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CSAF Visits 179th Airlift Wing Ahead of Historic Mission Conversion

April 16th, 2023

MANSFIELD-LAHM AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ohio (AFNS) —

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. visited with Airmen and leadership at the 179th Airlift Wing at Mansfield-Lahm Air National Guard Base April 2, ahead of their historic mission conversion to a cyberspace wing.

During his visit, Brown met with Ohio National Guard leadership, conducted a roundtable with junior enlisted Airmen and hosted an all-call to express his support for the wing and highlight the vital role the 179th AW plays in accelerating change for the future.

“We are in the most dynamic environment we’ve ever faced so we have to be engaged in change and I can’t think of a place in our Air Force facing more change than right here in Mansfield,” Brown said. “Cyber engagements happen daily; they are happening right now. That’s why what is changing here and what you will do is so important, not just for our force, but for our nation.”

The Air Force selected the 179th AW to be the Air National Guard’s first cyberspace wing in the country, Aug. 25, 2022, and has been in the process of converting the wing, infrastructure and mission since.

“Mansfield has a unique opportunity. What you are doing here hasn’t been done. You can write the playbook for others to follow,” Brown said. “It’s important for us to engage here as you drive that change.”

Brown emphasized the important place Mansfield has in shaping the role of cyber operations in the Air Force. The theme of change and how Airmen must embrace and lean into it for future success was integrated into each part of the visit.

“A critical piece of my strategic approach is the key word … collaboration. As Airmen, we all need to be multi-capable to get the mission done,” Brown said. “We do not play to lose. I’m in it to win it and my job is supporting you so you can focus on doing your job.”

Before his departure, Brown gave Airmen the opportunity to ask questions before concluding his visit. He also thanked the wing for their resilience through the transitions they have made and will face. Brown reiterated his confidence in the wing’s ability to meet the needs of tomorrow.

“As you go through this historic change, don’t give up. It’s not about what we say that makes a difference, it’s about what we do,” Brown said. “I trust every one of you and I have your back.”

Story by Capt Jordyn Craft, 179th Airlift Wing

Photos by MSgt Joe Harwood

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post | Comments Off on CSAF Visits 179th Airlift Wing Ahead of Historic Mission Conversion

LWRCI Expands IC A5 Line with New 300 AAC Model

April 15th, 2023

IC A5 Makes its Mark in 300 Black Out

Cambridge, MD (April 14, 2023) – LWRCI™ announces the availability of the industry renowned IC A5 carbine line, now chambered in 300 Black Out (300 AAC). Directly descended from rifles developed by LWRCI™ to meet the requirements of the U.S. Army’s Individual Carbine Program, the new IC A5 300 AAC delivers the same high-performance features and quality manufacturing, customers expect from LWRCI.

“With the increased popularity of the 300 AAC caliber it was an easy decision to expand our IC A5 line with this model”, says David Ridley, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Our customers asked and LWRCI delivered.”

At its core is the LWRCI™ Proprietary Short-stroke Gas Piston operating system delivering unparrelled reliability in extreme conditions and easy maintenance. Step Upä features include a MonoForgeä one piece upper with LWRCI™ free float rail, IC A5 2-position gas block for shooting suppressed, Scalloped rail design for easy access to gas block, Nickel Boron coated bolt carrier for optimal wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and permanent lubricity. LWRCI™signature cold hammer forged heavy barrel, LWRCI™ A2 Flash Hider, Skirmish™ BUIS, and LWRCI™ Compact stock with QD Sling Mount.

The IC A5 AAC lower delivers LWRCI™ high performance features including- fully ambidextrous controls: fire/safety-control, bolt catch release, magazine release, LWRCI™ Enhanced Fire Control Group- nickel Teflon coated for a smooth crisp trigger pull and reset, LWRCI™ Advanced Trigger Guard and Magpul PMAG in 30 or 10 round. The IC A5 AAC will be available in FDE, OD Green, Tungsten Grey, Premier Gray and Patriot Brown and in California and other state Compliant configurations.

The new IC A5 300 AAC model will initially be available in a 10.5″ barrel configuration scheduled to hit dealer shelves in May/June 2023 timeframe.

IC A5 300 AAC FEATURES:

LWRCI™ Cold Hammer Forged barrel. One piece mono forge Upper Free Float Rail. NiCorr Treated LWRCI™ DI Gas Block and Gas Tube. LWRCI™ Charging Handle

IC A5 300 AAC FEATURES:

LWRC™ Ultra Combat Grip. LWRCI™ Compact Stock with QD Sling Mount / A2 Flash Hider. Fully ambidextrous Lower Controls Type III Hardcoat Anodized on Receivers and Rails

www.lwrci.com

Posted in Black Rifle, Press Release | 2 Comments »

Indy 23 – HRT Tactical Gear

April 15th, 2023

HRT Tactical showed off their ARC Pouches which are available for pistol and rifle magazines.

Made from laser cut Cordura laminate, these PALS compatible pouches offer positive retention due to the thermoplastic insert.

Offered in a variety of colors and patterns.

Posted in Load Carrying, NRA | Comments Off on Indy 23 – HRT Tactical Gear

Indy 23 – Savior Equipment

April 15th, 2023

Savior Equipment showcased their Ultimate Guitar Case outfitted with a custom foam insert by gunfoam.com.

Posted in Load Carrying, NRA | Comments Off on Indy 23 – Savior Equipment

Indy 23 – New Rifles from Dillon Rifle Company

April 15th, 2023

Dillon Rifle is exhibiting two new upcoming rifles. Chambered in .308, these as-yet-unnamed rifles feature Lilja barrels and Timney trigger and accept AI pattern drop mags.

The only difference between the two is the stock. The top example incorporates an MDT ESS chassis and the bottom has the from Grayboe Phoenix 2 which is a hybrid hunting and tactical stock.

Coming soon.

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Indy 23 – Cobalt Kinetics x Firearms Depot Exclusive Pro Shooter ARs

April 15th, 2023

On May 14th Firearms Depot will release two ARs manufactured and configured by Cobalt Kinetics for pro shooters Don Edwards of Greenline Tactical whose carbine is named the “Fast Eddie” and John Dufresne of Kinetic Consulting who named his carbine the “Bear Claw.”

13.9” Greenline Tactical “Fast Eddie” Carbine

•13.9” Rosco Mfg./ Greenline Tactical K9 barrel (5.56X45mm)
•Cobalt Kinetics RCB-KM
•Reptilia RECCE stock
•Reptilia carbine grip
•Custom Cerakote

11.5” Kinetic Consulting “Bear Claw” Pistol

•11.5” Rosco Mfg./ Kinetic Consulting K9 barrel (5.56x45mm)
•Cobalt Kinetics RCB-HX
•Custom Cerakote

MSRP for both TBD. The two guns can only be ordered through Firearms Depot but dealers are welcome. Although the accessories seen on the two guns are not included with the base models, Firearms Depot will offer versions configured with optics and enablers just like the Don and Duff use.

Posted in Black Rifle, NRA | 11 Comments »

Indy 23 – Maxim Defense MS-9 Suppressor

April 15th, 2023

Debuting at NRAAM, the new Maxim Defense MS-9 is both modular and a direct thread mount suppressor. It can be configured as long (7.5″/10.5oz) or short (5.375″/8.7oz). Manufactured from 17-4 Stainless Steel and 7075-T6 Aluminum, it is Cerakoted. Both pistol and rifle rated, it features a Dead-Air P Series Booster.

The average measurement per MILSTD-1474D is 134dB in the short configuration and 131.9 dB in the long configuration tested on a 4” barrel Glock 19 Gen 5 using Federal 147gr 9mm measured at the shooter’s left ear.

Posted in NRA, Suppressors | Comments Off on Indy 23 – Maxim Defense MS-9 Suppressor

Raptor Pilots Test AF’s Next-Gen Helmet

April 15th, 2023

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – Developmental flight tests are underway for the Air Force’s new Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet here.

Engineers with the 46th Test Squadron and the 28th Test and Evaluation Squadron oversee the helmet’s testing. Approximately five F-22A Raptor pilots from the 301st Fighter Squadron, a Reserve unit with the 43rd Fighter Squadron here, fly with the new lighter, cooler and more readily equipped helmet.

The NGFWH program goal is to provide pilots a more comfortable, stable, and balanced platform to accommodate helmet-mounted devices usage without imposing neck strain and discomfort to the user.

“It is common knowledge fighter pilots have long term neck and back issues,” said Maj. Brett Gedman, from the 301st Fighter Squadron. “Therefore, having a lightweight helmet, designed with the operator in mind, will have positive long-term impacts on the health of our fighter pilots during and after service.”

This series of tests marks the second round of developmental tests with the LIFT-manufactured helmet since it was awarded the contract in 2022. The NGFWH is set to replace the more than 40-year-old current model, known as HGU-55, used by all Air Force aircrew except F-35 flyers.

After each flight, the pilots report any feedback they have about wearability, visibility, communication, etc. The engineers compile that data to provide to the manufacturers. So far, outside of minor tweaks, the feedback is positive.

“The design of the helmet allows for unparalleled visibility, mobility, and comfort in the cockpit,” “The increased visibility combined with the mobility it provides made it a massive improvement over what I am used to flying with. It is clear this has been a generational leap in technology that the fighter pilot deserves, which is long overdue.”

Gedman said those factors are critical when operating in a high-G within visual range environment.

“With near peer threats narrowing the gap daily, it is critical the fighter pilots have every tactical advantage possible,” said Gedman. “Details matter, and it is coming down to the smallest details including the gear we wear.”

Along with Air Force aircrew, the new helmet also has a great effect on Aircrew Flight Equipment technicians. They are responsible for preparing, equipping, and maintaining the helmets for the aircrew.

Many flight advancements are now standard on the new helmet such as like night-vision goggle mounts and an adjustable occipital basket. With the legacy helmet, HGU-55, these items are added manually, adjusted, and fitted to the aircrew and take hours to prepare. To add a NVG mount to the legacy helmet, an AFE Airmen uses power tools to drill into the helmet to secure the bracket.

“From a pre-flight and build up standpoint, the new helmet is much better,” said Airman 1st Class Matthew Crouse, a 325th Operations Support Squadron AFE technician responsible NGFWH maintenance during the testing here. “It makes our job much easier in the long run, but because its so easy to adjust, we can make corrections if they are needed.”

When the Raptor squadrons leave Eglin soon for Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, the test engineers will follow for a new round testing with new pilots. Eventually, the tests will spread out to other aircraft and aircrew. The next aircraft type scheduled to test the helmets will be the HC-130J and B-1B Lancer.

By Samuel King Jr.

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Guest Post, Helmets | Comments Off on Raptor Pilots Test AF’s Next-Gen Helmet