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AstroAccess Successfully Completes ZERO-G Parabolic flight with Crew of 12 Disability Ambassadors

October 19th, 2021

Ambassadors experienced 15 weightless parabolas and tested new designs for accessibility

Ambassador feedback will inform design of future space missions

Flight seeks to advance disability inclusion in STEM

18 October 2021, Long Beach, CA – AstroAccess, an initiative dedicated to advancing disability inclusion in space exploration, and Zero Gravity Corporation (ZERO-G) successfully completed a parabolic flight with a crew of 12 ambassadors with mobility, vision, and hearing disabilities on Sunday, October 17.

A press conference with representatives of the crew will be livestreamed on Monday, October 18 at 10:00am Pacific time, via the following link: https://bit.ly/3DOn63Z (passcode: ToBoldlyGo)

On Sunday, the ZERO-G aircraft ascended to an altitude of 32,000 feet, at which point the vehicle commenced its parabolic maneuvers. Ambassadors carried out planned demonstrations over the course of 15 arcs, experiencing multiple minutes of weightlessness.

During the flight, the ambassadors conducted demonstrations to understand how space vessels can be made more accessible by design and procedure. These tests included new visual and haptic feedback mechanisms to signify phases of flight, crew uniforms intentionally designed for accessibility, interior customizations to provide instantaneous location and orientation awareness for safety in microgravity, and a variety of other additional scientific and technical demonstrations.

Anna Voelker, Executive Director of SciAccess and Co-Project Lead of AstroAccess, said, “Space removes the barriers between people; now is the time to remove the barriers to space itself.” They continued, “AstroAccess is sending a message to people who have historically been excluded from STEM that not only is there room for you in space, there is a need for you.”

The mission was supported by a wide range of disability and space organizations, including DAV (Disabled American Veterans), Gallaudet University, the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the Space Frontier Foundation, the Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and the Whitesides Foundation. The AstroAccess mission was part of SciAccess and under fiscal sponsorship of Yuri’s Night. A full list of partners is below.

In addition to the 12 ambassadors, onboard the flight were members of several American companies flying crewed spaceflight vehicles.

The mission not only provides valuable insights on the future of spacecraft design, but also seeks to advance disability inclusion in STEM, inspire the next generation of scientists and world-changers, welcome new perspectives into the science community, and demonstrate the benefit of intentional and accessible design in space and here on Earth.

George Whitesides, Co-Project Lead of AstroAccess, said: “Yesterday’s successful flight was an important milestone in our mission to open space for all. The tasks and demonstrations carried out by our ambassadors will have a profound effect on the space industry at large, inform the design of future space vehicles, and pave the way for future astronauts with disabilities.”

“One characteristic veterans share is the unwavering desire to serve, and it’s an inclination that continues for many once they no longer wear our nation’s uniform,” said Marc Burgess, CEO and national adjutant of DAV. “We’re incredibly grateful to AstroAccess for giving our ambassador CeCe Mazyck the opportunity to contribute to vital research that will integrate disabled veterans and civilians alike into space and benefit the disabled community and humanity for years to come.”

Sina Bahram, Flight 1 AstroAccess Ambassador:

“Floating in microgravity was the truest physical manifestation of pure joy and delight that I have ever felt in my life. I feel this joy because of the visceral nature of the experience, the progress being made by and for people with disabilities, the more inclusive future we are building, and the recognition that such a future will not exist without us.”

astroaccess.org

Posted in Press Release, Research, Space | 1 Comment »

Special Warfare Training Wing Dedicates New Tactical Training Facility to Fallen Special Warfare Airman

October 19th, 2021

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-CHAPMAN TRAINING ANNEX, Texas –

The Special Warfare Training Wing at Joint Base San Antonio dedicated their newest tactical training facility to fallen teammate Maj. Walter David Gray at the JBSA-Chapman Training Annex Oct. 8, 2021.

”We are honored and touched that the TACP community remembers him in this way,” said Maj. Gray’s oldest daughter, Nyah, when offering remarks about the event. “While we will never forget him or the example he led, it can often feel as if we are the only ones left who do remember.

“The TACP community has been so kind to us; they have put together event after event and have given us every opportunity to learn about the man they knew through the stories spread amongst the brotherhood,” she added. “We are ever thankful for their contribution to the continuance of his legacy, and are, once again, honored to be cared for so well.”

Gray, a Tactical Air Control Party air liaison officer, who was assigned to the 13th Air Support Operational Squadron at Fort Carson, Colorado, was killed in action Aug. 8, 2012, during Operation Enduring Freedom. He was killed that day by the second of two suicide bombers in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. After the first blast, Gray and his team rushed to the scene to help when the second blast went off.

“If Dave were sitting here today, he would say this is silly … and would be embarrassed that we are making such a fuss over him,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Matthew McMurtry, 353rd SW Training Squadron commander. “That’s how humble he was. So, in typical TACP fashion, let’s make a big fuss over Dave! Remember him today, celebrate him, and honor the legacy he left within our community!”

The 353rd Special Warfare Training Squadron requested the dedication of the facility and Lt. Gen. Marshall B. Webb, commander of Air Education and Training Command, approved the memorialization of the SWTW Tactical Training Facility, now the Gray Tactical Training Facility in March 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused delays in scheduling the ceremony.

“This facility is central to the migration of Special Warfare training to the JBSA-Chapman Training Annex. It’s already used extensively by our TACP candidates,” said Col. Mason R. Dula, SWTW commander. “Looking to the near future, it will enable training events for all Special Warfare candidates as our preparatory and assessment and selection courses will shift from JBSA-Lackland to JBSA-Chapman Training Annex.”

The outdoor tactical training facility is made up of an athletic field, strength and conditioning areas, sandpits and restrooms. It supports JBSA Special Warfare training, including courses of initial entry, non-prior service enlisted Pararescue, Combat Control, Special Reconnaissance, and Tactical Air Control Party students.

Additionally, it supports the Pararescue Phase II selection course and multiple Special Warfare officer courses to include Air Liaison Officer, Special Tactics Officer, and Combat Rescue Officer courses for themselves and their Guard/Reserve/prior service counterparts.

The wing commander reiterated the importance of honoring the fallen during his remarks.

“Events like these are part of the cultural bedrock of the Special Warfare community. We are committed to honoring our fallen teammates, lost in combat and training,” Dula said. “We are convinced the best way to keep them from becoming just pictures on the walls of our buildings, or names etched in stone on unit memorials, is to tell stories to do our best to keep the memories of our teammates alive in our formation.”

“While his memory lives on with us, it is an entirely different feeling altogether when others join in on our remembrance,” Nyah said. “No matter the circumstances, it always means the world to us to see that others still care, that they loved him too.

McMurtry, Gray’s best friend, spoke of the dedication it takes to become a TACP.

“Most Airmen don’t consider volunteering for TACP and attempting the 106 TACP training days. ’Dave’ completed this schoolhouse as an enlisted Airman in 1996, and became an officer, he repeated the schoolhouse and graduated a second time in 2011 with Raptor Zero One,” he said. “I’ve served 16 of my 20 years in the Air Force as a TACP, enlisted and officer. Through all the stories and the people that knew Dave, I have yet to hear someone say anything negative about him. He was the TACP everyone wants to be!”

An Air Force Tactical Air Control Party Airman is part of Air Force Special Warfare which consists of ground combat forces specialized in airpower application across hostile, denied, or diplomatically or politically sensitive environments. Special Warfare members provide global access, precision strike, and personnel recovery capabilities across the spectrum of conflict and the multi-domain battlefield.

By Andrew C. Patterson 502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

Posted in AFSW, Air Force, Guest Post | Comments Off on Special Warfare Training Wing Dedicates New Tactical Training Facility to Fallen Special Warfare Airman

Adept Armor President Publishes “Body Armor: and Light Ballistic Armor Materials and Systems” Book

October 18th, 2021

Jake Ganor, president of Adept Armor publishes a book providing a comprehensive understanding of how armor plates are designed, the materials used, performance characteristics, ballistic testing protocols, and what’s in the near future for body armor.

Carrollton, Texas (October 2021) – Adept Armor president, Jake Ganor, has just published an Amazon Kindle Edition book and Amazon paperback book rated number 1 new release in Military Technology for the body armor end-user, titled: “Body Armor: and Light Ballistic Armor Materials and Systems.”

The book helps the end-user, whether military, law enforcement, security, or private citizen, better understand the materials and science behind ballistic body armor systems. It gives a general overview of today’s offerings, as well as, providing a history of body armor in the modern era.

“My approach has been to simply provide information in as straightforward and readable manner as possible.” Jake Ganor wrote in the preface. He further notes that “There are several technical books available on the subject of modern ballistic armor, but those books focus on much heavier vehicular armor systems, and the materials and methods involved are very different. This is the first book available on the material construction of body armor.”

The book is divided into four sections. The initial chapters review the main types of body armor offered today. Subsequent chapters dive deeper into body armor materials, properties, histories, uses, and what the future holds. The third section reviews the combat helmet and its history. The final section includes appendices providing the reader with supplemental statistical, technical, and terminological information, including a comprehensive glossary.

Jake Ganor’s experience in the body armor and ballistic protection market combines materials engineering and industrial design with a Parametricist philosophy to create new designs that are novel, unexpected, and highly effective. Parametricism emerged from the iterative and algorithmic design paradigms enabled by computer-assisted design software. By testing all design possibilities through modeling software, the optimal solution is ultimately revealed.

For any person who must wear body armor while on the job, or is thinking about purchasing body armor for personal protection, or is interested in the technologies behind ballistic protection, this book will become a favorite reference. When purchasing ballistic protection, there is much to consider besides price, and Body Armor: and Light Ballistic Armor Materials and Systems will provide the reader with authentic and reliable information to make that critical purchase.

“Body Armor: and Light Ballistic Armor Materials and Systems” is available on Amazon, Kindle edition is $5.99 and the paperback is $14.49.

Interested in armor materials, systems, test methods, and current threats? Check out Adept Armor’s incredible knowledgebase of information and glossary. Learn more about Adept Armor on their new website or follow them on Facebook.

Posted in Armor, Press Release | Comments Off on Adept Armor President Publishes “Body Armor: and Light Ballistic Armor Materials and Systems” Book

AeroVironment Successfully Demonstrates Maritime Sensor-To-Shooter Capability with Puma 3 AE and Switchblade 300 at NATO REP(MUS) 21 Experimentation Exercise

October 18th, 2021

• Experimentation was part of NATO REP(MUS) 21 U.S./U.K. Interoperability to Interchangeability (I2I) initiatives using uncrewed systems

• First successful cross-domain, multi-national and I2I-enabled maritime sensor-to-shooter (S2S) demonstration of Puma 3 AE small unmanned aircraft system and Switchblade 300 tactical missile system

• Demonstrated the interoperability potential of multiple Command and Control Systems/Common Control Systems (CCS) to pass missions, C2 authority, and ISR/targeting data, enabling U.S. and U.K. common mission planning and execution systems in coordinated mission profiles

• International debut of the Precision Recovery System (PRS), which supported Puma 3 AE’s continuous mission taskings with a quick turnaround recover/launch capability using an automated net landing capability on an underway U.S. Navy ship

ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 18, 2021 –AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, today announced the successful maritime demonstration of a Puma™ 3 AE small unmanned aircraft system and Switchblade® 300 tactical missile system sensor-to-shooter (S2S) capability as part of NATO REP(MUS) 21, Europe’s largest maritime unmanned systems operational experimentation exercise, hosted at the Portuguese Navy Centre for Operational Experimentation held in Troia, Portugal in September. The experimentation was part of a United States/United Kingdom Interoperability to Interchangeability (I2I) initiative using unmanned/uncrewed systems.

A key component of the exercise was demonstrating the interoperability of multiple U.S./U.K. control system capabilities to facilitate the transfer through the Puma 3 AE comm relay connection of tactical control and planning tasks of interchangeable, cross-domain assets. This successful demonstration was the result of combined and coordinated efforts of coalition and industry partnerships including the Naval Information Warfare Center’s C-SCAPE Common Control System (CCS), the Naval Undersea Warfare Center’s CaSHMI system, U.K. Ministry of Defense’s MAPLE command and control system, AeroVironment’s Crysalis™ ground control system (GCS) connected to the varied control systems utilizing a new STANAG 4586 Level 4 interface, unmanned/uncrewed surface vehicles, unmanned underwater vehicles and manned surface ships from additional NATO allies. The U.S. delegation was led by NAVSEA’s Program Executive Office for Unmanned and Small Combatants.

Launched from the USNS Carson City, Puma 3 AE UAS served as an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and targeting asset during the S2S exercise. Post launch, control of the Puma 3 AE was transferred to C-SCAPE, which was acting as the CCS on the USNS Carson City for this mission segment. Using its high-resolution Mantis i45 payload, the Puma 3 AE was used by military operators from the Maritime Operations Center (MOC), located in Troia, to positively identify the moving exercise target of interest. The target location was then digitally transferred from Puma 3 AE to a Switchblade 300 via S2S prior to its launch. The S2S functionality was witnessed by U.S. Navy personnel only.

As a demonstration of interchangeability, Switchblade 300 was then launched from a U.K. unmanned/uncrewed surface vessel (USV), the Maritime Autonomy Demonstrator for Operational eXperimentation (MADFOX), and automatically flew to the fast-moving target using the coordinates provided. Once the target was in the field of view of Switchblade 300’s optical sensors, the Switchblade 300 mission operator confirmed the target and engaged. During final target approach, Switchblade 300 was waved off just prior to actual engagement of the exercise target to effectively display its patented wave-off capability. Once the exercise was completed, the Puma 3 AE was autonomously recovered back onboard the USNS Carson City via the Precision Recovery System (PRS) demonstrator while the ship remained underway and on course.

“The system launch from MADFOX was a U.K. first, demonstrating the potential of USVs for lethal and other payloads; crucially, the whole serial was commanded, enabled and facilitated using information provided by uncrewed systems. It is a significant step for I2I, the sensor-to-shooter capability and interoperability,” said Commander Antony Crabb, Royal Navy, NavyX Experimentation Team Leader.

“This demonstration proved AeroVironment’s sensor-to-shooter solution dramatically elevates operator situational awareness, reduces engagement timelines and reduces the chances of mis-targeting,” said Charles Dean, AeroVironment vice president for global business development and sales of UAS. “It also deemed relaying missions and surveillance data between U.K. and U.S. planning systems as effective and successful and demonstrated the maturity of Puma 3 AE’s capabilities for broad naval adoption.”

Dean added, “Particularly, the new STANAG 4586 Level 4 compliant interface for Crysalis GCS to connect AeroVironment SUAS with large naval vessel Tactical Control Systems and the Puma 3 AE Precision Recovery System, allowing autonomous aircraft recovery for larger vessels while continuously underway.”

Subsequent REP(MUS) 21 demonstrations connected the U.K.’s MAPLE command and control system to an airborne Puma 3 AE, allowing full control of both the aircraft and its i45 payload as MAPLE commanded. Both Puma 3 AE and Switchblade 300 flight operations regularly involved aircraft handoffs between control stations on the USNS Carson City, MADFOX, the Troia beach FOB, and the MOC at Troia base operations.

AeroVironment’s participation and contributing fielded Puma 3 AE and Switchblade 300 systems impacted the exercise greatly by enabling both U.S. and U.K. control systems to interact through comm relay STANAG 4856 compatibility, cross-domain unmanned capability C2 networking over-the-horizon and combined coalition S2S unmanned/uncrewed response to fast attack threats.

Posted in International, Press Release, UAS | 1 Comment »

Crye Precision Announces New Cold Weather System

October 18th, 2021

Brooklyn, NY – October 18, 2021 – Crye Precision®, one of the leading suppliers of uniforms and personal equipment to the military, law enforcement and public safety markets, has announced the release of their new ATO – Alpine Terrain Operations ™ line of outerwear, with the first two products, the ATO Mid Loft Jacket™ and the ATO Mid Loft Pant ™.

Each item in the ATO Mid Loft™ line is designed to provide warmth and wind protection while avoiding overheating. Constructed with a durable wind resistant nylon fabric that is lightweight and packable, combined with the Polartec® Alpha® Direct insulation, which does not require a lining layer, reduces the overall bulk but maintains a high Clo value. The insulation is also highly breathable which allows for optimal ventilation during high activity in cold temperatures.

The ATO™ Mid Loft Jacket is designed to fit over the Crye Precision G3/G4 Uniform and Aclima® baselayer tops, and under the Compact Alpine Overwhites and High Loft Jacket. It can be worn as a concealment outer layer in warmer temperatures and an insulation layer in the cold.

The ATO™ Mid Loft Pant features an adjustable waist, glove compatible zippers, and pass-through hand pockets to access under layers. Full side leg zips for easy donning/doffing over boots. ¾ Length to allow a better fit when worn with ski boots and provide warmth at crucial areas of leg. It can be worn over the Crye Precision G3/G4 Uniform and Aclima® baselayer pants, and under the High Loft Pant.

The Crye Precision® design team met extensively with those serving in extreme climates, to better understand their needs. Each in-depth interview consisted of understanding operational demands, reviewing currently issued uniforms, and climate difficulties. Based on the end-user feedback, the new ATO line provides mobility and functionality for optimal operations.

In addition to the ATO line, Crye Precision has officially partnered with Norwegian wool specialists, Aclima® to bring an innovative and military-tested base layering system. Aclima® is family-owned and has been developing cold weather solutions since 1939. They specialize in Merino wool base layers for all climates, activity levels, and professions. Wool has the unique ability to insulate as well as wick moisture from the body. It also has a natural anti-microbial trait that reduces odor. Both the WoolNet and HotWool layers integrate with our G3 and G4 uniforms. They can be worn underneath in cold environments to add scalable layers of insulation. These unique features and Aclima’s creative design made them the logical choice to pair with the ATO cold weather line.

The ATO Uniforms and Aclima® baselayers are available now, through the Crye Precision® website, www.cryeprecision.com. As always, contact Crye Precision® for any customizations to orders.

Posted in Advertiser, Camo, Cold War, Multicam, Press Release | 8 Comments »

Honeywell Introduces Gold Shield MT for Multi-Threat Protection in Ballistic Vests for Law Enforcement

October 18th, 2021

· New high-performing, lightweight ballistic material provides increased protection from both blades and spikes; meets stringent regulations for law enforcement vests

· Company’s Gold Shield and Spectra Shield products used globally for advanced armor applications

MORRIS PLAINS, N.J., Oct. 18, 2021 — Honeywell today announced Gold Shield® MT, a revolutionary high-performing ballistic composite material that provides advanced protection from multi-threats, such as blades and spikes, as well as bullet-stopping capabilities and controlled backface deformation in ballistic protective vests for law enforcement. The newest addition to the company’s innovative line of Gold Shield and Spectra Shield products, Gold Shield MT will be introduced at Milipol Paris.

Gold Shield MT uses Honeywell’s patented Shield technology made with aramid fiber and new innovative process technology for stab resistance, and extends Honeywell’s Gold Shield product line for law enforcement from ballistics protection to multi-threat protection from blades and spikes. Honeywell’s Gold Shield outperforms woven aramid products in protecting against various types of trauma such as multi-hit, ballistics and backface. It also enables ballistic protection vests to have the durability and strength that meet the strenuous requirements of law enforcement vest applications.

“Honeywell’s global supply of ballistic composite materials helps ensure that law enforcement agencies and militaries have access to the world’s leading armor technology,” said Tim Swinger, general manager of armor at Honeywell Life Sciences & Protection Industries. “With Gold Shield MT, manufacturers of ballistic protection vests can incorporate a multi-protection lightweight material into designs that offers increased protection against both blades and spikes, and contributes to ballistic resistance performance.”

Gold Shield MT meets global regulatory standards for law enforcement vest applications, including NIJ, VPAM, and CAST for stab and impact resistant protective equipment.

To meet the global body armor demand, Honeywell in 2019 announced increased production capacity of its proprietary Spectra fiber, an ultra-strong, yet lightweight fiber made from ultra-high molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) for use in advanced armor applications. Honeywell’s Spectra Shield and Gold Shield products have been widely adopted and proven for the most advanced armor applications globally, from bullet-resistant vests, breast plates and helmets to combat vehicles and military aircraft- all of which require lightweight solutions and superior performance.

“Gold Shield MT will allow Honeywell to offer new solutions through our Shield portfolio to provide even more comprehensive protection with multi-threat ballistic material for next-generation protective gear for the military and law enforcement,” added Swinger.

Pound for pound, Spectra fiber is 15 times stronger than steel, yet light enough to float. It has up to 60% greater strength than alternate aramid fiber. Spectra fiber is made from UHMWPE using a patented gel-spinning process.

Honeywell maintains an active Spectra fiber and ballistic materials research program focused on continuous improvement and development of high-performance materials. For more information about Spectra fiber, visit www.honeywell-spectra.com

Posted in Armor, Materials, Milipol, Press Release | Comments Off on Honeywell Introduces Gold Shield MT for Multi-Threat Protection in Ballistic Vests for Law Enforcement

The Durable Tasmanian Tiger Mesh Pocket Set XL is Now Available

October 18th, 2021

The TT Mesh Pocket Set XL is a set of four durable pouches that can easily be packed in a travel bag or backpack.

Knoxville, Tenn. (October 2021) – Tasmanian Tiger®, a tactical nylon line of products distributed exclusively for the US market by Proforce Equipment, Inc., introduces the TT Mesh Pocket Set XL, a set of four durable pouches ideal for packing in a travel bag or backpack. The pouches have a mesh top that can fully unzip, allowing for easy access to contents inside. The three smaller pouches can fit perfectly next to the large pouch as they have the same surface area when arranged together.

TT Mesh Pocket Set XL Specifications:

Volume:

Pouch 1: 2 Liters | 122 Cubic Inches

Pouch 2: 5 Liters | 305 Cubic Inches

Pouch 3: 6 Liters | 366 Cubic Inches

Pouch 4: 20 Liters | 1,220 Cubic Inches

Weight: 19 oz | 525g

Dimensions: 18 x 14 x 3 in. | 45 x 35 x 8 cm.

Material: T-Square Rip

The TT Mesh Pocket Set XL is available in Black for an MSRP of $89.95

Find a local dealer here for any of the exciting Tasmanian Tiger products.

All sales inquiries can be directed to tt@tasmaniantigerusa.com.