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AFSOC Selects MQ-9B Skyguardian for UAS Family of Systems Concept

March 7th, 2023

GA-ASI to Deliver Three Aircraft to First U.S. Customer

SAN DIEGO – 06 March 2023 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. is proud to announce a new contract with U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) to provide three MQ-9B SkyGuardian® remotely piloted aircraft systems to its first U.S. customer.

AFSOC’s acquisition of MQ-9B builds on more than 20 years as a GA-ASI partner and more than 14 years flying the MQ-9A Reaper, operating more than 40 aircraft in harsh environments around the world.

MQ-9B will feature a key role in developing AFSOC’s new Adaptive Airborne Enterprise (A2E) concept, which envisions AFSOC projecting air power for special operations forces from beyond the horizon, using a family of large UAS and expendable, small UAS from permissive to denied environments.

“We’re very excited to continue our great partnership with AFSOC well into the future,” said David R. Alexander, president of GA-ASI. “MQ-9B is the ideal platform for inserting air-launched effects into potentially hostile environments. The MQ-9B’s combination of range, endurance, reduced manpower footprint, and overall flexibility will make it a true centerpiece of AFSOC’s future family of advanced UAS systems.”

MQ-9B represents the next generation of UAS, having demonstrated airborne endurance of more than 40 hours in certain configurations, automatic takeoffs and landings under SATCOM-only control, as well as a GA-ASI-developed Detect and Avoid System, among other upgrades. Its development is the result of a company-funded effort to deliver a UAS that can meet the stringent airworthiness certification requirements of various global military and civil authorities.

MQ-9B has garnered significant interest from customers throughout the world. After the UK Ministry of Defence selected MQ-9B SkyGuardian for its upcoming Protector program, the Belgian Ministry of Defense signed a contract for SkyGuardian. The Japan Coast Guard is currently operating MQ-9B in the SeaGuardian® configuration, which the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) also recently selected for its Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) RPAS Trial Operation Project beginning in April.

Posted in Air Force, Contracts, Press Release, SOF, UAS | Comments Off on AFSOC Selects MQ-9B Skyguardian for UAS Family of Systems Concept

Caracal USA Signs Laura Burgess Marketing

March 7th, 2023

Laura Burgess Marketing (LBM) will lead efforts to increase brand awareness of the global company to new customers within the commercial markets in the US.

Caracal CSR 308 Precision RifleNampa, ID (March 2023) – Caracal USA, a leading international manufacturer of small arms for the law enforcement and defense markets, has partnered with Laura Burgess Marketing (LBM), a 20 year veteran of public relations and marketing communications within the shooting sports community, as part of the company’s strategy to build market share in the US commercial shooting sports market.

“We are thrilled to be a part of the marketing team for the Caracal USA brand,” Laura Burgess, president of LBM, commented. “This company has built its reputation on serving the world’s elite law enforcement and militaries, and now our efforts will focus on driving brand awareness to the concealed carry and self-defense markets, shooting sports competitors, and hunters in the US.”

“As part of our 2023 corporate strategy to increase brand awareness and visibility in the commercial market, while continuing to support our law enforcement and military markets, partnering with an industry veteran with a solid reputation for success is key,” Jeffrey Spalding, president and CEO of Caracal USA, added. “LBM will be instrumental to our success in the shooting sports community this year.”

Caracal Lynx DS?Caracal USA, known for the CAR816A2 produced in the US, introduced several new products at the 2023 SHOT Show. First, the Enhanced F has been completely redefined and is currently being produced in Caracal USA’s new facility in Idaho and will be available in late spring. Additional new products include the Caracal Lynx DS, a 2011-style pistol available in three calibers, the Lynx DS Compact available in three calibers, the Lynx DS Versus™ designed for competition use and available in three calibers, the CMP9K fully ambidextrous semi-auto pistol, and the CSR 308 and 338 long-range precision rifles. Caracal USA’s new products will become available to dealers throughout 2023.

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

Aeroknox – AX // MP5 Lower

March 7th, 2023

The new AX // MP5 Lower from Aeroknox is manufactured from 7075 billet aluminum and offers AR grip compatibility. Weighing just 6 ounces there is no FFL requirement for purchase and it is fitted with no tools.

Currently only available for PTR 9 clones. Zenith clones and HK will follow.

www.aeroknox.com/product-page/ax-mp5-lower

Posted in Weapon Accessories | 2 Comments »

SOG Sponsors AKTI’s “Carry With Confidence” Knife Giveaway

March 7th, 2023

Cody, WY – SOG Knives & Tools, a supporter of the American Knife and Tools Institute (AKTI) for more than 20 years, is hosting a knife giveaway in March, helping to reinforce AKTI’s mission of educating and informing the public about the value of carrying knives.

In 2023, AKTI will celebrate 25 years as the leading, cohesive voice of the knife industry and advocate for the knife community. Industry members like SOG will spearhead knife giveaways throughout the year to help amplify AKTI’s message. The nonprofit provides valuable information for knife owners to carry and use their knives and edged tools with confidence by providing accurate laws and other valuable information. It advocates to remove or clarify knife laws so individuals can use and enjoy the tool they choose for the task at hand.

The SOG giveaway is free to enter and will be held for two weeks – March 6-20. One winner will be chosen for a grand prize package that includes a folding knife, a multi-tool, and a fixed-blade knife. The prize package is valued at more than $500. To enter, click here.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to have the leading brands in the knife industry step up and assist in promoting our mission,” said Mark Schreiber, President of CRKT and President of AKTI. “While we celebrate our 25th anniversary year, these giveaways are one way for us to stay engaged with the knife community that supports our advocacy and education work.”

Other giveaways are planned this year, as is the annual Free to Carry auction that features an outstanding mix of production and custom knives.

Posted in Contracts, Knives, Press Release | Comments Off on SOG Sponsors AKTI’s “Carry With Confidence” Knife Giveaway

Enforce Tac 23 – Crispi AT4 GTX

March 7th, 2023

Based in the commercial Attica Universal boot, the Crispi AT4 GTX (Attiva Tactical 4 GORE-TEX) features the Gore-Tex Extended Comfort membrane.

Word is, a non-GORE-TEX version is also in the works.

Posted in Advertiser, Boots, Enforce Tac | Comments Off on Enforce Tac 23 – Crispi AT4 GTX

Enforce Tac – Lavase Mobile Hygiene

March 7th, 2023

Field hygiene can be challenging and we all know how important it can be to maintaining a healthy force. That’s why I was pleased to see the Lavase Mobile Hygiene system from BWMK on display at Enforce Tac.

This self-contained wash basin requires no batteries or shore power as it is pressurized via an integral pump mechanism. It also features an 8.5 liter clean water tank and a separate waste water tank. Finally, there is a shower spigot attachment.

Posted in Enforce Tac, Sustainment | Comments Off on Enforce Tac – Lavase Mobile Hygiene

Enforce Tac – Carinthia Poncho System

March 7th, 2023

Austria’s Carinthia continues to introduce new products including the Carinthia Poncho System, consisting of two components (Poncho PRO-C and Poncho PRO-R) which can be used alone or in concert with one another.

The PRO-R offers rain protection while the PRO-C is for cold protection. In addition to use as a poncho and tarp, the ponchos can be configured as a sleeping bag, with or without bivy. There is a zip-on hood for the Poncho PRO-C which incorporates mosquito netting.

Seen above is a new proprietary camouflage pattern developed by Carinthia.

Coming Autumn 2023.

US Elite has begun to bring Carinthia products into the US. Hopefully, they’ll include CPS.

Posted in Advertiser, Enforce Tac, International, Shelter | 5 Comments »

2023 Helikon-Tex Preview

March 7th, 2023

Helikon-Tex offered an awesome display at the IWA Outdoor Classics. Here is a sneak peek of a few items coming in 2023.

Striding into the booth, you are greeted by a mannequin kitted out head-to-toe in Rhodesian Brushstroke, equipped with the Raid Shirt, Urban Tactical Shorts, Claymore Bag, Chicom Chest Rig, and Mirage Carbine Sling.

Here’s a focus on the CHICOM Chest Rig mentioned above.

Next are a couple of new paint jobs on classic Helikon-Tex products. From Top Left, Clockwise: Raid Shirt in Tigerstripe, Patriot Jacket Mk II in Tigerstripe, Reversible Swagmen Roll in PenCott patterns, and Reversible Swagmen Roll in Mitchell camouflage.

Finally, we have the Traveler folding chair which features the highest quality aluminum poles from suppliers in Korea. The Traveler includes a storage case. Expect these in several colors.

This is by no means complete and I’ll dive more extensively into their upcoming items later this week.

Posted in Clothing, IWA | 6 Comments »