TYR Tactical

XTEND Brings the Metaverse to the Modern Battlefield, as it Launches its Next Generation XTENDER Tactical sUAS system, with Resilient Indoor-Outdoor Navigation Capability and Integrated, Proprietary Drone-Teaming Technology

February 25th, 2022

For the first time, the system’s unique capabilities enable combat soldiers to perform entire missions remotely, with just a few hours of training, actively affecting the operational scenario, with zero contact with hostile forces.

17 Feb. 2022, Washington. XTEND – a company specializing in human-guided autonomous drone operating systems for military forces and law enforcement agencies – is launching the second generation of its indoor tactical sUAS system – the XTENDER.

The revolutionary micro-tactical ISR platform, with built-in resilient indoor-outdoor navigation and AI capabilities, enables remote completion of missions. Powered by “Skylord”, XTEND’s unique human-centric operating system, the XTENDER features complete localization and situational awareness, using the most advanced virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technologies, coupled with advanced AI and machine learning flight algorithms, bringing the metaverse to the modern battlefield.

The new XTENDER boasts powerful edge computing capabilities, providing onboard sensor fusion and localization that enable the drone to easily fly in any environment. The new onboard mission computer also enables the drone to run AI-driven applications, providing the operator with real-life actionable intelligence, such as target classification, verification, and tracking.

Using patented Drone-Teaming and Mark & Fly technologies, both integrated into the operating system, the new generation of the XTENDER enables multiple drones to enter a remote target site carrying various payloads, perform the required tasks with extreme precision, and seamlessly exit, regardless of any indoor-outdoor transition limitations or GNSS-denied locations.

With the second-generation XTENDER, any operator – even with zero flight experience – can perform accurate recon and data collection tasks – such as close-quarters combat (CQB) clearance, IED and tripwire identification, and enemy detection – in complex urban environments, without any physical contact with hostile forces.

Made in the U.S., the small, wearable lightweight XTENDER has a natural hand-gesture controller and is affordable, versatile, and easy to use, with minimal training and maintenance.

“Having deployed UAS in combat for 20 years, we are excited about XTENDER because, for the first time, forces can now carry out indoor missions without approaching the combat arena, and without putting themselves at risk,” says Steve Ball, Sales Operations Manager of XTEND. “This platform applies the wealth of knowledge held by our team, which is 100% comprised of army and Special Operations Forces veterans. It is this authentic insider view of forces’ experience in the battlefield that makes our solutions so successful.”

The XTENDER has already been operationally deployed by the US DoD, the Israeli MOD, and in other countries. XTEND is now expanding its activity in the United Kingdom as well, another major market for its innovative, combat-proven systems.

www.XTEND.me

Eagle Industries to Exhibit at Enforce Tac / IWA

February 25th, 2022

Check out Eagle Industries at next week’s Enforce Tac and IWA at the Nürnberg Messe.

See Blackhawk at Enforce Tac & IWA

February 25th, 2022

Blackhawk will exhibit at both Enforce Tac & IWA.

TacJobs – Multiple Positions at MSR Distribution

February 25th, 2022

We have the following job openings right now at MSR Distribution:

Compliance Manager, BATFE

Sales Manager

Dealer Specialist Sales Positions (10+)

Supply Chain and Purchasing Manager

Spiritus Systems Launches the Micro Fight MKV Chassis and CCS Sustainment Pouch

February 25th, 2022

Available for purchase today at 1200 EST on spiritussystems.com

Spiritus Systems has launched the Micro Fight MkV, a compact chest rig chassis that serves as the central hub in an ever-growing system of components that can be configured into various plate carrier and chest rig solutions for today’s warfighter.

The Micro Fight series of chassis was originally developed as an answer to the performance limitations of traditional plate carriers and chest rigs when fighting in and around vehicles. The Micro Fight system was built to be an extremely low-bulk solution for environments where space and weight command a premium. Over the years, Spiritus Systems has continued to evolve this core product and build a line of accessories that allow the micro fight to scale from a minimalistic magazine carrier to a full-fledged plate carrier system or various sustainment and comms-focused chest rigs.

Today, the MkV is added to this diverse roster of modular components that let the end user build a near limitless number of kit configurations to support a wide range of weapons platforms and use cases.

Design & Improvements

The MkV represents a generational leap for the Micro Fight line. Previously all Micro Fight iterations were composed of two open-top cells that could accept a variety of magazine inserts and Velcro flap closures. The latest version is now a single cell placard-style chassis that is built with all-new materials and manufacturing processes. The design features MOLLE on the front and sides to accommodate additional magazine pouches and tourniquets, and a row of anchor points along the top opening, for magazine retention bungee straps that will accommodate any caliber.

The CCS Pouch

Spiritus Systems found that the vast majority of Legacy Micro Fight customers were using the front cell as an ad-hoc GP pouch. In response to this, the MkV now can be combined with the all-new CCS Sustainment Pouch (releasing today in-tandem with the Mk V Chassis). The CCS pouch is a full-featured GP Pouch that vastly improves upon the legacy front cell’s functionality, and storage capacity. For those that do not need a GP Pouch solution, the MkV’s MOLLE front will accept any 3rd party magazine holders or other pouches.

Materials Selection & Manufacturing

The materials in the MkV were hand-selected and extensively tested for durability. Squadron fabric (an ultra-tough 1000d/500d Cordura laminate) is a semi-rigid textile that is used for the MkV’s entire chassis frame and was vetted for long-term integrity when laser cut. Unlike other products that will delaminate overtime, the MkV’s Squadron chassis will not degrade. 

Spiritus Systems also worked extensively to develop new manufacturing processes that would allow the company to invest more per-product in premium materials. By keeping build costs low through efficiency gains, Spiritus Systems can offer the best value in tactical nylon equipment on the market today.

Backwards Compatibility

The MkV and the CCS pouch are backward compatible with the company’s full product line. That means customers with LV/119 Plate Carriers, Thing 1 and Thing 2 Chest Rigs, and any other build, can drop in a Micro Fight MkV where the Mk 4 used to be, and instantly enhance the functionally and modularity of the system with no extra purchases required. The MkV is also compatible with all caliber magazine inserts currently offered on the website.

Availability & Pricing

Spiritus Systems will be launching these products today at 1200 EST on spiritussystems.com

MkV Chassis     $45.95

CCS Pouch         $ 78.95

For LE and Military sales of this and other products please contact Adam Thrower.

Sitka Arrowhead to Exhibit via PT Defence at Enforce Tac 2022

February 25th, 2022

PT Defence will be representing SITKA Arrowhead at Enforce Tac 2022. Showcasing at stand 12-544, attendees will have the opportunity to view the current product line – specifically developed for the SOF end-user – to notably include best-in-class Wet Weather Protective (WWP) technical apparel solutions.

The show takes place at the Exhibition Centre, Nuremberg, Germany, March 1-2 2022.

 

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Stratton Fleece Lined Flannels

February 25th, 2022

Check out the exclusive fleece-lined Stratton Flannel. Get them before they’re gone! Similar in cut and feel to the 4 ounce and 9 ounce flannel weights, this flannel features two oversized chest pockets with button closures to secure your important items, such as your phone. However, a new addition to the flannel is an integral bottle opener. It’s the perfect addition to your EDC line up.

Stratton flannels lovers will still find throughout this stunning shirt smooth metal buttons that will stand up to the test of time.

The Stratton Flannel is machine washable, and slightly oversized to accommodate for a 3% shrinkage after the first wash. Made in the USA with imported cotton. Limited sizes left— get them before we run out. We launch exclusive flannel colorwave each season, so make sure you grab it before it’s gone for good.

To check out the newest flannel, go to www.first-spear.com/stratton_flannel_fleeced_lined.

Spartan Brigade showcases Armored Formation On-The-Move Network Pilot

February 25th, 2022

FORT STEWART, Ga. – The “Spartan Brigade,” 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, showcased the U.S. Army’s Armored Formation On-The-Move Network Pilot on Feb. 8-9 at Fort Stewart. The pilot was in its third and final week when the unit and Army stakeholders conducted a corresponding media day and distinguished visitors day, where they exhibited three equipment sets that leveraged satellite and line-of-sight commercial network prototypes from over 20 industry partners.

Each equipment set enabled different combinations of network communications, both on the move and at the quick halt, to enhance command and control for distributed and dispersed operations and survivability and lethality.

“We know on the future battlefield you have to fight dispersed and distributed,” emphasized Maj. Gen. Charles D. Costanza, Commanding General, 3rd Infantry Division and Fort Stewart. “Even the brigade tactical operations center set up out here [for this pilot], which is scaled way down, is still too big, and so this capability would enable us to fight more distributed and dispersed. And then with the future modernization efforts we are doing with vehicles, for example AMPV [Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle], you put those two capabilities together, I think this is really going to improve our ability to fight and survive on the future battlefield.”

Each week of the pilot a different Spartan Brigade battalion stressed and assessed one of the equipment sets in realistic brigade-designed mission threads, during and after which the Army garnered Soldier feedback and assessment data.

“One of our primary modernization focus areas is really about the network and how we enable the future fight through speed, range and convergence,” said Maj. Gen. Robert M. Collins, Program Executive Officer for Command, Control, Communications-Tactical.

During the media day, a handful of Washington reporters from defense and technology news outlets and a regional news station visited on Tuesday, Feb. 8 to ask questions and talk to Soldiers and Army network acquisition and fielding leaders about the different equipment sets. The following day, modernization stakeholders from various U.S. Army program executive offices, cross-functional teams, training and doctrine commands, science and technology organizations, and additional Army senior leaders had a similar opportunity to talk to Soldiers as well as exchange ideas on the network modernization of armored formations.

The media and distinguished visitors first spoke to Soldiers at a static display that highlighted two of the equipment sets and then rode out to the training area to talk to Soldiers employing the third equipment set.

“They [the Soldiers] truly got to assess each of the equipment sets,” said Col. Terry R. Tillis, commander of the “Spartan Brigade,” 2nd ABCT, 3rd ID. “At the end of the day, if we can’t integrate with current capabilities, and it’s not simple enough for our end user, it is something we don’t want. But the general feedback we have received [is that] it’s easy to use, it is expeditionary, and allows us to keep a much smaller command post signature, which will help us increase our survivability.”

The Soldier feedback combined with qualitative and quantitative assessment data will inform the Army’s Capability Set 25 armored formation network design and concept from the division to the battalion level. The final armored formation OTM network solution set will enable more effective and less predictable offensive and defensive operations and will increase the lethality of the Army’s armored units.

By CPT Sean Minton