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Window World Awards American Humane With a $20,000 Pups4Patriots Grant

August 23rd, 2022

WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, August 22, 2022 — American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare practices, today announced that Window World, America’s exterior remodeler with over 200 franchisees across the country, awarded them a $20,000 grant in support of its Pups4Patriots™ program. Pups4Patriots provides free, specially trained service dogs, including rescues, to veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress or traumatic brain injury.

“Our Pups4Patriots program has saved countless lives by putting healing leashes into the hands of veterans in need across the country,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, American Humane President, and CEO. “Our mission wouldn’t be possible without the generous help of companies like Window World, whose charitable grant will help us continue the lifesaving work of gifting brave veterans with the best medicine – unconditional love and support from the new furry best friends they so richly deserve.”

Proceeds from the grant supported the pairing of U.S. military veteran Bobby with his new service dog, Kai. The pair were formally introduced as graduates of the program by American Humane at a Window World Family Reunion event in Phoenix early this month.

“Window World and its franchisees understand the importance of giving back. We’ve been blessed with our success and have always been proud to share with those in need. With this conviction in mind, Window World is committed to doing everything we can to remind veterans that they are appreciated and supported at home,” said Tammy Whitworth, CEO, and Chairman of Window World.

To date, American Humane has provided service dogs and training to more than 200 veterans across the country.

“We are truly grateful for Window World’s dedication to helping our veterans manage the invisible wounds of war,” Dr. Ganzert said. “With their benevolent grant, we have been able to help put a healing leash in the hands of another veteran who will go on to live their life to the fullest.”

Service dogs are an invaluable asset to veterans who have sustained trauma, but there are significant obstacles to receiving one. Properly training a dog to perform their needed tasks and remain calm and focused in public areas can be expensive and time-consuming. Even when the cost isn’t an obstacle, wait times can still be prohibitively long as veterans navigate red tape.

Through the Pups4Patriot program, American Humane provides service dogs to veterans at no charge to them in both a timely and efficient manner.

“My dog helps me feel more secure since I have somebody right there with me that will help me during the days,” Air Force veteran and recent Pups4Patriots graduate Karen said. “They’re a companion. I can go out and not stay in the house because I used to do that a lot.”

Jamie McBride, Window World Military Initiative Director, and Window World Board Member, stated, “As an American company with patriotic aims, we’re honored to serve our veteran and military communities through the Window World Military Initiative. By forming partnerships with organizations such as American Humane, we can provide lifesaving service dogs to veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress. This is just the beginning.”

The Pups4Patriots program is made possible through the generous support of donors. To learn more, and help fund more stories like these, visit www.AmericanHumane.org.

Posted in Charity, K9, Press Release, Veterans | Comments Off on Window World Awards American Humane With a $20,000 Pups4Patriots Grant

Whiskey Two Four Releases Backpack 00 Open Source CAD Pattern

August 23rd, 2022

WTF just did something really cool. They released the CAD for backpack 00 as an open source download on their site www.wtfidea.com/wtfiles-backpack-00-open-source-cad-pattern

In addition to releasing it into the wild on a few facebook groups, they also offered $250 to the first person who uploads a public, comprehensive assembly video in an attempt to inspire those who can assemble stuff but need a little nudge with design.

No takers so far, but the CAD file has been downloaded over 400 times.

Posted in Advertiser, Contest, Design | Comments Off on Whiskey Two Four Releases Backpack 00 Open Source CAD Pattern

TNVC Announces Staff Promotions

August 23rd, 2022

Redlands, California—

TNVC is pleased to announce the promotions of several employees within the organization as TNVC continues to grow and expand and create strategic partnerships to provide the best Night Vision, Thermal, and Visual Augmentation Systems products to both government and commercial markets. These include:

Augustine “Augee” Kim, who has assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer, Jaimie Cross, as Vice President of Administration, and Chris Huber, as Senior Director of Sales.

“I’m extremely proud and excited to announce the promotions of these three individuals at TNVC,” said Victor DiCosola, President, CEO, and founder of TNVC. “The amount of knowledge, experience, and professionalism they bring to their roles is unparalleled. Through their hard work and dedication, they have helped build TNVC into what it is today and by helping to steer the ship, they can ensure that TNVC can continue to be an industry leader for years to come.”

Augustine “Augee” Kim, Chief Operating Officer:

Augustine “Augee” Kim joined TNVC in 2018 and has helped to oversee TNVC’s continued growth and expansion across all aspects of the business, including the launch of several major product lines, as well as key strategic relationships and partnerships, and the creation of TNVC’s vSHOTT virtual event in 2021. As COO, Augee will continue to manage the strategic outlook for TNVC, including the smooth integration of product development, key partnerships, business development and sales, marketing, training, and logistics.

Prior to joining TNVC, Augee was a research fellow at West Virginia University, and is currently an officer in the United States Army Reserve. He has completed multiple overseas deployments during GWOT and has served in Infantry, Cavalry, Armor, and Psychological Operations formations. Augee holds an MA from the College of Charleston, and is a graduate of The Citadel, in Charleston, South Carolina.

“I am grateful and humbled by the confidence and trust that Vic [DiCosola] has placed in me, and by our Team here at TNVC,” Kim stated. “Even prior to my joining the company, TNVC has always been known for providing the best, most advanced, and most thoroughly vetted and tested equipment to as wide an audience as possible, and I am excited to continue to be on the forefront of that work—we’ve got a lot of things in the works in both the long and short term that I think will be very exciting to our customers.”

Jaimie Cross, Vice President of Administration:

Jaimie Cross has been integral to TNVC since joining the company in 2012, managing Administrative Operations, including order processing, customer service, and accounting. Jaimie was also responsible for overseeing the opening of TNVC’s current corporate headquarters in California, as well as the creation of TNVC’s flagship TNV-Build Program. “I’m so proud to be a part of this team,” said Cross, “TNVC is not only a job, it’s like a family. We’ve been through so many things together over the years as the company has grown.”

As Vice President of Administration, Jaimie will have oversight over all administrative functions for TNVC, including inventory management and warehouse operations, as well as finance, HR, and the expansion of TNVC’s California Headquarters. “As the company has grown, we’ve needed to continue to improve our processes and expand our infrastructure to better serve our customers; commercial, government, and our dealers, to give them the best possible service and experience,” Cross added.

Jaimie is a graduate of California State University, San Bernardino, and holds a Master’s degree from Azusa Pacific University.

Chris Huber, Senior Director of Sales:

Chris Huber has been involved in the Night Vision industry for nearly two decades, starting at Morovision in 2004 as a major distributor of ITT/Exelis products eventually becoming the Sales Director before joining TNVC in 2014.

As Senior Director of Sales, Chris will oversee all aspects of Sales for TNVC, including the expansion of both Commercial Distribution and Dealer Sales as well as Government Sales and Business Development, including TNVC’s expanded Law Enforcement Business Development and Sales Team which seeks to address LE-specific technology and equipment needs, including the ability to provide Modified-COTS solutions to LE customers. Chris’s deep industry knowledge and experience will help to drive strategic decision making and future planning for TNVC.

“I’ve really enjoyed being a part of the TNVC team over the last 8 years,” said Huber. “I’m proud of the success and growth we have accomplished, and there’s more interest in night vision and thermal now than I’ve ever seen from all sectors, which is great, but the challenge is to grow smartly. Growing smartly isn’t just about making more sales—one of TNVC’s greatest assets from the start has been the emphasis on knowledge and education, and of course quality, something we intend to continue.”

Please join us in a warm congratulations to Augee, Jaimie, and Chris!

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

BAE Systems wins U.S. Army’s Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicle (CATV) Competition, Receives $278 Million Contract

August 23rd, 2022

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – August 22, 2022 – BAE Systems’ Beowulf has won the U.S. Army’s competition for its Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicle (CATV) program and the company has received a $278 million contract for production units, spare parts and contractor logistics support. The win further confirms BAE Systems as the industry leader in the design and production of military all-terrain vehicles for operations in harsh terrains and in the toughest weather conditions.

Beowulf is an unarmored, tracked, and highly versatile vehicle for carrying personnel and a variety of payloads in either of its two compartments. Beowulf can traverse snow, ice, rock, sand, mud, and swamp conditions, and can operate in steep mountain environments. Its amphibious feature also allows it to swim in flooded areas or coastal waters. This marks the first sale of Beowulf, which is based on its sister BvS10 armored variant in service with several European nations.

As the focus on Arctic Mobility operations grows, we see increasing opportunities in other markets for the BvS10 and Beowulf with an emerging demand to replace legacy BV206s.

“Beowulf is a highly capable solution to meet the US Army’s requirement for Arctic operations. We look forward to providing our soldiers operating in challenging terrain and environments with this highly capable vehicle,” said Mark Signorelli, vice president of business development at BAE Systems Platforms & Services. “We have been maturing and modernizing cold weather all-terrain capabilities for decades, bringing advanced capabilities to the United States and numerous other countries. This contract means we will continue to do so for many years to come.”

Beowulf’s articulated mobility system is key to its effectiveness, providing optimal maneuverability across varying surfaces. Its modular design can be reconfigured for multiple missions, such as logistical support, disaster and humanitarian relief, search and rescue, and other missions as required.

Its large windows and spacious cabin make Beowulf suitable to the tasks for the CATV program, including search and rescue, defense support to civilian authorities, and homeland defense. Its modern, commercial design ensures soldiers’ operational effectiveness in executing a wide variety of difficult missions.

Beowulf successfully completed the prototype evaluation phase of the CATV program earlier this year in Alaska. It performed in multiple tasks while remaining fully mission capable. The testing included amphibious operations, navigating terrain with varying levels of complexity, starting and operating in extreme cold weather, and most critically, user assessment by soldiers.

Beowulf is built by BAE Systems Hägglunds in northern Sweden, adding firsthand experience in operating in an arctic environment. The platform includes several key components from U.S. suppliers, such as its engine, transmission, and hydraulic system. The CATV program will replace the legacy fleet of Small Unit Support Vehicles (SUSVs), also built by BAE Systems Hägglunds, and known internationally as the BV206. The BV206 has been in service globally, including with the U.S. Armed Forces, since the early 1980s.

Posted in Army, Contracts, Mobility, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Cavalry Troopers Explore Future of Robotics at Fort Hood

August 23rd, 2022

FORT HOOD, Texas – Robotic Combat Vehicles, or RCVs, will become the future for combat operations.

This is another reason why troopers with the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment “Garryowen,”, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, are working with the Next Generation Combat Vehicle Cross Functional Team members to test different versions of the RCV platforms here until late summer 2022.

The testing started in late July with Soldiers training on the vehicles, followed by tactical scenarios and situational training exercises. Army engineers and technicians collected the Soldiers’ feedback, and will use that to further develop the robotic vehicle’s capabilities with the end-user in mind.

“Soldier feedback is the foundation for every single requirement we’re writing,” said Maj. Cory Wallace, RCV lead for the Next Generation Combat Vehicles Cross-Functional Team, during a training session, July 25. “If you have people (engineers) who are not connected with the Soldiers, every step of the process, we build stuff that is not useful, doesn’t work or seems way too expensive and it never leaves the motor pool.”

Garryowen troopers will have a chance to employ a tethered Unmanned Aerial System, a counter-UAS jammer, modular smoke obscuration module, a Commonly Remote Operated Weapon System (equipped with both crew-served weapons, up to 50-caliber, and a Javelin), as well as an autonomous drive function.

The RCV platforms have non-standard battery-powered systems. Soldiers are testing the limits of the vehicles in the Fort Hood training areas terrain, driving them on various terrain conditions commonly encountered on the battlefield. The Soldiers are also testing the vehicles’ ability to identify and avoid obstacles and their capacity to fire weapons while on the move.

“If you think about it, you know, in any … combat formation, 90 percent of it is a movement moving on unimproved surfaces from point A to point B. We can then off-load that onto a robot and have that robot do that, so the crews can perform more important tasks.” Wallace said.

Soldiers in the field have further validated the combat benefits of adding robots to a manned-unmanned teamed formation. On-site technicians have collected technical data, and the Soldiers have identified new capabilities desired for the operational experiment with the RCVs.

The Soldiers believe that the robots will be beneficial in several ways. First, they will provide increased situational awareness, more efficient use of resources, and greater flexibility in planning and execution. In addition, Wallace added, the Soldiers believe that the robots will reduce the risk to Soldiers’ lives by providing a safe way to gather information and conduct operations in dangerous environments. The on-site technicians will continue to collect data, and the Soldiers will continue to validate the benefits of adding robots to the formation.

“We are essentially planning and writing for the future. What we want to do is make sure we’re well prepared, and we have trained individuals so we can win the nation wars,” said Staff Sgt. Miguel Albertson, 1-7 Cav.

The Army is preparing to make future decisions on the potential acquisition and use of unmanned systems in combat by conducting additional Soldier training and evaluation sessions with RCV platforms over the next 36 months.

Soldiers will have the opportunity to provide input on how they believe unmanned systems could be employed in combat operations, as well as identify any challenges or limitations that should be considered. This feedback will inform future decision-making on the Army’s acquisition of the systems.

By Eric Franklin, Fort Hood Public Affairs

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Robotics | 1 Comment »

Nordic Unmanned Opens North American Office

August 22nd, 2022

22.08.2022, Sandnes, Norway – Nordic Unmanned opens a North American office headed by a seasoned industry veteran to expand its business in the world’s largest and fastest-growing drone market.

The office will be located in Baltimore County, Maryland, close to strategic partners, potential governmental and commercial clients and aviation authorities. The focus will be on offering Nordic Unmanned’s existing products and services portfolio, as well as operational experience with performing long-range, complex beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, in pursuit of the North American defense, government, and commercial markets.

North America is the largest drone market in the world, with the highest expected growth rate, both within the defense and enterprise market. The U.S. 2023 defense budget request consists of 20 programs fully dedicated to the procurement of drones, totaling $2.6 billion. The enterprise market adds to this, with its expected CAGR of 15.8 percent from 2021 to 2030.

“Expanding into accessible markets is a key part of our growth strategy. The US is a very appealing market for Nordic Unmanned, allowing us to build upon our leading role in the European drone industry and leverage our EASA-approved Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC) and experience within complex BVLOS drone operations. This provides a solid foundation for capturing the enormous opportunities identified through the development of drone regulations in North America. Europe and North America have a long and positive history of collaboration on aviation rules, safety, regulations and operational licenses, for all aspects of the aviation industry, including drones. Nordic Unmanned has the ambition to become the first company with a fully approved BVLOS operating certificate, for multiple complex drone systems, in both Europe and the U.S,” says Knut Roar Wiig, CEO of Nordic Unmanned.

The North American market will be led by the seasoned multi-mode aviation, defense, rail, and transit executive Timothy “T3” Tenne. Mr. Tenne joins Nordic Unmanned from the position of Chief Operations Officer at Easy Aerial Inc, where he has led their operations, production, regulatory, and other areas within the defense, enterprise, government, and rail drone solutions. Tim has also held senior leadership positions with, amongst others, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Amtrak, Maryland Transit Administration and U.S. Air Force. Mr. Tenne is a local of Baltimore County and Maryland, where he attended the U.S. Naval Academy and went on to become a pilot and leader, and eventually retired after many years of service.

“I’m excited by this opportunity, and I look forward to making the new entity the leader in this market and applying my many years of executive aviation and aerospace experience to deliver cutting-edge solutions to existing and new customers in multiple verticals,” says Timothy Tenne.

“Opening the office in Baltimore County was a carefully planned and strategic decision. Maryland is an attractive state for this business, with proximity to partners, potential customers, test and operations areas, a growing pool of technical and engineering talent, and proximity to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These are major benefits, while at the same ensuring closeness to Norway with only a six-hour time difference. This is crucial for us to ensure synergies and to harvest the substantial operational experience from our colleagues in Norway,” Mr. Tenne says.

“As the leading operator and provider of drone solutions, it is a natural next step for us to enter the largest and fastest growing market in the world. We expect to turn the current North America opportunity pipeline into revenue within the next six months,” concludes CEO Knut Roar Wiig.

www.nordicunmanned.com

DISCLOSURE REGULATION This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Nordic Unmanned Opens North American Office

Federal Ammunition Shooters Proudly Represented the U.S.A. at the IPRF World Championship

August 22nd, 2022

ANOKA, Minnesota – August 17, 2022 – Federal Ammunition professional shooters Buck Holly and Greg Bell represented the United States as part of Team USA at the International Precision Rifle Federation (IPRF) World Championship. The event was held on August 6-12, 2022 in Bitche, France. There were 250 shooters from 26 countries who participated in the shoot.

The IPRF was established to create an internationally recognized precision rifle competition. Throughout the 6-day shoot, Team USA participated in a variety of precision shooting events taking first place in every division and category other than the Factory Division.

“I’ve always said that precision rifle competitions here in the United States feature the best all-around rifle shooters in the world. It’s great to see an opportunity for American shooters to prove themselves against the world,” said Jason Spradling, Federal’s Manager of Shooting Sports Promotions/Field Training. “It’s a huge honor to have two of our Team Federal shooters invited to represent Team USA.”

Along with Team USA’s overall success, Federal Shooters Holly and Bell placed high in their respective events individually. Buck Holly placed second in the Limited Division using Federal’s Gold Medal Match 308 Win loaded with 185-grain Berger Juggernaut bullets. Using the Federal Gold Medal primers, Greg Bell placed 5th in the Open Division with handloads.

“The weather conditions in France were challenging, to say the least,” said Federal Sponsored Shooter, Buck Holly. “Having great ammo allowed me to perform well despite the tough conditions.”

“I can’t adequately explain how much it means to me to have been allowed to represent my country at the IPRF World Championship,” said Federal Sponsored Shooter Greg Bell. “Overall, it was THE most fun I have had at a match in a long time.”

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

Posted in Press Release, Shooting Sports | Comments Off on Federal Ammunition Shooters Proudly Represented the U.S.A. at the IPRF World Championship

Tasmanian Tiger to Exhibit at TacOps South

August 22nd, 2022

Tasmanian Tiger® will attend this law enforcement tactical training conference and expo in Nashville, Tennessee, Aug. 24 – 26, 2022 at Booth 234.

Knoxville, Tenn. (August 2022) – Tasmanian Tiger®, a tactical nylon line of products distributed exclusively for the US market by Proforce Equipment, Inc., will be exhibiting at TacOps South this Aug. 24 – 26, 2022 at Sheraton Music City in Nashville, Tennessee. Tasmanian Tiger will be exhibiting its line of TACVEC products and Medic Packs at Booth 234. For two days, over 150 industry vendors will showcase the latest technologies and products aimed at patrol officers, SWAT, tactical teams, corrections, narcotics units, detectives, and TEMS.

Tasmanian Tiger will be featuring products from its TACVEC series that are specifically designed for police and SWAT vehicles. These products include the TT Modular Front Seat Panel, TT Sun Shade Cover, TT Head Rest IFAK, TT TACVEC Pouch 1, TT TACVEC Container, and TT TACVEC Weapon Fixation. The TT Modular Front Seat Panel is a MOLLE panel for use on the back of front car seats in a vertical position or horizontally on rear seats. Hook-and-loop pouches can be arranged on the MOLLE specific to the mission. The TT Sun Shade Cover is a length-adjustable MOLLE shell that attaches to the vehicle’s sun visor. The TT Head Rest IFAK is a quick-access first aid kit that attaches to the back of the car seat headrest on either the driver or passenger side. The TACVEC Pouch 1 is a quick-release equipment bag with a zipper adapter that fastens to the TT Modular Front Seat Panel. Divided into three parts, the TT TACVEC Container bag is ideally fastened under the front seat and can be quickly removed from the vehicle in critical situations and easily used as a bandolier system. The last product in the TACVEC series is the TT TACVEC Weapon Fixation, which is a height-adjustable long-barrel firearms holder to use with the TT Modular Front Seat Panel.

From Tasmanian Tiger’s Medic Pack line, the recently added TT Medic Assault Pack MKII L will be on display at the Tasmanian Tiger booth. This is the largest TT medic backpack designed with an intelligent and clear interior divider system. It measures about 4 cm. (one MOLLE strip) deeper than the two smaller, previous models. The TT Medic Assault Pack MKII L can also be converted for plate carriers and vests using the adapter straps supplied with it for direct attachment. The stowable carrying handles help to quickly transport it in emergencies. The pack also features an inner detachable plate with elastic loops and internal variation fixation points to store medical equipment, a scissors bag, and clear inside pockets identified by colored hook-and-loop fastening. There are also integrated visual markers.

Click to see Vol. 3 of the Tasmanian Tiger digital catalog here. Find a local dealer here for any of the exciting Tasmanian Tiger products.

Stay in the conversation by following on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. All sales inquiries can be directed to tt@tasmaniantigerusa.com.

Posted in Industry, Press Release, Tradeshow | Comments Off on Tasmanian Tiger to Exhibit at TacOps South