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Freedom Atlantic Awarded Contract for Radio Cables

May 4th, 2023

Austin, TX – Freedom Atlantic, Inc. a Defense Communications company, announced today that it has been awarded a $1.2M contract for its specialty cable which connects a Program of Record Tactical Radio directly to the End User Device (Samsung Galaxy S20 Tactical Edition). After thorough evaluation and testing, Freedom Atlantic’s approach was selected to solve the end user requirement of ensuring robust connectivity between these two mission-critical devices. Freedom Atlantic’s products are engineered to provide the highest level of reliability for end users’ communication equipment in harsh and demanding environments where they serve and protect our freedom.

“In today’s changing landscape, it is imperative that we continue to move quickly in developing seamless solutions that plug in and just work.” said David Martschinske, Freedom Atlantic’s VP of Product Development. “We are singularly focused on delivering reliable and cost-effective solutions to ensure that the end user maintains their situational awareness and dominance at the tactical edge.”

Posted in Comms, Contracts, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Guardian Warrior Solutions – Raptor Adaptor Series

May 4th, 2023

I have been remiss about mentioning the Raptor Adaptor line of Tegris gear mounts from Guardian Warrior Solutions.

Raptor Adaptors serve as an interface between PALS compatible pouches and plastic belt clips like the BladeTech TEK-LOK, in any orientation. Likewise, they can be used to attach a plastic mount to a PALS compatible platform like an armor vest.

They are sized, so use this guide to determine which adaptor you need.

www.guardianwarriorsolutions.com

Posted in Load Carrying, PALS | Comments Off on Guardian Warrior Solutions – Raptor Adaptor Series

FN Announces $18 Million Expansion Project at Columbia, South Carolina Production Facility

May 4th, 2023

(McLean, VA – May 03, 2023) Following the announcement of the company’s plans to construct a second facility in Liberty, South Carolina, FN America, LLC, U.S. subsidiary of FN Herstal, S.A., a global firearms manufacturer, is pleased to share that an $18 million expansion of its Columbia, South Carolina facility will occur later this year with an expected completion in the first half of 2024.

This plan will add more than 40,000-square-feet of manufacturing capacity and office space as well as create a Design Center of Excellence geared toward enhancing the company’s research and development for new products. The expansion will add 102 new positions to the company’s existing workforce and will allow the company to meet the ever-increasing demand for FN products.

“The record growth that our company has had these last several years has enabled us to invest in our South Carolina manufacturing footprint with our soon-to-be new facility in Liberty and now the expansion of our Columbia facility,” said Mark Cherpes, President and CEO for FN America, LLC. “We were established in Richland County more than 40 years ago to manufacture small arms for the U.S. Army, and we are proud to expand our capacity to support that sector of our business.”

For more than 40 years, FN’s production facility has been located in Richland County, South Carolina and has produced more than 1 million small arms under contract to the U.S. Department of Defense. The company was originally established in the United States in 1979 and opened its doors in 1981 to produce the M240 medium machine gun, a variant of the FN MAG-58, under contract to the U.S. Army.

Currently, FN America employs more than 600 individuals to produce firearms, accessories and other adjacent products for the U.S. military, law enforcement agencies as well as consumers. The company has produced the M4A1, M16A4, M249 light machine gun, M240 medium machine gun and FN SCAR under contract for the U.S. military as well as the FN 509 striker-fired pistol line used by U.S. law enforcement agencies like the Los Angeles Police Department and individual officers nationwide.

To learn more about FN America and its products, please visit www.fnamerica.com. To view or apply to any open positions, please visit FN America’s careers site at careers.fnamerica.com.

Posted in Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on FN Announces $18 Million Expansion Project at Columbia, South Carolina Production Facility

Mission First Tactical Unveils Star Wars Beskar Extreme Duty Magazine

May 4th, 2023

Horsham, PA – (May 4th, 2023) – Mission First Tactical (MFT) manufacturers of state-of-the-art, USA made rifle/carbine accessories and holsters, is pleased to offer the Star Wars Beskar Extreme Duty (EXD) polymer magazine “CLICK HERE”. May the fourth be with you!

The special edition Beskar EXD Magazine is manufactured with long glass fiber technology for a more robust design that exceeds the strength and durability of other polymer magazine bodies offered today. Utilizing a 50% stronger and 3x more impact resistant design compared to traditional glass filled nylon, the Beskar EXD meets the demands of military and law enforcement. MFT added a flared floor plate and kept the slim bottom design, allowing excellent draw protection and ease of handling, all while allowing for fit in double and triple magazine pouches. Well defined front and rear ribbed finger impressions creates easy handing, even with gloves on. Toolless disassembly and double safety releases prevent accidental ammo dumps and makes cleaning a snap. “CLICK HERE” for product in use video.

The MFT Extreme Duty Magazine was designed for the AR15/M4 but allows for use with a wide range of non-AR15/M4 platforms including HK 416 variants, British SA-80, FN-Scar16 and more.

Features Include:

– 50% stronger
– 3x more impact resistant than traditional nylons
– Next generation long glass fiber polymer
– Enhanced strength & durability
– Ribbed front and rear gripping surface
– Long-life USGI-spec stainless steel spring
– Four-way anti-tilt self-lubricating follower
– Flared floor plate
– Oversized bolt catch
– Paint pen dot matrix
– Toolless disassembly with double floor plate safety release tabs
– Retail: $24.99

To learn more about the MFT Extreme Duty Magazine and complete product offerings from Mission First Tactical, please visit: www.missionfirsttactical.com

Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories | 1 Comment »

AFSOC Implements Wing-Level A-staffs, Breaks Down Bureaucratic Barriers and Increases Readiness

May 4th, 2023

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

Five wings assigned to the Air Force Special Operations Command implemented the new wing air staff (A-staff) structure on March 30, 2023.

This change has been in the works since the 2021 CORONA Conference when Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown Jr. approved a redesign of the wing headquarters that adds a functional staff to an existing wing headquarter staff. The A-staff is designed to break down bureaucratic barriers, improve speed and quality of decision making, allow better alignment with higher headquarters and grow leaders needed for Great Power Competition.

“By reorganizing wing staffs, we streamline authoritative actions and processes throughout the chain of command,” said Col. Jocelyn Schermerhorn, AFSOC Director of Operations (A3). “This new structure alleviates the administrative burden at the squadron level allowing them to focus on the mission.”

Each wing within AFSOC is organized with an A-staff that best suits their mission set, which includes:

A1 – Manpower, Personnel, and Services

A2 – Intelligence

A3 – Operations

A4 – Logistics, Engineering & Force Protection

A5 – Plans & Requirements

A6 – Communications

Wing Staff Agencies – such as Public Affairs, History, Chaplain, JAG Corps, Inspector General, etc., transition to Special Staff in the A-staff model.

Ultimately, Airmen are exposed to the wing A-staff and their processes earlier in their careers, making them better prepared for operating within joint organizations.

“Prior to this change, Airmen were arriving to headquarters assignments and joint deployments without a good or even general understanding of how a numbered staff functions,” said Col. Christopher Busque, AFSOC Director of Manpower, Personnel and Services (A1). “This new structure addresses that concern by allowing Airmen to gain exposure to the A-staff construct earlier on in their careers.”

The transitioning AFSOC wings are expected to meet full operational capability of the A-staff implementation by early FY24.

By 2nd Lt Cassandra Saphore

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Profession of Arms, SOF | 3 Comments »

HENSOLDT modernizes COBRA artillery location radars

May 3rd, 2023

Test equipment enables optimum deployment and system performance

Taufkirchen/Germany, 2 May 2023 – Sensor specialist HENSOLDT has successfully concluded the modernization of core test systems of the artillery location radar COBRA which is in service with several NATO armies. Under a contract worth several million euros awarded by the Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement, OCCAR) on behalf of Germany and France, HENSOLDT has replaced the Radar Target Generator (RTG) and the COBRA Radar Environment Simulator (CRES), key elements of the test environment of COBRA indispensable for determining optimum deployment and testing system performance.

The RTG is designed to generate primary radar returns and can be placed in the radar’s far field in order to simulate target trajectories. The new RTG takes into account changes of the user nations’ operational requirements such as long-term deployments in stationary locations, simultaneous operation of several systems and 24/7 surveillance missions.

The CRES is the key element to test and verify the COBRA radar performance in a laboratory environment with reproducible target trajectories. It generates artificial radar returns allowing to simulate all kinds of ballistic projectiles (missiles, mortar grenades, howitzer or gun projectiles) without the necessity of real transmissions.

COBRA is a mobile radar system for locating hostile artillery and missile positions and for calculating in advance the flight path of projectiles in order to give early warning and enable protective and, if required, defensive action. Its first configuration was developed by the Euro-Art International EWIV consortium comprising HENSOLDT, then Airbus Defence and Space, Thales and Lockheed Martin around the turn of the century for the German, French and British armed forces. Today, a total of more than 40 systems of various configurations have been deployed by NATO and other armed forces within and outside Europe.

Posted in International, ISR, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on HENSOLDT modernizes COBRA artillery location radars

TacJobs – OTTO Engineering Seeks DoD Program Manager

May 3rd, 2023

Job Title: DoD Program Manager

Join Our Dynamic Team: Are you an experienced sales professional with a passion for product excellence and a deep understanding of the Department of Defense (DoD) market? We’re a fast-growing company seeking a talented and motivated individual to join our team as a Business Development – DoD Program Manager.

What You’ll Do: As a key member of our Defense Strategies Group, you’ll work towards achieving our ambitious sales goals, support customers, and prospect for new opportunities. You’ll use your expertise to differentiate our brand from competitors and establish us as the premier choice for communications devices.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us: We offer a collaborative work environment, where you’ll engage with cross-functional teams to identify new opportunities, align requirements, and map out execution paths. You’ll have a direct impact on product enhancement and future development, working closely with engineering and sales teams.

Your Contribution Will Include:

• Boosting sales and brand presence within the DoD market and to Program Executive Offices.

• Developing and closing sales opportunities for assigned accounts.

• Educating customers on our cutting-edge OTTO products.

• Managing program development, sales pipeline, and generating reports/quotes.

• Serving as primary contact for customer-focused requests and providing technical support.

• Defining requirements for new product opportunities and securing commitment for execution.

Grow With Us: In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to travel to strategic customer visits, shows, and industry events, ensuring our brand is top-of-mind for communication accessories. You’ll interface with government officials running strategic Program Executive Offices, warfighters, and other leading companies in our industry. You will also be involved with product development processes, marketing functions and occasionally manufacturing operations so you’ll have exposure to a wide range of business functions that will provide opportunities for growth.

Ready to Make an Impact? We’re excited to have you join our fast-growing team and contribute to our ongoing success. Apply today to become our new Business Development Manager and help us redefine the communications tools for the warfighter!

Visit OTTO’s web-site for more detailed information about the role: DOD Program Manager at OTTO Engineering (breezy.hr)

www.OTTOExcellence.com

Posted in TacJobs | Comments Off on TacJobs – OTTO Engineering Seeks DoD Program Manager

AeroVironment Awarded $10 Million Contract by NASA/JPL to Co-Design and Develop Two Helicopters for Mars Sample Return Mission

May 3rd, 2023

The success of Ingenuity Mars helicopter, co-designed and co-developed by AeroVironment and NASA/JPL, lays the foundation for the development of the Sample Recovery Helicopters

Early Concept for the Sample Recovery Helicopter Based on Ingenuity. (Credit: NASA/ESA/JPL-Caltech)

ARLINGTON, Va., May 2, 2023 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) has been awarded a $10 million contract by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to co-design and co-develop conceptual designs and engineering development units of Mars Sample Recovery Helicopter flight systems. Future efforts could include detailed design, build, and test of qualification and flight hardware. The helicopters build upon the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter design heritage and feature upgraded robotics to supplement aerial mobility.

AeroVironment engineers from the MacCready Works team previously worked with NASA JPL to co-design and develop the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter, which has completed 52 successful flights to date on Mars and survived 781 sols on the surface, far outperforming its design objectives.

“Accomplishing the impossible has been AeroVironment’s mission for more than 50 years and we are excited to be working with the NASA JPL team again to conquer the next challenge,” said Scott Newbern, AeroVironment’s vice president and chief technology officer. “Ingenuity’s flights on Mars are a giant leap for robotic technology. Now we’re advancing this science further by helping to build helicopters that not only will continue flight on Mars, but also will include apparatus to collect samples to bring back to Earth for this historic mission.”

The two planned Sample Recovery Helicopters would be a secondary method of sample retrieval for the NASA/ESA Mars Sample Return Campaign. NASA’s Perseverance rover, which has already been collecting a diverse set of scientifically selected samples for potential safe return to Earth, is currently planned as the primary method of delivering samples to the Sample Retrieval Lander.

The Sample Recovery Helicopters would expand on Ingenuity’s design, adding wheels and gripping capabilities, to provide a secondary method to pick up cached sample tubes left on the surface by Perseverance and transport them to the Sample Retrieval Lander. Once the sample cache is launched off the red planet, another spacecraft would capture it in Mars orbit, and then bring it back to Earth safely and securely in the early to mid-2030s. After the samples are on Earth, scientists around the world would examine them using sophisticated instruments too large and complex to send to Mars. The samples would remain available for future generations to study with increasingly advanced technologies. Scientists believe the samples could shed light on whether life has ever existed on Mars.

Posted in Contracts, Press Release, Space, UAS | Comments Off on AeroVironment Awarded $10 Million Contract by NASA/JPL to Co-Design and Develop Two Helicopters for Mars Sample Return Mission