FirstSpear TV

Speer Ammunition Awarded Contract to Provide Duty Ammunition to the French Police

January 31st, 2023

LEWISTON, Idaho – January 30, 2023 – Speer Ammunition was recently awarded the French Police 9mm duty handgun ammunition contract for Speer 124-grain Gold Dot. The duty handgun contract will supply this agency for up to four years with an expected quantity of 20 million rounds.

“We are extremely pleased with this prestigious contract award,” said Speer’s President Jason Vanderbrink. “It validates the high level of trust the international law enforcement agencies have with our extremely reliable and innovative products.”

The Gold Dot ammunition will be fielded by the French National Police, the National Gendarmerie, Customs Police, and the Penitentiary Administration totaling more than 250,000 individuals.

“The use of Gold Dot technology in this contract ammunition ensures the highest performance threshold and absolute confidence in performance,” said Vice President of Law Enforcement, Government, and International Sales David Leis. “We are proud to produce ammunition that meets and exceeds our customer’s strict requirements.”

Speer Gold Dot has set an industry benchmark for both self-defense and duty use, earning the trust of consumers and law enforcement world-wide. The bullet features a pressure-formed lead core that is bonded to an extremely uniform jacket a single atom at a time that virtually eliminates separation on impact for more retained weight and consistent penetration depths. The Gold Dot hollow-point design expands consistently through a full range of barriers. Reliable ignition and cycling are delivered thanks to sealed primers and nickel-plated brass.

Speer ammunition can be found at dealers nationwide. For more information on all products from Speer or to shop online, visit www.speer.com

SHOT Show 23 – Elite Survival Systems

January 31st, 2023

The Stealth TH SBR Backpack from Elite Survival Systems certainly doesn’t scream “gun!” but it’s got 20″ of internal length to fit many guns. Plus the interior is fitted with loop to attach tie down points and accessories.

There’s also an optional IIIA armor panel insert. Offered in Black and Heather Gray.

elitesurvival.com/products/stealth-sbr-backpack

TacJobs – Ranger Mechanic

January 31st, 2023

Do you want to be a Ranger Mechanic?

There are no second-class support personnel in the Rangers. Every Ranger goes through Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP) and is given the same training, equipment, and standards. Every Ranger wears the tan beret and scroll which creates a high level of pride and esprit de corps whether you’re an infantryman, medic, or mechanic.

Ranger Wheeled Vehicle Mechanics (MOS 91B) shoot, jump, and PT with the line infantry in addition to getting lots of quality, hands-on time turning wrenches on vehicles.

In addition to leadership schools like Ranger School, Pathfinder, and Jumpmaster, Ranger mechanics have access to cutting-edge training to maintain the most advanced vehicles in the Army.

There’s no better place in the Army to be a mechanic. Whether you are looking at joining the Army or have already enlisted, visit 75thrangerregiment.org for info on how to join.

Hoptic USA – Direct Optic Mounting Solution (DOMs) for Henry and Marlin Lever Guns

January 31st, 2023

Introducing the Direct Optic Mounting Solution (DOMs) for Henry and Marlin Lever Guns.

First to market will be the DOM for the RMR/407/507 models and the DOM-K for the 407k/507k models. Current versions are for Henry & Marlin rifle calibers. (45-70 & 30-30) Handgun calibers will be released soon.

The adjustable rear sight is included. The Low profile mount design and adjustable sight allow users to co-witness on most rifle configurations.

www.hopticusa.com

Arktis Elite Range B474

January 31st, 2023

The Arktis “Elite” line is their spearhead into cutting-edge fabric technology, where they plan to push the limits of performance, fit, and function.

The new B747 Vulcan is an insulated jacket featuring mapped insulation with 100gsm of Primaloft Gold across the body and 60gsm across the arms while the shell is DWR treated.

The two large front pockets have dual opening zips, providing flexibility and internal slots provide convenient storage for mobile or comms units.

The arm pockets incorporate loop panels for unit /ID patches.

The three point adjustable hood also features a wired brim.

The B747 Vulcan jacket is available in Black and MultiCam in sizes XS-XXL.

store.arktis.co.uk/collections/b474-vulcan-jacket

BAE Systems Receives Contract for 20 Additional CV90 Mjölner Mortar Systems for Swedish Army

January 31st, 2023

This new order for 20 additional CV90 mortar systems for the Swedish Army brings the total fleet to 80 vehicles, planned to be in service by 2025

BAE Systems has received a contract modification from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to build 20 additional CV90 mortar vehicles. The approximately $30 million contract has been awarded to the BAE Systems Swedish joint venture HB Utveckling AB, which combines BAE Systems’ Hägglunds and Bofors manufacturing capabilities. Production will be performed at BAE Systems Hägglunds in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden.

“This new contract modification for additional mortar vehicles ensures that soldiers will benefit from this critical capability in the near future,” said Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, managing director of BAE Systems Hägglunds. “We look forward to continuing to support the Swedish Army’s efforts to modernize and increase its combat power.”

The original contract for 40 CV90 Mjölner systems was awarded in 2016, and deliveries of the systems started in 2019 and were completed on time in 2020. In February 2022, FMV awarded the first follow-on contract for 20 additional systems, as well as the upgrade of the 40 systems already in service, to bring them all to the same standard by integrating the Swedish Army’s new C4I LSS Mark system. Both FMV and BAE Systems have heralded this program as a benchmark for collaborative development.

Once the contract modification deliveries are completed in 2025, the Swedish Army will operate 80 CV90 mortar vehicles in its fleet. The vehicles, known as Granatkastarpansarbandvagn 90, provide critical indirect firepower capabilities in the mechanized brigades.

There are approximately 1,300 CV90s, in multiple variants, in service with Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. The vehicle has a combat-proven track record and is designed to accommodate future growth to meet evolving missions. More recently, both Slovakia and the Czech Republic have selected CV90 to replace their legacy infantry fighting vehicle fleets.

SecAF Visits Hurlburt Field, Observes AFSOC’s Readiness for Future Operational Environment

January 31st, 2023

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —  

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall visited Hurlburt Field, Jan. 17 to view the Air Force Special Operations Command mission firsthand and meet with Airmen and leadership of the command.

During the visit Kendall flew on AFSOC aircraft and attended demonstrations illustrating AFSOC’s capabilities and adaptability to the future operational environment.

“Our Airmen are our greatest resource,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, AFSOC Commander. “We demonstrated to Secretary Kendall Air Force Special Operations Command’s pathfinding mindset and our unique capabilities. We also highlighted to our distinguished visitors that, throughout our history, we have taken whatever equipment and aircraft we had access to and adapted it to provide specialized capabilities to great success.”

AFSOC prioritizes the ability to remain relevant and ready no matter the challenges faced, he said. The visit emphasized the expertise of the Airmen within the command and their ability to meet the challenges they face today and how they plan to face future challenges.

“We pride ourselves on developing problem solvers and working within the margins to create solutions,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Allison Black, 1st Special Operations Wing commander. “We are relevant anywhere and we are finding ways to do the things that only special operations can do, in those contested environments to bring value to the joint force.”

One of those capabilities, and a main focal point of the visit, is a Mission Sustainment Team. MSTs which are made up of multi-functional Airmen who can sustain operations at austere locations away from main operating bases.

“Our MSTs greatly enable the creation of dilemmas for our adversaries and add to AFSOC’s ability to provide Special Operations capabilities anywhere around the globe,” Bauernfeind said.

Kendall met with some of AFSOC’s outstanding performers during the visit, taking the opportunity to recognize and coin them. Black praised her Air Commando team.

“[Kendall] was able to witness some of our magic,” said Black. “These quiet professionals who received this honor were a perfect representation of the command as a whole and the teams who support them.” 

By SSgt Caleb Pavao

Air Force Special Operations Command

American Rheinmetall Vehicles and GM Defense Win Contract for the First Phase of the U.S. Army’s Common Tactical Truck Program

January 30th, 2023

American Rheinmetall Vehicles (Sterling Heights, MI) and GM Defense LLC (Washington, DC) have won a contract for the first phase of the U.S. Army’s Common Tactical Truck (CTT) Program.

The aim of the multi-phased program is to replace the Army’s family of heavy tactical trucks with production of up to 40,000 trucks valued at up to $14 billion. The two powerhouse defense companies formed a strategic collaboration in 2022 to compete in the program; bringing together two world-class engineering and manufacturing giants to deliver a modern, tactical truck that enhances Soldier capability through advanced technologies including advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for safety, increased off-road mobility, cybersecurity, machine learning, artificial intelligence, improved survivability and fuel efficiency, among other emerging technologies.  

The team offered the HX3 Common Tactical Truck (HX3-CTT). The HX3 is the latest generation of trucks in the highly successful, combat proven, HX family of trucks which are in service with a number of NATO and U.S. allied nations. The HX family of trucks derives from MAN Truck and Bus commercial truck offerings bringing a high degree of commerciality to the fleet, a priority for the Army in the CTT program. The HX3-CTT next-generation system has enhanced on and off road mobility, integrated survivability, and an open digital architecture supporting ADAS and enabled for autonomous vehicle operation. Combined with the open architecture, the commercial backbone of the HX3-CTT will support persistent modernization and allow for rapid increases in capability as technologies mature. With a global footprint of both current military user nations and commercial dealer networks, the HX3-CTT provides a basis for optimized lifecycle costs and service support to the Army across the globe. 

“Both American Rheinmetall Vehicles and GM Defense look forward to providing competition to the Army’s CTT Program. We are committed partners to the Army, bringing tremendous operational capability coupled with advanced safety features, ensuring our Soldiers can achieve their mission safely and effectively. Together our team will deliver a transformational truck that leverages the commercial strenghths of our partners, Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles and General Motors, and the commonality of the HX3-CTT design,” said Matthew Warnick, Managing Director for American Rheinmetall Vehicles. 

“Winning the CTT prototype phase demonstrates the undeniable value that the strategic collaboration between GM Defense and American Rheinmetall Vehicles brings to this important, next-generation Army program,” said Steve duMont, president of GM Defense. “We are excited to bring our advanced technologies and manufacturing prowess into this important collaboration and deliver a proven, modern solution to enhance warfighter capability. We look forward to continuing our work with American Rheinmetall Vehicles to execute the first prototype phase, while gaining the necessary insights to strengthen our position to win future phases of the program.”

HX3 Common Tactical Truck
Technology for the future: The HX3-CTT features an advanced, interchangeable protected cab design, ADAS, and drive by wire operation. The new open systems electrical architecture allows rapid integration of leader-follower, tele-operation, and fully autonomous capabilities that focus on protecting our most valuable combat asset – the Soldier.

Common platforms and parts to support a family of vehicles: The HX3-CTT is the new, next-gen variant of the globally successful HX family of military-off-the-shelf tactical trucks. It possesses an extremely high level of commonality and modularity across variants: cargo, load handling systems, tankers, and line haul tractors. With an HX family that can scale from 4×4 to 10×10, the HX can meet any military need.

Commerciality in its DNA: The HX3-CTT leverages best-in-class advances in commercial truck technology, safety, fuel efficiency, and emissions reduction. Ruggedized for the stresses of military service, the HX family provides an “off the shelf” capability. This commercial backbone reduces obsolescence risk/cost, expands parts availability and reduces sustainment demands.

Allied interoperability: The HX family of trucks have been sold to 20 customers globally including an active allied user group consisting of United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Austria, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, creating common global supply chains, training opportunities, and integrated operations among key allies operating around the world.