Phantom Lights

Land Forces 22 – DefendTex Banshee

October 4th, 2022

Billed as an Land Autonomous Munition Platform, the Banshee from Australia’s DefendTex boasts a top speed of 100 km/hr and a range of 70 km.

This thermal seeking system is designed to look for tanks, drive under them and destroy the tank or anything else it’s set after.

It can also be used to deliver their line of unmanned aerial systems like the D40 via their multibarrel
launch system.

www.defendtex.com

2022 Land Forces

October 4th, 2022

Welcome to our Land Forces 2022 coverage, live from Brisbane, Australia.

You Never Know Where They’ll Show Up

October 4th, 2022

This time it’s in the Platatac stand at Land Forces in Brisbane, Australia.

SMARTSHOOTER Unveils the SMASH 3000 at the Australian Land Forces Conference

October 3rd, 2022

Fielded and operationally proven, the unique SMASH technology ensures that shot accuracy will not be affected by human errors

Land Forces Exhibition, Brisbane, Australia, Hall 2, Booth 2C21

SMARTSHOOTER, a world-class designer, developer, and manufacturer of innovative fire control systems that significantly increase the accuracy, lethality, and situational awareness of small arms, will present the SMASH 3000 for the first time at the Land Forces Conference in Brisbane, Australia.

SMASH 3000 is a lighter and smaller version of SMARTSHOOTER’s handheld operated SMASH system. Using AI, computer vision, and advanced algorithms, SMARTSHOOTER’s SMASH 3000 ensures each round finds its target in both day and night conditions. Incorporating operational and technical insights from previous versions, it is the latest and most advanced handheld operated fire control system by SMARTSHOOTER and is already in operational use. Maximizing force lethality, operational effectiveness and situational awareness throughout every engagement, it is also an ideal hard-kill solution against drones and sUAS.

At the conference, SMARTSHOOTER will also present the SMASH X4: a Fire Control System with a x4 magnifying optic scope that provides extended detection, recognition & identification ranges for the shooter as well as extended lethality ranges. The SMASH X4 includes an etched reticle to allow shooting without battery power, and an optional integrated Laser Range Finder (LRF) enables range measurement both as a user-initiated capability as well as a system input for improved precision. Night-capability is available by using the X4 with thermal night vision devices as a clip-on.

Built as an external add-on solution that can be integrated onto different types of assault rifles and light machineguns, the SMASH Fire Control Systems ensures that shot accuracy will not be affected by human errors such as fatigue and stress, nor by the target movement. Fielded and operationally deployed by friendly forces worldwide, including the IDF and the US special forces, the SMASH Family of Fire Control Systems enables the platoon to be smart, precise and connected.

Presenting its SMASH family of fire control solutions that includes handheld operated, remotely controlled, robotic, and UAV-mounted systems at the Land Forces Conference, SMARTSHOOTER affirms that it is ready to support the Fire Control functions of the Australian Land 159 Tranche 2 Close Combat Family of Weapons (CCFoW).

Michal Mor, SMARTSHOOTER CEO: “We are excited to unveil and present the SMASH 3000, SMARTSHOOTER’s latest and lightest handheld fire control system, for the first time at the Australian Land Forces Conference. We have incorporated all operational and technical insights from previous versions into the system, making it even more effective while enabling significant weight and size reduction. Operational and combat-proven, the SMASH fire control systems allow infantry soldiers to swiftly and accurately neutralize their targets.”

Velocity Systems – Ultra-Lite Plate Carrier

October 3rd, 2022

The new Ultra-Lite Plate Carrier (ULPC) from Velocity Systems is their lightest full featured plate carrier offering.

The shoulder straps were designed to alleviate common fit issues with traditional sewn fixed angle shoulder straps. The narrow ULTRAcomp shoulder straps articulate on a D-ring allowing them to sit correctly and comfortably on any user, regardless of neck width or shoulder broadness. The length of the straps are adjustable and have a padded sleeve that can also be used for cable/hydration tube routing.

The ULPC is sized to hold plates of corresponding sizes to the carrier. The ULPC is provided with a detachable front flap and the low-profile elastic cummerbund with dividers and retainers. All materials and workmanship are 100% made in the USA.

-Laser cut Squadron fabric MOLLE compatible attaching system

-Removeable Front flap

-Integrated SwiftClip buckles for rapid don/ doff of auxiliary chest worn equipment (i.e. Chest Rigs and SwiftClip Placards)

-Compatible with all Velocity Systems Scarab cummerbund models

Offered in sizes Small – XLarge in Black, Coyote, MultiCam, and Ranger Green.

Regular price $330, but if you order by Friday October 7th, 2022, you can get it for $299. Get them while they last.

www.velsyst.com/products/ultra-lite-plate-carrier

The Battle of Mogadishu

October 3rd, 2022

Everyday marks an anniversary of a significant event in American military history, but today stands out among them.

On this date in 1993, US service members were engaged in what is now known as the Battle of Mogadishu. A joint organization was formed named ” TF Ranger” to deploy to Mogadishu, Somalia in support of a UN-led humanitarian mission. Already having conducted operations for some time, on 3 October they raided the city’s Olympic Hotel in order to capture key leaders of the Aidid Militia.

Unfortunately, during the exfil portion of the raid, a battle ensued which claimed the lives of 18 Americans and wounded another 73. Additionally, CW3 Michael Durant was captured by the Aideed militia. Fortunately, Durant was later repatriated and went on to retire from the 160th.

Of the men killed that day, two would be awarded the Medal of Honor, Delta Operators Gary Gordon and Randy Shughart, for their selfless efforts to protect Durant after his aircraft, callsign Super 64, was shot down.

Last year, the US Army reevaluated the awards presented to the participants of that battle and amongst the Ranger element, upgraded 60 veteran’s awards including 58 Silver Stars and two Distinguished Flying Crosses. The order of battle included other organizations and their Soldiers will soon receive similar upgrades.

If you are unfamiliar with the events, one of the best accounts of the battle is contained in the book, “Blackhawk Down” by author Mark Bowden. Much of the information was serialized prior to the book’s publication in the Philadelphia Enquirer. Later this was made into a movie bearing the same name.

Please take a moment to remember these men and their sacrifice.

Additionally, the 75th Ranger Regiment was created on this day in 1984, with the stand up of its 3rd Battalion. Almost four decades later, the Ranger Regiment boasts boasts five battalions of some of the most elite warriors on the face of our planet.

Tracer Tactical – Spetsnaz Shovel Cover

October 3rd, 2022

There are scads of fixed handle, Russian “Spetsnaz” shovels out there but no good way to carry them on your kit.

Tracer Tactical makes a PALS compatible cover with hard insert in several colors. It’s made made from 500D Cordura and pretty straight forward, just like the shovel it carries.

tracer-tactical.com/products/spetsnaz-shovel-cover-pre-order

Alien Gear Holsters To Exhibit at the AUSA 2022 Annual Meeting & Exposition

October 3rd, 2022

Alien Gear Holsters® Rapid Force™ duty retention holsters will be showcased at the Association of the United States Army’s Annual Meeting, the largest land power exposition and professional development forum in North America.

Post Falls, Idaho (September 2022) – Alien Gear Holsters®, designers and manufacturers of American-made holsters and firearms accessories, and the Rapid Force™ line of Level 2 and Level 3 Duty Holsters, will exhibit at Booth #3625 during the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting, to be held Oct. 10 – 12, 2022 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, in Washington D.C.

AUSA brings in over 33,000 registrants including top Army leadership and industry partners. Exhibitors and attendees from over 80 countries showcase leading-edge technologies and products. Seminars and social events provide participants the opportunities to meet top military brass and international leaders.

“Alien Gear Holsters is strategically entering into the military markets with products that are designed specifically for the warfighter,” Joe Lienemann, Director of LE Sales for Alien Gear Holsters, explained. “The Rapid Force line of holsters will be building on our success since the introduction of our Level 2 and 3 Duty Holsters with products for our men and women in the Armed Services.”

The Rapid Force Duty Holster is designed specifically for law enforcement and military professionals. The revolutionary retention mechanism was engineered to provide the highest level of security while maintaining an incredibly fast and fluid draw. Alien Gear Holsters’ patented Gross Motor Response (GMR™) retention control system allows the user to draw consistently with a perfect grip, even under stress. The Rapid Force Duty Holster has been thoroughly tested in extreme environments and under extreme conditions so that it has been referred to as a “tank” of a holster, able to withstand anything thrown at it. The Rapid Force Duty Holster is available in four configurations: Belt Slide, Paddle, MOLLE, and Drop Leg.

The optional Quick Disconnect System (QDS) allows the user to switch the holster from one carry configuration to another, quickly and easily, without tools. Made in the USA, the Rapid Force Duty Holster comes with a 30-day field test drive and a three-year full manufacturer warranty. It is available for GLOCK, Smith & Wesson, and SIG Sauer model handguns. MSRP is $115.88.

For more information on Alien Gear Holsters and the Rapid Force line, visit www.aliengearholsters.com. Join the conversation on Alien Gear Holsters’ Facebook page, Instagram, and YouTube.