The optimized match barrels from Faxon Firearms have been redesigned to work better and with Gen 5 guns.

These Glock 17 Gen 5 barrels have been redesigned for improved performance and Gen 5 compatibility. A recessed target crown, a new match chamber, and a stylized barrel hood with engravings for caliber and model are some of the new features.

The proprietary broach-cut 1 in 14” left-hand twist rifling was developed to create the most accurate Glock aftermarket barrel available, and testing confirms a significant increase in accuracy over factory barrels in all standard bullet weights.

Manufactured from 416R stainless steel, which is an ideal material for making match-grade barrels because the material allows for the precise cutting of chambers and rifling, which results in a more accurate barrel.

Faxon Flame Fluting

Glock 17 Gen 5 Barrel Specs

Handgun Type: G17 Gen 5
Barrel Caliber: 9mm
Barrel Profile: Flame Fluted, Drop In (Compatible with Gen 5)
Barrel Material: 416-R Stainless Steel
Barrel Twist: 1:10
Muzzle Thread: N/A
Crown: 11-degree Target Crown
Rifling Method: Button Rifled, Fully Stress Relieved
Rifling Type: Conventional
Inside Finish: Salt Bath Nitride
Outside Finish: Salt Bath Nitride

Glock 17 Gen 5 Threaded Barrel Specs

Handgun Type: G17 Gen 5
Barrel Caliber: 9mm
Barrel Profile: Flame Fluted, Drop In (Compatible with Gen 5)
Barrel Material: 416-R Stainless Steel
Barrel Twist: 1:10
Muzzle Thread: 1/2×28
Crown: 11-degree Target Crown
Rifling Method: Button Rifled, Fully Stress Relieved
Rifling Type: Conventional
Inside Finish: Salt Bath Nitride
Outside Finish: Salt Bath Nitride

Close up of the Glock 17 Gen 5 barrel from Faxon

Tighter lockup and SAMMI specs improve shot to shot accuracy and reliability.

Some of the features highlighted on the Faxon Firearms website to explain why their barrels are superior to those of their competitors are as follows:

4150 or 416-R Stainless – When used in firearm barrels, these two types of steel are made for durability, longevity & accuracy.
9mm SAAMI Chambers – Superior Accuracy w/ complete SAAMI Compatibility & Boring Reliability.
Tighter Tolerances – A Drop In barrel with better fitment and a tighter lock-up than competing brands.
Conventional Rifling – Fully compatible with cast lead bullets.
11° Target Crown – This preserves and protects accuracy.

11-degree target crown preserves accuracy and increases barrel life.

Threaded Barrels and Compensators

The threaded barrel and compensator work together to enhance the accuracy and stability of the Glock 17 Gen 5. The compensator shown here for the Glock 17 Gen 5 called EXOS has a unique design with an angled front port and a single chamber.

This design helps to decrease the movement of the muzzle by reducing both the upward and sideward recoil, resulting in improved accuracy from shot to shot.

Muzzle flip reduction is baked into the DNA of Faxon EXOS compensators.

Upgrading your Glock 17 Gen 5 barrel can be a game changer for anyone who wants to take their firearm’s performance to the next level.

With improved accuracy, increased range, reduced recoil and muzzle rise, enhanced safety features, and increased reliability, the benefits of upgrading your barrel are undeniable.

With the right barrel, you can unlock your firearm’s full potential and take your skills to the next level.

Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories | 3 Comments »

Unity Tactical Hires CMDCM Todd Roth, USN, Ret

April 4th, 2023

Roth Joins Executive Leadership Team as Vice President of International OperationsBROUSSARD, LA. (April 4, 2023) – UNITY™ Tactical, a designer of components that optimize the human factor and integrate tactical systems for peak performance, announced today the hire of Todd Roth as vice president of international operations. In this role Roth joins the executive leadership team and is responsible for the strategic growth of all international initiatives, including the curation of key relationships, oversight of the business development process, and program management for tenders and opportunities outside the U.S.

Roth joins UNITY following his role with Bell Collaborative™ as vice president of business development where he was able to grow, reach and diversify its traditional portfolio, while expanding services to new and existing clients.

“With customers in more than 40 allied nations worldwide, global operations are a key to our business and future growth,” said Trent Zimmer, founder and president of UNITY Tactical. “With his intimate understanding of the professional end user and his extensive experience in international business development and operations, Todd will usher sustained growth and ensure a continued focus on and commitment to the global customer.”

Prior to joining Bell Collaborative, Roth managed international business development for tactical helmet manufacturer Team Wendy® for two years. He also held a similar role at Wilcox® where he was responsible for the formation of their international business practices that yielded significant growth for the business during his nine-year tenure there. His initial transition to defense manufacturing with Wilcox was seamless following his more than 26 years serving in diverse operational and executive joint-combined leadership roles and program systems development/acquisition within the U.S. Navy and U.S. Special Operations.

“UNITY has a history and catalog of innovative and high-quality products backed by great people and a mature culture of integrity, professionalism and agility,” Roth said. “UNITY has seen significant success and growth in recent years, and I’m honored to join their ranks and help the brand in its continued upward trajectory. Ultimately, people make a great business and UNITY has some of the best.”

“Todd is one of the most well-respected professionals in the industry and we are proud to welcome him to our team and benefit from his expertise,” Zimmer added.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Press Release | 2 Comments »