Phantom Lights

PROOF Research Greg Hamilton and Nightforce Optics Sean Murphy Score Another Team Win at the Tactical Games Sniper Challenge

June 21st, 2023

The two-day event, held outside of Bozeman, Montana, was a new challenge and competition for the dynamic duo.

Columbia Falls, Mont. (June 2023) –The Tactical Games Sniper Challenge was a new competition for PROOF Research®’s Weapons Test Specialist Greg Hamilton and Sean Murphy of Nightforce Optics, but it did not slow down their winning streak. The duo took 1st Place Team at the Tactical Games Sniper Challenge which took place outside of Bozeman, Montana at the TacTic Range, from June 10 – 11, 2023.

The challenge tested the teams’ target recognition, ranging, wind calling, non-standard shooting positions, problem-solving, and physical stress management. The challenge also used time-plus scoring, emphasizing speed as a component during engagements, with hefty penalties for targets not hit, or failed to be engaged.

“The Tactical Games Sniper Challenge was a new event for us that required a lot of preparation due to the shooting and physical components,” Murphy explained. “We chose the Conviction rifle due to its precision capability in a lightweight package for carrying across multiple miles of Montana hills. The performance of these rifles was as expected, delivering precise shots on target and allowing us to excel.”

Murphy shot as primary using a PROOF Research Conviction 6mm Creedmoor rifle and Greg Hamilton shot as secondary using a PROOF Research .223 Conviction rifle. The Conviction rifle combines PROOF’s patented carbon fiber barrel with their laid carbon fiber stock resulting in a superior lightweight, robust, long-range tactical system. It features an adjustable cheekpiece, near vertical grip, standard low-profile flush cups, and a wider forearm to accommodate an EFR mount.

PROOF Research is a well-known brand within the precision rifle community and is one of the leading barrel brands used by champion competitors in the Precision Rifle Series (PRS) and National Rifle League (NRL). Developed to enhance mission success for our warfighters, PROOF Research’s carbon fiber barrels are designed for long-range accuracy, performance, and reliability under any environmental condition.

Find out more about PROOF Research barrels and rifles at proofresearch.com.

Direct Action Rope Bag

June 21st, 2023

Rope Bag is designed for tactical operations involving rappelling, such as on buildings or from a helicopter. This bag can carry up to 30 meters of rappelling rope.

Made from durable Cordura® 500D fabric, this bag is equipped with an adjustable carrying strap attachable to either a belt or a rappelling harness. The bag can be additionally stabilized using included side straps to comfortably attach it to the leg.

The main compartment can be easily accessed and the rope efficiently coiled using a zippered top closure. The rope is pulled from the bag via an elastic-finished opening that ensures both easy access and smooth rope operation. A Velcro®-closed loop at the bottom of the bag provides a secure attachment for the rope end. There are three drains at the bottom of the bag to remove water and dirt from the inside.

Key features:

–        durable and resistant to tearing with Cordura® 500D

–        attachable to a belt or a rappelling harness

–        packs up to 30 m of rappelling rope

–        wide range of adjustments for maximum fit and comfort

–        easy to handle and use, even in challenging situations

Tech specs:

weight: 362 g

dimensions: 15 x 39 x 13 cm

eu.directactiongear.com/en/rope-bag

Warrior East 23 – Forgeline Solutions

June 21st, 2023

Forgeline Solutions has introduced an in-line change to their Nano Low Loft Pant, adding full-length side zips to assist in donning and doffing.

Units and agencies can procure products seen at Warrior East by contacting ADS, Inc.

Warrior East 23 – Oakley

June 21st, 2023

Laser protective lenses in the visible and IR wavelengths are now available for the HNBL (pronounced Hannibal), M Frame, and M Frame Alpha.

In addition go laser protection, you also get all of the impact protection you expect from Oakley.

Units and agencies can procure products seen at Warrior East by contacting ADS, Inc.

2023 Warrior East

June 21st, 2023

If the impressive signage is any indication, this year’s Warrior East is going to be awesome! But seriously, I peaked inside and there is loads of cool stuff with lots of new vendors as well as the brands we all know and love.

BlueBird Aero Systems Unveils MagiCam: Field-Proven Hi-Rez Tactical Mapping Solution – Day & Night

June 21st, 2023

[Hepher Industrial Park, Israel, June 21, 2023] – BlueBird Aero Systems, a leading innovator in unmanned aerial Tactical systems (UAS) technology, proudly introduces MagiCam, a groundbreaking 3D Hi-Rez Large Area Mapping capability integrated with the renowned autonomous UAV, the WanderB-VTOL. This cutting-edge system revolutionizes large-scale mapping operations with its advanced Imaging payload, Smart features, stealthy operation and top-of-the-line actionable products.

MagiCam offers impressive specifications and delivers unmatched performance: It provides a projected footprint of up to 40 km2/hour (2D) and up to 12 km2/hour (3D) when flying undetected at 500 meters altitude, ensuring exceptional speed and efficiency. With a 3.2cm/pixel Ground Sample Distance (GSD), the system guarantees clear and detailed imagery, while its scalable processing time delivers quick results within hours of landing. Equipped with a uniquely designed gimbaled camera, MagiCam scans the area and captures multiple geo-tagged high-resolution images for precise mapping and 3D data. It also excels in detecting and marking changes between sorties, enabling users to track alterations over time, enhancing situational awareness and decision-making.

The mapping mission is planed using intuitive interface and executed autonomously by the UAV, ensuring seamless operation.

In defense applications, MagiCam provides valuable 3D and tactical information for combat units and facilitates target positioning for smart munitions. It enables near real-time terrain and hostile situational awareness, aiding informed decision-making. The system also contributes to battle damage assessment (BDA), operational mission planning, high- accuracy measurement tools, and mission preparation 3D databases. Optional inclusion of IR thermal mapping adds versatility for night operations.

The MagiCam payload* features impressive specifications, including a 103 MP sensor, a 5-look projected image footprint, nadir imaging capabilities, an onboard processing computer, and high-speed storage in an amazing weight of 1500 grams. It supports geo- tagging and includes a calibrated lens for precise data processing.

BlueBird presents a comprehensive tactical mapping solution with MagiCam, combining high-resolution 2D and 3D mapping capabilities with autonomous, simple and undetected operation. The system excels in providing extensive coverage per flight hour, ensuring efficient mapping operations. Equipped with powerful intelligence analysis tools**, MagiCam enables advanced data analysis and interpretation, further enhancing its value.

*Payload developed by WaldoAir from Panama City Florida. WaldoAir is the main supplier of 3D mapping payload for FEMA and the Civil Air Patrol.

**Processing of images, creation of 3D database and the smart tools supported by Skyline Software Inc. software and are used by the US army geospatial centers and many other organizations around the world.

“We are thrilled to introduce MagiCam, a game-changing tactical 3D mapping solution,” says Ronen Nadir, CEO & Founder at BlueBird. “This innovative system redefines the boundaries of large area mapping, delivering exceptional 3D products, accuracy, efficiency and capabilities never seen before. MagiCam’s integration with our WanderB-VTOL UAV further enhances its capabilities, providing customers with an unparalleled solution for their mapping needs.”

www.bluebird-uav.com

Blue Force Gear Exhibiting at ADS Warrior Expo East

June 21st, 2023

Blue Force Gear will be exhibiting at ADS Warrior Expo East on June 21–22 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Reps will be on hand to talk about Blue Force Gear products. Stop by Booth #607 to meet the team and check out the latest from Blue Force Gear.

Space Control Squadron Redesignated Electronic Warfare Squadron

June 21st, 2023

CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION, Fla. – The 114th Space Control Squadron, a geographically separated unit assigned to the Florida Air National Guard’s 125th Fighter Wing, was redesignated as the 114th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron Jan. 14.

The redesignation more accurately associates the unit’s name with its mission and aligns it with active-duty Space Force counterparts who were redesignated last year. It also reflects the evolution of electromagnetic warfare technologies to the forefront of space operations.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Scott McGuire, commander of the 114th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron, said the squadron will now be recognized, by name, as a combat unit providing critical electromagnetic warfare functions to joint force warfighters across domains. At the same time, they will continue providing the same support to the U.S. Space Force. This change also recognizes that these Airmen offer the same capabilities as their active-duty Space Force counterparts.

The 114th’s mission is to organize, train and equip personnel to conduct electromagnetic attacks in contested, congested and constrained environments downrange, using specialized equipment such as the counter communications system, or CCS. The CCS denies communications from satellites in orbit, cutting off adversarial communications during a conflict, creating a safer, more secure environment for U.S. and joint warfighters.

“Successful space operations depend on dominating the electromagnetic spectrum,” said Ed Zoiss, president of the space and airborne systems segment for L3Harris Technologies and a Navy veteran. “Denying our enemies the ability to use their space assets protects U.S. warfighter operations.”

While the mission is the same, the newly designated electromagnetic warfare squadron remains committed to developing combat-trained, combat-ready and combat-focused Airmen ready to support warfighters across all domains.

“The Department of Defense’s growing dependence on the electromagnetic spectrum to remain connected and share data is only growing,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Anthony Surman, assistant operations officer at the 114th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron. “It’s important that we recognize that we need the capability to conduct both electromagnetic and kinetic attacks; we can deliver a multitude of options.”

Air National Guard units reporting to the former U.S. Space Command have continued supporting space-centric missions for the Space Force since its inception in 2019. The units have an atypical arrangement in which they fall under a major command of the Air Force while receiving operational taskings from the Space Force.

By Senior Airman Jacob Hancock, 125th Fighter Wing Public Affairs