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Archive for May, 2009

Ghillie Suit Base Layer

Sunday, May 31st, 2009

PEO-Soldier is finalizing an improved Ghillie Suit Accessory Kit which for the first time, has included a Base Layer garment. Designed by Crye, the Base Layer, according to a PEO-Soldier briefing, provides “fire resistance as well as improved counter-surveillance protection, protection from flame and thermal threats, increased mobility and agility, increased multi-system operability, and anti-odor/anti-microbial properties.”

Of course this begs the question; is this an indictment of UCP? If snipers require superior camouflage why is it Multicam and not UCP?

Tags: Crye Precision
Posted in Camo, Clothing, FR, Multicam, PEO-Soldier | 1 Comment »

The Spider Holster

Sunday, May 31st, 2009

While the Spider Holster was developed specifically for SLR cameras, I can see a lot of potential here. The idea is to take the weight of the camera off of the shoulders and transfer it to the waist. The Spider Holster consists of two components. The SLR is modified with a pin in the tripod port at the bottom of the camera. The pin slides into a slot on the holster that holds it in place.

Check out the Spider Holster online.

Posted in Gadgets | No Comments »

Diesel Motorsport Helmets

Saturday, May 30th, 2009

For our motorcycle riding readers we bring you the Diesel Helmet. With an obvious military fighter pilot influence, the helmet was developed in association with AGV. It features an interchangeable drop down face shield, Mohican crest, and an ergonomic stitched leather neck support.

Available in Black, White, Green, and Bronze from Diesel.

Posted in Helmets, Off-Duty | No Comments »

Introducing Juggernaut Defense, LLC

Friday, May 29th, 2009

Specializing in soldier-borne equipment design & engineering, Juggernaut Defense, LLC is a full-spectrum design consultancy dedicated to the military, law-enforcement, and public safety communities. Since 2000, Juggernaut Defense has been involved in many successful programs which have provided superior survivability, communication, and lethality systems to Soldiers, Marines, Airmen, and Special Operators fighting in both OIF and OEF. Juggernaut Defense (located in Scottsdale, Arizona) was spun off by Chris Stalzer in November 2008 from Juggernaut Design to focus its business toward government and military design problems.

Check out their website to learn about some of the projects they have already completed. www.juggdef.com

Tags: Juggernaut Defense LLC
Posted in Comms, Gadgets, Helmets, Optics, Recce, Robotics | No Comments »

Arc’teryx Combat Jacket Blowout from Grey Group

Friday, May 29th, 2009

In honor of the Army’s upcoming birthday, Soldier Systems Daily is pleased to sponsor one of the best deals of the year. In conjunction with Arc’teryx LEAF, Grey Group Training has secured the entire run of Arc’teryx Combat Jackets in Army Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP) and is offering them at a deep discount.

The Arc’teryx Combat jacket uses an athletic cut to produce a jacket that looks as good in garrison as it performs on the battlefield. Manufactured from water resistant Tweave® Durastretch®, the Combat Jacket moves and breathes with you. Best of all, the Combat Jacket is printed in Army Universal Camouflage Pattern so it will blend in with your issue equipment and help you avoid protestations of the Sergeant Major Mafia.

• Two extra roomy hand pockets
• Two zippered sleeve pockets
• Hem drawcord keeps the waist from riding up and is easily adjustable with one hand
• Soft brushed lined collar
• Micro die cut Velcro™ cuffs won’t catch or tear off
• Full front zip with interior wind flap for added protection from the elements
• Velcro on sleeves for morale patches, rank, and IFF
• Pit Zips

During this promotion Grey Group will offer the Combat Jacket in UCP for an astounding $199.99. This softshell normally retails for $450! We have never seen a deal like this.

Available at a mere $199.99 in sizes Small through XXL beginning June 1st exclusively from Grey Group Training. See size chart for more information.

Tags: Arc'teryx
Posted in Camo, Clothing, Deal of the Week | 1 Comment »

Magpul Introduces MOE Trigger Guard

Thursday, May 28th, 2009

Magpul has added to their every expanding Manufacturer Original Equipment (MOE) line with the release of the Trigger Guard. It is non-folding, has rounded edges, and fills the “gap” between the rear of the standard trigger guard and pistol grip. Magpul notes that due to variances in manufacturer specs some rifles may require some slight adjustments to the Trigger Guard for proper fit. The Trigger Guard is available in Black, Flat Dark Earth, Olive Drab, and Foliage.

And for those anxiously awaiting the release of The Art of The Tactical Carbine II, 4-Disc DVD Set, Magpul has released this blooper reel.

Tags: Magpul, MOE
Posted in Black Rifle, weapons | No Comments »

New Austrian Camo

Thursday, May 28th, 2009

The Austrian military has joined the digital camo craze. Two patterns, one for woodland environments and another for desert have been developed. The patterns are similar in appearance with the exception of colorways. Both incorporate wide stripes with digital patterns in the foreground. Uniforms in the new patterns will be issued to Austrian troops deploying abroad on peacekeeping operations. Additional reports indicate that they will also be issued to the Austrian Jagdkommando, an Austrian Special Forces unit.

In a recent visit to the Heeresbekleidunganstalt (sort of an Austrian equivalent of Natick), the Austrian President received a briefing on the two new patterns.

However, the average Austrian Soldat will continue to wear the Feldanzug 75 in braungrau (Brown Gray), simple fatigue uniform first introduced into service in 1975.

Posted in Camo, Clothing, Foreign | 1 Comment »

Grey Group Training Poised to Launch New Site

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

Grey Group Training LLC is launching their newly reimagined web store on June 1st. In addition to the new web site, they have already added a new shipping facility as well as dedicated Customer Service Representatives. The intent of the totality of these enhancements is to improve the customer’s experience, whether tracking the status of an order from the office or asking technical questions when down-range. The new web store will features increased speed and performance, better, user-friendly navigation and search, real-time stock status, and a massively expanded product line. And we do mean massive.

Grey Group has always worked hard with their industry partners to bring the newest and best products to the end user. At Soldier Systems we are very excited about what we have seen. Grey Group will be debuting “Black Palm Syndicate” Apparel as well as a new run of knives from Kiku Matsuda. Additionally, there are scores of new products from such industry icons as Salomon, KÜHL, Mayflower Research and Consulting, and Smith Eyewear.

Look for the new web experience at www.GreyGroupTraining.com on June 1st.

Tags: Grey Group
Posted in Admin | No Comments »

SCOTTEVEST TEC Shirt

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

Like all SCOTTEVEST products the Travel TEC shirt is packed with features. The TEC shirt boasts eight pockets including a secure pocket for travel documents, pen pockets located in either side of the front opening, memory card pocket, personal media player pocket, and a cell phone pocket. The front is secured with low-profile, breakaway snaps for quick access to your gear and there is also a secret pocket to cache small, sensitive items. Additionally, it can be worn tucked in or with the tail hanging out which only adds to its versatility.

For more information visit SCOTTEVEST on the web.

Tags: SCOTTEVEST
Posted in Clothing, Gadgets | No Comments »

DAP Pack from BFG

Tuesday, May 26th, 2009

The Pack is the second platform in the Denied Area Pattern line from Blue Force Gear. Intended to mask the true purpose of the equipment, the DAP Pack is a very simple affair but very well designed. There are loops on the top and sides of the pack for routing commo wires and hydration tubes and can also be secured to restrict the opening of the main compartment. Additionally, the shoulder straps are a low profile affair.

The DAP Pack is a panel loaders that opens fully to expose a velcro field inside the pack’s body. The DAP line is actually a full system consisting of platforms such as the Pack and Discreet Case as well as a forthcoming family of pouches and accessories that attach to the velcro field.

The pack also features a bungie X-harness to help compact the load or to quickly stow items like jackets. Like all of the DAP line, the Pack is available in UCP, Black, Ranger Green, Coyote, Khaki, and Multicam as well as the non-traditional colors Burgundy, Royal Blue, and Emerald Green.

The DAP Pack is made in the USA and available from Blue Force Gear.

Tags: Blue Force Gear
Posted in Packs | 1 Comment »

Go Time MOLLE Rig from Shellback Tactical

Tuesday, May 26th, 2009

To compliment their other products, Shellback has released the Go Time MOLLE Chest Rig. The PALS webbing provides flexibility to the wearer and the padded neck strap is curved for comfort. The rig will also fit soft armor as well as IMPAC ST 5×8 and 7×9 plates. Made in the USA from 1000DCordura, the MOLLE Go Time Chest Rig features a lifetime warranty.

Currently available only in Black from Shellback Tactical.

Tags: Shellback Tactical
Posted in PALS | No Comments »

Off! Clip-On Misquito Repellent

Monday, May 25th, 2009

Off! recently introduced their Clip-On Misquito Repellant. Encased in a Blue plastic disc, the unit relies on a fan powered by two AA batteries to blow the repellent around you. Interestingly, the active ingredient offers a total of 12 hours of protection and Off! says that you can turn the unit on and off to utilize the full 12 hours so long as you do it withing two weeks from the initial use. The unit has an on/off switch as well as a meter to display how much repellent is left. The active ingredient is Metofluthrin which doesn’t need to be applied to the skin.

Additionally Off! has a coupon on their website for a free refill when you purchase a starter kit.

We feel this still needs some work before it would be appropriate for most tactical applications, it is after all Blue and does use a fan to disseminate the repellent although Off! claims the fan is silent. An additional issue is that the dissemination means is best suited for stationary use. If you are constantly moving the repellent won’t provide full coverage. However, it would be ok for outdoor admin functions and could possibly be used for certain surveillance applications. Also on the upside, the repellent is odorless.

Finally, please remember that all of the precautions for repellents still apply as well as those for small electronic devices.

Posted in Gadgets, Off-Duty, Sustainment | No Comments »

Sun Tripper Cap

Monday, May 25th, 2009

Seems like everyone is making a copy of the venerable Patrol Cap. In fact, the type goes all the way back to World War II with the M-1943 cap. The Sun Tripper cap from Sunday Afternoons however, is a new take on the design. Using UPF 50+ material, the cap is lightweight and integrates mesh vents as well as a wicking sweatband. Additionally, there is an internal crown pocket. The cap also features an interesting folding clam shell bill feature that forms a permanent crease down the center of the brim which aids in storing the cap. It is very comfortable and the size is adjustable with a fixed barrel lock and bungie shock cord.

The Sun Tripper is available in tan/Gray and Juniper/Gray (shown). For more information visit Sunday Afternoons.

Tags: Patrol Cap
Posted in Clothing | No Comments »

S.O.Tech Launches New Site

Sunday, May 24th, 2009

Those familiar with iTunes will be very comfortable with the look and feel of S.O.Tech’s new home page. They have brought their site to a whole new level. Not only does it offer detailed information on specific tactical challenges but it recommends products to meet these needs. They have also simplified navigation as well as provided the opportunity to take a visual tour of the facility and meet the S.O.Tech staff.

There’s something else exciting about the new web site. Turns out that S.O.Tech is kinda like the Transformers; there’s more than meets the eye. S.O.Tech has grown from that tiny company in the back of a print shop to include six business units.

Paladin Enforcement introduces the new line of foreign-made Mission Go Bags, Go Bags, Backpacks, Water Bottles and Ballistic Eyeglasses. Jim Cragg, CEO and President of S.O.Tech, explained the decision to develop Paladin Enforcement, “We made the decision to create a foreign-made line copying our American-made products in an effort to combat those companies making offshore-build knock-offs of our products. We wanted to offer a line that would interest those who are price conscious.”

Creative Graphics offers a variety of creative services ranging from custom embroidery, digital logo design, hand-sketched art, silk screening, signage, and more.

S.O.Tech Adventure Sports transitions their products to the outdoor market in new colors and configurations to support such outdoor activities as running, biking, swimming, hiking, canine and more.

GreenVetsLA and V.I.P.E.R. Industries (Veterans Industry Program for Employment Reintegration) is a partnership project with the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration Hospital that provides job training to local veterans. This factory inside the VA hospital complex employs our nation’s heroes to produce several of S.O.Tech’s products.

Visit the new S.O.Tech website at www.specopstech.com.

Tags: S.O.Tech
Posted in Admin | No Comments »

ADF Bans After Market Equipment

Sunday, May 24th, 2009

The Australian Defence Force recently issued a prohibition on the use of all non-ADF issued load carrying equipment including webbing, pouches, and body armour. This comes on the heels of an accident involving a commercially produced ammo pouch. In this odd tale, live rounds were stripped from a magazine during a training range and remained at the bottom of the mag pouch. Then, miraculously, those same live rounds were inserted into a magazine later during a blank firing event. For those of you wondering, yes, the assertion is that the mag pouch somehow loaded those rounds. I say, if someone in Australia has developed a pouch that will load mags for you, let’s see that thing.

Unfortunately, this mishap has resulted in fewer options for the Australian Digger. Apparently, it is easier to ban inanimate objects than to ensure leaders and Soldiers inspect their equipment and conduct safe training operations.

Tags: ADF
Posted in Foreign, PALS | No Comments »

Purdue Develops Broadband Cloaking

Saturday, May 23rd, 2009

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new type of invisibility cloak that is simpler than previous designs and works for all colors of the visible spectrum. Rather than using expensive “metamaterials” used in other cloak designs, the new design is a far simpler device based on a “tapered optical waveguide”. Waveguides are used in communications technologies including fiber optics.

The research team used their specially tapered waveguide to cloak an area 100 times larger than the wavelengths of light shined by a laser into the device, an unprecedented achievement. Previous experiments with metamaterials have been limited to cloaking regions only a few times larger than the wavelengths of visible light. This research may one day lead to the ability to cloak large objects.

ABSTRACT
Anisotropic Metamaterials Emulated
by Tapered Waveguides:
Application to Optical Cloaking

Igor I. Smolyaninov1, Vera N. Smolyaninova2, Alexander V. Kildishev3, and Vladimir M. Shalaev3

1Advanced Technologies, BAE Systems, Washington, D.C.; 2Dept. of Physics Astronomy and Geosciences, Towson University; 3Birck Nanotechnology Center, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University

We demonstrate that metamaterial devices requiring anisotropic dielectric permittivity and magnetic permeability may be emulated by specially designed tapered waveguides. This approach leads to low-loss, broadband performance. Based on this technique, we demonstrate broadband electromagnetic cloaking in the visible frequency range on a scale ~100 times larger than the wavelength.

For more information visit Purdue’s website.

Posted in Camo, Gadgets | No Comments »

Glass Assault Tool

Saturday, May 23rd, 2009

Developed by Paul Howe for XS Sight Systems, the GAT is designed to penetrate vehicle side and back window glass while enabling the shooter to keep his hands on his weapon. It attaches to the weapon in seconds and in testing during CSAT courses, has not come loose nor affected the weapon’s zero.

For more information visit www.xssights.com.

Tags: GAT
Posted in Black Rifle, Gadgets, weapons | No Comments »

NSW Foundation Charity Golf Tourney

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

Sponsored by Tidewater Tactical the first annual Naval Special Warfare Foundation golf tournament will be held at the Heron Ridge Golf Club in Virginia beach, Virginia on 9 June, 2009. The day will kick off at 0730 with a free clinic by Golf Pro Bart Lower followed by a shotgun start at 0830.

They have assembled an impressive array of supporters for various prizes including individual hole sponsors. Additionally, all participants will receive a gift bag. All profits go to the Naval Special Warfare Foundation providing scholarships to the survivors of fallen Naval Warriors.

They are still seeking four person teams and interested parties can sign up at www.tidewatertactical.com.

Tags: Tidewater Tactical
Posted in Admin | No Comments »

SORD Australia NSN List

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

Australian gear manufacturer Special Operations Research & Development was founded by former members of the Australian Special Forces community. They have developed an impressive array of products for the individual Soldier. Many of their products have been issued National Stock Numbers by the ADF. The list runs the gamut from radio to dump pouches and armor to ammo carriers.

One product on the list is the Variable Armor Carrier (VAC) and it is currently issued to select Australian Forces. The VAC comes in two styles, a releasable version for water operations and a non releasable version. It holds armor and plates as well as featuring a removable cummerbund (referred to as “Wings”) which can also be armored and also incorporates a drag handle.

See the entire list at www.sordaustralia.com.

Tags: SORD
Posted in Armor, Foreign, PALS, Packs | No Comments »

Therm-a-Rest Sleep Systems

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

“Sleep Systems?” you say? I mean sure, you’ve heard of Therm-a-rests. In fact, chances are good you’ve been issued one. So what’s the deal with the Sleep System?

Cascade Designs, manufacturers of the therm-a-rest line have introduced a family of accessories to turn the sleeping pad into a sleeping bag. I would say, it’s more of a sleeping experience. When you get it all together, it’s like sleeping in a bed.

Two items in their “Fast and Light” series are the stuff sack pillow which will do double duty as well as the coupler kit. The coupler kit consists of self-adhesive snaps and facilitates the attachment of a variety of blankets and couplers directly to the sleeping pad forming a sort of integrated sleeping bag.

In addition to the polyester filled Tech Blanket seen above there is also the Ventra Down Comforter rated to 40 deg F. The line comes in a variety of colors but oddly enough the Compressible Pillows come in various commercial camo patterns.

None of these products have been militarized so naturally, they are thus far more suited to a camping trip with the family than a jaunt through Kunar Province with ten of your closest buddies. However, the more adventurous of our readers will find tactical applications for these products and when you do, please drop us a line and let us know how they worked out.

For more information, check them out on the web.

Posted in Off-Duty, Sustainment | No Comments »

TAD’s Alter Ego

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

We are big fans of Triple Aught Designs here at Soldier Systems Daily and every once in awhile we will get an email from a reader telling us about a new discovery that TAD Gear has an alter ego called Rocket World. Yes we know, and yes it is really cool.

In addition to providing a venue for non-tactical products, Rocket World is a vehicle for the folks at TAD’s other passion; high end figures and collectible toys. Their centerpiece is the “Insurgents Wilderness Gruppo” or IWG, a group of evolved animals who seek revenge on humans who kill endangered species.

In addition to figures, the theme is also carried out in art, clothing, and patches and pins.

Rocket World has been recently featured on several gadget websites and the IWG line of toys has long been a favorite of collectors. In fact, as new projects are released they sell out very quickly.

Check out what everyone is raving about at www.rocketworld.org.

Tags: IWG, Rocket World, Tacticool, TAD Gear
Posted in Admin, Clothing, Gadgets, Off-Duty | No Comments »

TigerSwan Announces Strategic Partnership

Wednesday, May 20th, 2009

TigerSwan, founded by veterans of the Army’s Delta Force has entered into a strategic alliance with Iraqi-owned Babylon Eagles Security Company, the largest operating risk management and security company in Iraq. The alliance in Iraq will be referred as BETS (Babylon Eagles/TigerSwan).

“Babylon Eagles is the preeminent provider of integrated security solutions in Iraq,” said James Reese, CEO of TigerSwan. “We are understandably proud and humbled that Babylon Eagles has selected TigerSwan as its exclusive U.S. security partner to assist companies operating there and the people and the government of Iraq.”

Dr. Mudhar Shawkat, Founder and CEO of Babylon Eagles Security Company, called the selection of TigerSwan “an important and strategic extension of the expansive services we provide to our clients doing business in Iraq.” “Among all the U.S. security firms we considered, TigerSwan and its principals were the most respected, most culturally attuned to the challenges facing our growing client base operating in Iraq,” said Shawkat. The combined strength of TigerSwan and Babylon Eagles will enable a more effective and specialized relationship with customers throughout the region, he said.

For more information as well as a comprehensive training catalog and calendar visit www.tigerswan.biz.

Tags: Tigerswan
Posted in Training | No Comments »

NVAT-Night Vision Adapter for Aimpoint Twist Mount

Wednesday, May 20th, 2009

During SHOT Show we wrote about the NVAT (Night Vision Adapter for TwistMount™) by Nvision. They recently produced this video showing just how easy it can be to integrate night vision systems on weapons equipped with the Aimpoint® QRP Ring with Spacer.

The adapter is available from N-vision.

Tags: Aimpint, N-vision
Posted in weapons | No Comments »

Prototype Down East Pack Sneak Peek

Tuesday, May 19th, 2009

Down East has been selling a demonstrator pack for several months now. It does the job of showing off the utility of their 1606 frame but it doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles that they feel would properly compliment their frame.

In order to rectify the situation they recently entered into a collaboration with Eagle Industries to produce a modular pack system based around the 1606 frame. So far two prototypes have been built and Down east hopes to go into production later this year with a model based on lessons learned from the demonstrators.

The main bag is about 2000 cubic inches and with all of the compartments extended and filled it maxes out at 5100 cubic inches. It is manufactured from 500D Cordura and features a removable lid, sleeping bag compartment, radio pocket, and numerous compression straps to help manage the load.

The lid can be separated from the pack and used as an assault pack. It is designed with easily deployable, simple set of shoulder straps and accommodates a water reservoir.

The pack also includes a rain cover that stores in a small slot at the bottom of the pack. The rain cover is lightweight and stays attached to the pack via a tether. Not only does it protect the pack’s contents from the environment it also provides a smooth exterior so that attached items are less prone to snagging and can be used to adapt the pack to changing operational environments through camouflage patterns applied to the cover.

There are numerous features that we have not disclosed in this article for two reasons. First, they may not find their way into the final design and second, we see no reason to give Down East’s and Eagle’s competition a leg up.

The pack is still in prototype phase and several will be going out for field testing this summer. Based on feedback the pack may enter production as early as this Fall.

Tags: Down East, Eagle Industries
Posted in Packs | No Comments »

Tactical Impact Protection System

Monday, May 18th, 2009

Fore those looking to upgrade the suspension system on their ACH-style ballistic helmet, the Tactical Impact Protection System (TIPS) from GH Armor Systems may be just the ticket. GH Armor uses a high density EPP impact liner to mitigate shock.

They have combined several components to improve the fit, comfort, and shock mitigation of the ACH.

A microfiber headband cover as well as vents cut into the foam core help with heat mitigation. Additionally, the memory foam crown pad provides comfort.

The patented Dual-Fit tension and adjustment system allows the wearer to adjust the tension of the headband by twisting a dial at the rear of the helmet.

For more information visit www.helmetshock.com.

Tags: TIPS
Posted in Helmets | No Comments »