FirstSpear

Gentex Awarded Contract for JSAM-JSF Production

Friday, September 16th, 2016

Gentex Corporation, a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, emergency responders, and industrial personnel was awarded a production contract by the U.S. Army for the Joint Service Aircrew Mask for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSAM-JSF) Program. During the 10-year period of performance, Gentex will produce JSAM-JSF systems for F-35 aircrew and provide spares, training, and support and sustainment services in the fielding of the systems.


The JSAM-JSF is a lightweight, chemical/biological (CB) protective respirator system that integrates with the JSF airframe (F-35) life support system, and pilot flight equipment (PFE) to provide combined CB, hypoxia, and anti-gravity protection to pilots during flight. The JSAM-JSF integrates with all F-35 aircraft variants.

“Gentex is grateful for the leadership the JSAM-JSF Product Office provided during the development phase of the program, and is delighted to have been chosen to continue our involvement with production of the JSAM-JSF,” said Robert McCay, vice president aircrew systems, Gentex Corporation. “We’re confident that the advanced technology in the JSAM-JSF will deliver the capability and protection aircrew have come to expect from our products and excited to offer tailored solutions using this technology for other helmet systems and airframes to our customers worldwide.”

Gentex’s contribution to the JSF Program now includes the helmet system platform and respiratory protection system for JSF aircrew, and the protective hearing and communications devices for JSF ground crew. Gentex’s participation in the JSF Program continues their more than 45 year partnership with the U.S. government, helping them bring the most advanced solutions to U.S. and allied forces.

Gentex Corporation is the leading supplier of high-performance flight equipment for military, law enforcement, and rescue aircrew worldwide. Their comprehensive line of durable and innovative aircrew helmet systems for fixed wing, rotary wing, and cross-platform applications allow for the easy integration of advanced capability upgrades without sacrificing protection. Gentex also offers a full line of hearing protection and communication solutions for aircraft maintainers that provides superior hearing protection and precise, intelligible communications in the most extreme noise environments. Servicing, fitting, and operations/maintenance training is available for all products. A global network of distributors, with expanding services in the U.K., help support the company’s customers.

Please Support The Abel Loredos Medical Fund

Friday, September 16th, 2016

It’s not often that I make a personal appeal but a tragedy befell the family of one of my friends last weekend and they need our help.

Abel is the victim of a senseless hit-and-run road rage attack which resulted in the amputation of his foot.  Fortunately, the attacker is in custody.  While we all can take solace in the great work of the Washington State Patrol and Tacoma Police Department for getting this creep off the street, it isn’t going to heal Abel or take care of his bills.  Those, are up to him and us.  

I have known Abel for many years. He is a Marine Corps Veteran and a former employee of Tactical Tailor. He currently works at Anytime Fitness in Tacoma, WA. If none of that makes a connection, he is also the son of GW Ayers, Vice President of Grey Ghost and GW is one of the most straight up, honest guys in this industry who raised Abel from a tyke to be the man he is today.  I look at GW as a brother from another mother. We both served on the IGB (that’s Inter-German Border for those of you who didn’t have the honor of serving in the Cold War) and I am constantly amazed at GW’s demeanor.  He still conducts himself like a Platoon Sergeant; praise when it’s warranted and a kick in the ass, when it’s not. Fortunately, Abel is a chip off the old block. He’s going to lick this and that’s why we need to help him out. 

One of Abel’s co-workers has created a GoFundMe Page and we encourage everyone to help out if you can.  Our family contributed and we hope you will too. 

Thanks,

Eric Graves

HUGE Glock Sale in Virginia at Colonial Shooting Academy

Friday, September 16th, 2016

www.colonialshooting.com/rva/current-specials

Mean Gene Leather – Hot Tamale

Friday, September 16th, 2016


The MGL “Hot Tamale” Less-Lethal Coin Purse. Simplicity in action.

Inkfidel – Zonk Track Club

Thursday, September 15th, 2016

Friend Tom Fuller sports a Zonk Track Club T from Inkfidel. They also offer a Hoodie.

inkfidel.theshoppad.com/#/product/zonk-track-club-t-shirt

Getac Exhibits Line Of Rugged And Ultra-Rugged Laptops And Tablets At Annual Modern Day Marine Expo

Thursday, September 15th, 2016

Professional MMA Fighter (UFC) Ashlee Evans-Smith to Sign Autographs at Getac Booth

QUANTICO, VA.—September 13, 2016 – (Booth 3430) – Getac will exhibit its complete line of fully rugged and ultra-rugged notebook computers, tablets and convertibles at the annual Modern Day Marine expo to be held at the Quantico Marine Corps Base in Quantico, VA. from September 27-29, 2016. Military-certified to withstand extreme temperatures, dust, intense rain and drops, the next generation Getac B300 ultra-rugged notebook, V110 fully rugged convertible and F110 tablet represent Getac’s most rugged – and most popular—mobile computing solutions in their respective classes.

In addition to having its line of rugged and ultra-rugged computing solutions on display during Modern Day Marine, professional MMA fighter (UFC) Ashlee Evans-Smith will bring her own brand of rugged to Getac’s booth on Wednesday, September 28 where she will sign autographs and take photos with attendees. A member of the women’s Bantamweight division, Ashlee is currently ranked 13th in the world and achieved her third TKO on September 3rd in Hamburg, Germany.

The Getac B300 ultra-rugged notebook delivers maximum performance and comprehensive security for the most extreme, mission-critical environments. Ideal for military personnel, law enforcement and field technicians, the B300 is Getac’s most rugged laptop, backed by the industry’s best five-year, bumper-to-bumper warranty.

The Getac V110 fully rugged convertible notebook and F110 tablet are perfect mobile computing solutions for military as well as public safety, utilities and field service professionals. Both are redesigned to deliver bulletproof security, best-in-class performance and a full-size touch screen housed in a thin and light form factor. Couple that with a fully rugged design that survives drops, intense rain, heat, cold and dust, and you have the perfect compact touch tablet for pros working in tight spaces and an ideal convertible for others who sometimes need a full-size keyboard.

Visit Getac in booth #3430 during the Modern Day Marine Expo.

Trijicon / IR Defense – IR Patrol XR

Thursday, September 15th, 2016

This is video of the IR Patrol XR from IR Defense, a Long-Range Thermal Spotter. Vic DiCosola, head of TNVC related to me that next to a cooled array system, this new XR is the best thermal spotter they’ve used to date. Vic said, “With its front focus lens and the BAE 12um core, the contrast and resolution is stunning!”

TNVC and their sister company NightGoggles (NGI) made this Hi Def hunt video showing just how well the system performs.

Capewell Aerial Systems’ new Double-Lok Rescue Hook doubles both safety and visibility

Thursday, September 15th, 2016

Meadows of Dan, VA—September 12, 2016 Capewell Aerial Systems (CAS), a world leader in aviation safety products and a top-tier manufacturer of helicopter rescue hooks has introduced a fail-safe locking rescue hook. The Double-Lok Hook is designed to prevent accidental opening which can lead to “rollouts” resulting in load loss. In addition, CAS’ Double-Lok hook is available in Hi-Viz yellow to increase visibility in all weather conditions and under water. 

The Double-Lok feature is engineered for ease of use. The two lock safety gate is intuitive and can be operated easily with one hand even with gloves on. The hook body is forged from 17.4 PH, heat-treated stainless steel and is rated with a working load of 3,000 pounds. The Double-Lok hook is available in either a satin stainless steel finish or a powder-coated high-visibility yellow finish with contrasting orange lock release. In tests, the new neon paint scheme was greatly preferred by search & rescue professionals who often operate in high stress conditions where spatial and situational awareness is critical.

Capewell Business Line Manager, Butch Flythe, himself a retired USCG Master Chief Petty Officer and rescue swimmer states, “Capewell has always made the best rescue hooks, and the new Double-Lok Hook puts us even farther ahead. It’s a step up by having more options and increased visibility.” Feedback on the new Hi-Viz paint scheme has been so positive that CAS has decided to make it available for their entire line of hooks including the “Slide-Lok” and “Auto-Lok” models. Capewell Aerial Systems is now accepting orders for the new Double-Lok hook and will begin shipping to customers during the fourth quarter of 2016.