Dmitry Semizirov is the general director of Russia’s Tochmash, more appropriately Nudelman Precision Engineering Design Bureau (KB Tochmash), a leading weapon testing facility.
Marine Corps Times reported, today, the U.S.M.C. has banned the use of polymer magazines. In a message signed by Lt. Gen. Richard Mills, the Marine Corps’ deputy commandant for combat development and integration, the order goes into effect immediately. Scuttlebutt about sporadic bans, based on weapon compatibility, surfaced earlier in 2012. Lt. Gen. Mills’ message makes the ban official across the service.
Magpul Industries, has released a Gen III magazine, which the manufacturer claims eliminates any compatibility issues.
It’ll be interesting to see if the U.S.M.C. reconsiders its position, but for now the ban is effective Marine Corps wide. Will the Army and Navy follow suit?
Other than the obvious social and geopolitical implications for the Israeli government, this young trooper decided to mount his weapon sight on the 6 o’clock rail of his SMG.
Robert Beckhusen, wrote a great piece “Silent but Deadly: Special Forces Seek Quiet, Subsonic Bullets” published in WIRED 19-Nov-2012.
In its latest round of small-business solicitations, the Pentagon’s Special Operations Command, or SOCOM, is seeking out subsonic ammunition. The reason, according to the solicitation, is to ”provide superior covert and stealth capabilities” for not only the military, but police forces and the Department of Homeland Security. In theory, and for rifles in the 5.56, 7.62 and .338 calibers, the bullets will travel at low enough velocities to avoid breaking the sound barrier, thus creating no “crack” noise. Breaking the sound barrier also pretty much negates the use of a sound suppressor, or “silencer,” which the special forces would likely want to use against militants in Afghanistan and around the world.
Individuals familiar with the use of sound suppressors will readily pick up on a number of issues. I took the liberty to underline one of them above. However, this is no reflection on Robert Beckhusen but rather the author of the actual solicitation, which can be read here.
“PHASE I: Conduct a feasibility study to determine if a sub-sonic concept/capability can be achieved for the 5.56mm, 7.62mm, and .338 caliber rounds. The feasibility study should determine if the following minimum performance parameters can be achieved and exceeded. The feasibility study should determine what is in the art of the possible that will maximize the following performance parameters realizing that only the minimum performance parameters are specified. The sub-sonic round must:
a. hold a velocity standard deviation of 14 or less significantly increasing accuracy and engagement range.
b. be clean burning with no unburned propellant in the gas system/receiver or in the weapon after repeated firing. No unburned propellant is the best available metric given no current military standard exists to baseline against.
c. be flash suppressed to where, in a suppressed weapon, no flash is visible.
d. provide a minimum 40 decibel reduction in sound from full velocity ammunition in a suppressed weapon.
e. have no greater than a threshold of 30 FPS shift in velocity from lot to lot while in production with an objective of 15 FPS shift.
f. maintain accuracy of 1.25 Minute of Angle (MOA) out to 300 yards with no singled shot group exceeding 1.5 MOA for a total 10 ten shot groups (5 groups fired through 2 different weapons).
g. stay sub-sonic at all temperature extremes (-40F to 165F) and functions in all USSOCOM weapons in that caliber.
h. be less than or equal to other quality ammunition for each of the respective calibers.”
How many bug-a-boos can you find in the Phase I criteria? Needles to say this solicitation should go back to the drawing table and written or reviewed by someone who understands the use of suppressors, subsonic ammunition and the physics of sound propagation.
In the mean time, I invite USSOCOM and Robert Beckhusen to visit and read my suppressor category for some much-needed background.
I would also like to encourage USSOCOM to take a close look at the 300 Blackout ammunition, which is available COTS in a full power or subsonic load. You can also read my review here.
Extrema Ratio introduced the Pugio Combat Dagger in 2011; today it can be seen as part of many-a-kit in Afghanistan. The knife was an instant success because of its classic dagger design and nothing excels more than a dagger when the chips are down. A reputation earned since before Christ.
Regrettably, a number of countries restrict daggers; Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom to name a few. In order to serve a large demand for its Pugio, Extrema has launched a single-edged version of the legendary combat dagger.
If you are fortunate enough to live in area where a double-edged weapon is not vilified, I strongly recommend that you seek out the Pugio Combat Dagger. However; if you are facing ridiculous restrictions the single-edged Pugio is a combat knife that you should seriously check out.
Superb quality and customer service make Extrema Ratio a top pick for me.
I’m a huge fan of many of the Israeli firearm design concepts. They draw on the years of experience the Israeli military and security sector have, especially in the area of CQB/CQC. SILVER SHADOW® Advanced Security Systems Ltd is one such company that has successfully translated extensive and relevant hands on experience to produce some rather interesting firearm designs, manifested in the company’s Assault Rifle line.
I was particularly impressed with their APR™ Assault Pistol Rifle. The APR™ chambers all variants of 5.56mm ammunition using standard M4/M16 magazines. It’s available in semi-auto or selective fire. The APR™ can be configured as a shoulder fired rifle or, using a quick detachment lever, the stock can be removed to enable handgun style firing.
The APR™ features a patented gas system and recoil spring. SILVER SHADOW® claims the proprietary gas system allows the weapon to run cleaner and cooler. Suppressed operation , particularly in weapons of this length, exhibit an undesirable increase in cyclic rate. APR™’s patented gas system mitigates that risk; making the Gilboa™ APR™ an ideal weapon for CQB/CQC or for use in mounted operations were space is at a premium. Look for more on SILVER SHADOW’s® Gilboa™ line.
We’d like to take this opportunity to wish all of our men and women in uniform, who are serving away from home, facing a multitude of hazards, that we Thank You for your service.
To our readers and many visitors we say Thank You, as well. Your support has helped our site grow. We appreciate your comments, always!
So, from all of us at Twobirds Flying Publication –
Have A Happy & Joyous Thanksgiving Day!
The USS Scorpion Memorial Committee is selling tee shirts for $25.00 to raise money for the 45th Anniversary Memorial Service in May 2013. If interested, please contact Mary Etta at maryettanolan@msn.com
Mary Etta is the surviving daughter of Scorpion’s Chief Of the Boat (COB) TMC (SS) Walt Bishop.
The U.S.S. Scorpion (SSN-589) was a Skipjack class nuclear powered attack submarine. While on patrol, the Scorpion went down with all hands (99 men). Scorpion’s wreckage is located about 400 nautical miles southwest of the Azores. The last contact made with Scorpion was on 20 May and 21 May, 1968.
The ship was officially declared lost on 5 June 1968. Although the cause of its demise is not known officially, the general consensus, and one I support, is a main sea water intake system failure flooded the ship. Upon hearing the news, initial speculation was that Scorpion was a “Cold-War” casualty, but that was simply scuttlebutt.
Pictures of the wreckage show no signs of explosions; in fact, most of the pressure hull is intact with no signs of implosions, which suggest that the Scorpion was completely flooded before impact on the bottom. Due to the nature of submarine operations the day-to-day dangers faced by submariners is rarely discussed.
Scorpion’s Stern
Forward of the sail
By: Sal Palma
I’ve had the opportunity to sit down and discuss business conditions with a few small businesses operating in the industry this Blog serves. It is clear there are concerns. Some have been in business for a relatively short period of time. Their products have been relatively successful in the market, but it takes time to build a brand.
The concerns cover the gamut from taxes, sales and marketing, financing, growth prospects and a number of other issues as trivial as keeping your spouse out of the day-to-day business activities. I’m sure many of you have the very same issues these individuals have. So, I want to share some ideas to help you plan.
When combined, line items 1 and 2 will hit your profit and loss statement in a measurable way. However, this does not mean that you abandon your dreams and close up shop. But, you need to stay competitive and that will require discipline. What are some of the steps that you can take to survive.
Хорошо выполненная видео производство
Photo Courtesy Freedomhouse.org
British Special Air Services units are rumored to be operating in Syria and providing training to Syrian rebels from the Al-Qasas Brigade. We have not been able to confirm this through our sources; however, if the initial reports are accurate it’s reasonable to expect U.S. SOF involvement along with the imposition of a joint no-fly zone.
These operations along with a no fly zone is a death-blow to Al-Assad’s brutal regime. Given Al-Assad’s flagrant disregard for the wellbeing of his people, he may turn his extensive arsenal of chemical and biological weapons loose on Syria’s population.
We remain committed to the concept that a huge opportunity cost exists for not acting swiftly and decisively – potentially extending to Israeli national security interests.
LaserLyte®, has introduced the Kryptonyte® Center Mass™ Laser; an industry-first, laser system displaying a ring of green laser dots surrounding the center aiming laser for rifle and shotgun.
Developed to decrease target acquisition time and increase levels of accuracy for rifles and shotguns with a Picatinny rail (3 inches or longer), the LaserLyte CM-15 helps the user quickly center the shot within the ring. The CM-15 projects a ring of 8 green laser dots with one green laser dot in the center as the aiming laser. The circle grows at one-inch per yard, approximately the same configuration as a shotgun aimed at a moving target. The green laser, which aids in daylight visibility, gives the user the advantage of a wide field-of-view while using both eyes for aiming.
The user-friendly, military-styled laser with clear laser engraved 
markings has a recessed activation selector that can be changed to off, constant on and momentary on. The remote switch is used with the 10-inch length, 2-inch tape switch area with copper braided cord.
The compact and lightweight Kryptonyte® Center Mass™ Laser is made from aircraft grade 6061 aluminum with a T3 hardness and black anodized to Level 2 hardness for maximum durability. The laser is fully adjustable with hex drive screws protected by sealed turret caps. The offset design of the CM-15 allows for a variety of mounting options.
The LaserLyte® Kryptonyte® Center Mass™ Laser gets sport shooters and professionals on the target faster, increasing accuracy and overall hits. For more information, visit www.laserlyte.com.
LaserLyte® CM-15 Specifications:
Streamlight® Inc., has introduced the ultra-compact and lightweight ProTac® 2AAA, the latest in the ProTac series of tactical handheld lights for law enforcement and tactical personnel. The ProTac 2AAA uses two AAA alkaline batteries and delivers up to 80 lumens measured system output and 1,550 candela peak beam intensity.
The new light also offers high and low intensity modes, a strobe mode, and the latest in C4® LED technology.
Featuring 6000 series machined aircraft aluminum construction with an anodized finish, the ProTac 2AAA includes a convenient multi-function push-button tactical tail cap switch for easy, one-handed operation of the momentary, variable intensity, or strobe modes.
The ProTac 2AAA’s C4 LED is impervious to shock with a 50,000 hour lifetime. The light delivers an 80 lumens measured system output, 1,550 candela peak beam intensity and a run time of one hour and 30 minutes on the high setting, while offering 10 lumens, 200 candela and 30 hours of run time on the low setting. The strobe setting provides five hours of continuous run time.
Similar to other lights in the ProTac series, the ProTac 2AAA is extremely thin and easy to carry, weighing 2.0 ounces and measuring 5.62 inches in length. It features an anti-roll face cap and a removable pocket clip for attaching the light to a vest, belt, or pocket. It also has an IPX7 rated design for waterproof operation to one meter for 30 minutes.
Available in black, the ProTac 2AAA includes Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty and has an MSRP $50.00.
Barnes launched the TAC-XPD line of Defense Ammunition, which they describe as: an “Optimized for Carry or Home Defense” solution. The ammunition is loaded with the Barnes TAC-XP bullets engineered and designed to deliver top performance when it is most critical: in life-threatening situations. The TAC-XP’s uses an all-copper construction and very large and deep hollow-point cavity, which expand, penetrate and perform more consistently than any personal defense product on the market. TAC-XP pistol bullets retain nearly 100% of their original weight and track straight. The TAC-XP has been tested on bare gel, light and heavy clothing, car doors, plywood and automotive windshield glass performing well in all categories.
The lighter bullet weights of all-copper TAC-XP projectiles in comparison to lead-core counterparts enable the shooter to recover quickly due to less felt recoil, without sacrificing terminal performance. Specially engineered loads produce almost no muzzle flash, and the Techni-Crom plated cases feed smoothly from the magazine.
I’m salivating over the .45 Auto 185 grain +P rendition. Can’t weight to give it try.
Barnes TAC-XPD Defense Ammunition will be available early 2013 in 20 round boxes:
On 9 – October 2012, MBDA Germany completed a major step towards a laser weapon system capable of providing air defense. For the first time, the company’s high-energy laser was used to demonstrate the complete deployment sequence in countering rockets, artillery and mortar shells (C-RAM). Using 40 kW of laser power, the laser demonstrator successfully acted on airborne targets at a range of over2,000 m.
For these tests, MBDA Germany’s laser was equipped with a new and improved performance compact and lighter optical system integrated in a transportable container. During the tests, the illumination and effect laser was pre-targeted using a radar (SPEXER™ 2000) and an IR optronics system (MEOS II) supplied by Cassidian. A multi-stage control system, incorporating an in-house image processing system, was used to lock onto the target at close range.
To serve as targets, the MBDA test team used artillery shell models towed in a wide variety of flight paths at an altitude of1,000 m. Function control and monitoring as well as data recording, security technology and visualization were all set up within a transportable fire control center.
The tests were conducted at the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) WTD 52 test site in Oberjettenberg,Germany. The excellent results achieved this year are a continuation of a series of successful laser tests carried out in 2010 and 2011.
Over 50 guests including representatives from the German Ministry of Defense, the Bundeswehr, the BAAINBw, the European Defense Agency, the Federal Criminal Police Office, the GSG 9 unit of the Federal Police Force and various institutions and businesses, were present to witness the successful results.
Medal Of Honor Warfighter, released this past October, is touted as the most realistic first-person shooter video game on the market. Much of its realism comes from contributions made by former and current active duty SEAL team members. Individuals affiliated with DEVGRU contributed to the video game’s development. Regrettably those contributions include disclosure of classified information. I have to believe the sailors involved breached confidentiality for personal gain. These actions display naiveté and a vulgar disregard for the mission, the well-being of fellow sailors and team members.
I also take issue with the game’s developer and publisher, Danger Close Games and EA Games respectively. Both companies knowingly compromised these sailors, which is reprehensible.
I don’t begrudge anyone’s success and I have never prevented anyone from earning a living, but folks on this occasion I must say, KEEP YOUR MONEY IN YOUR WALLET. You’ll find there is no shortage of exciting combat video games on the market.
Naval Surface Warfare Command, Rear Adm. Garry Bonelli, issued the following statement:
“We do not tolerate deviations from the policies that govern who we are and what we do as sailors in the United States Navy,”
“…send a clear message throughout our force that we are and will be held to a high standard of accountability.”
Referring to the punishment issued. Each of the seven sailors involved received a punitive letter of reprimand and a partial forfeiture of pay for two months. Four additional sailors are currently under investigation. This type of NJP, in most cases, is career ending.
The elections are now over and soon we will come together as one to give thanks for our great nation and our families. Yes, it is that time of the year again, and in spite of our trials and tribulations we look to the Holiday Season with childlike enthusiasm and joy.
Every year, we draw from the many excellent product offerings of our Industry Partners to select 10 items we feel would make a great stocking stuffer. We present these to you, our readers, now.
Happy Holidays !
Raytheon announced that it was selected by the U.S. Army to supply thermal weapon sights (TWS). The award has a maximum potential value of $131 million. The contract is not new business, but a three year extension to the existing contract. To date, Raytheon has supplied the U.S. Army with 65,000 units. The contract extension will add an additional 24,000 sights bringing the total to approximately 89,000 units sold.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) would like to see proposals for advanced helmet-mounted and clip-on camera systems, as part of its pixel network for dynamic visualization (PIXNET) program.
The objective is to fuse all sensors, visible, near infrared and infrared images, into a single display. The design objectives include, ease of use, compactness, multi-function, light weight, low power consumption, low cost and networkable. Referring to its objectives as ambitious qualifies as an understatement. However, a successful implementation would add considerably to warfighter capabilities.
The Ft. Benning 2012 Intenational Sniper Competition comes to a close with Team 8, an SOF sniper team from D CO 2/1 SWTG (A), taking top spot in the service class. The number two spot goes to Team 12 from 2-19th IN.
Open class top honors goes to Team-21, representing the USAMU. The number two spot went to Team-29 representing the country of Ireland.
The Ft. Benning International Sniper Competition is one of the best and more challenging sniper events. Competitors from law enforcement, U.S. military units and International teams gather at Ft. Benning to compete and share experiences.
Complete Results
Thales announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) and motion tracking businesses from Gentex Corporation. Called “Visionix,” the combined group designs, develops and delivers HMD, inertial tracking and sensor fusion technology for defense and aerospace applications, along with others that require precision motion tracking, to customers worldwide. Visionix operates from locations in Aurora, Illinois and Billerica, Massachusetts.
The acquisition of Visionix will give Thales the ability to offer highly capable HMD technology amidst rigorous budget constraints within the market. Visionix’ motion tracking technology (sold under the brand name “InterSense”) integrated into its Scorpion™ Helmet Mounted Cueing System provides an optimal solution of choice for pilots and integrators that allows for rapid deployment as well as affordable procurement and life cycle costs.
“This acquisition is a strategic fit that complements Thales’ global portfolio of Helmet Mounted Sight and Display systems for rotary and fixed wing platforms. We will greatly benefit from these innovative and proven Visionix product offerings,” said Michel Mathieu, head of Thales’ Avionics Division.
“This new business dynamic enhances our ability to support warfighters by providing increased situational awareness in tough environments,” said Allan Cameron, President and CEO of Thales USA. “This acquisition will help us to achieve our ambition of growth in the US defense market,” he added.
Visionix will operate as a subsidiary of Thales Communications, Inc., a Thales USA company that operates under a proxy agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense. The business will maintain both of its existing locations with the current management team remaining in place. The acquisition is conditional upon receiving certain regulatory approvals.
“Visionix is a global provider and partner of choice for industry leading situational awareness products. Merging our HMD and motion tracking business with Thales, a proven leader in the global defense and aerospace markets, will accelerate our ability to develop more market-defining products that fundamentally enhance our customers’ ability to perform their missions,” said Pete Roney, Gentex Executive Vice President and General Manager of Visionix.
Alessi Bakery is a small family business located at the fringes of the SOHO district in Tampa, Fl. The Company has been in business for 100 years at the same location on Cypress Street between Arminia Ave. and MacDill Ave.
Alessi has an ongoing tradition of baking cookies in the likeness of political candidates. They tally cookies sold and make election result predictions based on what cookie had the higher sales. They have yet to miss.
American Precision Arms produces some of the finest precision tactical rifles on the planet. You can expect a consistent .5 MOA accuracy from any of their rifles. In this video Jered Joplin, President and Founder of American Precision Arms takes us through the Paragon.
The Eliminator family of optics incorporate laser ranging to the target and windage estimation for your particular cartridge.
The shooter first ranges the target. Once the target has been ranged a red dot illuminates the holdover or holdunder point for the shooter. The range display will also indicate the recommended wind compensation. The only decision the shooter need to make is wind direction.
Eliminator III offers range and wind estimation with illuminated hold points and 4x-16x – 50mm magnification.
Eliminator II offers range estimation without wind estimation and 4x-12x – 42mm magnification.
This video originated from Al Jazeera and has made its way to You Tube through Sky News. It shows combatants, speaking Arabic, forming outside the U.S. Embassy compound in Benghazi. There were RPGs and Kalashnikov rifles clearly visible. You can also see what I thought was the makings of a C4 breaching charge with wires running to the detonator.
Judging by the chatter, there appeared to be some confusion and a lack of structure so planning may have been ad hoc.
Arab speaking readers please feel free to comment on what you heard.
Take a look and you decide…
Around here we like the The Gunny. He stands in good stead with the Lord, and when you need to talk to God he’s more than happy to handle it for you. So, we’d like to give him a plug and wish he and Tru-Spec the best of luck with the Signature Gunny Line™. If it’s Gunny approved you can bank on it.
Remington Arms Company, LLC (Remington), part of the Freedom Group Family of Companies, announced today it has acquired The American Parts Company Inc. (TAPCO).
TAPCO is a designer and marketer of American-made aftermarket accessories and replacement parts for handguns, rifles, shotguns, modern sporting rifles and other tactical firearms. All aspects of the product development cycle are managed from within the company. State of the art computer aided design, rapid prototyping and extensive testing have allowed TAPCO to bring innovative and dependable products to the shooting marketplace.
“TAPCO has been in business for more than 25 years and has established market strength through its high quality U.S.-made products,” said George Kollitides, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Freedom Group. “This acquisition will enhance our positioning in the accessories market and allow us to further our research and development capabilities.”
“With the acquisition of TAPCO, Remington continues to demonstrate its commitment to the firearm parts and accessories business,” said Scott Blackwell, President of Freedom Group. “TAPCO is well-known as a leader in delivering innovative and dependable products to the shooting marketplace. We are excited about the breadth of the products they bring to our portfolio, and we look forward to utilizing our resources to ensure our consumers and OEM partners benefit from this important acquisition. We welcome TAPCO and its employees into our family of companies.”
TAPCO will continue day-to-day operations at its Kennesaw, Georgia, facility.
By: Sal Palma
Lately, the media and pundits have set themselves up as judge and jury on the Benghazi incident. Unfortunately, much of their finger pointing is based on ignorance and misinformation. Particularly annoying are tragic discussions with former military and ex-intelligence officers that are so skewed and off base as to be ridiculous. So, what I hope to do with this post is shed some light on the intricacies of the situation.
Let’s accept the concept that our Benghazi mission had a clandestine component to it. We had folks on the ground conducting work to track down missing weapons from the Libyan caches. There was also work in progress to get a better feel for the Arab Spring, Arab Brotherhood and who the actors truly are. Now, unless the intelligence community has changed drastically over the years, the parties actively involved in this work would prefer to do so discretely. Therefore, having a platoon of Marines on site would accomplish two things: detract from the desired discretion and inflame tension with a noticeable military presence; possibly fomenting attacks through their presence.
The next point that I’d like to make is simply this. There was no way to effectively defend the Benghazi consulate compound. Let’s take a look at the picture below. It’s an aerial photo of the compound circa 2003.
The compound has a length of approximately 207 yards and a width of 100 yards. The blast radius for most of the munitions in the air to ground family is about 100 yards or more, with exception of the 25mm gatling gun on AC130H. The F18’s are a similar story. Assuming absolute pinpoint accuracy, at night, any attempt to repel the attackers would have placed the consular office in jeopardy and the lives of those in the facility.
Setting AC130’s and F18’s aside, the only realistic way to defend the facility, which was overrun, was with boots on the ground. To accomplish that, you need to airlift** troops in. If you use an airport, you need to fight your way to the compound –a high potential for casualties in the scenario. You could chop troops in or fast rope them, in or around the compound. However, you would be chopping them into a hot LZ- an even higher casualty count; especially with very limited air cover.
The Benghazi attacks, distinguished members of the press, was a military operation; planned and executed as such by competent adversaries, not pissed off jihadists! Perhaps we should focus our attention on what lessons were learned and what actions will be taken to prevent these incidents, and what is being done to bring the perpetrators to justice. This was a complex situation that went bad and sometimes those are the risks we take. Give the State Department and DOD a break, and honor the fallen.
Enough is Enough!
** As I understand it we did not have rotary wing assets in place, so I don’t know if it was even possible to chop the troops in.
The folks at Arsenal Inc. have added a new member to their family of superb firearms. The 106UR is a 5.56×45 platform configured as a pistol and manufactured at Arsenal’s factory in Kazanlak, Bulgaria. The 106UR makes for an excellent SBR. If you choose to undergo the conversion to an SBR ensure you have satisfied all NFA requirements prior to starting the conversion. Check with your Class III dealer for the specific details.
Specifications::
By: Sal Palma
I received a reader question regarding the Benghazi incident; his e-mail had an almost paranoid character to it. The individual was deeply concerned that the White House was conspiring with Islamists to undermine our foreign missions in the Middle East, and he wanted to know what we thought of the situation.
First off, paranoia comes from a mental disorder but it can also be induced. The first thing that you need to come to grips with is that there is an investigation underway. Next, recognize you’re getting information from media sources that are politically polarized. They are advancing theories based on a minimal amount of fact and spinning them to advance their goal.
As to what we think. We don’t have access to the facts surrounding the event so anything that we say is conjecture. But, I’ll give it a shot.
As a rule, I don’t subscribe to conspiracy theories nor do I believe that those elected and appointed to serve are secretly working to conspire with outside sources. However, don’t expect 100% transparency because it may do much more harm than good.
American’s lost their lives in Benghazi and that is certainly tragic. The underlying reason for failing to support the embassy could be misinformation, failure in communications and incompetence. It is highly unlikely the motive was political. In fact, had the military rushed in to rescue Benghazi, it would be a huge political plus for the administration.
Reserve judgment and let the investigation proceed but base your decisions and opinions on facts. Take anything and everything the media says with a very large grain of salt, until a more complete picture is available to you.
Thanks for your thoughtful question and visit our site!
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By: Sal Palma
Much of what I enjoy about the defense industry is the enormous pool of talent and creativity. A large part of that industry is comprised of small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs like John Copper from South Africa.
I became aware of John’s work through a post on The Firearm Blog, which sparked my curiosity. I decided to make contact with John to gain a better insight of his concept rifle the Exo-A1. I share the results of my interview with Mr. Copper here.
Q: Is it your desire to produce a complete rifle? In what caliber or calibers (or perhaps multi-caliber)? Will it offer interchangeable barrels?
John Copper: I would like to produce a complete rifle, but I lack the time and especially the capital to purchase the millions of dollars’ worth of machinery to produce rifles that can compete with the best out there. Not even to talk about the legal aspects of producing firearms in my country. At the moment I am designing weapons because I enjoy it.
No, the current rifle is not multicaliber, the main reason was because the sniper rifle itself was not the main focus. There are already so many rifles out there, so I did not see the point putting a lot of time, energy and research to try and do something somebody else did. I just tried to come up with something new and creative. So the main focus was protecting the rifle and telescope.
Q: Do you have plans to manufacture an Exo-A1 chassis to accommodate a Remington 700 long and short action?
John Copper: I designed the rifle back in the start of 2011 and don’t have the engineering drawings with me at the moment, but I believe with minor changes the rifle can be modified to accommodate the Remington 700 action. The current action has a square base, but it won’t be difficult to manufacture a foot plate that can adapt a round action to a square base. This transformation can then also be done without any special tools or modification to the stock.
Q: What consideration was given to materials and system weight vis-à-vis ruggedness and accuracy?
John Copper: The balance game between practicality, accuracy and cost I’d say is the most difficult part when it comes to designing weapons. I tried to use aluminium and polymer where I can to keep the weight down. Unfortunately the parts of the rifle that bares the most weight is also the most critical, so no compromises can be made there, it had to be steel. The main aim was to keep the weight on par with most sniper rifles out there.
Q: When do you expect to have a prototype available?
John Copper: Well, like I mention earlier, I cannot manufacture the rifle, thus no prototype unfortunately.
Q: Where in South Africa are you?
John Copper: Sorry, I am bit cautious to say where I stay, there are many people out there that for some reason don’t like people that design weapons, especially if they say they do it for fun. There is a huge misconception when it comes to people that are involved with weapons.
John’s story is an interesting one, and stands as a clear example of a bureaucracy’s incalculable proficiency at defeating its own prosperity.
Irrespective of your assessment on the merits of his concept rifle, you have to admit that John is a very talented individual. His inability to achieve his goal of firearm design may be your opportunity, and it would certainly be productive to have a meaningful dialogue with John.
Opportunity knocks and this may very well be the one you’re looking for!
John Copper can be reached via e-mail: exoskeleton.a1@gmail.com
The Boeing Champ is still in its experimental stages but it’s looking pretty good. As someone who’s been on the receiving end of CCCP jammers, I’ve always felt nothing surpasses a good blast of RF or EMI to hose up your electronics. Something as rude, crude and prosaic as Spark Gap is enough to give you headaches.
I wonder what the effects would be on IED electric fuses or perhaps zapping Iranian air defenses?
By: Sal Palma
It appears Steyr Mannlicher has made a conscious course change; abandoning the bullpup track with its new STM556 carbine. I can’t say that I blame them given the irrational phobia surrounding bullpup architectures, like the very fine Israeli Tavor and Steyr’s own AUG. I have to believe that military customers have never taken the time to thoroughly evaluate either one.
The reality is that bullpup carbines like the Tavor and AUG address the needs of modern soldiers quite effectively.
For those unfamiliar with the meaningful benefits of a bullpup, I’ll summarize by saying the weapon’s center of mass is further to the rear, in a bullpup, so it is much closer to the operator’s body; making the muzzle more agile and more easily controlled. Barrel length is preserved in a bullpup, which conserves muzzle velocity. In smaller calibers, like the 5.56 x 45, muzzle velocity and bullet geometry are critically important to lethality. Lastly, the bullpup keeps overall length to a minimum; making the design more suitable for close quarters and urban operations.
However, Steyr’s new STM556 is not a complete departure from its AUG. The gas system and interchangeable barrel assemblies are nearly identical to the AUG. Steyr has incorporated M4-like operator controls, M4-like magazines and large amounts of rail space with a monolithic upper receiver / rail system. The STM556’s upper receiver should be right-at-home mated to any M4 / M16 receiver.
The STM556 is still in prototype form but rumor has it that in addition to the quick change barrel the rifle will also offer quick change caliber.
Steyr has developed a well earned reputation for producing accurate rifles and I’d be willing to bet the STM556 is a solid 1MOA platform.
There’s official-unofficial scuttlebutt from the folks at SIG Arms that a SIG SMG is on the horizon. Interestingly enough, it retains the form factor of an AR platform, but this is where any similarity ends. SIG has not fully opened the kimono but its SMG is rumored to have an adjustable gas system, which we hope was designed around a suppressed version of the weapon.
FOG HORN 