Vuzix has been on the head mounted display scene for a couple of years now. In fact, if you own a headset for your iPod chances are that it is a Vuzix product. Naturally, we are interested in their tactical products and they have been instrumental in the Future Force Warrior program as well as taking on several special projects for USSOCOM. They are constantly developing new systems but here are two complimentary mainstays in their line.
The Tac Eye Goggle Mounted Display
What makes the GMD unique is that it is mounted below the eye unlike previous Head Mounted Displays which completely occluded the wearer’s vision. Additionally, it mounts directly to the operator’s goggles and it is adaptable to a wide variety of models (Revision, ESS, and Oakley) in order to accommodate different tastes or requirements. The SVGA+ (852×600) color display has a 32° horizontal field of view.
Wearable Mouse
The mouse is rugged and easily mounted to the operator’s kit.
There are two things that we like; James Bond and Gadgets. In anticipation of the upcoming “The Quantum of Solace”Computer Weekly has combined the two in their photographic tribute to our favorite double naught spy.
Orion Filters is a company that has been around for several years but has only recently begun to expose a wider audience to their technologies. They specialize in products designed to enhance our night vision capability through improving vision and masking the tell-tale glow of an image intensifier tube.
REDEYE™, BLACKEYE™, and GREENEYE™ CAMOUFLAGE FACE PAINTS
REDEYE™ and BLACKEYE™ camouflage compounds are formulated to eliminate or minimize hazardous reflected “green light” emitted from phosphorous screens on Night Vision Devices. Both of these compounds appear “invisible/black” when viewed by a passive enemy Night Vision Device.
GREENEYE™ face paint has a signature identical to green vegetation when viewed at night through a passive NVG and/or using an IR Illuminator. It also appears as green in visible light.
Specified Spectrum products are or may be designated as Defense Articles under Category XII(e) of the United States Munitions List and are subject to the licensing jurisdiction of the US Department of State in accordance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (22CFR through 130).
Ardica Technologies specializes in lightweight, environmentally friendly fuel cells. They are concentrating on developing consumer and commercial wearable heat and power as well as portable soldier power. Several companies are beginning to integrate the technology in to their garments. The heart of the matter is Ardica’s Moshi Power System, which relies on new Lithium Ion battery technology coupled with a micro controller and a wall charger. A technology connector kit is also available which comes with a backpack cable and a three-in-one connector for both running and charging various consumer electronics.
Not only will the system power an on board heater for either eight and-a-half hours on low heat or three hours on high (peak 100 deg), it will also charge ancillary gear such as up to 11 full charges on a cellphone or a whopping 20 on an iPod. Considering the possibilities, the added cost of $35 to $50 per garment is reasonable. However, weight is still an issue. Each Lithium Ion battery weighs half a pound with a total system weight of one pound.
Wellco has always been known for putting out a very high quality product. In fact, they not only developed the Direct Molded Sole technology that made GI issue boots possible for half a century, it spun off into an entire business unit called Ro-Search. They also spawned “blast boots” with soles that deflect the blast of a landmine explosion. So naturally when we saw the new Eurolite from Wellco, we were surprised that it made us immediately think of the Timberland Euro Hiker. Take a look for yourself.
State of the art training is now a priority not only for firearms but also physical fitness, including proper nutrition. As more military and law enforcement members begin to look for a physical edge, companies such as Optimal SWAT with previous experience in the mainstream fitness industry have begun to offer tailored programs for the tactical community. Optimal SWAT is helmed by well known trainer and author Will Brink who has combined his years of experience in the gym with his desire to help America’s armed professionals.
As you can see from the video, while the training itself is decidedly low tech, the regimen focuses on improvement at tasks that our warriors face on a daily basis. Training includes functional strength, improving bodyweight to strength ratios, dealing with unbalanced loads, conditioning, as well as grip strength. All of this is combined with shooting rotations designed to greatly improve performance and shooting under stress.
Visit the Optimal SWAT website to check out more on their background, articles, videos, and training schedules.
One of the winners of the last year’s Pop Sci Inventor awards was Leonard Duffy’s “Slidingly Engaging Fastener”. Although Duffy has succeeded in developing a great alternative for Velcro, his original intent was to develop an improvement to the zipper after a bag he was carrying wouldn’t close. The fastener works through a matrix of injection molded “islands” resembling clubs from a deck of cards that lock into one another. Duffy previously won a NASA inventor’s award for a wrap around cast using the fastener that he developed for his sister-in-law when she injured her wrist.
The inventor claims it supports eight times the weight of Velcro, doesn’t lose it’s stickiness and best of all is silent. Unfortunately, no one has picked it up for development yet but it looks like it has potential in the tactical nylon industry.
Wilcox’s Mission Helmet Recording System (MHRS) has been type classified as the AN/PSH-6 (Portable Special Recording Device according to the Joint Electronics Type Designation System) and assigned NSN: 5836-01-565-0663. We previously wrote about the MHRS in July. Since then some incremental improvements have been made to the system and it has been type classified. Type classification is a boon to organizations that rely extensively on the federal stock system to order equipment as they can use an NSN which seriously streamlines procurements.
The camera module now mounts to Wilcox’s Dashboard Assembly, their new mounting plate. The Dashboard Assembly is the key to Wilcox’s modularity as it accepts the camera as well as NVGs and attaches to both one and three hole helmets.
For more information and a list of retailers contact Wilcox Industries.
Photos courtesy of Wilcox Industries. Export of this product is regulated by the US Department of State in accordance with guidelines of “International Traffic Arms Regulation (ITAR)” per Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations,
Parts 121-128.
Designed to carry the newer “nunchuk”-style breaching charges directly on the back of an armor vest, TAG’s new Breacher Pouch is made in the USA from mil-spec materials.
We are always interested in innovative solutions for attaching pouches to PALS webbing. Israeli company Smamit has developed the “Smamit PaLoop” to attach US PALS-style and British Osprey pouches onto PALS Webbing commonly found on everything from packs to body armor. It is made from 25 mm mil-spec nylon webbing with a Nexus 25 mm Delrin Looploc attached on one end. You weave it through webbing bars on the back of the pouch like a Tactical Tailor MALICE clip. All of their production pouches as well as custom solutions are available with the PaLoop attachment.
Sequence of attachment for Smamit’s PaLoop.
For more information on their entire product line check out their website.
As 215 Gear claims on their website, “This is not your typical baseball hat”. I first saw this cap on the head of 215 Gear’s owner during the 1st Annual GQ Workshop sponsored by DIY Tactical, Grey Group Training, and Soldier Systems Daily and I thought, “Cool!”.
Ok, so its blended, but what does that mean? Well, it features side mesh panels that help with air circulation, and that my friends is an industry first. Sure, you’ll say that truckers did it first, but no one else has adapted the style to the operator hat. Now that feature alone would make the hat worth ordering but 215 Gear also integrated a few other features. The brim’s underside is a black velcro pile to help shield the eyes from glare and serve as a platform for small lights. Additionally, a square of velcro pile has been sewn to the crown of the hat where a button is normally found. This can be used to affix IFF squares. A 2″ x 3″ velcro pile patch has been sewn to the front and rear of the cap in order to attach flags and other patches. Finally, the size is adjustable at the rear via a velcro closure.
One size fits all and available in Multicam with Khaki panels or Khaki on Khaki. Made by American craftsmen right here in the USA, 215 Gear offers a lifetime guarantee for the hat.
It seems like we write an awful lot about TAD Gear but what can we say? We love TAD Gear. And besides, they are constantly bringing out innovative new products. In fact, they just released 5 additional designs to their innovative Ranger Eye line. The v3.0 Glow In The Dark (GITD) Ranger Eyes feature new artwork including (clockwise) Skull Spade, Grizzly Titus, Skull Bones, MOD Skull, Affonso Rhino, and the Terminator Skull from the v2.0 line is still available as well. The animal characters are from Rocket World’s I.W.G. line which has spawned an entire line of designer toys.
They are 3/4″ tall and manufactured from PVC. The Ranger Eyes attach to caps, packs, clothing, or anything with a patch of velcro pile.
As you can see, the designs stand out quite well in the dark. Sold in matched pairs, significant discounts are applied for purchase of multiple sets. Go here to purchase.
We have decided to alter the site’s name slightly in order to more accurately express what is going on here. One of our readers recently suggested the name “Soldier Systems Daily” and mulling it over, we decided he is right. We aren’t a true blog. We don’t pontificate on the woes of the world and we don’t feature feedback from our readers like traditional blogs. The reason is simple, we are a news source; a daily news source.
Our initial inspiration was the old Gear Guru website modernized with a serious dash of Gizmodo. Obviously, the Soldier Systems world isn’t nearly as big as the gadget-verse so we can’t publish as much as they do. But all things considered we are doing a pretty good job of keeping up. We started out publishing one article a day. Now we are at a steady two articles a day and depending on material have published up to six articles in a day. Of course, we aren’t anything without our readers and content. Spread the word amongst your friends and colleagues. We provide new material daily and a visit only once a week won’t keep you up to date. Also, keep those emails rolling in. Finally, we promise to continue with the same streamlined format that our readership praises.
When you think about disposable cuffs you generally think about Police, but these days the military goes through them on a daily basis. Jersey Tactical developed the patented Dispose A Cuff to solve issues commonly associated with such activities as deployment of disposable cuffs, storage and transportation of cuffs while on a raid or patrol, removal of cuffs from pockets our pouches, and hassles of snaring items such as door knobs and other obstacles. They accomplished this task by developing a cuff with several new features. First, it is approximately half the size of its competitors. Additionally, one of the most innovative features is the self-leveling ring for adjustment so that a cuff is never too tight. The cuff is ratcheted into place and self-levels. This is accomplished via a single pull tab that allows the operator to secure both of the subject’s hands with one pull of a rubber non-slip hand grip at the end to ensure a secure purchase in the event he is wearing gloves or has wet hands.
Jersey Tactical constantly seeks input on their products. Some of the most valuable suggestions have come from Paul Howe owner of CSAT and Retired Special Operator.
The Dispose A Cuff are sold separately or as a tact pack which opens to contain 4 Dispose A Cuffs and a Safety cutter. The safety cutter is critical as so often suspects are accidentally wounded while removing cuffs with items such as pocket knives.
Currently the case is Black but other colors are planned for the future.
A buddy sent me some info about this. I have been a fan of Petzl for years so I was happy to see yet another product from their commercial product line fit in so well with the tactical market.
As you can see in the picture, the carabiner is intended to attach to a climbing harness and get a solid bite but it works just as well on PALS webbing. This would be great for attaching dummie cords or items you have to constantly attach and detach from your gear.
Available from REI and it even has a matte finish.
Founded by Peter and Paul Pinholster in their garage, Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO) offers SingleNest and DoubleNest hammocks as well as other accessories.
The Hammocks come in a variety of color combinations to suit use both on and off duty. Seen above is a Khaki and Olive SingleNest which has found favor with SOF elements.
Both hammock styles measure 9’10” in length, support up to 400 pounds, and set up in less than 3 minutes by means of SlapStraps. The DoubleNest is a bit wider at 6’ 8”. The SingleNest weighs in at 18oz, and DoubleNest at 22oz. Both hammocks are stuff into a softball size sack for transport.
ENO also offers accessories such as rain flies and insect nets.
Luggage Mat
Eagle has come up with a great inexpensive way to protect tables and bedding from dirt and scuff marks caused by luggage, boots, and other equipment.
Universal Travel Hook
There are many times, particualrly when traveling that you don’t want to place your bags, clothes or other items on the floor. The UTH alleviates the need to find a hook to hang your items. The hook is designed to work with stall dividers, frame doors, and hinges.
Manufactured from chrome plated 10/18 mild steel, the UTH easily suspends 60 pounds and comes in Black.
To order contact Eagle Industries. The UTH is currently offered at a 5% discount.
Evolution Armor is owned by Allan D. Bain, inventor and originator of modern scalar armor. Evolution has been developing improved scalar systems but recently branched out into load carrying systems to complement their armor. Their latest offering is the Evo-Tac SF 3-day Pack. Evolution Armor spent several months looking at packs available on the market and considered ways to offer an improved product.
Manufactured from 1000D Cordura, the Evo-Tac 3-day pack a capacity of over 3200 cubic inches organized into a main compartment, bottom front pouch, top front pouch, and slip pocket. It features double stitch construction, mil-spec buckles, YKK zippers, and a hydration compartment. There are also four side pouches which run down most of the height of the pack. Finally, the interior is lined with PALS and there are two removable interior pockets as well as a removable wasitbelt.
Evolution Armor found Multicam to be the most effective pattern available. In order to preserve the IR suppression of the pack, they decided to manufacture all of their PALS webbing and edge binding from Multicam fabric. The graphic below from Evolution Armor shows their attention to detail. However, packs in any color scheme are available as well.
Available in Multicam with other colors such as UCP available on request from Evolution Armor Systems.
Bradford Dyeing announced on 25 September that they would close in two months due to a dispute with the Defense Logistics Agency over shading issues on the Airman Battle Uniform. Ironically the Air Force relies Bradford for all of its Digital Tigerstripe material. Bradford also supplies a large percentage of the Berry compliant textiles used by the US military and its closure will be a blow to a American textile industry already over stressed with supporting the military. Bradford has endured a recent fire, union issues, as well as the same issues every small business is facing with overall state of the economy, but the DLA dispute was the final factor. Unfortunately, Bradford Dyeing representatives have been unavailable for comment.
There is an excellent article in the Westerly Sun with more information.
Recently we began to introduce our readership to the Canadian firm, Cadex Defence. As we alluded to in that article, Cadex makes a wide variety of products. In fact, their “7-inch Hook” designed for climbing was featured on Defense News’ AUSA Blog. Although still somewhat rare, Cadex manufactures a NOD Mount that is in use by some of our country’s most elite forces.
Flexibility was the key when the mount was designed. Since it is a strap based design it will work with a variety of helmets. Additionally, it will accept both bayonet and dove tail brackets and is designed to accept external battery packs or counter weights on the rear of the mount.
The mount allows the operator to adjust the tension of the flip up mount preventing the NODs from falling down when in the up position.
Go to Cadex Defence to check out their line of products. Most of their products aren’t on their site so if you have specialist requirements it is best to contact them directly.
When rolled the KitMat takes up no more space than an issue GI cleaning kit but offers so much more. When unfolded, the KitMat integrates two pouches for maintenance tools, a cleaning mat and an innovative feature to secure small parts during maintenance to ensure they won’t be misplaced. The mat measures 24″ x 19″ and the entire KitMat is manufactured from 1000D Cordura. At one end are two pouches for cleaning tools as well as the Velcro parts retention area. At the other end is an elastic cord used to secure the KitMat for storage.
As you can see, when rolled up for stowage, the KitMat is just a little larger than a 30 round magazine.
Unlike other cleaning kits, it has an integral cleaning mat. You don’t always have the advantage of a clean table or workbench to clean your weapon so this feature is much appreciated.
The KitMat has an ingenious feature that secures small parts under strips of Velcro.
The KitMat is a well thought out addition to any shooters range bag and available in UCP, Foliage Green, Black, and Sewer Green. However, I personally would not recommend the Black as so many weapon parts are also Black and any advantage the cleaning mat offers in keeping track of your parts will be offset by the lack of contrast. To order contact EMDOM.
Keen footwear is rising in popularity among military personnel. Not only are the sandals a favorite for off-duty wear both at home station as well as deployed to an FOB, but Keen’s new line of hikers have found favor in unit’s with more relaxed uniform standards. An informal survey among one deployed SOF unit showed more personnel wearing Keen than any other single brand.
For a look at the entire Keen range check out their website.
Technically it’s Camo Form® Self -Cling Camouflage, but most everyone just refers to it as Camo Form Tape. Whatever you call it, it works. As you can see in the depiction below, the Camo Form® is very effective at visually camouflaging your equipment. What you can’t show in a picture is that it also improves noise discipline by cushioning equipment. It also protects the finish and function of gear.
One roll will take care of most of an individual’s requirements (2″ wide x 144″ (4 yds) long). Camo Form is self-clinging and not affected by moisture. What’s more, it gives smooth items a little grip so that they don’t slide.
Available in Mossy Oak® New Break Up®, Mossy Oak® New Shadowgrass®, Mossy Oak® Obsession®, Mossy Oak® Brush®, Universal Camouflage, Digital Woodland, Digital Desert, 3-Color Desert, Woodland, Snow & more.
