The GBRS Hydra Mount – [AIMPOINT] is the first dual optic mount designed for end-users that offers a 2.91” Optic Centerline for faster target ID, regardless of gear/equipment obstructions.
Available 7/9 @ 1300 EDT only at gbrsgroupgear.com
Sneak Peek – GBRS Hydra Mount
July 6th, 2022US Army Approves Milestone C and Awards LRIP Contract for the Mobile Protected Firepower Program
July 6th, 2022WASHINGTON — The Army announced today the award of a $1.14 billion contract to General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Michigan, for the production and fielding of up to 96 Mobile Protected Firepower, or MPF, vehicles. The award comes just days after the Army closed out the MPF middle-tier acquisition rapid-prototyping phase and transitioned to a major capability acquisition program with a favorable Milestone C decision — an incremental step in the Department of Defense’s acquisition process that moves into the production and deployment phase.
MPF will provide infantry brigades greater survivability, the ability to identify threat systems earlier and at greater distances, and will not restrict movement in off-road terrain. MPF will also allow Soldiers to move at a faster pace, protecting the assaulting force.
“The MPF program did exactly what the Army asked, which was to complete a competitive and accelerated rapid prototyping effort with Soldier touchpoints,” said Mr. Doug Bush, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, and the Army’s acquisition executive. “MPF is a benchmark program, as the acquisition and requirement communities worked together to complete the [middle-tier acquisition rapid-prototyping] phase and move this system into production in just under four years.”
The Milestone C decision came on schedule and was underpinned by strong support and overwhelming commitment from Army leadership.
“MPF represents a new capability for the Army, allowing our light maneuver forces to overmatch adversaries. Through multiple Soldier touchpoints, our Soldiers have operated the prototypes and provided crucial feedback to the design team, ensuring our forces will have the asset they need on the future battlefield,” said Maj. Gen. Ross Coffman, director of the Next Generation Combat Vehicles Cross Functional Team.
During the middle-tier acquisition rapid-prototyping phase, the Army successfully tested and evaluated 24 prototypes during a pandemic. Middle-tier acquisition authorities allow the Army to have the flexibility to get prototypes into Soldiers’ hands quickly to enable fidelity on known risks and develop informed plans moving forward.
“Congress has provided us with flexible [middle-tier acquisition] legislation that allows for accelerated prototype delivery and Soldier operational feedback, which expedites the fidelity on technical and programmatic risks to better inform program acquisition decisions,” Bush said.
The MPF will be the Army’s first new design vehicle fielded in over four decades, with first unit equipped planned for late fiscal year 2025.
“Today’s announcement sets in motion an important modernization effort for the Army. As a team we’ve worked diligently to make certain we’ve taken the right steps early on to accept risk where appropriate and move faster,” said Brig. Gen. Glenn Dean, ASA(ALT)’s program executive officer for ground combat systems. “The Army is committed to delivering the MPF capability to the infantry brigade on an accelerated schedule with incremental improvements over time.”
During the low-rate initial production phase the Army will take delivery of MPF vehicles and conduct production qualification testing to include lethality, mobility, survivability, full-up system live-fire, and reliability, Availability and maintainability testing. Additionally, an initial operational test and evaluation will also be conducted, all leading to the first unit equipped. The award of subsequent low-rate initial production vehicle options will be based on review of cost, schedule and performance metrics defined in the acquisition program baseline.
By U.S. Army Public Affairs
HENSOLDT and THEON Receive OCCAR Contract for 20.000 Night Vision Goggles
July 5th, 2022Bonn, 5 July 2022 – The Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) signed a contract amendment to an existing contract for binocular night vision goggles on behalf of Belgium and Germany with a Consortium consisting of HENSOLDT Optronics and THEON SENSORS. The contract amendment worth a mid-three-digit million amount activates the existing option of the supply of an additional 20.000 MIKRON Night Vision Goggles to the German Armed Forces while at the same time the delivery schedule shall be accelerated. The follow-up contract will be executed by the newly founded joint venture HENSOLDT Theon Night Vision.
The contract amendment furthermore covers various enhancements of MIKRON and changes to the system configuration as a result of the Operational Testing and Acceptance phase which was successfully passed by the end of February 2022.
At the signing of the contract in Bonn with Andreas Hülle, Head of the Optronics & Land Solutions Division and Managing Director of HENSOLDT Optronics, and Christian Hadjiminas, CEO of THEON SENSORS, the Director of OCCAR-EA Matteo Bisceglia stated: “The additional 20.000 Night Vision Googles (NVG) supply to the German Armed Forces proves the success and perspective of OCCAR’s program through the new joint venture company HENSOLDT Theon NightVision”.
Andreas Hülle said: “HENSOLDT and THEON have already worked together successfully in the past. Here, two European companies are working together in an exemplary way to equip the Belgian and German armed forces with state-of-the-art night vision equipment. This order is directly related to our growth strategy. Russia’s war against Ukraine shows how important networked high-performance sensor technology and optical systems are for equipping our armed forces in line with the times.”
Christian Hadjiminas, CEO of THEON SENSORS, added: “This new large contract amendment is a culmination of the successful cooperation between HENSOLDT Optronics and THEON SENSORS that opens doors for synergies and co-operation in other areas within Europe. The present growth is not only beneficial for the countries and companies involved, but also is strengthening the European industrial position in the worldwide context.”
The type of night vision goggles selected is the MIKRON, a Binocular Night Vision Google (BNVG) with two 16 mm residual light amplifier tubes and integrated infrared illuminator. They can be worn by the soldier either on the helmet or by means of a headgear system. The two monoculars can be folded away separately. MIKRON is powered by a single AA battery but can also be operated with an external battery pack should a longer operating time be required.
The accelerated delivery schedule of the enhanced MIKRON shall start with first deliveries this month, while the total current contractual quantity of 29.550 NVGs is planned to be concluded in the 3rd quarter of 2024. The increase in night vision capability for both programme participating states is critical in providing advanced equipment for their dismounted, airmobile and air assault soldiers as well as drivers of military vehicles.
Springfield Armory – The Way of the Warrior
July 5th, 2022Having dedicated his life to living by the Bushido code, Tu Lam’s more than two decades of service in the U.S. Army and his background in advanced martial arts has allowed him to bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the firearms and tactics community — as well as a unique philosophical perspective.
Live life without fear. Face your struggles and extract the higher lessons of life. Face your pain, and understand that it’s temporary. Live life in every breath. Live and die for something meaningful. That’s the way of a warrior.
The Heinlein for Heroes Project
July 5th, 2022
Since it’s the day after July 4th, did you know that Robert Heinlein graduated from the US Naval Academy and was a Lieutenant in the Navy until TB caused his medical retirement? “The Lieutenant” was fiercely patriotic and even though he was not eligible for active duty during WWII, he was a civilian engineer at the Philadelphia Naval Yards so he could do his part. He always supported our military, but since Robert is no longer with us, The Heinlein Society pays it forward in his name by sponsoring The Heinlein for Heroes project (H4H). H4H sends paperback Heinlein / SF books to active duty military serving overseas. They also send hardback Heinlein / SF books to VA Hospitals and other veterans groups in the United States. So far, they have shipped over 38,000 books, but to continue to do that they need your help! The majority of funding comes from individuals like you who join The Heinlein Society. Yearly dues for a full membership are $45.00 and are tax deductible in the US. If that’s not enough, all regular and lifetime members will be eligible to win a complete Virginia Edition of Robert Heinlein’s work in just a few short months. Joining is easy at The Heinlein Society website.
www.heinleinsociety.org/membership
Knight’s Armament Co – E3.2 Bolt
July 5th, 2022The KAC E3.2 bolt is now shipping with SR-15 5.56mm rifles and upper receiver kits.
The E3.2 bolt was purpose-built to provide extended service life and enhanced reliability in all conditions. The prominent dual ejectors ensure clean and consistent ejection even when a traditional high-backpressure suppressor is used. Refined lug geometry and optimized material selection ensures lug durability in excess of even the industry-leading KAC E3 bolt. A Viton O-ring prevents extractor vibration and lift, and a hard chrome exterior simplifies cleaning and maintenance.
For use with the KAC E3 barrel extension.
Predator Ghillie Backpack Cover
July 5th, 2022The Beez Combat Systems Predator Ghillie™ BACKPACK COVER helps break up the rectangular shape that all packs consist of and effectively reduces the pack’s outline.
Utilizing a unique combination of our Predator Ghillie pattern optimized for the profile of a pack and Ghillie dreads. This system helps manage and reduce visual signature.
The Predator Ghillie™ BACKPACK COVER is made using advanced laser cut methods, is available in a wide variety of camouflage patterns and can be easily stored in a utility pouch while not in use.
United States Air Force Crews of Shadow 77 and 78 Flight to Receive 2021 Mackay Trophy
July 5th, 2022
Washington, DC, June 30, 2022 – The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) is pleased to announce that United States Air Force Crews of Shadow 77 and 78, 73d Expeditionary Special Operations Squadron, Joint Special Operations Air Component-Central, have been named the recipients of the 2021 Mackay Trophy.
Crew of Shadow 77:
Capt Lawrence S. Bria
Capt Sam B. Pearce
Capt Aaron M. Rigg
Maj Joshua T. Burris
Capt Michael G. Shelor
SSgt Daniel J. Mayle
SSgt Kevin P. Heimbach
SrA Denver M. Reinwald
SrA Timothy J. Cisar
Crew of Shadow 78:
Capt Culley R. Horne
1Lt William A. Bachmann
Capt Ryan M. Elliott
Capt Benjamin A. Hoyt
SSgt Dylan T. Hansen
SSgt Andrew J. Malinowski
SSgt Tyler J. Blue
SSgt Gregory A. Page
SrA Miguelle B. Corpuz
The Mackay Trophy was first presented by Clarence Mackay in 1912 and was later deeded to the National Aeronautic Association. Administered by the United States Air Force and NAA, the trophy is awarded for “…the most meritorious flight of the year by an Air Force person, persons, or organization.” The Mackay Trophy is on permanent display at the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum in Washington, DC.
As outlined in the United States Air Force nomination, the crews distinguished themselves in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel when in August 2021 they alert launched from Al Dhafra Air Force Base, United Arab Emirates, for a Close Air Support mission to protect the 2,000 Americans evacuating the embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. The crews skillfully maintained visual custody of all American personnel enroute to Hamid Karzai International Airport and provided full-motion video in real-time to the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff as they watched the evacuation transpire. Overall, the crews of Shadow 77 and 78 flew the longest unaugmented AC-130J flight to date and their efforts to safeguard the embassy evacuation directly resulted in the successful rescue of 2,000 American diplomats with zero casualties.
The professional ability and outstanding aerial accomplishments of the crews of Shadow 77 and 78 reflect great credit upon themselves and the United States Air Force.
“For more than a century, the Mackay Trophy has rewarded bravery, skill, and determination in recognizing the most meritorious flight of the year,” said NAA President, Greg Principato. “Some years, the feat defies imagination, as is the case with Shadow 77 and 78. There were a lot of moving parts during their mission, including 2,000 American souls, and the success of Shadow 77 and 78 will live forever in the annals of U.S. Air Force history. We are proud to award these amazing crews the 2021 Mackay Trophy and I look forward to joining with Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force General Charles Brown in presenting it.”
The Mackay Trophy will be presented on a future date to be determined. For more information or to view a complete list of previous recipients, please visit www.naa.aero.
