Tactical World

2012 SureFire New Products video

2012-01-17T01:13:00.000+02:00

Preview Surefire new flashlights; they reach new heights in terms of light output. Nearly all of our best-selling lights—WeaponLights included—have been significantly upgraded, and more ground-breaking tactical products are on the way. To learn more, visit www.surefire.com

FirstSpear Explains 6/12 and Tubes

2012-01-16T12:30:00.002+02:00

FirstSpear website

FirstSpear™ is in the business of providing innovative solutions to long unanswered challenges. Our Tubes™ technology reaffirms that position. The common closure method for most Armor Carriers on the market today is to join the cummerbund in the front with hook & loop fasteners like Velcro®. This presents many performance failures. The hook & loop adds weight and bulk; is noisy and wears out quickly; and retains water, mud and snow. From a safety standpoint the hook and loop closure flap allows for cummerbund protection accessories like side plates and inflatable floatation to shift position and misalign from where they should be to provide maximum performance. The common release mechanisms found in most releasable vests typically utilize a variety of cables, routed through a complex maze of channels that when assembled correctly, are clumsy, heavy, awkward and difficult to reassemble. When assembled incorrectly, the results can be catastrophic.

FirstSpear™ Tubes™ solve all these challenges. Quick to close and even quicker to doff, Tubes™ are manufactured from lightweight high-performance polymers that exceed the strength of other molded fasteners currently used on Operational equipment. Molded in signature suppressive colors and with a variety of choices for activation, this closure system can be rapidly deployed and completely reassembled in SECONDS.

Let FirstSpear™ show you how Tubes™ technology will improve performance, enhance mission functionality, reduce weight and allow you to ditch the cable.

Patent Pending

• Up to 50% reduction in weight & significantly less bulk
• Backward compatible with standard MOLLE/PALS
• Forward compatible with FirstSpear’s™ ultra-lightweight 6/12™ pockets
• Enhanced cable management

Weight! There are several philosophies on dealing with weight as it applies to load carriage. Some development has occurred in lightweight materials, but these tend to sacrifice performance. Other developments have taken place in “load transfer” by shifting weight around, but they reduce flexibility while increasing heat retention, bulk and even overall load. FirstSpear™ has taken a different approach. We listened to the Users and decided to eliminate the weight and sacrifice nothing. In the design assessment of current pouch attachment systems, FirstSpear™ recognized that the major weight parasite on both the platforms and the attaching pockets is the yards of bulk nylon, snaps and polymer stiffener. The FirstSpear™ 6/12™ technology eliminates these components and achieves a 20%-40% reduction in weight per standard Assaulter configuration when compared to current pocket attachment systems. The FirstSpear™ team invested more than a year developing and testing the FirstSpear™ 6/12™ Pocket Attachment System. It utilizes state of the art fabric technologies to deliver a completely modular system, compatible with standard MOLLE pockets. From adhesive heat-set backing to laser cut precision attachment points, the 6/12™ system is a completely new, design-engineered solution that meets the need for modular, lightweight load-carriage platforms and pockets. Additionally, 6/12™ provides greater fabric flexibility on unarmored platforms and tighter mounting of pockets to create a cleaner silhouette that aides in enhanced signature management and mobility. The 6/12™ platform face is completely slick when pockets are removed and allows for easy management of communications cables and wires.

Don’t transfer the weight, get rid of it.

Patent Pending

Modular Pockets Compatible with FirstSpear™ 6/12™ Platforms Weight reduction is not just a buzz phrase at FirstSpear™ - it is an ethos demonstrated by the 6/12™ pocket line. Utilizing these pockets on FirstSpear™ 6/12™ platforms allows the wearer to achieve a weight reduction of over 40% without sacrificing performance. By removing the heavy nylon webbing, polymer reinforcement and metal snaps of the previous system, not only is weight reduced, but the overall profile of the pocket on the platform is significantly condensed as well, allowing improved signature management in all visual, IR and thermal spectrums.

Patent Pending

Magpul PMAG 30 M3 and Accessories

2012-01-14T15:15:00.001+02:00

PMAG 30 M3 and PMAG 30 M3 MagLevel

Magpul is pleased to announce the latest additions to the PMAG family; the PMAG 30 M3 and PMAG 30 M3 MagLevel.Like its predecessors, the PMAG 30 M3 is a lightweight 5.56 x 45 NATO / .223 Remington30-round polymer magazine for the AR15/M16 platform, but with a number of new featureswhich improve its durability, compatibility, and overall performance for the most demanding professional shooters. By combining the knowledge gained from years of PMAG production, extensive research and development of materials andmanufacturing processes, and incorporating feedback from a broad range of end-users, thePMAG 30 M3 pushes the envelope of magazine performance one step further.

The PMAG 30 M3 features a corrosion-resistant stainless steel spring, four-way anti-tiltfollower, pop-off Impact/Dust Cover that snaps onto the floorplate when not in use, and easytool-less disassembly for cleaning and maintenance. Low-profile ribs and aggressive frontand rear texture provide positive control of the magazine while helping ensure compatibilitywith common double and triple magazine pouches. The easy to disassemble standardflared floorplate provides drop protection and aids extraction from magazine pouches, butcan be replaced by a PMAG Ranger Plate for improved handling, or the new M3 Slim-line floorplate to minimize bulk (not included). A paint pen dot matrix (click here for marking guide) has been added to thebottom panel of the magazine body for easy marking by the end user for magazineidentification.

Modified internal and external geometry provides greater compatibility and function witha wide range of non-AR15/M16 platform weapons. A re-designed bolt catch notch in therear of the magazine allows increased bolt catch clearance, while an over-travel stop onthe spine helps ensure the PMAG 30 M3 will not over-insert on compatible weapons, includingthe AR15/M16, HK 416, M27 IAR, British SA-80, FN SCAR MK 16/16S, and others.In addition to the expanded feature set and compatibility, the PMAG 30 M3 incorporates newmaterial technology and manufacturing processes that have been engineered to exceedrigorous military performance specifications. By improving strength and durability in criticalareas, the PMAG 30 M3 increases overall reliability and lifespan, while decreasing totallifecycle cost.

Shipping Spring 2012. MSRP To Be Announced.

MAGLINK

The MagLink 30 is a coupler for PMAG 30 and PMAG 30 M3 magazines which allows theuser to attach two magazines together for more efficient speed reloads, and to keep anadditional 30 rounds of ammunition accessible on the weapon at all times. The MagLink30 features a two-piece bolt-on design, and durable, lightweight reinforced polymerconstruction. Note: the MagLink 30 is not compatible with the first generation PMAG 30, PMAG 20, EMAG, PMAG 30G, or PMAG 20LR.
MSRP $17.95

PMAG 30 M3 SL Floorplate

Designed to reduce bulk and enhance compatibility with double and triple magazine pouches, the PMAG 30 M3 Slim-Line Floorplate replaces the standard flared floorplate on all PMAG 30 M3 variants. The Slim-Line Floorplate reduces PMAG thickness by approximately 1/8" per magazine, and requires use of Impact/Dust Cover or other improvised tool for disassembly. Note: Slim-Line Floorplates are only compatible with PMAG 30 M3 variants, and will not fit other current production or legacy PMAG products.
MSRP $4.95 | 3 pack

Revision Sawfly Photochromic System

2012-01-14T02:04:00.002+02:00

Essex Junction, VT, USA – Revision Military, the world leader in protective soldier solutions, introduces the Sawfly Photochromic Eyewear System. Featuring Revision’s rapid light-changing technology, first introduced in its Hellfly Ballistic Sunglasses, the ballistic photo-chromic Sawfly lens automatically darkens to a sunglass tint when exposed to sunlight and returns to its clear state in the absence of UV rays, providing a tactical edge in rapidly changing environments.

“Revision’s photo-chromic lens technology not only eliminates the need to switch lenses when transitioning between the indoors and outside, but also automatically adjusts to compensate for varying outdoor light levels allowing the end user to focus on his mission, not his eye-pro,” commented Jonathan Blanshay, CEO of Revision. Revision’s Photo-chromic Sawfly lens takes only 60 seconds to change from its darkest state to almost clear, while most competitors’ lenses take more than twice as long to do the same. From the clear state to a light-grey lens tint capable of blocking sun glare, it takes only 20 seconds. “For military and tactical operators, faster photo-chromic lens change means enhanced visual performance when it’s most needed - in dynamic environments.”

True to the entire Sawfly line, the new Sawfly Photochromic Eyewear System exceeds ANSI Z87.1-2010 and U.S. military ballistic impact requirements for spectacles (MIL-PRF-31013 clause 3.5.1.1) while providing flawless optics and 100% UV protection. The Revision Sawfly Photochromic Basic Kit retails for $149.99 and the lens is interchangeable across the entire Sawfly line. The Photochromic system is prescription ready with Revision’s optional Rx Carrier; it’s also available in three sizes to ensure fit, comfort and optical performance.

The system will be available for purchase in March 2012.

Madbull Original 2" Outer Barrel Extension

2012-01-13T22:48:00.000+02:00

Is your outer barrel slightly too short? Madbull's 2" Outer Barrel Extension is coming soon.

KEY FEATURES:
1. CNC Lightweight Alumninum with matte black anodize (seamlessly integrates with Madbull black outer barrels).
2. CCW threaded on both ends.
3. Hides extra inner barrel slack.
4. Adds space for quick detach or other barrel accessories.

More info: http://madbull.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&products_id=418

Award of Phase IV Camouflage Uniform Contracts

2012-01-13T03:08:00.000+02:00

On 31 October 2011, the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Army approved the selection of multiple camouflage patterns to continue field trials and more extensive computer analysis during FY12 for the Army’s Phase IV Camouflage effort.

The U.S. Army selected five vendors to proceed forward to develop a family of camouflage patterns that will be effective across a myriad of environments. The effort, commonly known as Phase IV and managed by PEO Soldier, enters the second phase of selection with the award of these contracts by narrowing the field to five selects. These selects were chosen following a rigorous technical evaluation backed by solid scientific analyses and incorporating critical Soldier input from the field.

Four industry partners and one Government team will produce fabric for prototype uniforms and Organizational Clothing and Individual Equipment (OCIE) camouflage uniforms for field trials and other evaluations in FY2012:

1.      ADS, Inc. (teamed with Hyperstealth, Inc.) – Virginia Beach, Virginia
2.      Brookwood Companies, Inc- New York, NY
3.      Crye Precision, LLC – Brooklyn, NY
4.      Kryptek, Inc. – Fairbanks, AK
5.      Government pattern developed at U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC), Natick, MA

Each offerer submitted a family of camouflage patterns (desert, woodland, and transitional) along with a single coordinated pattern for the Organizational Clothing and Individual Equipment (OCIE).

The second step will entail scientific analysis including field trials and will take approximately nine months. This will be followed by a cost benefit analysis to determine if the Army will adopt a new camouflage pattern.

The Army pro-actively works alongside our sister Services in several developmental projects, with Phase IV being one of them. We share the results of our camouflage research with the other Services, and would place no restrictions on other Services wearing uniforms in the newly developed patterns.

For more information, contact Steve Abate, Army Contracting, at (508) 233-6160.

Source

Kryptek camouflage patterns

2012-01-11T21:02:00.003+02:00

The Kryptek Highlander ™ camo pattern is designed for the elite Soldier in transitional terrain with the purpose of improving stealth and enhancing survivability, ultimately increasing the lethality of the user. Kryptek™ camo patterns provide a tactical advantage to the Operator by reducing visual acquisition through the combination of proven camouflage concepts, scientific principles and field testing. The Kryptek™ designs incorporate proven principles of visual deception based on mimicry of foliage, animal, marine and geographic visual qualities. These principles have been combined with evolutionary concepts and fused with state of the art technology to offer the utmost in effective concealment in differing environments. Kryptek™ utilizes a multi-directional design to effectively conceal in a multitude of terrains that have either a lateral or vertical flow. The bi-level layering of the patterns incorporate background transitional shading and sharp random geometrical foregrounds to create a three dimensional effect that ensures the utmost in concealment at both close and long ranges. These components combined with colorations selected and matched based on input from testing and observations from Operators in the field make Kryptek™ Camo the ultimate in passive battlefield deception.

More info and photos Kryptek Website

Madbull Airsoft: PX Piston, with 14 full metal teeth

2012-01-10T03:56:00.004+02:00

After several years of product development, the most innovative piston has arrived: the Madbull PX Piston designed and developed by Madbull’s engineers.

This piston is comprised of new materials never before used combined with innovative processes. The Madbull PX piston is designed with full metal teething and hardened polymer. The metal teeth is produced with MIM (Metal Injection Molding), which gives the teeth a degree of flexibility without breaking. The body is molded with Alien green polymer ensure you have the alien power technology in your AEG!

Features:
State of the art composition
MIM full metal teeth
Alien green polymer
Eliminate 2nd tooth to less the stress on the gear

Smith Optics Aegis ARC Field kit with frame in Multicam.

2012-01-06T22:11:00.003+02:00

The Aegis Eyeshield offers maximized coverage and protection for high impact environments. Whether you are deployed, training for a mission, or shooting for sport, the Aegis is the piece of eye protection you want with you.

Meets US Standard MIL-PRF-31013, ANSI Z87.1-2003 & EN 166 standards
PivLock Lens Interchange Technology allows for fast lens exchange
Airflow active ventilation channel exhausts air during activity
Megol temples and soft nose to hold eyeshield in place
Tapered Lens Technology corrects distortion
Anti-fog and scratch resistant coating on all lenses
Lenses provide 100% protection from harmful UVA/UVB/UVC rays
Compatible with Smith Elite Interchangeable Rx system
Good fit for hat size 7 1/4 or greater for Aegis ARC

Good fit for hat size 7 1/4 or less for Aegis ARC Compact

Smith Optics Website

Corps' new Combat Shooting Team adds new dynamic to marksmanship competitions

2012-01-06T00:40:00.001+02:00

The Marine Corps' new Combat Shooting Team employs the "3-gun" method of fire during its courses of competition. Lance Cpl. John Tucker introduces us to the new team.

Madbull: Licensed Barret REC7 Gas Block Kit / Daniel Defense OmegaX 7.0 FSP

2012-01-05T02:21:00.000+02:00

Madbull Airsoft is proud to announce the licensed Barret REC7 Gas Block Kit, and licensed Daniel Defense OmegaX 7.0 FSP rail.

Barrett REC7 Gas Block Kit (8.7" / 10.5" / 14.5"):
The Barrett REC7 is one of the most reliable piston-driven rifles which is designed for both 6.8 and 5.56mm calibers. The REC7 patented gas block prevents excessive carbon build-up from operation under adverse conditions and make the rifle extremely reliable, clean, and low maintenance. As stated on the Barrett website: “Compact, accurate and completely trustworthy, the REC7 is designed specifically for situations in which there’s no room for errors!”

Features:

Adjustable / movable gas block switch
Movable dummy piston driven system (spring and transfer rods) included (1:1 ratio replica)
Adjustable Outer barrel included
Built of T6-6061 Aluminum

More photos & info: http://madbull.com/rec7gbk/

Daniel Defense OmegaX 7.0 FSP

MadBull Omega X Rails feature an easy upgrade platform, high strength, and extreme ergonomics. The Omega X Rails offer a smooth transition from the upper receiver offering the most useable rail space. It features a continuous upper rail platform along with integrated sling swivels. Integrated sling mounts also feature limited rotation and ambidextrous points.

NOTE: The OmegaX 7.0 FSP is designed specifically for use with the REC7 Gas Block Kit, 8.7" Version.
Front sight post configuration may require modification to outer barrel, or use of non-Madbull outer barrel.

Features:

Free Floating Barrel Design
Uninterrupted Upper Rail Platform
Integrated Sling Swivel Attachment Points with limited rotation
Aircraft Grade Aluminum
Mil-Spec 1913 Picatinny Rails
Narrow profile for enhanced ergonomics

Specifications:

Precision CNC machined
Aircraft Grade 6061 Aluminum
Matte Hard Coat Anodized finish

More photos & info: www.madbull.com/omegax7fsp

UAV made in Israel for 2012

2012-01-02T03:10:00.001+02:00

Click picture to enlarge

Happy New Year Artillery M109A1B firing FHD slideshow video.

2012-01-01T17:55:00.001+02:00

Hellenic Army Artillery self propelled M109A1B firing a 155mm round in a live fire exercise. The slide-show contains 54 high definition photos. After two introduction photos there is a sequence of 52 images where the M109 is firing. We are using a Casio Exilim F1 Pro which is capable to shot 60 photos per second.

Music:Two Steps from Hell - Nemesis, Clash of Empires.

Photo of the Month December 2011

2011-12-31T23:30:00.000+02:00

Hellenic Navy Rheinmetall 20mm/65 Mk20, S20 Naval Gun mount

Happy New Year - 2012

2011-12-31T18:25:00.000+02:00

Santa's sled refueling over the Atlantic

Hellenic Artillery M110A2 video slideshow.

2011-12-31T12:09:00.000+02:00

Hellenic Army Artillery self propelled M110A2 slide-show with 26 high definition photos from different angles during live fire exercise. Watch the photos of M110 firing and how the smoke is coming from the barrel. Last picture is the explosion of a 95kg round above the target. We are using a Casio Ex F1 which can take up to 60 photos per second.
Music: Two Steps from Hell, Pathogen - Iron Soul

N-Vision Long Range Surveillance Monocular

2011-12-30T22:43:00.000+02:00

LRS is a state of the art Generation 3 advanced night vision system designed for night time observations, photography, and video recording. Three available models LRS Scout, LRS Ranger, and LRS Recon offer superior performance and image clarity while being easily adaptable to interchangeable lens Nikon and Canon professional and consumer grade SLR cameras.

Key characteristics:

User replaceable C-Mount objective lens.
Large variety of lens options
Hard coated 6061-T6 aluminum housing (matte black)
Built-in invisible IR illuminator
In-ocular IR ON and LOW POWER indicators

N-Vision website

Browe 4X32 Combat optic BCO

2011-12-30T12:30:00.004+02:00

The 4x32 BROWE Combat Optic (BCO) is a state-of-the-art optic that delivers highest quality optical glass, high preision machining, with a rugged military design.

The BCO is a purpose designed and built optic ideally suited for tactical scenarios and well suited for military, police and sportsmen. Its titanium housing is compact and light weight, yet nearly three times stronger than its aluminum counterparts, enhancing its ability to survive the rigors of field abuse under the most severe environmental conditions.

The BCO’s list of evolutionary technology is long and includes such features as:

Target Light Sensor Technology
The BCO has a cadmium-sulfide photocell located in the optical path providing great sensitivity and accuracy of the target light that is being transmitted through the optic, not ambient lighting. It tactical environments lighting levels are very liquid and constantly changing. When nanoseconds count there is no time to make manual illumination adjustments or search for a poorly illuminated reticle. The Target Light Sensor Technology simplifies the operation and allows the operator to focus on the job at hand.

Single Intuitive Control (SIC)
Gives the operator a simple button desinged to control the illumination systems and simulate muscle memory. With a single press of the SIC button the BCO will enter Automatic Mode; this will utilize the Target Light Sensor Teechnology by measuring the light transmission and automatically set the reticle illumination to the proper brightness. The second press of the SIC button the BCO enters into Manual Mode. This gives the operator complete control of the reticle illuination with the choice of 10 day settings and 3 night vision settings.

BCO Utility Port
The BCO utility port is a sealed port on the backside of the battery housing. This port can be used to update the operating firmware or customize the existing program. It can alos be used to plug in a remote pressure pad switch, so the SIC button controls can be placed at a secondary location on the weapon. This port can also be used to import or export power. This means that accessories such as lasers or mini red dots could be powered from the BCO battery. Alternatively, the BCO utility port is capable of importing power, to run on an external power source such as a central power system.

Vibration Motion Sensor
Designed to conserve battery life by placing the BCO in SLEEP mode if motion is not detected after two hours. The BCO has an average battery usage life of over 2000 hours with a minimum of 775 hours on max brightness. In sleep mode the battey current is less than 1uA, which will give the BCO a shelf life of over 10 years.

Browe Web page

Army to deploy vertical take-off UAS

2011-12-26T11:16:00.006+02:00

WASHINGTON (Dec. 22, 2011) -- The U.S. Army is using a hybrid-type acquisition approach to develop a helicopter-like, Vertical-Take-Off-and-Landing Unmanned Aerial System with a so-called ARGUS wide-area surveillance sensor suite designed to beam back information and images of the surrounding terrain, service officials said.
Beginning in May or June of 2012, the Army will deploy three Boeing-built A160 Hummingbird Vertical-Take-Off-and-Landing Unmanned Aerial Systems, or VTOL-UAS, to Afghanistan as part of a Quick Reaction Capability, an acquisition approach aimed at delivering cutting-edge and emerging technologies to theater to add capability and inform requirements while simultaneously developing a formal Program of Record approach, said Lt. Col. Matthew Munster, product manager, UAS Modernization.
"These aircraft will deploy for up to one full year as a way to harness lessons learned and funnel them into a program of record," Munster said.

The formal VTOL Program of Record will involve a full and open competition among many vendors able to propose UAS solutions able to meet the desired requirements, he added.
Army VTOL UAS program developers and engineers are now finishing up some wiring work on the A160 aircraft and performing ground tests with the ARGUS sensor suite.
"The ARGUS sensor suite has never been flown on this platform before so we have to make sure that the integration is complete. We are finishing that up now and adding some different types of antennas. We begin flight testing of the UAS at Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona, early next year," Munster said.
The VTOL aircraft will give forward-positioned Army units the ability to deploy a wide-area UAS Intelligence, Surveillance Reconnaissance, or ISR, asset without needing access to a runway.

Source

Madbull Airsoft: RESET RIPR – Rifle Integrated Power Rail

2011-12-23T08:41:00.002+02:00

Madbull is proud to announce our latest and one of our most unique Airsoft accessories: the Rifle Integrated Power Rail (RIPR) licensed by RESET.
Our Airsoft version of the RIPR is available in two configurations:

1. The POWER version is designed for Airsoft AEG rifles and functions much like the RESET RIPR does on real steel firearms – as a complete power system that allows you to swap batteries in seconds instead of minutes.
2. The GBB READY MAG version is designed for WE/WA GBB Rifles, and functions as a ready-mag system.

The two versions are different internally and cannot be interchanged.
RIPR-POWER version includes one battery box, and additional battery boxes can be purchased separately.
RIPR-READY MAG version does not include magazine, but is compatible with most GBB magazines.

More photos & info: www.madbull.com/ripr

Magpul Shotgun Accessories

2011-12-23T08:02:00.000+02:00

Magpul will be launching a new line of accessories for the Remington 870 Shotgun at SHOT Show 2012.

More information coming soon

MOE® Forend – Remington 870 Shotgun

The MOE Forend is a drop-in replacement for the standard Remington 870 12 gauge pump, featuring extended length and front/rear hand stops for improved weapon manipulation. Compatible with MOE rails, mounts, and accessories, the MOE Forend adds modularity to the proven Remington 870 platform for sporting use, home defense, or on duty.

SGA™ Stock – Remington 870 Shotgun

The SGA Stock is a user-configurable buttstock designed to add much-needed adjustability to the tried and true Remington 870 platform. Featuring a spacer system for length of pull adjustment, improved grip ergonomics, recoil-reducing butt-pad, optional cheek risers for use with optics/raised sights, and other accessories, the SGA 870 brings Magpul design and engineering to another classic American firearm.

30th Anniversary Barrett M107A1

2011-12-22T19:09:00.000+02:00

This 30th Anniversary M107A1 is one of a kind! It is completely nickel teflon coated and has both a special 30th Anniversary side plate (rifle 1 of 1) and we held our 30th M107A1 produced, so it sports serial #30 in honor of the occasion.

Wait and see what we plan on doing with this one-of-a-kind rifle in 2012!

Photo by Kevin Fry

Source

K-MAX Unmanned Helicopter

2011-12-20T08:33:00.002+02:00

Quick Reaction Assessment

To augment the Marines’ ground and air logistics operations, the Navy recently completed a successful five-day Quick Reaction Assessment (QRA) using the unmanned K-MAX helicopter developed by Lockheed Martin and Kaman Aerospace. The QRA significantly advances the Navy’s plan to field a cargo unmanned aerial system (UAS) for a six-month deployment in the fall of 2011.

K-MAX Unmanned Helicopter

Lockheed Martin Corporation and Kaman Aerospace Corporation have successfully transformed Kaman’s proven K-MAX® power lift helicopter into an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) capable of autonomous or remote controlled cargo delivery. Its mission: battlefield cargo resupply for the U.S. military.

The K-MAX UAS is a transformational technology for a fast-moving battlefield that will enable Marines to deliver supplies either day or night to precise locations without risk of losing life in the process. The aircraft can fly at higher altitudes with a larger payload than any other rotary wing UAS. With its four hook carousel, the K-MAX UAS can also deliver more cargo to more locations in one flight

The team has flown the K-MAX UAS nearly 400 hours in autonomous mode since joining forces in 2007. The rugged system can lift and deliver a full 6,000 lbs of cargo at sea level and more than 4,000 pounds at 15,000 ft density altitude.

The K-MAX continues to exceed expectations as an unmanned platform. The aircraft has met all unmanned milestones to date and continues to excel in the commercial logging and firefighting industries. The aircraft will remain optionally piloted for ease of National Airspace Operations, occasional manned mission flexibility, ferry flights, rapid integration of new mission equipment, and allow rapid return-to-service activities.

The manned version of the K-MAX is used for repetitive lift operations by commercial operators for the construction and logging industries. To date, the fleet has accumulated more than 255,000 flight hours since 1994.

MS3 Sling, Art of the Precision Rifle, and ACS-L Stock now shipping

2011-12-17T13:39:00.000+02:00

It's been a busy year for us here at Magpul! We are very excited to announce that the MS3 Sling, The Art of the Precision Rifle DVD Set, and the ACS-L Stock are all now shipping to Magpul Dealers and Distributors.

We are also pleased to announce that we have dropped the MSRP on the CTR and ACS stocks in order to make some room in the line up for the STR and ACS-L. The CTR will now be $79.95, and the ACS will now be $109.95.

Driven by the operational experience of Magpul Dynamics instructors, the MS3 Multi-Mission Sling System was designed to give a versatile weapon-retention solution for a multitude of tactical environments and missions. As a standalone product, the rapidly-convertible MS3 provides the maneuverability of one-point attachment for direct action, or two-point attachment for stability. Single-hand adjustments, symmetrical clips and lightweight, positive-locking metal and polymer hardware provide flexibility and durability in a truly adaptable sling system.

The MS3 incorporates several new features over its predecessor, the MS2, including all new Magpul designed and built hardware for greater durability and compatibility. MSRP $49.95

The Magpul ACS-L (Adaptable Carbine Stock - Light) is a drop-in replacement butt-stock for AR15/M16 carbines. A streamlined version of the ACS, the ACS-L utilizes the same center storage compartment and cheek weld but removes the battery tubes for a slimmer, lighter weight package. MSRP $99.95

The Art of the Precision Rifle features nearly ten hours of actual live fire class instruction and additional instructional material on five DVDs.

Precision Rifle Expert Todd Hodnett and Magpul Dynamics Instructors Chris Costa, Travis Haley, Steve Fisher, Mike Olivella and Caylen Wojcik cover the fundamentals and "how to" aspects of long range shooting, advanced techniques and formulas, military and law enforcement sniping, precision shooting gear, and the sniper mindset.

Five discs, DVD-Video/NTSC, Region ALL, total running time of 593 min. MSRP $59.95

All made in the U.S.A.

Avenger UAV for USAF Afghan Deployment

2011-12-15T06:09:00.001+02:00

The General Atomics Avenger UAV is set to be used operationally by US forces in Afghanistan for the first time.

A single Avenger‘s been procured for the USAF as a means of boosting reconnaissance and strike efforts in that part of the world and, according to Flight Global, the single airframe order could be the first of its kind placed for this type.

Earlier this month, it emerged that Iranian forces had captured a US military RQ-170 Sentinel UAV, initial written reports later boosted by video footage highlighting the capture. Iran has since announced its intention to pick the RQ-170 apart, unlocking its secrets in order to develop a home-grown variant.

The General Atomics Avenger UAV was previously named the Predator C but differs from the same firm's MQ-1 Predator and Predator B (MQ-9 Reaper) UAVs in being jet-powered. Incorporating stealth features designed to limit its profile as it appears on enemy radar, the Avenger also has a weapons bay and hi-tech avionics components shared with the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.

It's fully compatible with the ground control systems already used to support MQ-1 and MQ-9 operations, optimizing the ease with which it can be integrated into the USAF's UAV arsenal.

In light of the Iranian RQ-170 UAV capture, it's hoped that no such fate awaits this latest drone. Indeed, its deployment might be intended as a show of defiance but, in any case, it seems unlikely that the US will have the Sentinel drone returned any time soon.

"The American espionage drone is now Iran's property, and our country will decide what steps to take regarding it", Ahmad Vahidi - Iranian Defence Minister - told local news sources on 12 December.

The USAF Avenger Afghan deployment was detailed in a document published by the Federal Business Opportunities online resource.

'This aircraft will act as the test vehicle to develop those next generation UAS [Unmanned Aircraft System] sensors, weapons, and Tactics, Techniques & Procedures ensuring a quick, smooth and efficient fielding of these advanced capabilities to the area of operations', it stated.

‘This effort is an exceptional circumstance not only due to the need outlined by the SAF/AQ [Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Acquisition)] but because it fulfils a multi-agency role by providing a test platform for both Office of Secretary of Defense (OSD) and customers under an ongoing, classified SECDEF [United States Secretary of Defence directed program.

Source

New Helmet Pads Provide Better Fit, More Comfort

2011-12-13T23:24:00.000+02:00

PEO Soldier introduces one-inch helmet pads to the Army equipment inventory in an effort to provide a better fitting Army Combat Helmet (ACH) .

Three-quarter inch pads are currently standard issue with ACHs. The standard number of pads is seven pads for sizes S-XL and nine pads for size XXL. One inch pads may now be substituted for the three-quarter inch pads as another option of properly fitting a helmet for Soldiers having issues with proper fit (if the helmet rocks back and forth and is not stable, if the helmet is too low on brow, if the helmet is not compatible with eye-wear, etc.) If Soldiers experience hot spots or discomfort with the helmet using three-quarter inch pads, the one inch pad offers a solution.

Soldiers may substitute one-inch pads where gaps are felt between the pad and the head if a snug fit is not achieved using three-quarter inch pads. The Central Issuing Facility can issue the new pad following helmet fitting.

If the helmet is too low on the brow, not compatible with eye-wear or if Soldiers experience hot spots or discomfort, they can rearrange the pad system to accommodate a more comfortable fit. Soldiers can also substitute pairs of one inch oblong/oval pads or individual trapezoidal front and/or rear pads or try another helmet to alleviate discomfort.

It is important to note the oblong/oval pads must be replaced in pairs to maintain stability, and the trapezoidal front and/or rear pad may be replaced individually. Safety considerations require the crown pad to be available in one size only, the three-quarter-inch size, to ensure the helmet does not ride too high the head.

Changes are currently being incorporated in TM 10-8470-204-10 Technical Manual Operator’s Manual for Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH).

For those wishing to order one-inch pads, the following NSN numbers should be referenced:

NSN	Item Description	Size
8470-01-547-2802	Pad Oblong/Oval	8
8470-01-547-2795	Pad Trapezoidal	8

*Item will have 2 each pads.

SOCOM Gear: Timberwolf Licensed by Lone Wolf

2011-12-10T19:40:00.001+02:00

SOCOM Gear proudly introduces the Timberwolf designed and licensed by Lone Wolf Distributors.

The Timberwolf is designed to be 100% compatible with original Glock parts, but is custom designed with improved features.

Among the improvements are a choice of 2 quick change grips, rounded trigger guard, extended beaver tail, round mag catch, improved checkering, higher grip angle and an improved rail system.

Moreover, many claim it is better than any double stack 1911 offered! Install the swelled grip and try to decide, is it an XD or a Sig. Either way, it takes less than a second to try them both.
Enjoy this great invention and play safe!

Key Features:
1. 2 size of quick change grips
2. 2 magazine butt plates for your collection!
3. Polymer frame and Aluminum frame
4. External 1:1 scale as Timberwolf
5. High capacity magazine hold 24 rounds 6mm Airsoft BBs.
6. Strong kick high power recoil
7. Hopup system integrated
8. Ergonomic angle for quick aiming and shooting
9. Picatinny rail for tactical accessories mounting
10. Rounded trigger guard, extended beaver tail, round mag catch, and improved checkering.

More Photos & Info: www.socomgear.com/timberwolf

The Art of the Precision Rifle Now Available for Pre-Orders

2011-12-03T15:41:00.001+02:00

Magpul's Art of the Precision Rifle is now available for pre-order and will be shipping to dealers and distributors mid-December. The Art of the Precision Rifle features nearly ten hours of actual live fire class instruction and additional instructional material.

Precision Rifle Expert Todd Hodnett and Magpul Dynamics Instructors Chris Costa, Travis Haley, Steve Fisher, Mike Olivella and Caylen Wojcik cover the fundamentals and "how to" aspects of long range shooting, advanced techniques and formulas, military and law enforcement sniping, precision shooting gear, and the sniper mindset.

Here is the full five-disc breakdown:

DISC ONE (142 min)
Course Part 1
Intro
Rifle Setup
Zeroing
Reticles
Truing
Special Features
- Ballistics
- Cold Bore vs. Clean Bore
- Trace

DISC TWO (133 min)
Course Part 2
Broken Scope Field Zero
Accuracy 1st Wind Formula
Wind Course (Part 1, 2, Wrap Up)
The One Mile Shot
Wrap Up
Special Features
- Mindset

DISC THREE (126 min)
USMC Fundamentals
The Sniper
The USMC Sniper
The Law Enforcement Sniper
Tools of the Military Sniper
Military Semi-Auto Weapons
Data Books
Exercises
- Dialing and Scope Calibration
- The Milling Exercise
- Natural Point-of-Aim
Quick Reference Drills
- Rapid Bolt Manipulation
- Tac Reload
- Speed Reload
- Reaction Side Bolt Manipulation

DISC FOUR (97 min)
Gear
Bolt Action
Semi-Automatic
Ancillary Gear
Rifle Optics
Muzzle Accessories
Support Equipment

DISC FIVE (93 min)
Bonus Features
Additional Course Material
Unconventional Positions
Long Range Trajectory
The TReMoR Reticle
Cleaning
Raising the Bar
Bonus Material
- Bloopers
- The Whiz Wheel
- Reading Wind
- Formula Review
- More from Magpul (Trailers)

The Art of the Precision Rifle is now available for pre-order at the Magpul Store and many Magpul Dealers. The Blu-Ray version is coming soon.

Madbull: OmegaX 12.0 Licensed By Daniel Defense

2011-12-03T00:33:00.001+02:00

Madbull is proud to announce that the licensed-for-Airsoft version of Daniel Defense's OmegaX 12.0 handguard rails in Black and FDE Tan.
These rails have completed production, and are now available to distributors (and will be available soon at retail).

With the inclusion of the 12.0 rails, Madbull's family of licensed Daniel Defense OmegaX rails contains eight unique products: 7" / 9" / 12" / 12" FSP in Black and FDE Tan.
You can see learn about them all on our website at: www.madbull.com/omegax

MadBull Omega X Rails feature an easy upgrade platform, high strength, and extreme ergonomics. The Omega X Rails offer a smooth transition from the upper receiver offering the most usable rail space. It features a continuous upper rail platform along with integrated sling swivels. Integrated sling mounts also feature limited rotation and ambidextrous points.

Features:

Free Floating Barrel Design
Uninterrupted Upper Rail Platform
Integrated Sling Swivel Attachment Points with limited rotation
Aircraft Grade Aluminum
Mil-Spec 1913 Picatinny Rails
Narrow profile for enhanced ergonomics
Removable lower for easier FSP (front sight post) installation

Specifications:

Precision CNC machined
Aircraft Grade 6061 Aluminum
Matte Hard Coat Anodized finish
Made in Taiwan by MadBull

More photos and info: www.madbull.com/omegax

Strike Industries Dura Mount Series Sling Adapters

2011-12-02T03:10:00.001+02:00

NOW AVAILABLE From Strike Industries:
Dura Mount Series Sling Adapters

Features
* Aluminum T6 6061 metal construction
* Matte black finish
* Steel mounting screw
* Fits Picatinny MIL-STD-1913 rails
* Slim profile design

More info:
http://strikeindustries.com/shop/sling-adapters.html

PEO Soldier 2012

2011-12-01T19:06:00.000+02:00

Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier portfolio for 2012

Magpul 2012 Calendar

2011-12-01T14:22:00.001+02:00

The Magpul 2012 Calendar, featuring beautiful girls and beautiful guns, is NOW SHIPPING. As always the girls are outfitted in the latest Crye swimwear and displaying some impressive weaponry.

This year, half of the calendar proceeds will be going to the Infinite Hero Foundation.

Get yours here for $14.95!

Madbull News: AR57 Licensed Accessories

2011-12-01T13:50:00.000+02:00

Madbull just signed a licensing agreement with AR57!

AR57 is a United States-based manufacturer or rifles and firearm accessories, including upper assemblies, magazines, ammunition, scopes, and barrels.
Madbull Airsoft is proud to begin working with AR57 to adapt their innovative rifle and accessory designs for use in Airsoft replica guns.

This cooperation means that Airsoft players will have a greater selection of realistic accessories with which to build their loadouts. In addition, these accessories will be
manufactured to the highest standard to live up to the AR57 reputation. Finally, licensing ensures that the brilliant engineers are properly compensated for their intellectual property.

Photo of the Month November 2011

2011-11-30T04:05:00.000+02:00

Hellenic Army National Guard MG3s

ATN ThOR 2 thermal vision.

2011-11-29T20:21:00.001+02:00

The ATN ThOR series of thermal imaging scopes are based upon a proven 320 x 240 microbolometer core, which is coupled with a high resolution OLED color or B&W Micro-display Assembly that provides exceptional resolution and clarity. To achieve superior accuracy and precision the ThOR scopes utilize a rear projected optical precision windage and elevation system that allows for 3/4” MOA (2X) and 1/2” MOA (3x) reticle adjustments. This is a significant improvement over systems that use digital windage and elevation. The ThORs are the only thermal weapon sights with ATN’s new proprietary feature – Two Color Manual Brightness control of the aiming reticle. This feature allows for a choice of color (red or amber) of the projected reticle depending on the operator’s preference and tactical situation. The ThOR line is built with either a 2x or 3x optical magnifications. This provides is increased resolution benefits over digital zoom models.

The ThOR is an ideal product for force protection, border patrol officers, police SWAT and special operations forces providing them the tools they need to be successful in all field conditions both day and night.

Uncooled thermal imaging cuts through dust, smoke, fog, haze, and other battlefield obscurants. Its use cannot be detected as it emits no visible light or RF energy and operates without the use of illuminators or IR lights.

Website

First F-35C launch from EMALS

2011-11-28T21:18:00.001+02:00

Navy test pilot Lt. Chris Tabert takes off in F-35C test aircraft CF-3 Nov. 18, the first launch of the carrier variant of the Joint Strike Fighter from the Navy's new electromagnetic aircraft launch system, set to install on future USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).

U.S. Army Soldiers Ambushed In Kunar Helmet Cam Footage

2011-11-24T09:10:00.001+02:00

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division, get Ambushed by Insurgents in Kunar Province, Afghanistan.

German laser weapon successfully takes down unmanned aircraft.

2011-11-24T09:06:00.001+02:00

Rheinmetall’s 10kW laser weapon, seen here fitted to the turret of the company’s C-RAM air-defense system, shot down a UAV (see lower photo), while a less powerful model sank a rubber raft and detected IEDs in a recent exercise. (Image: Rheinmetall)

Having recently used a high-energy laser weapon to down an unmanned aircraft at a proving ground in Switzerland, Rheinmetall has demonstrated the operational potential of combining a powerful laser weapon with an advanced air defence system.

This event provides compelling proof of the Group’s 360° competence in relevant technologies ranging from military lasers and target recognition and identification to target tracking and fire control units – and its unrivaled ability to weld them into a single, forward-looking, fully functional full scale demonstrator.

At a live fire laser demo at the Group’s Ochsenboden proving ground, international guests were able to view two laser weapon demonstrators in action, each featuring different performance parameters.

For example, a 10-kW laser was integrated into an air defence system consisting of an Oerlikon Skyguard 3 fire control unit and a Skyshield gun turret. Modular and scalable, the laser weapon itself consisted of two 5-kW laser weapon modules.

Source: Reinmetall via Defense-Aerospace.

Haley Strategic Partners Light Mounts

2011-11-24T08:42:00.001+02:00

Dropwing Adaptive Light Mount

Designed primarily to work with SOPMOD M4 configurations - low profile design does not obstruct IR laser systems. This mount also works with most other railed and tubed polymer hand guards.

Thorntail Adaptive Light Mount

Low profile Picatinny rail light-mount designed to work with any rail system (aluminum or polymer).

Haley Strategic website

WWII British Sten Mk II SMG

2011-11-22T15:14:00.001+02:00

For more info be sure to check out http://www.tactical-life.com/online/exclusives/wwii-sten-spotlight/

The Sten submachine gun is certainly not the most elegant SMG every made. Neither is it the safest, especially in the Mk II configuration I tested for this article. It was, however, the right weapon at the right time. When the Sten went into production, Great Britain was facing possible invasion by the Germans and desperately needed weapons to fight the enemy on the beaches and behind them. British industry and resources were already stretched to the maximum, thus a weapon that could be manufactured cheaply and quickly was needed. The Sten was that weapon.

Magpul Art of the Tactical Carbine 1 and 2, 2nd Edition

2011-11-19T16:43:00.001+02:00

The 2nd Editions of Art of the Tactical Carbine Volumes 1 and 2 are now available, completely remastered and with an additional 90 minutes of new content.

The Art of the Tactical Carbine 2nd Edition is a 4-disc DVD set featuring over five hours of actual live fire class instruction and additional instructional material. With extensive combat experience around the globe, instructors Travis Haley and Chris Costa cover not only the basic fundamentals and "how to" aspects of the carbine but also the "mindset" required to employ a carbine effectively in dynamic stress situations. Using real first time students, this DVD set shows student progression from start to finish with nothing but
positive results.

Replacing the original The Art of the Tactical Carbine,
the 2nd Edition set is fully remastered with additional footage.

Four discs, DVD-Video/NTSC, Region ALL, total running time of 351 min.

Taking carbine operation to the next level, The Art of the Tactical Carbine Volume II 2nd Edition features over five hours of actual live fire class instruction and additional instructional material in a 4-disc DVD set. Instructors Travis Haley and Chris Costa present an informative and exhilarating Dynamic Carbine class that focuses on pushing your failure points and finding the perfect balance between speed and accuracy. Using real advanced shooters from the firearms industry, law enforcement SWAT, and military special operations, this DVD set will show that no matter what level of the game you're in you always have the ability to excel.

Replacing the original The Art of the Tactical Carbine Volume II, this 2nd Edition set is fully remastered with additional footage.

Blu-Ray versions are coming soon.

Made in U.S.A.

Art of the Tactical Carbine 1, 2nd Edition and Art of the Tactical Carbine 2, 2nd Edition are now shipping to Magpul retailers and are available from the Magpul Store.

Magpul MOE Scout Mount

2011-11-19T16:37:00.001+02:00

The MOE® Scout Mount is now shipping to Dealers & Distributors

The MOE Scout Mount connects directly to the MOE Hand Guard, providing a high, cantilevered weapon light attachment point. The mount is optimized for Surefire® Scout® Lights, and is also compatible with most 1913 Picatinny mounted lights.

- Designed for use with MOE Hand Guards
- Available in right side or left side models
- Positions light high at 11 o'clock (left side model) or one o'clock (right side model)
- Durable Polymer Construction

The MOE Scout Mount is designed and manufactured in the U.S.A. It is now shipping to Magpul retailers and is available from the Magpul Store.

SWAT ROUNDUP INTERNATIONAL 2011

2011-11-18T20:40:00.001+02:00

The 2011 SWAT Roundup International (SRI) featured 59 tactical teams from the United States, Russia, Kuwait, Hungary, Aruba, Bosnia, Jamaica and Sweden. The annual six-day event consisted of training classes and seminars, a trade show by over 100 vendors and manufacturers, and the legendary head-to-head tactical competition.

For pictures and a write-up on the event check out:

http://www.tactical-life.com/online/exclusives/swat-roundup-international-2011/

NEW From Madbull: Licensed Superior Weapon Systems Free-Float Rails

2011-11-16T16:00:00.001+02:00

Madbull Airsoft is proud to announce our latest line of fully licensed handguard rails, adapted from real steel firearms for Airsoft rifles.
Superior Weapon Systems (SWS) is a well-known US-based handguard manufacturer. SWS builds high quality handguard rails which have been widely adopted by famous firearm companies such as Noveske Rifleworks.

These SWS rail designs are unique from their OEM product lines. Madbull Airsoft is proudly to be the world-exclusive partner with SWS within to the AIrsoft industry, working to provide superior quality, licensed handguard rails for Airsoft.

The Madbull Airsoft versions of SWS handguards are made of T6-6061 high quality Aircraft aluminum with anodize coating. All rails are extruded and machine CNC'ed. The externals of our SWS rails (and all licensed Madbull rails) are 1:1 ratio replicas of real steel. However, the internal mechanisms are designed for Airsoft AEGs only, and cannot be modified to fit on real firearms.

Features:
Free float tube provides a continuous top rail
Military specification Mil-std-1913
Slots on the rail can be timed to slots on the receiver
Unique mounting system
T numbers on all rails

More Info & Photos: http://www.madbull.com/swsrails

Introducing A-TACS FG Camo

2011-11-15T18:14:00.001+02:00

Ever since the launch of the original A-TACS Camo Pattern, people have been asking for a green variant of the pattern. The easy answer would have been to create a simple re-color of the existing pattern and release it as a green variant. Taking that approach may have been easier and faster however, it would not have been the correct way to create an effective temperate climate pattern. The characteristic environmental elements and shapes found in greener, more temperate settings needed to be addressed.

The answer was found in the creation of an entirely new pattern based on the A-TACS Camo’s unique “pattern within a pattern” concept. The addition of simulated depth was also necessary in order to add visual disruption to further break up the human silhouette.

After over a year of development and input of countless tactical professionals, we are proud to introduce A-TACS FG (Foliage/Green) Camo. Utilizing numerous shades of green sampled directly from a variety of forested and transitional terrain elements combined with various shades of earth, A-TACS FG Camo was developed to be effective in a wide range of temperate environments. As with the original A-TACS AU (Arid/Urban) Camo pattern, the organic pixels in the micro patterns are grouped into larger, more defined “macro” shapes creating larger more defined patterns. The larger organic shapes and strategically placed shadow elements within the macro pattern help to create a unique three-dimensional effect never before seen in a tactical concealment system.

Following this announcement in the coming weeks, we will post more photos as well as updates on specific A-TACS FG Camo gear being offered by our manufacturing partners in addition to specific information regarding product availability.

A-TACS FG Camo gear in photos provided by, Propper (ACUs and Boonies) Tactical Assault Gear (Plate Carriers and Pouches), Blue Force Gear (Weapon Slings) Grey Ghost (Plate Carriers and Pouches) Beez Combat Systems (Plate Carriers), Danner (Boots)

More photos and info

JIEDDO working to reverse trend for larger IEDs in Afghanistan

2011-11-15T05:43:00.001+02:00

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Nov. 10, 2011) -- The amount of explosives used in improvised explosive devices in Afghanistan is increasing, while at the same time, the number of attacks are at "historic highs."
In June and July, there were 1,600 improvised explosive device, or IED, events in Afghanistan, said Lt. Gen. Michael Barbero, program executive officer, Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization.
The good news, he said, is the number of IEDs found and cleared has gone up by 100 percent, as has the number of finds of caches of IED-building material.

During an Institute of Land Warfare breakfast Nov. 10 in Arlington, Va., Barbero said as many as 80 percent of IEDs in Afghanistan are made from ammonium nitrate coming from fertilizer plants in Pakistan.
Each factory produces as much as 400,000 metric tons of the material each year, and about one percent of that makes its way to insurgents, where he said it's easily turned into inexpensive explosives. He also said 90 percent of casualties in Afghanistan come from ammonium nitrate explosive.

Barbero said the JIEDDO and the intelligence community must focus on the network that brings the material from those facilities into the hands of terrorists.
"From these two legally operating factories in Pakistan, we know where they are producing, we know who their distributors are -- and we are getting great support from them," he explained.
What is unknown, Barbero said, is where the transition point is between legal enterprise and criminal activity.
"What we don't understand is how this ammonium nitrate gets from the factories to these insurgents. That's the greatest intelligence gap we have."
Once that gap is identified, Barbero said, funding sources can be tracked, and other elements of U.S. government power could be brought in to affect change -- including both the State Department and the Treasury.

Barbero said that in 2011, there was about $2.44 billion in funding for JIEDDO. While not "locked in" yet, he said, it's expected that in 2012 and 2013 that number will be about the same.
"We'll be able to do what we need to support our warfighters," he said.
The general said there is talk about modifying authorities for JIEDDO to support other federal agencies, because he said the IED threat has expanded beyond Iraq and Afghanistan.
"These networks and these IEDs are coming to a 14th Street Bridge near us," he said, referring to a major commuter route into Washington, D.C. "We need to be able to share better with our interagency partners the intelligence and information we have on technology and the networks."
In January, Barbero said, JIEDDO will publish a strategy that "goes beyond Afghanistan" to detail some enduring IED threats and to offer a description of the kinds of research and development needed to counter them "so we can start the dialogue and collaboration on finding solutions and capabilities."

Source

NEW From Madbull: Custom 1911 Grips

2011-11-11T19:47:00.001+02:00

Madbull Custom 1911 Grips are designed to fit KJW / WE / SOCOM Gear 1911 type pistols.

Constructed of attractive black polymer, high strength and resistant to heat and sweat. Our beautiful new grips are specifically designed for Airsoft pistol brands. allowing you to customize your 1911 without fear of poor fitment.

More info & photos: http://tinyurl.com/7u9q9b4

These items are Coming Soon. Please contact your local Airsoft retailer for expected availability.

New light machine gun aims to 'SAW' Soldiers' load

2011-11-11T16:36:00.001+02:00

FORT BENNING, Ga., Nov. 4, 2011 -- Nearly 20 Soldiers participated in a two-week assessment of a prototype light machine gun to demonstrate its potential impact on mission effectiveness and to help engineers develop possible improvements to the weapon and its unique ammunition.
The evaluation sought the warfighter's perspective after enduring a series of strenuous combat performance drills with the weapon.
It had taken six years to get from a concept to a fully functioning weapon that was ready for evaluation, but Kori Phillips, a project management engineer in the Joint Service Small Arms Program, or JSSAP, said it was well worth the wait.
"This is exactly what we have been waiting for," said Phillips. "This is what we need to move forward."
The Soldiers' feedback will be used to influence the user community to develop a Capability Development Document. A CDD is required before the system can transition to a program of record and enter the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase of the acquisition life cycle.
This would be the next step needed for the program to move forward toward an eventual fielding of the weapon to Soldiers in the field.
The light machine gun is part of the Lightweight Small Arms Technologies, or LSAT, program, which is managed by the JSSAP, part of the Army's Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center, or ARDEC, at Picatinny Arsenal, N.J.
The LMG is a gas-operated, cased telescoped light machine gun. It is air-cooled and belt fed with selectable semi-automatic and fully automatic fire and fires from the open-bolt position. Its rate of fire is approximately 650 rounds per minute.
The JSSAP team hopes that the LMG will eventually replace the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, knows as a SAW, as the standard issue machine gun used by Soldiers in combat zones.

GETTING TO KNOW THE WEAPON

The machine guns and their operators were tested through automatic rifleman tasks and operational scenarios.
The purpose was to assess how the lighter machine gun affects the Soldiers' ability to effectively engage targets from various firing positions after completing tasks that induced physical stress and an elevated heart rate.
The weapons were also evaluated on their suitability regarding portability, safety, compatibility with Soldier equipment, durability in challenging environments, ease of use, and impact on Soldier mobility.
"We ran Soldiers through with both weapon systems and timed them to look at how much faster they could complete the course with the lighter weapon and to gain subjective feedback on mobility and portability issues while they negotiated the obstacles," said Maj. Matthew Bowler, a military advisor to the small arms program.
Immediately after each event, the Soldiers filled out surveys where they offered opinions about how they felt physically, and any issues or malfunctions they experienced with either weapon or its ammunition. They could also include any positive feedback.
On the first day of the second week, the Soldiers marched six miles in full combat gear, including body armor, a 50-pound rucksack and a basic load of ammunition for their respective weapons. Half the Soldiers carried the SAW and the other half carried the LMG.
After the road march, the Soldiers immediately started firing their weapons to measure the effects of muscle fatigue and stress while firing.
Sgt. Brandon Vega, an infantryman with the 2/29 Infantry Battalion, saw an increase in his accuracy when firing the LSAT after the march compared to the SAW.
"The first six round bursts were within the size of a quarter," Vega said. "Then I got three on top of one so I was real impressed with that."
Vega added that, using the SAW, he has yet to achieve the same level of accuracy.
According to a study conducted in 2005, the average fighting load for the SAW gunner is 79 pounds. That is nearly twice the weight a Soldier should carry, according to Army doctrine.
"The Soldier carries too much weight so anything we can do to reduce Soldier load increases the Soldier's effectiveness, his capability on the battlefield and his survivability," said Bowler.
The weight reduction provided by the LMG would have a significant effect on the SAW gunner, the most heavily burdened Soldier in the squad.
With a basic load of 1,000 rounds, the light machine gun and its cased telescoped ammunition is 20.4 pounds lighter than a traditional SAW with the same amount of standard, brass-cased ammunition.
During the assessment, more than 25,000 rounds were fired from eight prototype LMGs.
The suggested rate of fire for machine guns is three to five round bursts whenever possible, eight to ten round bursts at the most. This gives the gunner time to readjust his aim and helps keep the barrel from overheating as quickly.
A high rate of fire increases the possibility of a "cook off." Cook off occurs when the propellant is unintentionally ignited by the heat in the weapon chamber, firing a round unexpectedly and causing a significant safety hazard.
Because of the design of the chamber, the LMG is very unlikely to experience a cook off, Phillips said. Technical tests showed that more than 250 rounds could be fired without a risk of cook off. The M249 SAW has been known to cook off at 220 rounds under certain circumstances.

OTHER ASSESSMENTS

In another assessment of shooting while under physical stress, Soldiers wore body armor and sprinted 200 yards with their weapons and a basic load of ammunition, then rapidly engaged close-range targets from the standing position. Again, they performed this task with both weapons. Many Soldiers saw an improvement in their overall time with the lighter weapon.
"Today we ran with the LSAT and with the SAW," said Cpl. Nickolaus Hammack, one of the military police Soldiers participating in the assessment. "Both were pretty trying but the SAW hands down is way heavier. Especially going up a hill, you feel the weight on you. (The) LSAT is a lot lighter weapon. It really is a joy to have."
The third week of assessment involved Soldiers of the 75th Ranger Regiment. They used two of the LMGs as part of a squad maneuver live-fire exercise to determine how the attributes of the new weapon system would impact squad effectiveness.
The exercise was conducted in an urban setting where the Soldiers used the weapon for suppressive fire and for room-clearing.
The Rangers said they liked the semi-auto feature that made the LMG a much more viable weapon for room-clearing than the SAW.
Additionally, one Ranger commented that the weight of the LMG as a system was "noticeably better" than that of the Mk 46 variant of the SAW that they currently use, because of the significantly lighter ammunition that dramatically increased his mobility while maneuvering as part of the squad.

FUTURE OF THE LIGHT MACHINE GUN

Overall, the Soldiers' comments were positive and they overwhelmingly preferred the LMG to the SAW. They were impressed by the weapon's light weight, decreased felt recoil, and related increase in accuracy and better control.
The Soldiers' input could lead to design changes to any final product. However, no decision has been made on whether the LMG will eventually be fielded.
Spc. Brandon Smith, an infantryman, spent two weeks comparing the weapons.
"I could see a whole squad carrying it (the LMG)," he said. "You would own the battlefield."

Source and more pictures

Canadian Army Tests New Ballistic Helmet.

2011-11-09T13:13:00.001+02:00

The Canadian Army is testing a new concept for a modular ballistic helmet.

First F-35C catapult launch at NAS Patuxent River

2011-11-09T01:12:00.001+02:00

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. -- Navy test pilot Lt. Chris Tabert flies F-35C test aircraft CF-3 off the TC-7 steam catapult at NAS Patuxent River Nov. 4. The launch was the first time the test catapult here launched an F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter. Previous catapult testing occurred in Lakehurst, N.J. The F-35C carrier variant of the Joint Strike Fighter is distinct from the F-35A and F-35B variants with its larger wing surfaces and reinforced landing gear to withstand catapult launches and deck landing impacts associated with the demanding aircraft carrier environment. Initial carrier trials for the F-35C are scheduled for 2013. The F-35C is undergoing test and evaluation at NAS Patuxent River before delivery to the fleet.

Ballistic clipboard for LE agencies.

2011-11-08T14:46:00.001+02:00

http://impactarmortech.com/ Developed by request for local law enforcement agencies the ballistic clipboard provides protection where you need it most -- by your side. Designed to be always available the clipboard is there when you need it, not in the trunk, not 20 minutes away. For routine traffic stops, first responders, or serving a warrant, the clipboard provides discrete protection at all times.

Designed to exceed NIJ IIIA specifications the clipboard has undergone extensive testing to ensure it performs. From a standoff distance to point blank, hot and cold, the clipboard provides multi-hit protection against 9mm, .357, .40, and .44 mag rounds. Most importantly, this protection is available in an ergonomic design that weighs under 2.0lbs.

USN’s Electromagnetic Railgun Launches 1,000th Projectile

2011-11-03T16:45:00.003+02:00

The United States Navy's Electromagnetic Railgun system has been fired for the 1,000th time, bringing the system one step closer to integration on USN warships deployed at sea.

Less than 12 months ago, the railgun established a new world record when it fired a projectile with 33 megajoules of force. Since then, the tests have been ongoing, culminating in the landmark 1,000th launch, which occurred on 31 October.

The 999 previous firings have examined various aspects related to the system's performance, including potential damage caused to it by the massive forces involved when it's in operation.

USN Electromagnetic Railgun

The USN's Electromagnetic Railgun's being put through its paces by scientists working at ONR - the Office of Naval Research.

"A railgun weapons system must be able to launch hundreds of projectiles and withstand extreme pressures, currents and temperatures", Captain Paul Stewart, the US Naval Research Laboratory Materials Testing Facility's Commanding Officer, explained.

"Today's firing of the 1,000th shot demonstrates Navy researchers are steadily progressing toward achieving that goal, developing a more effective and efficient future ship combat system."

US Navy Railgun: Projectile Launch

The US Navy railgun defies the convention set by earlier weapons designs, which typically launch their projectiles with an explosive force. It, by contrast, draws on electromagnetic power to charge a projectile forwards. This launched projectile travels on rails, before leaving the railgun at extreme velocities, up to a maximum of seven times the speed of sound (Mach 7).

"This test demonstrates continued advances in armature development, rail design, and barrel materials used in high power railgun launch", Doctor Robert Meger, who leads the Charged Particle Physics division of ONR, said in a statement. "Firing up to 15 shots per week on the laboratory's experimental railgun, researchers at NRL perform detailed testing and analysis of rails and armatures, providing S&T expertise to the Navy program that is directly applicable to tests at large-scale power levels", he added.

From here on in, the USN will continue to progress the Electromagnetic Railgun concept, despite the chance that its future might be endangered by budget costs.

Railgun image copyright US Navy

KITANICA-MARK I-MULTICAM

2011-11-01T18:19:00.004+02:00

More info and photos

Photo of the Month October 2011

2011-10-31T14:30:00.000+02:00

Loading a M110A2 203mm self propelled artillery.

Sako TRM-G M10

2011-10-31T14:20:00.000+02:00

From accurateshooter.com:

Last week, at the DSEi trade show in London, UK, Sako unveiled an all-new tactical rifle, designed from the ground up as a modular system, which can be user-configured in the field to shoot multiple calibers. By changing bolts and barrels, Sako’s new TRG M10 can be switched from a 7.62×51 NATO round to the .300 Win Mag, or the even larger .338 Lapua Magnum. With the capability of the TRG M10 to shoot both standard and magnum cartridges, Sako now has a product that can compete with other multi-caliber sniper rifles such as the Barrett MRAD, released last year.

100 Round Glock Mag Fully Automatic

2011-10-31T14:06:00.000+02:00

FPS Conversion Tower adapted to 9MM Glock 17, 18, 19, & Sub-Compact Handguns. The FPS Conversion tower can now be purchased at http://firepowersolutions.net and the shipping is FREE!

Coming Soon From Madbull Airsoft: Licensed Troy TRX & VTAC Extreme BattleRails

2011-10-29T04:01:00.004+03:00

Troy Industries is famous for manufacturing advanced small arms components and accessories for the US Government.
Their products are widely used by military, law enforcement, special forces, and civilian hobbyists.

Madbull Airsoft proudly works with Troy Industries to adapt Troy's innovative designs for Airsoft rifles.
Madbull's licensed rails are quality checked by Troy to ensure a high level of realism and build quality.

The TRX free-float Battle Rail is a new handguard system from Troy Industries with a special rotary locking mechanism.

Product Features:
3 Bonus Quick-Attach Rail Sections
New state of the art rotary locking system by Troy Industries
Proprietary patent pending one-piece design by Troy Industries
True U.S. Military Specification M1913 rails
Free floating design that enhances accuracy*
T6-6061 Aluminum Construction
Black anodize (Real steal is Military level III hard coat with Teflon coating)
Blocked gas pipe tunnel to prevent mis-use on real guns

Viking Tactics (VTAC) is directed by Kyle Lamb, a well-known retired tier-one special forces operative.

The VTAC Extreme Battle Rail are designed by Viking Tactics (VTAC) and manufactured by Troy Industries. It is an one-piece, free floating rail for AR15 systems.
The unique lightweight design helps reduce heat transfer and allows for a faster target acquisition.

The rail is easy to install and features an uninterrupted top M1913 rail that allows the mounting of optics and backup iron sights.

Product Features:
3 Bonus Quick-Attach Rail Sections
New state of the art rotary locking system by Troy Industries
Proprietary patent pending one-piece design by Troy Industries
True U.S. Military Specification M1913 rails
Free floating design that enhances accuracy*
T6-6061 Aluminum Construction
Black anodize (Real steal is Military level III hard coat with Teflon coating)
Blocked gas pipe tunnel to prevent mis-use on real guns

More info & photos: www.madbull.com/battlerail

X-47B UCAS First Cruise Flight

2011-10-28T00:17:00.001+03:00

Musical revue of the first "cruise" flight of the U.S. Navy's X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System demonstration aircraft. During this flight, conducted Sept. 30, 2011 flight, the aircraft's landing gear was raised and lowered for the first time, a key milestone in the envelope expansion phase of flight testing. The X-47B was designed, developed and produced by Northrop Grumman, the leader in unmanned systems.

U.S. SWAT SNIPER CHAMPIONSHIPS

2011-10-27T15:16:00.002+03:00

The 2011 U.S. SWAT Sniper Championships (USSSC), held October 17 and 18 at the United States Shooting Academy, was hosted by the Tulsa, Oklahoma, Sheriff’s Office. Thirty-one tactical precision rifle teams competed in five difficult stages during the annual sniper competition. This year’s winner was Oklahoma County’s first sniper team, with eight points separating them from the second place La Plata County.

More info and photos

US Army Orders Recon Scout XT Micro-Robots

2011-10-26T21:10:00.000+03:00

A highly capable small military robot design exhibited at the recent DSEI event in London has been ordered in bulk by the United States Army.

The US Army Rapid Equipping Force is set to receive 315 Recon Scout XT micro-robots through a $4.8m order announced in October 2011. Alongside these, it will also get SearchStick devices, which work in tandem with the Scout XTs to elevate their viewing position.

The Recon Scout XT is manufactured by ReconRobotics and, in a press release covering the US Army order, the firm's Military Programs Director, Ernest Langdon, described the company's extreme pride at having been selected. "The era of the personal robot has arrived for US troops and, like the ballistic vest and night vision goggles, our Recon Scout XTs will save many lives", he commented.

Recon Scout XT Micro-Robot

The Recon Scout XT micro-robot is designed to acquire data in situations that might put conventional warfighters at risk. Sent in ahead of troops, it can illustrate the dimensions of an enclosed space, locate the presence of Improvised Explosive Devices or check out battle-damaged vehicles.

It's equipped with a black and white video camera that captures 30 frames per second across a 60 degree panorama, before streaming this footage back to its controllers. Extremely durable and robust, the Scout XT's manufactured from a mixture of aluminium and titanium. This allows it to survive after being thrown or even being dropped from a UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System), flying at a maximum altitude of 30 feet.

It has an operational range of between 100 and 300 feet, depending on the environment in which it's operating and, weighing just 1.2 pounds, it's about as heavy as a bag of sugar. That makes it highly portable and highly deployable while, painted black and very quiet when in motion, it's also relatively low-observable. A bonus for operators is that, since the robots can occupy one of three frequency transmission paths, up to three Scouts can manoeuvre in the same space simultaneously.

US Army Scout Robot Order

The US Army Scout robot order represents the latest success for ReconRobotics, which was established five years ago. Over 2,000 of ReconRobotics' designs presently serve with multiple strands of the US armed forces and other organisations.

DSEI - the Defence & Security Equipment International event - was staged in London in September 2011 and saw a host of new military technologies exhibited and showcased. These included BAE Systems' BLAST helicopter system and Supacat Limited's upgraded Supacat 400 vehicle.

Recon Scout XT image copyright ReconRobotics

Daniel Defense L85 Adapters Now Available & Important Product Note

2011-10-26T12:18:00.000+03:00

ICS & WE converters for Madbull's licensed Daniel Defense L85 rail are now available (or available soon) at your local Airsoft retailer.

Important Note:
There are two versions of the licensed Daniel Defense L85 rail, which are externally identical but with slightly different internal dimensions.

Version 1 is compatible with G&G and Army using the included adapter, and with ICS using a separately available adapter.
Version 2 is compatible with G&G and Army using the included adapter, and with ICS and WE using separately available adapters.

You can determine which version you own by looking at the packaging of your L85 rail.

Madbull's licensed Daniel Defense L85 is the only L85 rail officially licensed by Daniel Defense for Airsoft.

MORE INFO: www.madbull.com/L85

Engineers remember unit's past with Waal River Crossing Competition

2011-10-24T13:46:00.001+03:00

FORT BRAGG, N.C., Oct. 20, 2011 -- Smoke hazed in the air as the Soldiers began to push their assault boats into the water as bullets were already flying past their heads. In the not so far distance, they could hear the loud echoes of machine guns going off.

It was getting harder and harder to move because the knee-deep mud. The last boat hit the water and it seemed the smoke needed for cover had all disappeared.
On the first trip, several Soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives. The next two weren't as bad as the Soldiers made their assault upon the enemy. By the fourth and fifth trip, almost all enemy fire had been subdued.

The day was September 20, 1944. The mission was the famous Waal River Crossing.
"When all the machine gun fire and smoke filled the air, it was so realistic for Mister Burks that he said he got chills," said Lt. Col. Brett G. Sylvia, the 307th Engineer Battalion commander.
Howard Burks was there back in 1944 when the real crossing of the Waal River happened, and he was also at the annual competition hosted by the 307th Engineer Battalion with teams also competing from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division at Kiest Lake on the Fort Bragg training grounds Oct. 19.
"Having an actual member who crossed the Waal River back in World War II is a real morale booster," said Spc. Jeremy Durstine, a heavy equipment operator for the winning team from 738th Engineer Support Company, 307th En. Bn. "He sat there and relived his memories while we made our very own."

During the competition, teams mirrored the historic day's actual events by having eleven Soldiers paddling the boat, one Soldier guarding and three Soldiers being transported to the other side as if they were making a real assault, Durstine explained.
"This is a commemorative event for the crossing of the Waal River during Operation Market Garden where the 307th Engineers successfully ushered across the infantry men of the 82nd Airborne Division five times," said 1st Lt. James Cunningham, the 1st platoon leader for 738th ESC, 307th En. Bn. "This unit is deep in heritage and the Waal River crossing is probably the largest event in history of the unit."
For these engineers, this event isn't just a competition, but a moment in the 307th's En. Bn.'s past that makes them proud to be part of the organization.
"There is something when you look at the unit and what it has done in the past. Its successes and traditions make you want to be part of that team," explained Cunningham.

"The Army is all about history and reliving it today was great," said Durstine. "To be here and be around the camaraderie and morale of different Soldiers feels awesome."
Even though the day was full of mostly fun and laughter, the challenge of being the winner was no easy feat for these Paratroopers.
"A lot of people just showed up to have fun, and then got disappointed when they didn't win," Cunningham said. "We knew if we put just a little extra effort it would really pay dividends, and it did."
Durstine also added how the members of his team had been getting ready for more than a month.
"We prepared by going to a different lake and practicing being in sync with each other while in the boat," he said. "We also practiced by flipping the boat and recovering it in case that happened today."
However, once the competition started certain unexpected challenges surfaced.

"The organization of the people was the hardest part or in military terms command control," Cunningham said.
After the competition came to an end, the winners were awarded their trophy-- The Oar.
"We are showing how when the infantry needed to get across the Waal River, they proposed the issue to the engineers, 'Hey, here is our problem. How do we get here so we can beat the enemy and accomplish this task?' they asked. The engineers then solved it by paddling across the river, to me, that is what the The Oar symbolizes," Cunningham said.
All in all, both the real life crossing of the Waal River and the one emulated in the competition are just examples of how important of a tool the engineers are to the Army.
"You never know what tomorrow is going to bring," Durstine said. "Engineers have to be ready because we make way for different companies and their missions. If it's clearing their route or getting them across a river, we have to be there to make sure everything is safe and secure for the Soldiers behind us."

Source and more pictures

Licensed Daniel Defense 12.0 Lite / 12.0 Lite FSP Rails

2011-10-21T22:24:00.001+03:00

The innovative Daniel Defense AR15 Lite Rail 12.0 system gives the weapon system an uninterrupted upper rail platform and also allows the Armorer to install the rail system with simplified alignment to the upper receiver. Not only does this battle proven system provide features that no other rail system possesses, but it is also the lightest rail system available.

Details:

Free Floating Barrel Design
Uninterrupted Upper Rail Platform
Precision CNC Machined T-6061 Aircraft Grade Aluminum
Hardened Steel Barrel Nut
Grade 8 Military Specification Fasteners
Mil-Spec 1913 Picatinny Rails
Lightweight 14.4 oz (12.0) / 13.1 oz (12.0 FSP)

More info & photos: http://www.madbull.com/dd12lite

New Trijicon SRS™ Reflex Sight

2011-10-20T15:15:00.000+03:00

October 10, 2011 - The profile length of the new Trijicon SRS™ is short and the advanced list of features is long, as the innovative products continue from Trijicon. The new Trijicon SRS (Sealed Reflex Sight) is a reflex-type sight with a unique optical design, housed in a body length of only 3.75 inches, that virtually eliminates the “tube-effect” common with other, competitive red dot sights. The result—a field of view that essentially provides no obstruction to shooters. That means lightning fast target engagements at CQB distances with no distraction from the shooter’s situational awareness. The SRS is ideal for military, law enforcement and recreational applications on a variety of firearm platforms from AR’s to shotguns.

Equally impressive is the technology built into powering a LED lighted 1.75 MOA aiming point that includes ten brightness settings – including three NVG settings. The SRS is powered by a solar panel and a single, common AA battery. This uniquely patented configuration allows the user years of illumination life from a single battery by offering an intuitive “solar assist”, that is, drawing on battery power only when the solar cell requires additional energy support for illumination based on ambient conditions.

The Trijicon SRS™ is built to endure the rigors of extreme in-the-field use and carries the same stringent testing requirements as the renowned Trijicon ACOG® line of sighting systems. Additional features include a parallax-free objective lens, an auto-locking, self-adjusting level mount and waterproof to fifty meters.

Available February 2012.

VIDEO: Gear Scout TV: Trijicon SRS – The Evolution of the Red Dot

VIDEO: American Rifleman: Trijicon SRS – Going Green

Colt Defense Super-Stoc

2011-10-20T15:07:00.000+03:00

Colt Defense LLC, is pleased to introduce the new Colt® Super-Stoc and announce that it is making the new, leading-edge technology buttstock standard issue on select Colt AR and M4 rifles sold into the domestic commercial and law enforcement markets. The new Colt Super-Stoc, designed by Bill Rogers, will be available later this month.

“Since 1836, Colt has been committed to offering nothing but the highest quality products to each and every customer,” said David Ridley, vice president, Colt Defense. “With the new Colt Super-Stoc, we continue to deliver on that tradition by pairing one of the most advanced stocks available with the best rifle in the world.”

Colt Defense and Bill Rogers have teamed up to engineer the most advanced, third generation of the Super-Stoc, using innovative technologies and proprietary materials. Designed to be as lightweight as possible while maintaining durability, the Colt Super-Stoc weighs 6.56 ounces, ranking it among the lightest stocks available. The stock is designed specifically for the new Colt rifles to give an unequaled fit and survivability during the most extreme conditions.

“The Colt Super-Stoc is one of the lightest, strongest and most secure collapsible stocks for the M4/AR series of weapons,” said Bill Rogers, chief shooting instructor, Rogers Shooting School. “Our partnership with Colt was a no-brainer. We want the highest quality rifle in the world to be outfitted with the world’s newest and most technologically advanced stocks available.”

A unique Cam-Lock system is a new design feature that, when operated, securely locks onto the buffer tube like a solid stock. This Cam-Lock system completely removes any slop or play commonly inherent with aftermarket collapsible stocks as well as eliminating any movement due to wear. The Cam-Lock lever also features a convenient reversible design, enabling the user to customize his or her stock to suit the desired preference. Other features include a removable recoil pad, sling loop, quick detach swivel sling mount and Quick Release lever which unlocks the Cam-Lock and indexing pin with one motion.

The original M4 buttstock will still be made available to commercial and law enforcement customers by Colt Defense. For more information on the new Colt Super-Stoc or Colt’s classic M4 stock, please visit Colt.com.

Colt is making available a new buttstock they’ve recently developed. It represents a third-generation of buttstock technology and was developed in partnership with renowned shooting instructor, Bill Rogers. Colt’s new Colt Super-Stoc is available this month and features numerous improvements over similar buttstocks, listed below.

Fit – Performs like a solid stock -
A unique Cam-lock system securely locks the stock on the buffer tube and removes the slot or play that is all too common in aftermarket collapsible stocks.

Lightweight -
Even with features such as a recoil pad, sling loop, Quick Release level and Cam-Lock system, the Colt Super-Stoc is on of the lightest buttstocks on the market.

Additional Features -
Removable recoil pad, sling loop, quick detach swivel sling mount, Cam-Lock system, Quick Release lever

Source

Excalibur Block 1a-2 Shell Ready for Afghanistan

2011-10-19T23:35:00.000+03:00

The latest Raytheon Excalibur precision projectile is cleared for operational use in Afghanistan, after proving its capability in firing tests carried out by the United States Army.

Once in Afghanistan, the advanced 1a-2 version of the M982 Excalibur 155mm guided artillery shell, originally developed by Raytheon and BAE Systems, will be used by both the US Marines and the US Army.

The Excalibur precision shell's meant to have the power to strike with limited collateral damage and, in 2007, it was judged by US Army officials as among that year's greatest military innovations.

The highly accurate weapon made its operational debut that same year in Iraq and proved that its design philosophy worked - with more than 90 per cent of shells falling within a four meter range of the intended target.

Excalibur Block 1a-2 Precision Shell

The Excalibur Block 1a-2 precision shell, as will now be used in Afghanistan, has a firing range of up to 40 kilometers - approximately twice that of a standard artillery shell.

Each unit costs in the region of $80,000 and can be deployed around the clock and in all weathers.

According to Raytheon, the shell ‘...complements air-delivered precision when close air support is unavailable or not the best option'. As of October 2011, in excess of 500 Excalibur rounds had been fired either under trial conditions or in combat.

Raytheon Excalibur: Afghanistan

"The precision Excalibur provides is essential to the missions our war-fighters are conducting in urban and surrounding environments. It protects structures, the population and our war-fighters", the US Army's Excalibur Product Manager, Lieutenant Colonel Mike Milner explained in a Raytheon press release on the weapon's Afghan readiness.

"The Excalibur Ia-2 rounds going into theater will give the war-fighter the ability to accurately defeat targets before the target can run and hide."

"Raytheon developed and fielded the world's first extended-range GPS guided precision artillery rounds", Raytheon Land Combat Systems' Vice President, Michelle Lohmeier, added. "We continue to build upon our legacy as the world's experts in precision munitions as we deliver Excalibur Ia-2 to our war-fighters."

Older versions of the M982 Excalibur have been used in tandem with M777 Howitzer weapons systems.

Image copyright US Army

FN SCAR® Family at MILIPOL Paris

2011-10-15T15:26:00.002+03:00

New SCAR®-H PR Precision Rifle, here equipped with add-on day scope, bipod and 10-round steel magazine

October 12, 2011

In conjunction with the 2011 MILIPOL Trade Exhibition being held from 18 through to 21 October in Paris, France, FN Herstal is pleased to introduce the new semi-automatic SCAR®-H PR precision rifle.

Derived from the innovative FN SCAR® weapon system, the new SCAR®-H PR precision rifle is a tailored design for long-range precision fire applications while also providing capability to fight close in. The SCAR®-H PR features a 20" heavy barrel and a two-stage trigger module (Match type) allowing high accuracy. The folding buttstock and the cheek rest can be adjusted, respectively in length and in height, without tools. The operator can therefore optimize the rifle to his requirements (such as body size and body armor).

The iron sights have range settings up to a distance of 600m. The precision rifle also features an extended top MIL-STD 1913 rail that can accept the in-line assembly of night and day sights for longer ranges.

The SCAR®-H PR can fire 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition from either 10- or 20-round steel magazine.

Commonality of training and components throughout SCAR® family significantly simplifies, and reduces costs for, operator training and maintenance.

SCAR®-H PR Technical Data:

Caliber:	7.62x51mm NATO
Operating principle:	Gas operated, rotating bolt
Firing mode:	Semi-automatic
Feed device:	10- or 20-round steel magazine
Weight (without magazine):	4.5 kg
Length
with buttstock fully extended:	1.070mm
with buttstock fully collapsed:	1.011mm
with buttstock folded:	816mm
Barrel length:	20"
Color available:	Black

Magpul PMAG 30G MagLevel Released

2011-10-15T14:32:00.001+03:00

PMAG® 30G MagLevel™ is now shipping to Dealers & Distributors

The PMAG 30G MagLevel (5.56x45 NATO) is a durable, lightweight, high reliability 30-round polymer magazine designed specifically for the Heckler & Koch G36. It features advanced impact resistant polymer construction and an easy to disassemble design with a flared floorplate for positive magazine extraction from pouches. The PMAG 30G utilizes a Milspec black oxide coated stainless steel spring for corrosion resistance and an anti-tilt, self-lubricating follower for increased reliability. It is compatible with all PMAG floor plate accessories.

The PMAG 30G MagLevel features transparent windows on both sides of the body and has a painted indicator on the spring for quick determination of approximate rounds remaining in the magazine.

Compatible with all 5.56x45mm Heckler & Koch G36 variants, excluding the semi-auto U.S. marketed SL8.

- Impact and crush resistant polymer construction
- Constant-curve internal geometry for smooth feeding
- Anti-tilt, self-lubricating follower for increased reliability
- Transparent MagLevel windows on both sides of the body along with a painted indicator on the spring allows for easy determination of rounds remaining
- Black-oxide coated (MIL-DTL-13924D) USGI-spec stainless steel spring
- Flared floorplate for positive magazine handling and easy disassembly
- Compatible with all PMAG floorplate accessories

As with all Magpul magazines, the PMAG 30G is designed and manufactured in the U.S.A.

NY Guard Soldiers create massive sandtable of National Training Center

2011-10-13T00:08:00.003+03:00

FORT IRWIN, Calf., Oct. 11, 2011 -- Composed of the same materials as the rocky, desert terrain it depicts, the New York Army National Guard's 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team's massive sand table has allowed its leaders to better understand the areas they'll be dealing with while training here.

"We definitely set a new standard for sand tables and the briefing process," said Sgt. Maj. Jason Zeller, the operations sergeant major of the New York Army National Guard brigade, which began arriving here in late September to train in preparation for the unit's mobilization and deployment to Afghanistan in early 2012.
About 1,500 brigade Soldiers are currently scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan, and the training here includes simulated combat missions and stability operations under the realistic, demanding and stressful environment provided by the National Training Center, known as NTC.
The exercise is controlled by an expert and experienced Operations Group, and Soldiers will confront a highly capable opposing force in an exercise area which mirrors the physical and cultural conditions of Afghanistan.
Before the brigade began tactical road marches into the exercise area on Oct. 6, brigade leaders gathered around the sand table and used it to rehearse their schemes of maneuver, streamline their plans, coordinate their actions with other units and refine a myriad of other details. More than a dozen brigade Soldiers helped build the sand table, which mirrors the rugged, desert and mountainous countryside the brigade will be operating in.

"Those are all accurate depictions of the mountains, to scale," said Sgt. First Class Vince Tomasella, who led the sand table's design and construction. The sand table also shows the road network, cities, villages, brigade units, other units and the forward operating bases, or FOBs, and combat operating bases, or COBs, the units will occupy after moving into the exercise area, he added.
Tomasella, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the brigade's engineer cell, said the sand table also allows Brigade Commander Col. Geoffrey Slack to explain his intent and vision for full-spectrum operations, and gives leaders a line-of-sight understanding of what's visible from any location, see vulnerable points and fine tune their plans for troop positions.
"A picture says a thousand words," Tomasella said of the sand table. "I think it's pretty impressive. For the brigade commander to be able to walk through the entire area of operations is kind of monumental."
As was the sand table's construction, which began on Oct. 3. Tomasella, Sgt. Luke Zuercher, and Spc. Ryan Blount used a specialized computer system to coalesce satellite pictures and topographic maps into a 1 by 7000 scale map to base the sand table on. As far as he knows, no one has ever created a map that scale, Tomasella said.

While two brigade combat engineers built the sand table's wooden frame, about 17 Soldiers of the brigade's Headquarters and Headquarters Company collected and moved an estimated two tons of Fort Irwin rock and sand into the tent, Tomasella said. The sand table didn't seem that large until they started building it, he added.
"It's a good-sized swimming pool," he said.
Using waterproof bags, entrenching tools and their hands, Tomasella, Zuercher and Blount began shifting and shaping the sand and rocks to resemble the terrain on their map. They conferred often during this process, trading notes and consulting the map to decide on the final shape of ridges, spurs and other terrain features on the sand table.
Once the sand table was completed, Blount took part in the Oct. 6 rehearsal, stepping over the miniature mountains and ridges on the sand table as he moved pieces representing units to various spots to show their planned maneuvers in the exercise area.
Tomasella has built many sand tables during his two-decade Army career. Zuercher and Blount are honor graduates of the Army's six-month geo-spatial engineering school, and analyze topography for brigade leadership.

"My knowledge of and sand tables and their knowledge of maps helped pull the whole thing together," Tomasella said.
Zuercher was surprised when they were told to start laying out the sand table, but Blount wasn't.
"If you're going to do something like this, why not pick the guys who've been staring at the images and maps?" Blount said.
Their faces lighted up when asked if they're proud of the sand table. It seemed like an impossible task at first, Zuercher said.
"It feels good to accomplish something you weren't sure you could do," he said.
Tomasella held them to a high standard, Zuercher said. The three also thanked and praised the other Soldiers who took part in the sand table's construction.
"We couldn't have accomplished it without their help," Zuercher stressed.

Over the years he's developed kind of a love-hate relationship with sand tables, Tomasella said. Though the construction process is enjoyable, you know the sand table will be destroyed as soon as a unit is through using it, he explained.
He's proud of this sand table nonetheless, and enjoys it when people look at it in amazement, Tomasella said.
"People have been coming through the door and saying 'oh my God,' and 'unbelievable,'" he recalled.
Blount noticed that as well.
"I think half the brigade has come through to see the thing," he said.

Source and more pictures

NEW Madbull Accessory: iPhone 4 / 4S BATTLE CASE Licensed By Strike Industries

2011-10-11T03:10:00.002+03:00

Madbull Airsoft proud to announce our latest licensed product, the iPhone 4 / 4S Battle Case, designed by Strike Industries,
a producer of innovative firearm accessories based in Santa Ana, California.

The Battle Case is compatible with both the iPhone and new iPhone 4S. It features a patent-pending quick pull loop, enabling fast access to your phone while wearing tactical gloves. The loop can also be attached to a pistol lanyard, protecting the phone from separation.

The back features an stylish honeycomb pattern, and is available in three colors: black, flat dark earth tan & olive drab.

Features:

Patent pending quick pull loop, pull fast, every-time
Matte black finish
Honeycomb texture
For Apple iPhone 4
Kevlar insert capable (optional equipment)
Lens protector capable (optional equipment)

MORE INFO & PHOTOS: http://www.madbull.com/battlecase

NEW From SOCOM Gear: Licensed Les Baer 1911 Ultimate Recon

2011-10-08T01:59:00.001+03:00

Fully licensed Baer Ultimate Recon w/ one mag and one extra 1911 golfball dimple grip OR streamline dimple grip.

Features:
» Accurate Replica of Baer 1911 Ultimate Recon 5”
» Green Gas or CO2 Powered
» Compatible with KJW CO2 magazine (Optional CO2 power).
» 25+1 Rds BB Capacity

More info & photos: http://tinyurl.com/3nn38gb

DuPont starts up $500 million Kevlar facility in South Carolina.

2011-10-07T17:23:00.000+03:00

DuPont today announced the start up of its $500 million Cooper River Kevlar® facility near Charleston, S.C. The Cooper River Kevlar® plant uses state-of-the-art technology that will allow DuPont to meet increased customer demand for advanced protective materials in emerging industries around the world by expanding its portfolio of science-based innovations and boosting productivity. Commercial supply will begin by the end of the year.

Overall global production capacity for Kevlar® will increase initially by 25 percent and is expected to grow by 40 percent, with planned productivity improvements and continued technology developments over the next two years. The new capacity will allow DuPont to provide customers with next-generation Kevlar® products that improve their ability to innovate in many applications.

According to DuPont and independent tests, new body armor can help stop bullets within the first three layers of a vest designed with a total of 11 layers. The remaining layers absorb the energy of the bullet, resulting in 15 percent less bruising for the vest wearer. DuPont estimates that the ballistics demand is growing at more than 10 percent annually.

Best known for its use in ballistic and stab-resistant body armor, Kevlar® has helped save the lives of thousands of law enforcement and military personnel around the world.

Added protection and performance can be achieved in ballistic applications for military and police helmets and tactical plates. Critical is the reduction of the weight of helmets for soldiers and marines and for other helmet and tactical plate designs where there is higher ballistic performance and increased protection, without sacrificing other performance requirements.

“As the global population grows, there will be even more critical need for protection materials to keep people safe and to protect the environment, structures and critical processes,” said Thomas G. Powell, president, DuPont Protection Technologies. “After more than 40 years, the proven performance of Kevlar® continues to create significant new opportunities where the combination of lightweight strength and other unique properties enable new designs, increase reliability and save more lives. This significant boost in production capacity and capability demonstrates DuPont’s continuing commitment to support our customers and to find solutions that help protect more people around the world.”

Along with a recent $50 million expansion at DuPont’s Spruance plant in Richmond, Va., Cooper River represents the largest single investment in Kevlar® and the largest capacity increase since the fiber was introduced in 1965. DuPont also manufactures Kevlar® in Richmond, Va.; Maydown, Northern Ireland and at a DuPont joint venture, DuPont-Toray Company in Tokai, Japan. The Cooper River Kevlar® plant expansion has created 135 jobs and was built over a period of three years using a construction workforce of up to 800.

DuPont also has research and development facilities and customer applications centers for Kevlar® in every region: Shanghai, China; Hyderabad, India; Paulina, Brazil; Meyrin, Switzerland, Richmond, Va. and Wilmington, Del.

The Cooper River Kevlar® plant will initially produce innovations that support three primary technology platforms: DuPont™ Kevlar® AP, DuPont™ Kevlar® KM2 Plus and DuPont® Kevlar® XP™ for growing applications in ballistics, other personal protective equipment, aerospace, tires, fiber optic cables, oil and gas and automotive. Among the industry opportunities where new DuPont™ Kevlar® products already are making an impact

Source: DuPont

Fort Campbell's new helicopter simulator provides virtual training

2011-10-05T13:58:00.003+03:00

Sgt. Weston Williams, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, trains in the UH-60 Black Hawk gunner's seat Wednesday at the Non-rated Crew Member Manned Module. The simulator recently came to post, and it is the first time aviation Soldiers have had the opportunity to train on the rear of a UH-60 Black Hawk or CH-47 Chinook using such a system. The virtual setup allows crew members to train as gunners, as well as practice sling load and hoist operations, without leaving the ground.

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky., Sept. 29, 2011 -- It looked like a scene out of a science fiction movie on post Wednesday morning as a group of 101st Combat Aviation Brigade noncommissioned officers trained on a new simulator for the first time.
The Non-rated Crew Member Manned Module, or NCM3, came to post last week to be used for the first time beyond the testing stages. The module is a simulator that was created to train helicopter crews on the rear of both the CH-47 Chinook and UH-60 Black Hawk.
Through specially created virtual reality glasses, which fit as night vision goggles would, Soldiers can perfect gunnery tasks. Also included in the simulator are ways to perfect and practice sling load and hoist operations without ever leaving the ground.
The training can be linked with the Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainer, allowing crew chiefs and other Soldiers to communicate seamlessly with the helicopter's pilot who may be training in a different simulator.

The NCM3 includes task-driven scenarios, which can be adjusted by the instructor to include weather conditions, lighting variations and other specific situations.
"The weapons are M240[H]s that we actually use in the Army," explained Sgt. 1st Class Richard Madill. "The only thing they did was they took the mechanism out that allows it to fire. That's the big modification that's made. It has sensors all over to allow you to control it. It tells you when you have your mock ammo loaded, it tells you when they pull the triggers and different things like that."
Even the simplest of everyday occurrences adds realism to the experience.
"It creates thunderstorms, and when it has the thunderstorms, you can actually hear the thunder," Madill said. "You can see the lighting."

Madill is a subject matter expert from the Directorate of Training and Doctrine at Fort Rucker, Ala., who actually helped in the design of this one-of-a-kind simulator.
The realism goes beyond what the gunners or other crew members might see on the screen during the simulated flight. The weaponry is also affected by a control load box, which gives the Soldier a sense of wind resistance on the gun.
"Right now, this weapon is hard to push in the opposite direction because it's simulating that we're flying forward very fast," Madill said.
When equipped with the virtual glasses, Soldiers feel as if they are on board a helicopter, and they can even lean out simulated bubble windows created for the CH-47.
"He's able to look up at the engine compartment and make sure it's not on fire or leaking oil," Madill explained of the simulated window's importance to a crew member.

The simulator is good for a number of reasons, mainly because of safety, efficiency and flexibility. The simulator eliminates the need to schedule a helicopter for training, saves on fuel and ammunition costs, and lessens many of the risks faced during real flights. Inclement weather outside also does not affect the progression of training in the simulator.
"Prior to this trailer, we [didn't] have a trainer for the backseaters," Madill said. "For the crew chiefs, door gunners, we don't have a trainer to be able to do that. And this allows us to bring a guy out here and start some sort of aircraft progression, without actually using blade time."
With increased safety, the simulator allows easy training on scenarios that would take much more planning and coordination otherwise.

"This allows us to train on tasks that we don't get a chance to do normally," Madill said. "We're able to do this rescue hoist, which in real life, it's dangerous to put a live person on the hoist. It's dangerous, but we need to be able to train it. This allows us to train it here. We don't have to use blade time to do that, we don't have to (risk) someone's life."
Madill added the simulator should increase "unit cohesion, crew cohesion and crew coordination." Sgt. Weston Williams, 101st CAB, spent a significant amount of time in the gunner's position in the simulator's UH-60 Black Hawk setup. He agreed with Madill's assessment, adding that the "high-tech video game" feel would be ideal for training first-time crew members.
"It will give a chance to evaluate the new guys first and see where they stand," he said.
Fellow Sgt. Nolin Worthley, 101st CAB, said the scope of the scenarios available would aid in training for combat situations.
"You'd be surprised how many similarities there are between this and the real [helicopter]," he said. "I think it is fantastic. You can do a whole lot of things. This is going to actually make it where I can at least get people talking correctly on the radios before I'm actually putting them in [a helicopter]."

Source

Rangers get 'adrenaline rush' on paintball field

2011-10-01T21:48:00.000+03:00

FORT BENNING, Ga., Sept. 21, 2011 -- It's hard to compare the intensity of a combat zone with the calm of day-to-day life on the home front.

"These guys jump out of planes for their work. It's hard to match that," said Capt. Light Shin, chaplain for the Regimental Special Troops Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, who coordinated the unit's first Warrior Adventure Quest, conducted Wednesday at Paintball in the Woodlands at Uchee Creek Campground & Marina.

The Army-wide program started as a pilot in 2008. By September 2009, Fort Benning's Outdoor Recreation office was signing up Soldiers for activities like paintball and scuba diving. Zip lining is now an option as well, and the office is looking into adding four-wheeling and motocross as additional activities.

Shin said he's seen the success of the Warrior Adventure Quest firsthand.

"When I was at Fort Bragg, (N.C.), we had thousands of Soldiers go through it after coming back from deployment, and they've all given very good feedback," he said. "I'm a total believer in this program. It may not solve everybody's problem, but at least it gives them an opportunity, at least for a day, to be able to relax and decompress."
Most of the 15 Rangers who participated in the paintball games Wednesday had just returned with him from a deployment only a few weeks ago, Shin said.
"Sometimes the transition is tough," he said. "For a lot of these guys, I think it's a sense of purpose that changes, too. Overseas there is a sense of accomplishment. There's a sense of belonging. But when you come back, a lot of that kind of dissipates."
That's where the Warrior Adventure Quest comes in, said Jackie Teixeira, recreation assistant for Outdoor Recreation.
"This program, funded by the Army, helps Soldiers cope with coming back from a high-adrenaline atmosphere of war to regular life, zero adrenaline and lots of stress," she said. "Often, Soldiers try to subconsciously recreate that feeling by buying motorcycles or fast cars and driving them way too recklessly -- or worse, while inebriated."

"They also tend to get into fights, written up because they have behavioral issues they didn't have prior to deployment, or become dependent on alcohol, prescription drugs and illegal drugs," Teixeira explained. "Our program introduces Soldiers to safer ways to recreate that adrenaline rush they are searching for in a controlled environment."
Teixeira said some of the Soldiers have stuck with the activities past Outdoor Recreation's involvement, becoming certified to scuba dive or returning to play paintball on post in their free time.
"It's definitely giving the Soldiers alternatives," she said. "The results of this program are remarkable, with significantly reduced numbers of incidents in the troops that have participated."
Sgt. Christofer Fields deployed three times to Afghanistan, returning from his most recent tour earlier this year. For him, the outing was an opportunity for team building and unwinding.

"What this does is give you a chance to adapt, get back to what you're used to," he said. "It's like an outlet, a stress reliever, so you don't feel so much pressure. This helps you ease into things."
Fields said he'd recommend the program to anyone as a safe way to have some fun and strengthen unit camaraderie.
"These are memories that will last you when you're overseas," he said. "This will definitely be one of those events I look back toward -- and it's something to look forward to when I get back as well."
Besides providing stress relief, the paintball games offered a few parallels to reintegration.
Shin mentioned relying on teammates (friends and family) and equipment (community and Army resources) as two examples of how to be successful in the game and in real life.
"Those are very good applications that can be drawn from the event itself," he said. "(It) gives them tools they can take with them."
Shin said he hopes to make the program part of the battalion's reintegration process for all returning troops.

Source

EMALS Lauch of an E-2D Advanced Hawkeye

2011-10-01T17:34:00.000+03:00

LAKEHURST, N.J. (Sept. 27, 2011) A U.S. Navy E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft launches using the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS). EMALS uses stored kinetic energy and solid-state electrical power conversion. This technology permits a high degree of computer control, monitoring and automation. The system will also provide the capability for launching all current and future carrier air wing platforms - lightweight unmanned to heavy strike fighters. (U.S. Navy video/Released)

First All Black Twaron Fiber Produced by Teijn

2011-10-01T15:47:00.001+03:00

Teijin Aramid has developed a new type of yarn – black-colored, high-modulus Twaron. This unique yarn is the first high-modulus black para-aramid yarn on the market. It has been dope dyed – which ensures the color reaches right to the core of each filament, giving it a deep black color.

Its great looks are just one of many reasons to choose black Twaron. It is ideal for reinforcing sails and other sporting goods. Also in hybrid fabric constructions Twaron Black can add stiffness, strength, dimensional stability and great aesthetics. Key benefits of using Twaron Black:

Strength (weight-to-weight, it’s 5 times stronger than steel)
Excellent performance/weight ratio
High modulus and tensile strength of the composite structure
Damage tolerance
Cut resistance
Chemical stability
Heat stability
Non-conductive

Our Twaron black high-modulus filament yarn has a 0.8% spin finish that is optimized for composite applications and is compatible with most common resin types, such as epoxy, vinylester and polyester. We have developed two different linear densities: 1210 dtex and 1610 dtex. Assembled yarns can be delivered on request, as well as twisted or tangled black Twaron yarn.

Barrett Trade Show Video 2011

2011-10-01T03:09:00.000+03:00

Courtesy of Rampart Pictures, we bring you another trade show video for 2011, which will be featured at AUSA this year.

Fire Scout Completes First Ever Navy Unmanned Flight On Biofuel

2011-10-01T01:29:00.004+03:00

ST INGOES, Md. (Sept 30, 2011) A U.S. Navy MQ-8B Fire Scout conducts the first unmanned biofuel flight at Webster Field in St. Inigoes, Md. The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Directorate piloted the helicopter fueled with a combination of JP-5 aviation fuel and plant-based camelina. The biofuel blend reduces carbon dioxide output by 75 percent when compared to conventional aviation fuel. The MQ-8B Fire Scout Vertical Take-Off and Landing Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle provides critical situational awareness, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and targeting data to the forward deployed warfighter. Fire Scout is designed to operate from all air capable ships and is currently providing ISR support during its first-land based deployment in U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Fire Scout is the seventh aircraft to demonstrate the versatility of biofuel through its use in all facets of naval aviation. (U.S. Navy video/Released)

Photo of the Month September 2011

2011-09-30T21:39:00.000+03:00

Hellenic Army mortar 4.2 in

Kolon Loses $920 Million Verdict to DuPont in Trial Over Kevlar

2011-09-21T01:45:00.000+03:00

Kolon Industries Inc. lost a $919.9 million jury verdict to DuPont Co. over the theft of trade secrets about the manufacture of Kevlar, an anti-ballistic fiber used in police and military body armor.

Jurors in federal court in Richmond, Virginia, deliberated about 10 hours over two days before finding Gyeonggi, South Korea-based Kolon and its U.S. unit wrongfully obtained DuPont’s proprietary information about Kevlar by hiring some of the company’s former engineers and marketers. The award yesterday is the third-largest jury verdict this year, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

DuPont, based in Wilmington, Delaware, is spending more than $500 million to boost Kevlar production and meet rising demand for armor and lightweight materials that reduce energy use. Kevlar and Nomex, a related fiber used in firefighting gear, accounted for about $1.4 billion of DuPont’s $31.5 billion in sales last year.

The “jury decision is an enormous victory for global intellectual property protection,” Thomas L. Sager, DuPont’s general counsel, said in a statement. “It also sends a message to potential thieves of intellectual property that DuPont will pursue all legal remedies to protect our significant investment in research and development.”

DuPont rose 86 cents, or 1.9 percent, to $45.52 in New York Stock Exchange composite trading yesterday. The shares have declined 8.7 percent this year.

Kolon said it disagrees with the verdict and will appeal.

‘Multi-year Campaign’
The “verdict is the result of a multi-year campaign by DuPont aimed at forcing Kolon out of the aramid fiber market,” Kolon said in a statement e-mailed by Dan Tudesco of Brodeur Partners, a public relations agency. “Kolon had no need for and did not solicit any trade secrets or proprietary information of DuPont, and had no reason to believe that the consultants it engaged were providing such information. Indeed, many of the ‘secrets’ alleged in this case are public knowledge.”

Kolon said it will continue to pursue an antitrust case against DuPont, which is scheduled for a March trial. DuPont will file motions later this year to have the case dismissed, Sager said in a telephone interview.

DuPont will pursue recovery of the award “wherever we can find Kolon assets,” Sager said. The company also will seek punitive damages for each of the 149 stolen secrets, reimbursement of more than $30 million in attorney’s fees and an order barring Kolon from making products with DuPont’s information, Sager said.

Body Armor
DuPont, the largest U.S. chemical company by market value, sued Kolon in February 2009 alleging it stole confidential data about Kevlar. DuPont began selling the bullet-resistant fiber in 1965 and it’s used in body armor, military helmets, ropes, cables and tires. Kolon began making its own version of the para-aramid fiber in 2005.

DuPont argued in court filings that Kolon executives conspired with five former employees of the U.S. chemical maker or its Japanese joint venture, DuPont-Toray Co., to gain access to Kevlar information.

To spur sales of its Heracron aramid fiber, Kolon hired Michael Mitchell, a former DuPont engineer who also had served as a Kevlar marketing executive, DuPont said in court papers. DuPont contended that Mitchell, hired as a consultant, provided Kolon with proprietary information about Kevlar.

‘Home Computer’
Mitchell “retained certain highly confidential information on his home computer” and passed the information to Kolon, DuPont alleged in court filings.

After learning about Mitchell’s activities, DuPont executives alerted the Federal Bureau of Investigation, according to U.S. Justice Department officials.

During a search of Mitchell’s Virginia home, FBI agents uncovered DuPont documents and computers containing confidential information belonging to his former employer, federal prosecutors said last year.

Mitchell pleaded guilty to theft of trade secrets and obstruction of justice and was sentenced in March 2010 to 18 months in prison.

Kolon recruited other former DuPont workers, including engineers and researchers, as part of a “concerted effort” to obtain information about Kevlar, according to court filings.

“DuPont’s investment in developing this information, amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars over many years, was thereby essentially lost,” the company said in a filing in October. “Kolon is now able to compete against DuPont in the aramid marketing using DuPont’s own information against it.”

The case is E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. v. Kolon Industries Inc., 09-cv-58, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond).

REVISION INTRODUCES NEW BATLSKIN™ HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM

2011-09-13T20:50:00.003+03:00

09.12.2011– Montreal, QC, Canada – Revision Military, the recognized global leader in ballistic and laser eye protection, launches into the head protection arena with the introduction of its new Batlskin Head Protection System. The first fully integrated and fully modular solution of its kind, the Batlskin Head Protection System combines groundbreaking technology and design, with new materials and innovative processes to deliver an all-new ballistic helmet shell, trauma liner, front mount, retention system, mandible guard and visor. The result is a single, fully integrated system that provides excellent protection from blunt force, blast and ballistic threats, with a lightweight wearability for peak performance.

"The product of several years of research and development work, we’re proud to introduce the Batlskin system at a critical time. The unfortunate reality is that wartime head and face injuries are at an all-time high," explains Jonathan Blanshay, CEO of Revision. "The Batlskin Head Protection System not only makes radical leaps forward in helmet and liner technology; its integrated visor and mandible guard could also greatly reduce the incidence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in blast situations. At the same time, the modular and scalable nature of this system provides soldiers with the unique ability to quickly armor-up and -down as the threat environment dictates."

About the Batlskin Head Protection System Modular Components:

The Batlskin Lightweight Helmet uses advanced shell technology to achieve weight reduction while increasing ballistic performance. Its rigid construction is engineered to withstand blunt force, blast and ballistic threats.
● Hybridized layers of materials bonded through innovative manufacturing processes provide the next generation of combat helmet shells
● Enhanced ballistic performance, at minimum 20% lighter than current shells for long-wear comfort

The Batlskin Impact Liner uses dual foam technology for superior fit, comfort and impact absorption. Its multi-level design allows for cooling and stability while shim pads afford a custom fit.
● Exceeds EN 397, Canadian CG634 and U.S. ACH impact standards
● Lightweight, sweat-wicking materials offer superior comfort and wearability

The Batlskin Ergonomic Retention System employs one-handed adjustment buckles for ease of use and straight-line-force design for stability—even with night vision equipment.
● Integrates with Batlskin head protection system ensuring no interference with communications equipment or when sighting a weapon
● Comfortable nape pad and cabretta leather-lined chin strap allow for superior wearability

The Patented Batlskin Multi-Purpose Front Mount allows for the rapid attachment of protection enhancing devices such as the Batlskin visor and mandible guard. Ingeniously, it also doubles as a universal NVG mount with a lightweight and durable construction for modern-day battlefield use.
● Provides excellent stability for NVG use and other surveillance devices
● Core piece that seamlessly integrates Batlskin visor and mandible guard

The Batlskin High-Threat Mandible Guard provides lightweight blunt force, blast and ballistic protection for the lower jaw. Its durable, low-profile design is engineered for rapid attachment and removal while on the fly.
● Seamlessly integrates with all Batlskin modular components even when sighting a crew served weapon
● Alternative polycarbonate or lightweight wire cage mandible guards available for different threat levels

The Batlskin Three-Position Visor provides blunt force, blast and ballistic protection, flawless optics and maximum field-of-view. Designed for quick donning and doffing while on the move, it is scratch, fog and chemical resistant.
● Locked, vented and up positions allow for full ballistic coverage, breathability & adjustability
● Visor frame, seal and arm ensure secure attachment to the helmet during blast overpressure stresses

Revision’s Batlskin Head Protection System makes its European debut at DSEi, taking place at the ExCeL London Centre in the UK, September 13-16, 2011. Its North American unveiling will take place at the AUSA Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, USA which runs October 10-12, 2011

http://www.revisionmilitary.com/batlskin/360/

MAGPUL MOE+ and MOE-K GRIPS

2011-09-10T19:55:00.000+03:00

The newest additions to the Magpul Original Equipment (MOE) line, the MOE+ Grip and MOE-K Grip, are now shipping.

The MOE+ is a drop-in replacement for the AR15/M16 pistol grip featuring a wrap-around rubber over mold for added user comfort and maximum weapon control, interchangeable storage core options, and a hard polymer base to prevent snags and damage to the grip. Say goodbye to the days of DIY grip tape; this ergonomic design and rubberized texture are ready for adverse environments straight out of the box. Reinforced body construction and our proprietary polymer guarantee reliability, durability, and functionality. All mounting hardware included.

The MOE-K is a slim profile, compact grip with a grip angle optimized for use on Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) AR-16/M-16 configurations. The more vertical grip angle improves comfort and control on rifles that bring the primary hand in closer to the shooter's body or body armor. The slim profile also makes it an excellent choice for shooters who prefer a smaller grip circumference.As with all Magpul accessories, these grips are designed and manufactured in the U.S.A.

The MOE+ is currently available in black. The MOE-K is available in all four colors.

Madbull: Licensed Daniel Defense 4" Lite Rail KIT

2011-09-09T00:26:00.003+03:00

Product Details:
Kit includes: 4" pistol length Rail, 7" outer barrel, and 153mm Madbull Black Python tight bore barrel for easy installation.

The innovative Daniel Defense AR15 Lite Rail 4.0 system gives the weapon system an uninterrupted upper rail platform and also allows the Armorer to install the rail system with simplified alignment to the upper receiver. Not only does this battle proven system provide features that no other rail system possesses, but it is also the lightest rail system available.

Features:

Ideal for CQB situations
Free Floating Barrel Design
Uninterrupted Upper Rail Platform
Aircraft Grade Aluminum
Hardened Steel Barrel Nut
Grade 8 Military Specification Fasteners
Mil-Spec 1913 Picatinny Rails
Black and FDE Tan

More info & photos: http://madbull.com/ddlite4kit/

The Pentagon Orders Ballistic Boxers As Groin Injuries Surge In Combat

2011-09-02T18:48:00.000+03:00

The force of an improvised explosive device travels up from the ground, through the floor of a vehicle and directly into servicemembers lower torsos with devastating effect.

The Washington Post reports that from 2009 to 2010 this type of often fatal injury rose from 4.8 to 9.1 percent -- 90 percent in one year alone.

In response the U.S. military just put in a rush order for $21 million worth of "ballistic" groin protection.

Generally made oof pliable Kevlar, the gear wraps the pelvic region, protecting the femoral artery in the thigh.

Of the 142 soldiers with lower body wounds at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, where almost every servicemember goes after a severe injury, 40 percent of the soldiers had wounds to the testicles.

The order will be filled by British firm Cooneen, Watts, and Stone, Ltd who have provided over 300,000 pairs of ballistic undergarments to English soldiers in Afghanistan.

British troops wearing ballistic underwear (UK Ministry of Defense)

Barrett M240LW

2011-09-02T10:47:00.002+03:00

The U.S. military has called upon the M240B belt-fed medium machine gun for two decades to provide troop support with suppressive and direct fire. These weapons have put millions of rounds downrange, and littered the sand with hot empty brass, links and blood when called upon. The M204B is reliable, but troops in the field alerted their higher ups that improvements were needed. A request went out to "cut the fat" from a weapon that incorporates design features that date back to the end of WWI. Barrett Firearms, dependable provider of the M107 .50 semi-auto, took the initiative and designed the M240LW (Light Weight) to take advantage of cutting-edge manufacturing techniques. http://www.tactical-life.com/online/exclusives/barrett-next-gen-m240lw-sneak-...

Marines face off in Combat Marksmanship Training

2011-09-01T14:56:00.000+03:00

Marines and sailors from the Scout Sniper Platoon and Personal Security Detachment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, faced off during combat marksmanship training to give a realistic edge to the competitiveness of modern warfare. Sgt. Paul Robbins, Jr. brings us the story.

Bird like UAV shot down in Pakistan

2011-09-01T05:38:00.000+03:00

It looks a bit like silver bird. It probably was used to spy on insurgents. And now it’s in the hands of the Pakistanis. The Pakistani Frontier Corps in Baluchistan province recovered the drone. And they confidently declare it to be an “American surveillance unmanned aerial vehicle.”

Hot Shots 2012 Calendar

2011-09-01T05:26:00.000+03:00

Earlier than last year the Hot Shots 2012 looks really fantastic. Preorder

Photo of the Month August 2011

2011-08-31T05:13:00.006+03:00

HK collection.... Photo from HK forums

Airsoft, Doublestar 1911 Combat Pistol

2011-08-24T12:18:00.002+03:00

FEATURES:

Full metal frame
Enhanced removable sights
Ambi-safeties
Authentic serrated slide
Authentic trigger
Authentic 1913 picatinny rail design
Authentic deep engravings
Steel made thread adapter for barrel extensions

More Info: http://tinyurl.com/3dmtr9z

Support paratroopers learn advanced marksmanship from Special Forces trainers

2011-08-21T00:18:00.001+03:00

A Special Forces officer with 3rd Special Forces Group instructs a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team on close-quarter marksmanship during field training Aug. 1, 2011, at Fort Bragg, N.C. Leadership in 307th Brigade Support Battalion arranged for the combat-support troops to receive the training as one facet of a week-long field exercise.

FORT BRAGG, N.C., Aug 15, 2011 -- Dozens of cooks, fuelers, logistics troops and medics received advanced rifle marksmanship training here from what the Army calls an Operational Detachment Alpha, or Special Forces ODA “A Team,” Aug. 1-4.
The support troops, assigned to the 307th Brigade Support Battalion in support of 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, received daylong instruction on the the M-4 carbine from instructors assigned to 3rd Special Forces Group.

The team leader of the ODA said that, what the regular Army calls Advanced Rifle Marksmanship and Close-Quarters Marksmanship, the Special Forces community rolls up into what it calls Combat Management Marksmanship Skills, or CMMS.
The training included substantial instruction on reflexive fire, during which troops learned to fire two or more controlled shots at a close target from the standing position and eventually at a slow walk.
“If I were king for a day, every Soldier in the Army would receive this kind of training,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Kurt Reed, the top enlisted soldier with 307th BSB. Reed, who took part in the training, said the course offered lessons to Soldiers of all skill levels.
It has always been critical for logistical Soldiers to understand that they are Soldiers first, said Reed. That goes for any Soldier regardless of background -- medic, aviation support, military police, etc.
When the sergeant major entered the Army, the biggest threat was the U.S.S.R, but today’s enemy no longer wears a uniform, meaning that close-quarter marksmanship has never been more important, he said.
“These guys are awesome,” said Reed, who has served over two decades in maintenance support roles. “They know how to talk to troops, which is not surprising given their role as trainers. They understand the basics, so it’s easy for them to identify where Soldiers’ weak points are and quickly bring them around where they need to be.”
“Regardless of what your background is or what your job is in the military, close-quarter marksmanship is a skill you need with the kind of wars we are fighting today,” he said.

For Pvt. Robert Adamson, who arrived at the unit just recently from initial-entry training, the weapons course was his first time firing an M-4. In basic training, he learned on the older M-16.
“Here they switched me over to firing right-handed,” said Adamson, who is left-handed but right-eye dominant. “It made a big difference, especially with my breathing,” he said.
Among the more esoteric lessons the troops learned was the theory behind zeroing a weapon.
“The idea is to take yourself out of the equation,” said Jeremy, the Special Forces noncommissioned officer who led much of the training.
It’s the weapon that’s zeroed, not the shooter, he said, so the fewer points of contact one has with the weapon during the zeroing process the better.
“Anyone should be able to pick up a zeroed weapon and hit ‘paper,’” he said, referring to the target. “They may not be ‘keyholing’ at 300 meters, but they will hit paper.”
In addition to weapons training, the Special Forces instructors also shared lessons on combat lifesaver skills.

Source

REVISION WINS EXCLUSIVE, CROSS-SERVICE PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR CONTRACT FOR GERMAN MILITARY

2011-08-18T02:23:00.004+03:00

08.17.2011– Montreal, QC, Canada – Revision, the global leader in military protective eyewear solutions, announces its most recent contract award: to supply the Germany military with their ballistic eyewear needs through 2013. The project will see Revision deliver over 256,000 sets of the Sawfly Military Eyewear System for use by Army, Air Force and Navy troops. Revision was selected as the sole-supplier for this contract following a rigorous bid process and extensive in-service user trials including in-theater use in Afghanistan.

“To have been selected as the standard issue brand following one of most rigorous bidding processes we’ve seen to date, is a testament to the people, processes and technologies that we employ to advance the science and performance of this vital piece of soldier equipment. We are proud to be the German military’s protective eyewear supplier of choice,” said Alex Hooper, Vice President, International Sales.

In pursuit of this business Revision developed a Germany-specific version of their flagship product, the Sawfly Military Eyewear System. For it, a new lens shape was designed and two specialty lens tints were developed: one for specific-wavelength laser eye protection and the second for high altitude mountain operations. The 256,000 standard issue kits, available in three sizes – small, medium and large, will include clear, solar and vermillion lenses. Additional quantities of laser protective lenses and Prescription (Rx) Carriers are also included in the contract award.

In addition to being the only eye protection supplier to Germany, Revision is the sole approved provider of ballistic eyewear to Canadian, British, Dutch, Belgian and Danish forces. The Revision Sawfly continues to be the most widely issued military spectacle amongst NATO nations, dominating the ballistic protective eyewear landscape worldwide.

Picatinny engineers develop versatile warheads

2011-08-17T20:41:00.003+03:00

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J., Aug. 17, 2011 -- The shifting dynamics on the battlefield can inject variation and unpredictability at various levels.
For instance, the impact of artillery bombardments can depend on multiple factors, including the nearly infinite ways that a shell can break apart on detonation to affect its intended target.
When projectiles such as a 155mm artillery shell explode, the resulting fragments can vary dramatically in size -- from harmless, dust-like remnants to much larger pieces that can inflict great damage.
This type of "natural fragmentation" -- with such a wide variation in fragment size -- tends to make the result of shelling unpredictable and inefficient.
"When you're targeting certain things like personnel or vehicles, you're looking to get a fragment that's a particular size," said Peter Rottinger, a mechanical engineer at Picatinny Arsenal's Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center.
"With natural fragmentation, you may get some fragments that are not going to be lethal and you may get some fragments that are over-lethal, like four times the size that you really needed to defeat that target, so it becomes inefficient," Rottinger added.
Designing warheads better suited to specific targets because they produce a more consistent shell fragment is one of the goals being pursued by Rottinger and his co-workers at the Force Protection and Explosively Formed Penetrator Branch here.

Research into "single mode" fragmentation, initiated by Project Manager Combat Ammunition Systems (PM-CAS) at Picatinny, was aimed at achieving a design that would create shell fragments of relatively equal size consistently.
Later, under the auspices of another organization, the research progressed to a "multi-mode" design. With this design, Soldiers could choose between either of two sizes of fragments by making an adjustment through the fuse assembly of a projectile.
On detonation, the fragments are dispersed according to a desired pattern, depending on whether they are intended for soft targets with smaller fragments, or material targets like trucks that require larger shell pieces to be effective.
According to Rottinger, the advantages of the multi-mode warhead are enhanced lethality and greater effectiveness against a wide range of targets.
Also, by eliminating the need to maintain large supplies of single-purpose munitions, controlled fragmentation is expected to reduce overall Soldier load and streamline logistics.
Moreover, test results show that the technology is scalable. Testing of projectiles ranging in size from 155mm to 40mm has shown promising results.
The Joint Services Small Arms Program provided funding for research on the 40mm grenade.

METHODICAL PROCESS YIELDS RESULTS

Early research on a single-mode projectile was methodical and tedious.
"Once modeling and simulation was complete, we came up with various candidate designs," Rottinger said. "We had limited funding and you can't test everything. So you go and pick what you think the best solutions are going to be."
Research into a "multi-mode" shell that could produce two different sizes of fragments yielded various technologies.
"Multi-mode lets you change fragment size on the fly, so if the Soldier knows that he's going to be going after personnel, he can set the warhead to produce smaller fragments," said Rottinger. "You get more fragments out there and you get higher efficiency."
The development of technology such as controlled fragmentation evolves with modeling simulation, testing and analysis. Yet determining whether a technology works is just part of the overall process of eventually sending new armaments into the battlefield.
"A lot of people don't want to get something new out there unless it's going to save them money in the long run," Rottinger noted.
"There are some advantages to having multi-mode warheads because you can reduce your logistics. Instead of having to have multiple rounds to take care of the mission now you can have a single round."
As greater scrutiny is given to controlling costs in defense spending, new technology must not only be effective but affordable and relatively easy to make. Yet certain spending up front may be unavoidable.

"It's hard for us to look at cost early on," Rottinger said. "When you're looking at research and development, everything is expensive. So you have to develop a technology and make sure the technology gives you the effect that you want to see, and then you can do more research into the producibility of the item."
"And that's basically where we are in this program now," explained Rottinger. "We're at a point where we have to show that we can make them more affordable so they are more attractive to the customer."
Henry Hsieh, a mechanical engineer at the ARDEC branch, said that even from the early stages of research, constant thought is given to how to achieve efficiency and reduce costs.
"We try to use commercially available products and existing manufacturing techniques," he said.
Driving down costs involves looking at various materials that could be used along with the different manufacturing techniques.
Rottinger said drawing the expertise of manufacturers helps to expand the number of possible options.
"The manufacturer is going to have much better ideas of what's possible and what tools are available," Rottinger said. "We're always bouncing ideas off of them.''
"Commonly used techniques such as stamping and rolling could be used to meet the requirements and shorten the product cycle," added Hsieh.
Experimenting with various techniques can yield dividends over time.
"As you become more familiar with the technology, you start developing better tools and better ways to do this so that you can speed it up," Rottinger said. "If there is a real strong desire to get it out fast, we can do it."

Source

Army rifle shooters on target at 50th Interservice Championship

2011-08-07T15:00:00.003+03:00


Staff Sgt. Joel Micholick, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, fires his service rifle during the 50th Interservice Rifle Championship July 26, 2011. Micholick set a new match record in the 1,000 yard aggregate with the service rifle, a record that had been standing since 1984.

Hi resolution photo

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. (Army News Service, Aug. 1, 2011) -- Soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit's Service Rifle platoon dominated their fellow servicemembers at the 50th Interservice Rifle Championships, July 17-26, proving once again that the premier marksmen in the military serve in the Army.

Despite the determination of the other services to dethrone the defending champions, the Soldiers displayed their superior skills at the annual meeting of the military's best rifle shooters, winning 18 out of 19 team and individual matches.
The USAMU won the coveted 10-man Interservice Rifle team championship match.
Team shooters included Sgt. 1st Class Lance Dement, Sgt. 1st Class Grant Singley, Staff Sgt. Tyrel Cooper, Staff Sgt. Brandon Green, Staff Sgt. Joel Micholick, Staff Sgt. Daniel Peters, Sgt. Sherri Jo Gallagher, Spc. Kevin Trickett, Spc. Augustus Dunfey, and Spc. Amanda Elsenboss.
The team's coaches included Sgt. 1st Class Emil Praslick and Staff Sgt. Walter Craig, while Staff Sgt. Scott Grant Staff and Sgt. Nathan Verbickas were team captains. Cooper was the high individual shooter during the match with a score of 496-21x.

USAMU teams swept all team matches, including the Marine Corps Combat Development Command Commanding General Match, the Infantry Trophy Team Match, and the Interservice 1,000 yard Team Match.
Two USAMU Soldiers stood out individually at the championship. Cooper won his first overall championship after posting the high aggregate score for individual matches. He won the Navy match, Army match, the 1,000 yard match rifle, and the match rifle individual long-range championship to go along with his overall championship. He also won the Lt. Col. C.A. Reynolds Memorial Trophy for high score in the 10-man team match.
"This means a lot to me," Cooper said, who returned in April from an Afghanistan deployment. "It's my eighth year on the team and my first win. You've got a lot of guys here who have won it two or three times -- it's not easy."

The longest standing record at the match was broken by Micholick. He set a new match record in the 1,000 yard long range match with a service rifle, and also eclipsed a record that has stood since 1984 by scoring a new high in the long-range aggregate with the service rifle after scoring a 397-12x.
"Staff Sergeant Micholick did not simply break a record, he crushed the longest standing record in the history of the Interservice Rifle Championships, which stood for nearly thirty years and in perhaps the most difficult match -- the 1,000-yard long range -- with a service weapon," said Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne, commander, USAMU. "I could not think of a more fitting time for one of our Soldiers to establish this new record than at the 50th iteration of this Interservice Rifle Championship."

The Excellence-in-Competition Match was won by Staff Sgt. Armando Ayala.
Green, Verbickas, Trickett and Gallagher also won individual matches. Gallagher was crowned high woman shooter.
With the overall win, the USAMU swept all individual and team championships in Interservice competition for 2011, the second consecutive year they have done so.
The competition dates back to 1960, when the value of an interservice marksmanship competition was recognized in a memorandum of understanding by the chiefs of each service. The event highlights the professional capacity and versatility of military servicemembers.

Source

Anniston Army Depot converts Army’s M2s

2011-08-07T14:30:00.003+03:00

Samuel Burnham, an Anniston Army Depot small arms repairer, overhauls an M2 machine gun, converting it to the new M2A1 variant.

ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala., Aug. 5, 2011 -- Anniston Army Depot is converting the Army’s inventory of M2 Flexible machine guns to a new variant, providing a constant stream of work for the installation’s Small Arms Repair Facility.

The variant, M2A1, has a fixed headspace, or distance between the face of the bolt and the base of the cartridge case, and timing, the weapon’s adjustment that allows firing when the recoil is in the correct position.
“In the past, every time a Soldier changed the barrel on the M2, the timing and headspace had to be changed as well. If that wasn’t done properly, the weapon could blow up,” said Sherry Young, a maintenance management specialist with the depot’s Directorate of Production Management, adding the fixed headspace and timing eliminates this risk to Soldiers.

During conversion, parts of the weapon that controlled the headspace and timing will be replaced with upgrades. Each weapon will also be overhauled by small arms repairers.
The biggest benefit in the change will be time given to the Soldiers who carry it.
“It only takes 30 seconds to change out the barrel on the M2A1 and you’re back in business. The M2 Flex version could take three to five minutes, depending upon your situation,” said Jeff Bonner, weapons division chief.
Bonner said this is the first major change to the M2 weapon system since the machine gun was fielded in the 1930s.

This fiscal year, the Small Arms Repair Facility expects to overhaul 1,700 M2 machine guns. An additional 3,600 are planned for fiscal year 2012 and the program is slated to continue for several more years.
“This is a lot of good work for the small arms facility,” said Bonner. “This work is going to last for several years.”
Approval for the conversion program included a pilot overhaul and conversion in February and March. In June, the first of the 1,700 weapons for fiscal year 11 were inducted.
Shortly after those weapons began the overhaul and conversion process, the shop instituted a lean event to standardize work procedures and improve the flow of work.

“The improvements employees are making will be compatible with the new building as well,” said Bonner, referring to the 83,385-square-foot Small Arms Repair Facility being constructed on the west side of the depot.
Plans are for small arms to move into their new building later this year.
“When we move into the new building, we will be able to pick everything up and the process flow will work the same in the new facility,” he said.
As part of the lean process, employees are finding the most efficient way to serialize certain parts. Several components on the M2A1 will have to be marked with serial numbers tying them to a particular weapon.

Source

Fire Scout in Afghanistan

2011-08-01T12:49:00.000+03:00

Fire Scout continues to prove its ability to perform intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions and provide real-time data to troops in Afghanistan. Operating in the harshest weather conditions, the system has flown more than 600 hours since May.

"Our goal was to fly 300 hours per month and we are exceeding that," said Capt. Patrick Smith, Fire Scout program manager. "We are on track to fly almost 400 hours by the end of July which is exceptional. The feedback we are getting from our users is very positive. They continue to tell us that the Fire Scout is an absolute success and it is a critical asset for our troops in the field."

CAA MAGW3 polymer magazine

2011-08-01T12:17:00.008+03:00

MAGW3 polymer magazine with 3 windows to show remaining rounds.

High impact polymer 30 round .223 magazine
Non-tilting follower
Corrosion resistant stainless steel spring
Light weight and rustproof

Fits: .223/5.6
Measurements: Weight(lb): .35 lbs

New to the AR market is the innovative Three Window Magazine by CAA for weapons that accept standard AR/M16 magazines. The three built-in windows allow an operator to see how many rounds remain in the mag, and it facilitates timely magazine changes. Simply glancing down at the back of the magazine from your cheekweld shows the approximate number of rounds remaining.

When the magazine is full, you will see the brass round casings in the top and middle windows. The orange follower will appear in the bottom window. indicating a full magazine of 30 rounds. As rounds are fired, you can glance at the middle window. When the middle window is empty, only 19 rounds remain in the magazine. Then you should notice the top window. When the top window is empty, only 11 rounds remain, indicating only one-third of the rounds remain in the magazine.

U.S. Army orders 10,000 additional Trijicon TA31RCO-M150 ACOG units.

2011-08-01T11:47:00.005+03:00

Trijicon, Inc., global provider of innovative Brilliant Aiming Solutions™ for hunters, shooters, military and law enforcement personnel, is pleased to announce that the U.S. Army has commissioned an additional 10,000 TA31RCO-M150 Rifle Combat Optics to fill its TACOM IDIQ contract. The Army-designated TA31RCO-M150 is known by many simply as the 4×32 ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight®.)

“The M150 is a battle-proven weapon sight that our soldiers on the ground have come to trust. That the U.S. Army has called for 10,000 more units only validates this fact.” said Bill Taggart, Trijicon Director of Military and Law Enforcement Division. “Trijicon is proud that it can help in the effort to protect our great nation at home and on battlefields overseas.”

The Trijicon ACOG is a compact telescopic sight with a tritium-illuminated reticle for use in low light or at night. It also utilizes the Bindon Aiming Concept (BAC) by way of a bright daytime reticle that uses advanced fiber optics to collect ambient light. In this way, ACOG combines precise, distant marksmanship with close-in aiming speed. Every feature of its mechanical and optical design was chosen for a single purpose: to provide increased hit potential in all lighting conditions.

The fixed 4-power M150 sight differs from ACOG units supplied to the U.S. Marine Corps in that its external windage and elevation adjusters allow the unit to be fully waterproof to an astounding 11 meters, even without its turret caps in place. This proven durability is one reason why the ACOG was awarded the Army’s demanding M150 contract.

This new order is in addition to existing 43,000 M150s already ordered through TACOM IDIQ contract, as well as the original IDIQ contract from the U.S. Army for 135,000 M150 units, placed in 2007.

Source: Trijicon

Photo of the Month July 2011

2011-07-31T12:03:00.002+03:00

BMP1 rounds - 73mm

NEW from Madbull: Stark Equipment SE-3 Vertical Foregrip Grip

2011-07-29T21:20:00.000+03:00

The SE-3 Vertical Foregrip has been designed to enhance weaponcontrol, reinforce accurate shooting form and support multiple handpositions.
The SE-3 attaches easily and securely to tactical railsystems. The SE-3 is fully ambidextrous with a flared base,providing a secure grip which accommodates all hand sizes.

FEATURES
- The SE-3 is also available with a switch pocket for weapon mounted accessories
- Textured surfaces for a reliable grip
- Resistant to weather extremes, chemical exposure and abuse
- Includes a Grip Plug for storage inside the grip
- Standard Colors: Available in Black, Earth and Green

See all colors and additional info:
http://tinyurl.com/3npwdne