Archive for April, 2009
Thursday, April 30th, 2009
Integrated Combat Equipment of Canada is releasing a limited run of Multicam Bivy Bags using Gore-tex 3 layer fabric left over from a design project for a large US supplier. Future Multicam Bivy production will utilize a 3 layer Stedair fabric from Duro. Additionally, they will have a coated nylon floor to help control costs.
The ICE bivy is generously cut (90” Long x 34” Wide (Flat) at shoulders). Made entirely from 3 Layer Gore-Tex the bivy is fully seam sealed. The 36” side zipper also features a flap. There is also an 8” overlap at face opening which has a wire stiffened hood. Finally, tie-out loops at head, hood, and foot complete the design.
The bivy comes standard with a stuff sack and at $185.00 US, this is a phenomenal price for a 100% Gore bivy, especially in Multicam. If you feel the price is high consider what one of my readers said elsewhere, “That price is cheap compared to a few cold and wet nights out in the woods. Think about how much you spend on motels “. Also upon reflection the Editor said that he recalls purchasing a Woodland 100% Gore-tex bivy in 1987 for about the same price! We could call this a “Deal of the Week” but it’s really more like a “Steal of the Week”.
Available in Multicam, Army UCP, and Woodland MARPAT. We have verified that there are Multicam bivies currently in stock but there will be a two week wait for UCP and MARPAT. If you want to secure a 100% Gore-tex bag you need to jump on this offer quickly.
To order visit ICE Tactical.
Posted in Camo, Multicam, Sustainment | No Comments »
Wednesday, April 29th, 2009
Harris Corp. has announced that it has been awarded a $20 million contract from the Polish Ministry of National Defense to provide its Falcon II and Falcon III tactical radios to Poland’s land and special operations command forces. Earlier this year the Estonian military purchased $5 million worth of Falcon III multiband radios from Harris.
The U.S. Army issues the Falcon III as the An/PRC-150. It provides secure voice and data communications in the HF-SSB/VHF-FM bands.
This win literally comes on the heels of a $600 million award from the U.S. Army to modernize SATCOM terminals.
Tags: Harris
Posted in Comms | No Comments »
Wednesday, April 29th, 2009
5.11 Tactical has released a new signature buckle that fits their line of leather belts as well as other 1-3/4″ belts. Manufactured from zinc with a gunmetal finish the buckle offers a new look for 5.11 belts.
To order one of these limited run buckles visit 5.11 Tactical.
Tags: 511 Tactical
Posted in Clothing | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009
Daniel Defense set out to design a simple and reliable Back Up Iron Sight and they have more than succeeded with the A1.5 BUIS. The BUIS integrates the M16A1-style windage and elevation adjustments with a same plane small and ghost ring aperture. Once you adjust them, they are staying put.
The BUIS is manufactured from 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum and mounts to a 1913 standard rail. It slides on and locks in place via a slotted fastener which is threaded into a self-locking steel thread insert. Once it’s on, it isn’t going anywhere. The BUIS is fixed so no need to worry about it popping up at the wrong time or thin parts breaking off. Additionally, the BUIS was designed to not interfere with the charging handle.
Larry Vickers summed it all up when he said this about the BUIS, “Finally a rear sight that has everything you need and nothing you don’t”.
For more information visit www.danieldefense.com.
Tags: BUIS, Daniel Defense, Vickers
Posted in weapons | 1 Comment »
Monday, April 27th, 2009
Grey Group Training has the exclusive for tactical versions of FiveTen footwear. They recently offered low and mid versions of the Desert Enforcer. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond Grey Group’s control, the mid variant was not produced. While the low top is currently in stock many have continued to ask for a mid top shoe. Grey Group is currently weighing their options for future offerings and has an excellent offer for those with existing pre-orders for the Mid Desert Enforcer.
FiveTen has issued the following statement in regard to production of the shoe.
“Five Ten is a family-owned company that is dedicated to making the best outdoor sports footwear available. The Redlands, California-based company makes shoes with their proprietary Stealth rubber soles for a variety of outdoor disciplines. The world’s top climbers depend upon Five Ten climbing shoes. Five Ten multi-sport shoes are now essential equipment for downhill mountain bikers, paddlers, hikers, trail runners and climbers. From elite, world-class athletes to all outdoor enthusiasts, people know that Five Ten is the most authentic footwear brand available.
Through the years, Five Ten has received requests to develop a military specific shoe. Five Ten has stepped up to the plate and developed the Desert Enforcer, built for military operations from urban climbing to combat hiking. Military and law enforcement markets will now be able to benefit from the comfort, stickiness and reliability of Five Ten.
Five Ten has teamed up with Grey Group Training to exclusively launch the Desert Enforcer. Grey Group Training is a wonderful partner for Five Ten and is unique in providing the gear, instructors and technical expertise needed for a particular requirement. Grey Group’s belief is that there is a synergistic effect between the tools of the trade, the skill sets to use them, and the ability to source them both from one place.
The Desert Enforcer (low-top) is NOW available, exclusively through Grey Group Training (www.greygrouptraining.com). Because of various manufacturing issues, the Desert Enforcer (high-top) has been delayed. Five Ten is currently reworking time lines and will launch a solid ETA, ASAP. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience due to this delay. Five Ten is committed to the military market and plans on launching additional shoes to help support the mission. Please stay tuned and we appreciate your continued support.
Sincerely,
Five Ten
www.fiveten.com
Posted in Admin, Boots | No Comments »
Monday, April 27th, 2009
Recently, there have been a great deal of new products designed specifically for the K9 and handler released on the market. In response to requirements from the community, 215 gear has developed several new products including collars, leashes, and leads.
Seen below is the Hands Free K9 Leash with Quick Release Buckle. It is a bungee type dog lead that extends from four feet to seven feet and is designed to allow the handler to have both hands on his weapon. 215 Gear has also integrated a large, formed non-slip control handle close to the dog for situations when more control is called for. The Leash attaches to a common riggers type belt, via a quick-release snap shackle and to the dog’s collar via a H&K type snap hook.
The entire line can be found here.
Posted in K9 | No Comments »
Monday, April 27th, 2009
ADS is hosting their annual Warrior Days Expo July 15 & 16 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. In addition to the opportunity to see the latest equipment from over 100 leading manufacturers, ADS also offers the chance to attend some great seminars. Last year, they hosted Mark Twight who spoke about environmental clothing systems. The Warrior expo is an excellent opportunity for end users, GCPC holders, and acquisition officials to learn about ADS and their various services.
For more info and to register visit www.adsinc.com/warriorexpo.
Posted in ADS, Admin | 1 Comment »
Sunday, April 26th, 2009
ScienceNOW Daily News reports that researchers have developed a material that almost instantaneously changes from clear to dark blue when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, and it just as quickly reverts to clear when the exposure is removed.
For more than a decade, chemical engineer Jiro Abe and colleagues at Aoyama Gakuin University in Japan have been studying the light-sensitive properties of photochromic materials, including a compound called hexaarylbiimidazole (HABI). In its natural state, HABI is colorless, but when ultraviolet light breaks one of the bonds in the molecule, it produces a version that is dark blue. They found that by adding naphthalene to the compound, they could accelerate the color change to about 180 milliseconds. Adding a compound called cyclophane instead of naphthalene improved the clear-to-blue conversion even more–to about 30 milliseconds. According to an article in the current issue of the Journal of the American Chemical Society, the cyclophane version of HABI reverts just as rapidly to its colorless state when the UV light source is turned off and the reactions can be repeated thousands of times.
Scientists see this as a great step forward in the development of optical storage drives. This could be a boon for transition lenses which take forever to change from clear to dark if they can develop ways to control it. Similar work has been ongoing for some time to protect vision from LASER as well as the flash associated with a nuclear detonation but such systems have been powered in order to make the nearly instantaneous transition.
Posted in Eyepro | No Comments »
Saturday, April 25th, 2009
Wearing their Rapid Equipping Force hat, The Army’s Asymmetric Warfare Group set about to assemble a package of Commercial Off the Shelf Soldier Systems equipment to conduct a demonstration with members of the 4th Infantry Division deploying to Afghanistan. The aim was to demonstrate that these alternative technologies will enhance the combat effectiveness of our troops fighting in the brutal terrain of Afghanistan.
Unfortunately, a long brewing battle between the Army’s Acquisition community and the REF seemed to come to a head two weeks ago when the office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology halted the shipment of the equipment package into theater and began to ask some very pointed questions about the capability of the armor package chosen. Long-term friction has come about as the REF continues to conduct rapid identification, assessment, and fielding of critical warfighting technologies while the traditional acquisition system takes a much more methodical approach and fielding of new systems requires longer lead times.
The system in question is the MBAV cutaway plate carrier produced by Eagle Industries used in conjunction with a hard plate only certified for use by USSOCOM. All of this is fully in the Army’s purview and unknown to most sitting on the sidelines of this issue, PEO-Soldier is in the midst of an evaluation of five cut away armor plate carriers. It is highly probable that the cutaway system chosen by AWG is also a candidate in this PEO-Soldier evaluation.
The situation seemed to take on a life of its own and after two weeks of consideration the Army has chosen to field the experimental package and it will be shipped for use by 480 Soldiers across two battalions of the deploying 4th ID. According to Army sources, short notice testing was completed to provide a safety release of the equipment. However, the new lightweight hard armor plates used by SOCOM will be replaced by the Army’s current issue plates.
Data collection will be accomplished by Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab.
Posted in 330, Armor, PEO-Soldier | 2 Comments »
Saturday, April 25th, 2009
Survival Solutions Innovative Gear has released its Oversized Poncho/Shelter/Emergency Camouflage (OPSEC) unit. Essentially a poncho, they have integrated several new features.
It is manufactured from 70D Coated Ripstop Nylon, weighing in at only 1.9 oz. per yard and is generously cut measuring 104″ long by 59″ wide. The O.P.S.E.C. is constructed so the back is adjustable. When wearing a rucksack/backpack, the back of the poncho can be unsnapped and extend an additional 14″. If you decide not to wear a back pack, you can shorten the back of the O.P.S.E.C. with the snaps provided to a length consistent with the front. Additionally, to aid in shelter construction it has seven 15mm ring snaps and eight size 0 grommets. It is available in Snow, Multicam, Woodland, and UCP.
For more information or to order visit www.survival-solutions.com.
Posted in Camo, Multicam, Sustainment | No Comments »
Friday, April 24th, 2009
Triple Aught Designs, makes of such tacti-cool items as the Ti Skeleton Key and the Nylon Combat Swimmers Dive Strap have introduced the Be Ready Always Titanium Tool (B.R.A.T.T.).
Crafted from 6AL-4V titanium, it is .25″ thick and features a flathead screwdriver, pry tip with nail puller, 1″ diameter round type aperture bottle cap lifter, a spanner wrench tip fit all regular sized Strider folders as well as three lanyard hole eyes.
Additionally, the B.R.A.T.T. has some unconventional uses as well.
The B.R.A.T.T is a limited run of 100 pieces. To purchase, visit TAD Gear.
Tags: TAD
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Friday, April 24th, 2009
S.O.Tech has been really hitting it hard this year developing and releasing an entire new load carrying system called the Mission Pack System. To complement this new system, they have just released the SplashGuard Liner constructed of 420D polyurethane-coated fabric. The bag closes at the top which is rolled down and buckled shut to protect the contents from moisture as well as sand and other debris. This style features webbing on the closure to provide additional strength and durability as well a convenient carry handle.
S.O. Tech has also unveiled a waterproof bag with a water-tight closure making it a fully submersible liner. It also has an elbow valve to bleed off excess air or to inflate the liner to improve buoyancy. The liners are manufactured in accordance with MIL-0-81375B (Oral Inflation Assemblies, Survival Equipment, Inflatable).
Both styles are currently available in two sizes to accommodate the Mission Go Bag as well as small packs. For additional information or to order visit www.specopstech.com.
Posted in PALS, Packs, Sustainment | No Comments »
Friday, April 24th, 2009
As you have noticed, the look of Soldier Systems Daily has changed as well as the level of coverage. This is due to a large extent, to support from our advertisers. We feel it is important for us to explain to our advertising program to our readership. We publish news. Our coverage of new products, services, materials, government programs, and industry news takes us in a lot of directions and we spend a lot of time writing about the unknown. News coverage should not be considered an endorsement unless otherwise specified. Our new advertising program is however, something altogether different.
While many would understand that accepting advertising from a vendor of products or services is an endorsement of Soldier Systems Daily by the advertiser, we look at this as a two way street. We consider at each potential advertiser and the types of products and services they provide. We regard each ad we publish as an endorsement by Soldier Systems of the advertiser. Additionally, we consider our advertisers as partners and work hard to develop a relationship that we can leverage to benefit reader, advertiser and us. An example of this are special promotions and contests that we are developing in conjunction with our advertisers to benefit our dedicated readership.
Soldier Systems will continue to break the news and provide information on the latest products and services for the Soldier Systems industry but take a moment to check out our advertiser’s websites and consider one or more of them to satisfy your next requirement.
Posted in Admin | No Comments »
Thursday, April 23rd, 2009
Posted in weapons | No Comments »
Thursday, April 23rd, 2009
Thanks to all of our readers who supported Strike Hold!’s logo competition. And the winner is…
Posted in Admin | No Comments »
Thursday, April 23rd, 2009
Down East unveiled its newest generation three FASTmag at SHOT Show ‘09.
As with eariler generations, the new FASTmag is being produced by ITW, but this newest iteration is being offered in two variants. One version is designed specifically to be used with MOLLE, and the other features a slider bar to allow belt attachment. Additionally, a new attachment system has been incorporated into the design and allowances made to stack FASTmags on one another or with MOLLE attachments including MALICE clips. They are currently in production by ITW and available for order. Look for more in-depth coverage later this week.
Posted in SHOT Show, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009
They have condensed the field down to two great designs. Cast your vote to help our friends at Strike-Hold! choose a new logo.
Posted in Admin, Foreign | No Comments »
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009
US Army’s PEO-Soldier has updated the Approved Product List for the Family of Flashlights in a message released on www.fbo.gov.
Basic White Light
ENERGIZERs 1AA LITHIUM
FIRSTLIGHTs TOMAHAWK-GP
GERBERs EXPERT M
PHANTOMs 34-S
STREAMLIGHTs TL2-LED
SUREFIREs BACKUP
SUREFIREs E2D DEFENDER
SUREFIREs E2L OUTDOORSMAN
Handfree Helmet Light
STREAMLIGHTs SIDEWINDER COMPACT
Tactical Handheld Light
ENERGIZERs GEN 2 HARD CASE
FIRSTLIGHTs TOMAHAWK-NV
GERBERs RECON M-II
PHANTOMs 41-S
SUREFIREs KROMA
STREAMLIGHTs SIDEWINDER
Posted in Lights, PEO-Soldier | No Comments »
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009
Montgomery Marketing debuted their new Ghillie Hut at the Spec Ops East Show in Fayetteville, NC. The manufacturers of the new SOCOM Patrol Pack have just completed an in-depth research project to ascertain the requirements of the Sniper community. The Ghillie Hut was designed to allow the Sniper to tailor the hide to the operational environment as well as individual taste.
It consists of a Veil, Frame, and Floor components. Due to the modular design the components can be used alone or together to form a Sniper’s Hide. The Veil is manufactured from a new printed mesh fabric and provides thermal as well as visual camo. MMI exhibited numerous swatches of fabric in various prints including camo patterns as well as a large map. The Frame is of a pop-up, hoop design and the the Floor is removable. The Frame is fully adjustable via side release buckles and tape webbing. Tension can be applied to the frame in order to form different shapes. Then, either the Veil or other camouflage material can be applied via magnet attachment points along the frame. Even placement of these magnets can be customized by the Sniper. The system is very lightweight and weighs in at less than five pounds with all components.
The Ghillie Hut is the first of several planned products developed specifically for the Sniper community. Future additions include a Ghillie Suit and Drag Bag.
Available soon from www.mmi-fed.com.
Posted in Camo | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, April 21st, 2009
Super SERVMART is sponsored by the US Navy’s Fleet Industrial Support Command (FISC) as a means to provide Third Party Logistics support to the Fleet based in Norfolk, VA.
SERVMART exists on many Naval bases and provides Government organizations a convenient shopping method for such diverse products as office supplies to cleaning materials to tactical equipment with over 7,000 items in stock. It operates on a shopping mall concept as well as providing a mobile van to bring limited supplies directly to an activity’s doorstep. While the Super SERVMART on Norfolk Naval Base is operated by MANCON They are operated by different entities depending on the local contracting office.
Government Commercial Purchase Cards limits of $10,000 per day are raised to $100,000 per day but the GCPC is also the mandatory method of payment for all orders.
This is because the contracting side of the work has been accomplished by FISC. All products in SERVMART have been vetted and the vendors are under contract to provide them.
One local vendor is Tidewater Tactical who provides a wide variety of quality tactical products. Whether or not you are a SERVMART customer be sure to check them out.
Visiting commands as well as organizations on other facilities can also take advantage of Super SERVMART. More information can be found online.
Posted in Admin, Contracts | No Comments »
Monday, April 20th, 2009
AP reports that the MI-5, the British agency responsible for domestic espionage has posted an ad for a “Chief Scientific Advisor”. “Q” was James Bond’s go to guy for weapons, vehicles and other assorted gadgets designed to create mayhem.
Candidates for the MI5 job need to be at least 18, British or naturalized citizens who have “world-class scientific expertise and credibility in relevant scientific and technology disciplines, outstanding influencing and communication skills, experience of building an effective network and of creating a high quality team.”
While no salary was mentioned the hours are great, requiring only two or three days a week. So British Boffins get your CVs together. This could be your shot at the big time.
Posted in Admin, Foreign | No Comments »
Monday, April 20th, 2009
Exclusively designed and manufactured by RFIG as a viable alternative to issue fleece jackets and bulky raincoats. The “Operational Rally Point” jacket features Raglan sleeves for comfort under a pack as well as split elastic at the waist and its quilted construction insulates with 3oz Primaloft. It also has two side pockets and an internal chest pocket as well as velcro for name and service tapes and rank. These design features ensure it won’t attract the attention of “uniform nazis”. Last but not least the ORP jacket compresses well and stuffs into its own pocket fitted with MOLLE attachments. A novel and refreshing approach to storage.
The Berry compliant ORP jacket is available only in UCP (NIR) exclusively from RFI Gear.
Posted in Camo, Clothing | No Comments »
Sunday, April 19th, 2009
Point Blank Solutions, Inc. announced that its Board of Directors voted to remove Larry R. Ellis as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective as of April 16, 2009. The Company also announced that James R. Henderson, Chairman of its Board of Directors, has been asked by the Board to assume the role of Acting Chief Executive Officer until a replacement is found. Henderson has been with Point Blank since August of 2008.
“General Ellis and his team helped Point Blank rectify many of the legacy issues the Company has faced while building a strong platform for growth. The Board’s actions are in no way a reflection of General Ellis’ past leadership, but rather a desire to move in a different direction at this time.”
“Point Blank has some of the industry’s most talented people and produces quality, life-saving products for the most important customers in the world. I look forward to taking on the role of CEO and will do everything in my power to help improve our market position, productivity, and our financial performance. Most important, management and the Board will continue to focus on generating higher returns for all shareholders and will pursue all avenues that will help us achieve this shared goal,” Henderson continued.
Posted in Admin, Armor | No Comments »
Saturday, April 18th, 2009
Garrett Container Systems (GCS) has launched their own brand of professional handler canine gear. “Our new TOP DAWG line of leashes, leads and muzzles were designed and manufactured based on direct input from canine handlers in the field , including our elite Special Operations Forces”, said Danny Goforth , VP Sales at GCS.
The new products are all Berry Compliant and the line includes leads and leashes made of the latest materials including Biothane.
TOP DAWG gear can be purchased online at GCSWARRIOR.COM
Posted in K9 | No Comments »
Friday, April 17th, 2009
The US Army has awarded ADS Inc of Virginia Beach, VA a contract for the new Fire Resistant Environmental Ensemble (FREE). ADS will lead a team of over ten U.S. technical garment manufacturers and technical textile companies to produce and supply the versatile, multi-layer, 17-component system for fielding this year.
The U.S. Army’s Program Executive Office, Product Manager, Clothing and Individual Equipment (PM-CIE) awarded this indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract consisting of a base year and three additional option years. If all contract options are exercised the total contract value will exceed $1 billion.
FREE is designed specifically for aviation and combat vehicle crewmen, and utilizes advanced textile technologies in a range of garments, from lightweight base layers to weather-protecting outerwear. Contractors include Barrier-Wear, Massif, Darn Tough Vermont, Polartec and London Bridge.
Posted in Clothing, Contracts, FR | No Comments »
