Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

New Paint Design for ‘Next Air Force One’

March 25th, 2023

WASHINGTON (AFNS) —

President of the United States Joe Biden has selected the livery design for the “Next Air Force One,” VC-25B, a design that will closely resemble the livery of the current Air Force One, VC-25A, while also modernizing for the 21st century.

While accounting for the VC-25B’s larger 747-8i aircraft, the VC-25B livery has three primary differences with the VC-25A’s livery. The light blue on VC-25B is a slightly deeper, more modern tone than VC-25A’s robin’s egg blue. Additionally, the VC-25B engines will use the darker blue from the cockpit area vice the VC-25A’s robin’s egg blue. Finally, there is no polished metal section on the VC-25B because modern commercial aircraft skin alloys don’t allow for it.

A formal contractual decision for a VC-25B livery was not required until this year for Boeing to conduct engineering, certification preparation, and supplier selection activities for the program. The Air Force previously displayed a red, white, and blue livery for the VC-25B because it had been publicly expressed as a preferred livery in 2019. A thermal study later concluded the dark blue in the design would require additional Federal Aviation Administration qualification testing for several commercial components due to the added heat in certain environments.

The VC-25B Program will deliver a new fleet of aircraft to enable POTUS to execute the duties of Head of State, Chief Executive, and Commander in Chief. The aircraft will be uniquely modified to provide the POTUS, staff, and guests with safe and reliable air transportation with the equivalent level of communications capability and security available in the White House.

The VC-25B aircraft will replace the current VC-25A fleet, which faces capability gaps, rising maintenance costs, and parts obsolescence. Modifications to the aircraft will include electrical power upgrades, a mission communication system, a medical facility, an executive interior, a self-defense system, and autonomous ground operations capabilities.

VC-25B deliveries are projected for 2027 for the first aircraft and 2028 for the second aircraft. The Air Force remains postured to keep VC-25A available and mission-ready until delivery of the VC-25B.

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Guest Post | 11 Comments »

Curtiss-Wright Awarded Contract to Provide U.S. Marine Corps with Expeditionary Network Communications Technology

March 24th, 2023

DAVIDSON, N.C. – March 23, 2023 – Curtiss-Wright Corporation, (NYSE: CW) today announced that it has been awarded a follow-on contract by the United States Marine Corps (USMC) to provide small form factor network router and switch modules to support communications modernization with highly portable expeditionary network communications technology. Under the contract, Curtiss-Wright will provide a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) deployed baseband system for the Marine Corps Wideband Satellite-Expeditionary (MCWS-X) program.

“As a leading supplier of tactical battlefield communications solutions, we are very proud to provide the Marine Corps with our proven field-deployable network communications technology to support the MCWS-X program,” said Lynn M. Bamford, Chair and CEO of Curtiss-Wright Corporation. “This contract further strengthens the long and successful relationship we have with the USMC and highlights Curtiss-Wright’s ability to enhance interoperability and improve cost efficiencies with electronics systems that adhere to the DoD’s mandate for solutions based on the Modular Open Systems Approach.”

Curtiss-Wright is performing the work within its Defense Solutions division in the Defense Electronics segment. The products covered by this agreement will be shipped to the USMC from the Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions facility in Portland, Oregon

For more information on Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions division products, please visit www.curtisswrightds.com.

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

Voluntary Recall – Black Diamond Recon LT Beacon

March 24th, 2023

We’re issuing a voluntary recall on the Recon LT avalanche transceiver to carry out a necessary firmware update.

In a limited number of cases, the Recon LT could unexpectedly enter search mode, despite its rotary switch remaining in the send position. There have been no accidents or injuries resulting from this malfunction.

This issue is easily eliminated when users update their firmware to version v1.3 or later.

All users should immediately stop using their Recon LT until completing one of the following options:

1. To update your Recon LT, simply download the Pieps app for iOS or Android devices, connect the transceiver via Bluetooth, then follow the on-screen prompts.

2. Send your Recon LT to our service center, where we will perform the update for you free of charge.

3. Receive a full refund from Black Diamond for Recon LT customers.

For firmware update procedures and related recall information, please click Learn More below.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation, and we apologize for the inconvenience caused by this recall.

Learn more here.

Posted in Guest Post, Mountaineering | Comments Off on Voluntary Recall – Black Diamond Recon LT Beacon

TacJobs – Marketing Manager at Horus Vision

March 24th, 2023

Are you looking for a career where your job and passion collide? A company that values family and community? A company that is an industry-leading innovator of targeting solutions? Horus is growing rapidly and has a big vision which calls for a big job. We have a very exciting opportunity for a rockstar Marketing Manager in our Meridian, Idaho location.

Working at Horus offers a fun, professional, collaborative, adventurous, and open-minded culture along with some amazing benefits and PTO package (like 100% company-paid health insurance premiums for employees).

For more information on these positions and to apply, please visit horusvision.applicantpro.com/jobs/2822241.

Posted in TacJobs | Comments Off on TacJobs – Marketing Manager at Horus Vision

Sneak Peek – Shaw Concepts First Line Belt

March 24th, 2023

Shaw Concepts is planning to release a first line belt on 4 July. Details soon.

Posted in Load Carrying | 2 Comments »

FirstSpear Friday Focus: First On W/ GP Pouch

March 24th, 2023

This First On w/ GP Pouch plate carrier was designed and developed out of a specific need for those who find themselves first to a crisis. The First On will go on quickly and easily over your duty soft armor and uniform.

Keeping essential features in the forefront of the design and removing items that will not be required for limited duration use, the First On keeps weight and bulk to an absolute minimum while utilizing FirstSpear’s patent pending Tubes closure system to make for a speedy on and off.

Magazine pouches integrated for standard 30 round 5.56 Patrol Carbine along with shoulder attachments for most common radio hand mikes. A sewn-on GP pouch is useful for storing an IFAK, tools or similarly size items.

Sizing: Will only fit a 10×12 shooter or swimmer cut plate.

Visit FirstSpear to find America’s premier tactical gear and equipment.

Posted in Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Load Carrying | Comments Off on FirstSpear Friday Focus: First On W/ GP Pouch

NSW Units Receive Inaugural Battle “E”

March 24th, 2023

CORONADO, Calif. –

Rear Adm. Keith B. Davids, commander, Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) announced the winners of NSW’s inaugural Battle Efficiency (“E”) award Jan. 19.

NSW Group One’s SEAL Team 3, NSW Group Two’s SEAL Team 2, NSW Group 4’s Special Boat Team 20, and NSW Group Eight’s Special Reconnaissance Team 1 received the awards for their respective groups.

This year marks the first time in NSW history that individual special operations teams are formally recognized for outstanding operational performance, proficiency in expeditionary skills, and contingency mission readiness in both day-to-day performance and battle readiness.

Rear Adm. Keith Davids, commander, NSWC, said the primary goal of the Battle “E” award competition is to strengthen and evaluate both command and overall force warfighting readiness and that he hopes the award encourages all units to strive for the highest possible level of performance.

“Naval Special Warfare’s people are our greatest strength, and the creation and award of NSW’s inaugural Battle “E” recognizes this truth,” said Davids. “I congratulate every single awardee for upholding the high standards of Naval Special Warfare and demonstrating that operational successes are underpinned by our ability to sustain the highest level of warfighting excellence.”

According to Command Master Chief Daniel Boyles, NSW Group 4, the idea to implement a Battle “E” award program for NSW was initially born from informal discussions with other NSW leaders on how to recognize operational excellence and superior performance within the community. Boyles helped explore the approval process for implementing the award with the command’s administration officer and eventually presented the idea to NSWC for approval.

From there, NSWC’s administrative team worked with the Director, Navy Staff in Washington D.C., who approved delegation of the program in April 2022. By May 2022, the command codified NSWC’s first ever Battle ‘E’ instruction, putting each NSW Group in charge of establishing categories and grading criteria and selecting a winner from their group.

“From previous surface and aviation tours, I have seen commanders effectively use the Battle “E” program to motivate their Sailors performance, instill pride in their work, and use as a marker of excellence to push towards,” said Lt. Paul Stallbaum, the flag secretary to Davids who played a key role in drafting and coordinating the new Battle “E instruction. “The same way a Sailor can be justifiably proud of being part of a Battle ‘E’ squadron or destroyer and the recognition that brings, now our NSW Sailors can do the same when they return to the fleet.”

Now that the NSW Battle “E” award program is officially established and recognized, every year NSW commands will conduct boards, select their winners, and forward results to NSWC by December 1. Winners will be announced via official message on or about January 15.

By MC1 Felicito Rustique, Naval Special Warfare Command Public Affairs

Posted in Guest Post, Navy, SOF | 2 Comments »

Aeronautics is Expanding its Operations in the Asia Pacific Region: The Company has Signed a Collaboration agreement with RV Connex for the Production of Orbiter 4 in Thailand

March 23rd, 2023

The establishment of the new production line will enable both companies to meet the needs of their customers in the region.

March 22nd, 2023. Aeronautics Group – a world leader in designing, developing and manufacturing comprehensive defense solutions focused on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), for the global defense & HLS markets, has signed a collaboration agreement with one of the leading defense companies in Thailand, RV Connex, for in-country production of the innovative tactical UAV, Orbiter 4.

Local production will serve the interests of customers of both companies in the APAC region. Aeronautics will transfer knowledge for production of the system – including the air vehicle, its sub-systems and its ground support system – which the company offers its customers worldwide. In addition, local flight crews will be trained to perform various flight operations and lead training programs for local clients.

“The collaboration agreement with RV Connex, a company with an excellent reputation in the Asian market, is another pillar in the significant growth of Aeronautics in the past three years,” says Gilad Landsberg, Vice President and Head of the Tactical & MALE UAS Division at Aeronautics. “RV Connex provides a precise answer to the needs of the Asian defense market. Together with Aeronautics’ advanced and proven solutions, this is a partnership that will enable a leap forward in Aeronautics’ business activities in the Asia Pacific region.”

“I am happy about the deepening of the alliance between the two companies,” says Peeraphon Trakulchang, Vice President at RV Connex. “This collaboration is a landmark event for both of us – a significant step forward in our long-standing relationship, and in particular, our continued commitment and dedication towards effectively developing our local capabilities to serve Aeronautics’ end users, not only in Thailand, but also in the neighboring regions.”

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Aeronautics is Expanding its Operations in the Asia Pacific Region: The Company has Signed a Collaboration agreement with RV Connex for the Production of Orbiter 4 in Thailand