BOISE, Idaho, Aug. 8, 2022—Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU), in Boise, Idaho was named among 10 companies to receive DoD funding from the pilot program to Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT) in a DoD press release issued July 19, 2022.
The funds are designated for the Initial procurement of next-generation widened field of view night vision goggles for aircrew with increased resolution and reduced weight for USSOCOM.
“We are honored that the DOD and USSOCOM have selected ASU to deliver an innovative, lightweight night vision goggles to the hands of warfighters,” said ASU VP of Business Development and Marketing Chad St. Francis. “This Lightweight Wide Field of View Aviation Goggle, currently in development, will give our aviators a significant nighttime combat advantage to accomplish their missions and return home safely.”
The purpose of the APFIT pilot program is to expeditiously transition technologies – with priority given to those developed by small businesses and/or nontraditional defense contractors – from pilot programs, prototype projects, and research projects into production. The benefits of this pilot will be to deliver war-winning capability earlier than scheduled while contributing to the viability of small business and nontraditional defense contractor vendors. APFIT is an additional tool the DoD can use to propel innovative capabilities across the “Valley of Death” and into the hands of the warfighter.
“APFIT holds great promise to transform the way the Department procures next generations solutions. This pilot program is well positioned to be a key asset as we continue to work to bridge the valley of death,” stated Heidi Shyu, Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. “The ten companies being funded will fill critical capability gaps. Without APFIT, their innovative technologies could take much longer to reach the hands of our warfighters.”
Read the full DoD release
About USD(R&E)
The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E) is the Chief Technology Officer of the Department of Defense. The USD(R&E) champions research, science, technology, engineering, and innovation to maintain the United States military’s technological advantage. Learn more at www.cto.mil, follow us on Twitter @DoDCTO, or visit us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/ousdre.
About Aviation Specialties Unlimited:
For more than 25 years, Aviation Specialties Unlimited Inc. (ASU) has proudly served those who protect and defend worldwide with Night Vision Solutions that Save Lives! Their experienced team supports safe and sustainable night vision programs with military-grade NVGs, flexible training, and custom aircraft lighting modifications to fit your needs. For more information, call +1 208-426-8117 or visit asu-nvg.com.
Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU) in Boise, Idaho, announced today the company was given the Seven Seals Awards from the Employer Support of Guard and Reserve (ESGR), for the company’s efforts to support ASU employees in the National Guard and Reserves.
Aviation Specialties Unlimited, (ASU) was awarded the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Flight Standards Operations Inspectors and Aircraft Certification Pilots night vision goggle (NVG) contract while operating fixed-wing aircraft. ASU will provide both initial training and recurrent training to FAA beginning July 1, 2020. ASU initially began training the FAA in 2017, when they were awarded the first fixed-wing training contract. ASU first started training FAA pilots on helicopters in 2007.
Representatives from nine countries visited Aviation Specialties Unlimited for Accredited Representatives Training in Boise, Idaho, May 9, 2019. ASU’s global network of resellers ensures that pilots and crews worldwide will benefit from life-saving night vision integration. (ASU photo by Sarah Pokorney)
**PRODUCT UPDATE 3/29/2022: The E3 lightweight Night Vision Goggle is currently in development for design improvements. Updates on E3 availabiliy will be published later this year.
By RILEY BUNCH rbunch@idahopress.com
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ASU Founder Mike Atwood and saleman Jake Atwood are traveling this week as part of a delegation from Idaho to Canada on a trade mission. Here is a link to an artilce about the trade mission trip, https://www.kivitv.com/news/gov-otter-to-lead-trade-mission-to-canada-next-week.
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