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SMARTSHOOTER Moving Past the Final Milestone on ASD SO/LIC IWTSD’s Individual Weapon Overmatch Optic (IWOO) Program using the SMASH Advanced Fire Control System

January 11th, 2023

Now ready for hands-on – New SMASH IWOO system combines an advanced optical system, including automated detection and targeting of traditional ground targets as well as small UAS hard-kill capability, all to make the force stronger, faster, more accurate and lethal

[January 11, 2023]: In February 2020, the Department of Defence ASD SO/LIC’s ’Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD) selected SMARTSHOOTER, a world-class designer, developer, and manufacturer of innovative fire control systems, to develop the solution for its Individual Weapon Overmatch Optic (IWOO) project.

This month, SMARTSHOOTER reached its final milestone by successfully passing the IWOO Technology Readiness Review (TRR). Two prototype systems were taken through a series of live-fire tests by IWTSD to ensure the system met the contract performance requirements. The systems performed well and were also tested at night using clip-on night vision devices. This means the IWOO final design configuration has been approved by IWTSD and will now move into low-rate production. In addition, the options for more IWOO systems under the contract with IWTSD were exercised.

The IWOO program was initiated by IWTSD to provide tactical operators with overmatch capability against long-range static and moving targets, both day and night. SMARTSHOOTER won the competition and began development using proven technologies from its SMASH line of Fire Control Systems and inserting new capabilities such as a variable x1- x8 zoom – all stitched together with combat-proven fire control algorithms to assure the hit.

The IWOO system automatically detects, highlights, and tracks potential targets – including drones – using a see-through display which enhances the user situational awareness. Built-in fire control processing continuously calculates the optimal firing solution to provide the user with clear, discreet guidance, firing only with the best chance of neutralizing the target, delivering first-round hit capabilities time after time.

“We are delighted to announce that the SMASH IWOO system, developed uniquely for the US Department of Defense IWTSD Individual Weapon Overmatch Optic project, has completed another milestone, and is now ready to move into low-rate production. Based on the unmatched capabilities of the SMASH Fire Control Systems, the SMASH IWOO solution will enhance force’s lethality, survivability, and situational awareness” Ms. Michal Mor, CEO of SMART SHOOTER said.

“It was good to see the first two IWOO prototypes in action,” said Michael Trexler, Special Operation Forces Combat Support Coordinator / Tactical Offensive Support Program Manager, at IWTSD. “There are a few minor adjustments being made to optimize performance; we are pleased with the progress demonstrated and look forward to conducting operational testing and evaluation using the dual-capabilities of IWOO prototypes in 2023 against ground targets at increased ranges and to take-down drones.”

Click on link below to view ASD SO/LIC IWTSD C-sUAS Training Video

www.iwtsd.gov/NewsArticles/07-08-21-sUAS

Posted in Contracts, Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on SMARTSHOOTER Moving Past the Final Milestone on ASD SO/LIC IWTSD’s Individual Weapon Overmatch Optic (IWOO) Program using the SMASH Advanced Fire Control System

Magpul Hunter Lite Stock – Savage Axis Short Action

January 11th, 2023

An easy-to-install upgrade to Savage Axis rifles, this stock reduces both the weight and width of the stock while boosting the overall performance of the gun. For hunters on the go who know that every ounce counts, the enhanced ergonomic stock weighs in at just 2.8 pounds and is compatible with both right and left-handed rifles. The buttstock has removable half-inch spacers for LOP adjustment and a snap-on cheek riser for adjustable comb height. Don’t overlook the aluminum V-bedding block that prevents compression and deformation while shooting.

Offered in Black, OD Green, Grey and Coyote.

magpul.com/new-for-2023

Posted in Advertiser, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Magpul Hunter Lite Stock – Savage Axis Short Action

Rampart USA Announces Jacques Shelton as Vice President, Federal & Military Programs

January 11th, 2023

Las Vegas, Nevada – January 11th 2023

RAMPART USA Corp is proud to announce Jacques Shelton has been appointed the new Vice President of Federal & Military Programs. Jacques will lead the growing Federal & Military Programs division by overseeing the national sales team and expanding the company’s presence within all facets of the US market.

Jacques comes to RAMPART USA Corp with over 15 years of experience in the tactical industry managing and developing federal and government contracts. Most recently, Jacques was Vice President of Federal & Military Sales at Safariland, where he was responsible for business development of government programs, brand management, product development, corporate positioning and customer relationship development.

Jacques will be responsible for the continued success of the portfolio of RAMPART USA Corp brands and extending the high level of service, expertise and professionalism that RAMPART is known for.

Jacques Shelton can be reached at:

jshelton@rampartcorpusa.com

RAMPART website

www.rampartcorpusa.com

Posted in Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on Rampart USA Announces Jacques Shelton as Vice President, Federal & Military Programs

Outdoor Research Launches New SeaTac Pant and Deploy Backpack

January 11th, 2023

Seattle, Wash. (January 17, 2023) – Outdoor Research (OR) For over 40 years Outdoor Research has been designing and manufacturing products for the U.S. military and first responders both in its U.S. factories based in Seattle, WA, and El Monte, CA. and offshore. Today, the Seattle-based outdoor and tactical apparel & gear manufacturer is proud to introduce its new Men’s SeaTac Pant and Deploy Backpack with Admin Pouch at SHOT show in Las Vegas, NV.

The OR Pro SeaTac Pant was designed to meet the needs of the professional, whether at work or on the weekend. The SeaTac Pant is built to exceed expectations-with a polyester/cotton blend of fabric and added mechanical stretch it not only provides the durability and comfort you need but bends and moves with you in almost any environment. Add to that a Durable Stain Repellent finish, cargo pockets, gusseted crotch and stretch waistband and you have the ultimate in cargo pants. Available in Black, Khaki, Navy, and Ranger Green.

For those looking for the ultimate backpack, look no further than the new OR Pro Deploy Backpack. At 35L this pack is everything you need while on-duty or on-trail. Made from a durable 500D Cordura Nylon with a PU/DWR coating for water resistance, this pack is designed to withstand some of the harshest environments. With two hidden side pockets, its ready for overt or covert operations. Use it overtly with the side molle attachments and to store your water bottle or zip the side pockets closed for those covert operations. With lots of internal storage, its able to carry two 30-round magazines and your laptop at the same time. It’s hydration compatible and has a built-in hidden pocket for a concealed weapon or to keep other items more secure.

The new Deploy Admin Pouch is an add on that easily attaches to the laser cut MOLLE on the front of the pack. This added storage gives you even more room for two additional 30-round magazines as well as admin storage for all of your essentials.

Be sure and look for the SeaTac Pant, Deploy Backpack and Admin Pouch online and at your local Outdoor Research retailers.

Find out more about OR Pro and Outdoor Research at www.outdoorresearch.com.

See them at SHOT Show in booth #31402.

Posted in Clothing, Packs, Press Release | 2 Comments »

Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition Applauds Final Passage of the Homeland Procurement Reform (HOPR) Act

January 11th, 2023

New Law Will Help Ensure Domestically Manufactured Uniforms and Equipment are provided to Department of Homeland Security Operational Personnel

MARBLEHEAD, Mass., Jan. 09, 2023 — The Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition (WPRC) commends the inclusion of the “Homeland Procurement Reform Act” in the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, recently signed into law by President Joseph Biden. The HOPR Act is the culmination of several years of WPRC advocacy on behalf of the domestic industrial base and American companies that provide 100% made-in- America uniforms, footwear and protective equipment to the Federal government.

This critical, bi-partisan legislation ensures that the operational units within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) including Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Secret Service, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) procure uniforms and equipment manufactured in the United States. Currently, many DHS agencies purchase uniforms and equipment manufactured in foreign countries that lack supply chain dependability and secure protocols for handling sensitive uniform items. The HOPR Act sets a new precedent to ensure that uniforms, footwear, body armor and equipment for DHS frontline personnel are built in the United States, supporting the industrial base and ensuring supply chain security.

On behalf of their 60+ member companies, the WPRC extends appreciation to primary sponsors Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD), Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA), and Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) as well as co-sponsors Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS), Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH), and Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA). HOPR sponsors ensured that this critical legislation was maintained in the FY23 National Defense Authorization Act, and that DHS begins to move towards domestic sources of supply to meet current and future homeland security challenges.

The new law establishes specific criteria that increases the ability of DHS to obtain high-quality, American-made personal protective equipment (PPE) and organizational clothing and individual equipment (OCIE). The HOPR Act builds upon procurement laws such as the Berry Amendment and the Kissell Amendment by expanding opportunities for American manufacturers that meet specific, domestic manufacturing criteria.

WPRC Executive Director David Costello said, “Department of Homeland Security personnel as well as the American public owe a debt of gratitude to the members of Congress who have championed this important legislation. Thanks to their leadership, uniforms, armor, footwear and protective equipment needed by DHS personnel will be supplied by high-quality American sources, improving the quality and performance of this category of products while supporting American jobs. The WPRC looks forward to working with the DHS and the White House to encourage the rapid implementation of this domestic procurement policy.”

Posted in Industry, Made In USA!, Press Release | Comments Off on Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition Applauds Final Passage of the Homeland Procurement Reform (HOPR) Act

Yokota AB Participates in Multilateral New Year’s Jump Exercise

January 11th, 2023

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) —

A multilateral collaboration of U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, British army, Australian army, and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members conducted an annual New Year’s Jump exercise at Camp Narashino, Jan. 8.

Roughly 400 paratroopers participated in the event jumping from three U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, one C-130H Hercules and one C-2 Greyhound assigned to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

“The New Year’s Jump is the first big event of the year hosted by JGSDF,” said U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Kevin Mendez, 36th Airlift Squadron pilot. “Doing this event has been a longstanding tradition with our allied partners to welcome the new year in the spirit of continued safe operations.”

This event marks a return to a diverse representation of forces participating since the COVID-19 pandemic began, allowing a renewal in partnerships while celebrating the first jump of the year with allies.

“This New Year’s jump event was an opportunity to learn from each other and improve together with our partner nations,” said U.S. Army Col. Christopher Ward, 11th Airborne Division chief of staff. “The true value of what we did here today in not only conducting a multilateral jump to celebrate the New Year, but to also increase our ability to conduct better airborne operations in a joint environment forward in the Pacific theater. Events like this and others builds readiness.”

Teamwork is a military strength at all levels, from small teams to large scale joint force operations, and the annual NYJ exercise is a commitment to maintaining flexible allied interoperability. This display of strength and capability acts as a deterrent to peer adversaries, and as a promise to the lasting friendship of partner forces.

“Our goal is to fortify our interoperability with our international allies through these jumps,” Mendez said. “Integration events like this help enhance interoperability between the U.S. and Japan Self-Defense Forces in the event of a real-world contingency.”

The New Year’s Jump kicks off a series of bilateral training exercises for Yokota AB, which have long since aimed to increase the combat readiness and friendships between the U.S. and its international partners.

Story by Senior Airman Hannah Bean, 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Photos by Staff Sergeant Braden Anderson and Airman 1st Class Brooklyn Golightly

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Parachuting | 1 Comment »

Meopta Introduces the MeoSight IV Red Dot Sight

January 11th, 2023

TAMPA, FL, (January 9, 2023) – Meopta Sport Optics is pleased to introduce the MeoSight IV. This new red dot reflex sight is Meopta’s smallest, weighing just 1.2 ounces. Its ultra-low profile makes the MeoSight IV ideal for handguns. It can also be mounted to a primary riflescope for fast and accurate close-quarter target acquisition or mounted directly to an accessory rail.

“We designed the MeoSight IV to significantly increase shooter accuracy and speed whether used in handgun competitions, for personal defense, or in law enforcement situations,” said Erik Muller, Product Specialist, Meopta Sport Optics. “This newest generation MeoSight features premium, scratch-resistant optics and a wide sight picture for such a compact sight, facilitating fast and accurate shooting on the move.”

Featuring 1x magnification, a 3 MOA dot, and highly durable, aircraft-grade aluminum body, the MeoSight IV has 120 MOA range of elevation and 120 MOA of windage adjustment. The illumination feature has a manual or automatic mode, and the brightness of the red dot is easily adjustable to five different intensity levels. The sight is powered by a Cr1632 3V battery for up to 30,000 hours of use. The sight’s auto-off function preserves battery life by automatically turning the illumination off after four hours of continuous operation if the function button has not been touched.

The MeoSight IV is compatible with standard-size optics ready pistol systems using a Docter adapter plate and comes with a Picatinny rail mount in the box.

Retail Pricing: $299.00

For more information regarding Meopta, please visit www.meoptasportsoptics.com.

Posted in Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on Meopta Introduces the MeoSight IV Red Dot Sight

Mission First Tactical Introduces New Leather Hybrid Holsters

January 10th, 2023

Horsham, PA – (January 10th, 2023) – Mission First Tactical (MFT) manufacturers of state-of-the-art, USA made rifle/carbine accessories and holsters, is proud to announce the new Leather Hybrid line of holsters including: Appendix Inside Waistband (AIWB), Inside Waistband (IWB) and Outside Waistband (OWB) holsters.

The holster you choose to carry every day should be the best of both worlds; functional and comfortable. These Kydex®-style holsters are fused with genuine American full-grain leather and are the perfect everyday-carry holsters. With these Kydex®-style holsters you get the benefit of exact tolerances, secure retention and easy re-holstering with all of leather’s comfort, style and feel. With the Kydex®-style holster, there is no break-in time required as compared to other traditional leather holsters and you will benefit from a much longer service life. To see more about the holsters CLICK HERE.

These versatile AIWB, IWB, or OWB holsters are capable of use both in right and left-hand positioning, outside your waist band, inside your waistband or appendix carry. Each holster is made to precise tolerances and tailored for each model of handgun using the most advanced techniques and materials. Adjustable retention and the famous, audible “CLICK” makes each draw and re-holster smooth and secure. All models come standard with a 1.5” belt clip.

Features Include:

Adjustable cant of 0-15 degrees

1.5” Belt clip

Ambidextrous hole patterns for right or left-handed carry

RMR Reflex sight compatible

Sight Track compatible with suppressor sights etc.

Molded, trimmed, assembled and buffed by hand

Comfortable for constant wear

Made in the USA at MFT facilities

We welcome dealers to join with MFT in representing their innovative products to the tactical and self-defense customers. MFT values these partnerships and relationships.

If you’re looking to add MFT’s industry-leading products to your sales portfolio, please visit info@mftltd.com for information on how to become a dealer.

MFT’s point of purchase (POP) displays make it easy to add an assortment of their best sellers. They are easy to assemble and there is always free freight with a qualifying program. The unique and visually cool designs add to the look and feel of any shop. Their POP displays will tell the product’s story to increase sales.

Founded by experienced retailers, MFT knows how to create and deliver products your customers want. Superior packaging highlights the item and helps the customer understand what its use is and how it’s installed without the help of staff. Unlike most, MFT has the experience, understanding, and depth of product to provide combinations that maximize sales. Easy reordering, near-perfect fulfillment and customer service supports Dealers from start to finish. MFT adheres to a strict MAP policy which ensures healthy margins. All of MFT products are made in the USA and backed up with a Lifetime warranty. Sign up today!

To learn more about the Leather Hybrid Holsters and complete product offerings from Mission First Tactical, please visit: www.missionfirsttactical.com

Posted in Holsters, Press Release | Comments Off on Mission First Tactical Introduces New Leather Hybrid Holsters