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Marine Corps Selects Prototyping Participants for Medium Tactical Truck Development Program

February 2nd, 2024

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. — The Marine Corps has selected Mack Defense and Navistar Defense to participate in Phase I for the development of the Medium Tactical Truck (MTT) program. This pivotal phase, spanning an estimated 12 months, will see the performers leveraging the Corps’ top-level requirements to submit innovative design concepts and comprehensive project plan for Phase II (prototype build phase).

The Medium Tactical Truck is slated to replace the existing Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) fleet, including Cargo, Dump, Wrecker, Tractor, and Re-Supply Variants. The focus of the competitive prototype phase will be on the Cargo variant.

Key top-level requirements for the Medium Tactical Truck include:

Cargo Variants: The MTT Cargo variants consist of three configurations:

a 10 ft Cargo bed

b 15 ft Cargo bed

c 20 ft Cargo bed

Hybrid Electric Technologies: Integration of hybrid electric technologies for reduced fuel consumption, extended range, and a silent watch capability.

Onboard and Export Power: 10 kW on-board power generation to support all mission packages and scalable exportable power up to 30 kW to meet external system power demands.

Mobility: Continued robust all terrain mobility with a 70% off-road and 30% on-road mission profile, with a unique 60” water fording capability specific to the United States Marine Corps (USMC).

Safety and Stability: Advancements in safety and stability control systems, increased interoperability, and heightened mission flexibility through modularity and open systems architecture.

Armor System: Modular and scalable armor system that allows for the change/upgrade of force protection and survivability levels, considering ease of installation and maintenance.

Maintenance and Reliability: Advancements in condition-based maintenance systems, increased reliability, durability, and corrosion prevention.

The Marine Corps looks forward to collaborating with Mack Defense and Navistar Defense in this crucial development phase, working toward the common goal of delivering a Medium Tactical Truck that meets the diverse and challenging needs of Marine Corps missions.

Marine Corps Systems Command

USMC Photo by Sgt Christian M Garcia

Posted in Contracts, Guest Post, Mobility, USMC | 1 Comment »

Ammunition Production Capacity Increasing: Várpalota Ammo Plant Continues to Grow

February 1st, 2024

The new Rheinmetall ammunition plant in Várpalota, Hungary, currently being built by the Hungarian holding company N7 on behalf of the joint venture company Rheinmetall Hungary Munitions Zrt., is now poised to expand as planned. The second phase of construction started in January 2024.

The concept for a multi-phase expansion of the plant existed prior to February 2022 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The project constitutes a strategic Hungarian investment in cooperation with Rheinmetall in response to the shortfall in ammunition already apparent at the time given the anticipated increase in demand in Europe and NATO. Furthermore, it has the added aim of reducing Europe’s dependence on overseas imports.

Just one year ago, the foundation stone was laid in Várpalota for the first part of the new Rheinmetall plant, where the joint venture company Rheinmetall Hungary Munitions Zrt. will in future produce ammunition for various systems. The first expansion phase of the plant will enable production of 30mm medium-calibre ammunition for the Lynx infantry fighting vehicles which will be built by Rheinmetall at its new tank plant in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary. Production starts in 2024.

Now set to begin, the “Várpalota 2.0” expansion will increase the size of the plant by 20 hectares to approximately 120 hectares. The number of employees will grow to up to a total of 200.

In addition, the product range will expand to include new types of ammunition, principally 155mm artillery shells for the PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer and 120mm ammunition for the Leopard 2 main battle tank and its potential follower, the Panther KF51 EVO. Production is slated to begin in early 2026. Furthermore, Rheinmetall also plans to carry out development and acceptance testing at Várpalota.

Part of this strategic expansion of capacity for the production of ammunition in Hungary is also an additional plant for the production of explosives (RDX), which is being built in parallel on the same site and also in a joint venture between Reinmetall and N7. This will also make a major contribution to ensuring the security of supply of this elementary raw material for ammunition production in Europe.

Part of the Várpalota’s output will meet the needs of the Hungarian armed forces, with the rest destined for export.

In addition to the newly built plant operated by Rheinmetall Hungary Munitions Zrt., today Rheinmetall already produces ammunition in Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, South Africa, Australia and the United States.

Posted in Ammo, Industry, International, Press Release | 5 Comments »

Allen-Vanguard Awarded Contract to Supply SCORPION ECM Systems to a NATO Ally

February 1st, 2024

Allen-Vanguard, a global leader in providing customized solutions for defeating Radio Frequency (RF) based terrorist and extremist threats, is delighted to announce that it has won a significant contract to supply 68 SCORPION Electronic Counter Measure (ECM) systems, accessories and spares to a NATO ally. The Allen-Vanguard team will be at the World Defense Show in Saudi Arabia at stand E38 to discuss all their products.

In addition to the hardware, Allen-Vanguard will also provide various support services, including a Train the Trainer (T3) package, to ensure that end users are fully equipped, trained, and prepared to deploy this vital life-saving capability as needed with full operational autonomy. In line with Allen- Vanguard’s philosophy of developing a full sovereign capability for their clients, the T3 package will ensure that the end user can train and evaluate their own personnel on the SCORPION hardware now and into the future.

Allen-Vanguard is also contracted to support in-country with staged technical support visits, spread out over several years. These visits are to help maintain the hardware and update the software to maximise the protection provided and further develop the technical capabilities of the customer.

The initial operating capability for evaluation and training will be delivered in a matter of weeks with further deliverables later in the year.

With now well over 500 sales globally, SCORPION is deployed protecting troops, NGOs and other government agencies in every continent worldwide. It has a flexible, modular architecture with a wide range of power options, antenna configurations and carriage systems which make it is suitable for a myriad of protection tasks. It delivers a hybrid, full spectrum system with extensive threat band coverage giving it superior usability which, combined with advanced technologies, makes SCORPION the most powerful response to present and future RCIED & Drone threats.

Allen-Vanguard’s Business Development Director, Stuart Wilson, said “I am proud that Allen-Vanguard is supporting a key NATO ally with our life-saving SCORPION system. This equipment and the associated support services will ensure that the customer is fully equipped with the best possible capability to address the threats they may face both domestically and abroad. We look forward to working in partnership with the end users into the future to address their needs as they continue to grow and develop this strategic capability.”

Posted in CIED, Contracts, EW, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Allen-Vanguard Awarded Contract to Supply SCORPION ECM Systems to a NATO Ally

Visit Hudson Supplies Corp at Enforce Tac

February 1st, 2024

Meet us at Enforce Tac 2024 (Nurnberg, Germany) 26-28 February 2024 (NEW 3 days event).

We’ll be introducing new products from Down East Innovation and Hudson Supplies Corp (USA)

Bring a patch and will trade for our Enforce Tac 2024 fun morale patch.

Special offers will be available at the booth 7-472.

Posted in Advertiser, Enforce Tac, Guest Post | Comments Off on Visit Hudson Supplies Corp at Enforce Tac

WATCHTOWER Firearm’s SPEC OPS Type 15 Rifle: Combining Billet Precision and Military Heritage

February 1st, 2024

SPRING, TX (Jan. 30, 2024) — A combination of billet precision and military heritage, the WATCHTOWER SPEC OPS Type 15 Rifle offers an unmatched combination of high quality and value in an AR-15-type platform available to both the civilian and law enforcement markets.

The SPEC OPS TYPE 15 features a receiver set machined to the tightest tolerances from high-grade 7075-T6511 billet aluminum to secure a wobble-free fitment and to prevent dust and debris from entering. Assembled with an ambidextrous charging handle and WATCHTOWER’s patented safety selector to satisfy the need for more dexterity, this allows more surface area to manipulate the mechanics of the firearm. The SPEC OPS Type 15 also features an upgraded fire control group with Hiperfire’s EDT2 Heavy Gunner trigger, a single-stage semi-auto LE/SWAT AR upgrade, and WATCHTOWER’s proprietary Tru-Black PVD coated 5.56 NATO M16 profile MPI tested Durabolt BCG, the company’s most robust, durable, and easy-to-clean coating. You can choose between a 16-inch 5.56 NATO cold hammer forged or a .223 Wylde stainless steel barrel with a 1:8 rifling twist, both with a mid-length gas system. Surrounding the barrel is the 13.7-inch S7M free-floating handguard with M-LOK attachment slots at five positions, 4 QD points, and a full-length 1913 Picatinny rail. WATCHTOWER’s Flat Face compensating muzzle brake is incorporated at the end of the barrel, a device to mitigate recoil and finished in a Tru-black PVD coating. This rifle also comes with B5 B5-reinforced polymer pistol grip and buttstock.

“The SPEC OPS Type 15 rifle has been designed for those who enjoy shooting a best-in-class AR-15 platform that honors our military heritage,” said WATCHTOWER CEO Jason Colosky, a former Recon Marine serving throughout Southwest Asia and Southeast Africa. “You can choose between 5.56 NATO or .223 Wylde. It’s a fast-handling rifle designed to perform flawlessly under extreme conditions.”

WATCHTOWER SPEC OPS Type 15 Rifle SPECIFICATIONS

Receiver: TYPE 15 7075-T651 billet aluminum

Handguard: 13.7-inch S7M free-floating handguard

Barrel: .223 Wylde match grade 1:8 rifling, black nitride finish

Muzzle Device: WATCHTOWER 5.56 NATO Flat Face, Tru-black PVD finish

Bolt Carrier Group: 5.56 NATO Durabolt, Tru-black PVD finish

Trigger: Hiperfire EDT2 Heavy Gunner

Safety Selector: WATCHTOWER ambidextrous, black finish

Charging Handle: WATCHTOWER ambidextrous

Grip: B5 Systems Type 23 P-grip

Stock: B5 Systems Bravo stock

Weight: 7 lbs.

Finishes: Black type III anodized or select from three Cerakote colors: FDE, OD Green and Wolf Grey

The suggested retail price for the.223 Wylde configuration is $1349, while the MSRP for the 5.56 NATO configuration is $1599. Available finishes include Black type III anodized, or you can select from three Cerakote colors: FDE, OD Green, and Wolf Grey.

WATCHTOWER Firearms is a veteran-owned firearm manufacturing company known for innovative design in its custom precision firearms that proudly manufactures its entire product line solely in America. The company offers a lifetime manufacturer product warranty on all firearms to protect our customers against any manufacturing defects. If your firearm does have evidence of such defects, WATCHTOWER Firearms will accommodate fixing, repairing, or replacing your product. To learn more about WATCHTOWER and the company’s unique vision for the firearms industry, visit www.watchtowerfirearms.com.

Posted in Black Rifle, Press Release | 1 Comment »

California Ammo Background Check Requirement Overturned – Botach Inc. Resumes Shipping to California

February 1st, 2024

Botach Inc., a leading supplier of tactical and outdoor equipment, is thrilled to announce the resumption of ammunition sales to California, following the recent overturning of the state’s ammunition background check requirement. This landmark decision marks a significant moment for Second Amendment rights in California.

The ruling, which deemed the background check requirement unconstitutional, opens the door for California residents to once again purchase ammunition without the previous regulatory constraints. Botach Inc. has promptly responded to this change, ensuring a seamless process for customers in California to access our extensive range of ammunition.

“We are excited to once again serve our loyal customers in California,” said Mr. Botach of Botach Inc. “Our commitment to providing the best tactical and outdoor equipment extends to all Americans, and this ruling allows us to better fulfill that promise to our customers in California.”

Botach Inc. has a long-standing reputation for offering a wide variety of high-quality ammunition and tactical gear, catering to both civilian and law enforcement needs. The company is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and timely delivery, ensuring that California residents can quickly and efficiently receive their orders.

California customers can now browse and purchase from Botach Inc.’s comprehensive selection of ammunition online. We are committed to ensuring a smooth and compliant process for all purchases and deliveries in accordance with state and federal laws.

For more information about our products and services, or to place an order, please visit Botach.com or contact Sales@botach.com

Posted in 2A, Ammo, Press Release | 3 Comments »

Ohio Ordnance Works – REAPR Sliding Feed Tray

February 1st, 2024

One of the many patented features of OOW’s new 338 Norma Mag lightweight medium machine gun, the Recoil Enhanced Automatic Rifle (REAPR) is the sliding feed tray and cover.

Naturally, I was intrigued by this innovation and asked to take a closer look.

The feed tray and cover slide sideways and can be accessed allowing the use of longer optics.

www.oowinc.com

Posted in weapons | 2 Comments »

VTAC Tomahawk Heart

February 1st, 2024

If you jump in the “Way Back” machine and look at many of the tomahawks from the frontier days of our country you will see many hearts cut into tomahawk blades. They wanted to make something similar so here is the VTAC take on old school with the asymmetrical heart and new school made with 80CRV2 Steel. The tang is tapered and the handles are made from canvas micarta. The leather sheath was made by Melynda and is decorated with hearts as well. Make a donation to Stay in the Fight Foundation and receive this, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Available at www.vikingtactics.com/shop/vtac-tomahawk-heart

Posted in Guest Post, Knives | 1 Comment »