All info in this report comes from Scott Jones of Beyond Tactical. He has posted what is the first published picture of prototypes of the new uniform we reported on earlier in the month.
Photo: Scott Jones
I urge all of you to check out his blog. Beyond makes an excellent product.
Tactical Tailor designed their new Modular Assault Panel (M.A.P.) to work specifically with the issue IOTV, allowing you to carry your normal combat load yet still remove it in seconds, without removing your vest and, more importantly, without impeding the quick release function.
As with all Tactical Tailor products, the M.A.P is made in the USA from 1000D Cordura® and features four heavy-duty Fastex buckles, velcro and their patented MALICE Clips to attach to the front panel of the IOTV.. It is available in UCP and Coyote Brown from Tactical Tailor.
Solo International, suppliers of the new Osprey Assault Armor Carrier have just put it up on their website for sale at a whopping £1000.00! Their website has a great deal of info on the new carrier that they claim is modular and scalable in nature, offering essentially three carriers for the price of one. Additionally, they confirm that the Osprey Assault carrier is manufactured overseas, “Designed By SOLO International in their own studios based in Hereford and manufactured overseas by SOLOHANDMADEPRODUCTS manufactures.”
Interested parties should contact Solo International directly via their website.
In addition to the open purchase axes produced by ABS master smith Daniel Winkler, he also produces a series of combat/breaching axes for a very select customer base. As you saw in the previous article how his cutlery is heavily influenced by Early and Native American designs, ultimately this no-nonsense approach lends itself very well to crafting axes for men who rely completely on their tools.
History
Daniel Winkler has been producing a “Breaching/Combat Axe” for a US Army unit since the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom but the genesis of the project was actually in 1991 during Operation Desert Storm. A member of the US Navy contacted him and asked him to develop an axe for his team. Daniel produced a prototype and the requester purchased it himself. The team approved the axe but due to finance restrictions placed on their funding there was no money to finance the purchase for the rest of the Unit. Daniel’s client carried the prototype axe during the first Gulf war and later retired from military service. In an odd twist, after 9/11 he reentered military service, but this time with US Army. During his training and deployment other members of his team saw the effectiveness of the axe and wanted one too. Daniel made several more at the same 15-year-old price (actual cost) and the guys were lining up to purchase them with their own funds.
In early 2007, a member of the US Navy acquired one of these axes and took it to his Chain of Command who approved it for use by his entire team. This time limited funding was available to purchase the axes but only at the rate of a few axes every quarter. Daniel found this unacceptable, so he asked for and received special permission to solicit private donations to fund axes for both of his special customers. This led to the development of a donor program.
The Program
Since 2007 he has supplied enough axes to outfit two Navy and one Army Team. Initially, he bore the cost on his own, but by now most of these were paid for with private donations from patriotic citizens. He donates all of the axes to these men and almost all of this work is supported by private funds.
Daniel has cut the costs as much as possible by outsourcing a few operations but this was only to control production costs in order to maximize the number of axes he can donate. Daniel related to me that, “I wish I could afford to donate all the axes myself but I can’t. The price just covers materials, contract services and overhead expenses, but I feel it is my best way to help our fighting men.”
Donations cover one axe and a sheath. There is a laminated card attached to each donated axe naming the contributor who provided the set. Program Donors may purchase only one axe of each style for themselves. A minimum of one donation must be made for each axe purchased by Program Donors. A minimum of three axes must be donated before a Program Donor is eligible to purchase a copy of the Army-style axe. This was a decision based purely on scale and not on design. Aside from minor differences, the axes are similar but there are fewer Army axes to be produced. Consequently, the Army axe has become more difficult to acquire. Additionally, all three axes need not be donated at once. This aspect of the Program helps to promote multiple donations.
The Axes
Different variants have been designed for Navy and Army elements. As you can see from the photos and specs, overall the design is similar but Daniel has worked with each individual unit to ensure that they have the right tool for their particular application.
US Naval Breaching/Combat Axe
• S-7 Steel
• Integral Full Tang Construction
• Curly Maple Handle
• 12 7/8” overall
• 5 5/8” Head
• 1.5 lbs.
• No-Glare finish
• Waxed Leather Belt Carrier
US Naval Battle Axe S-7 Steel
• S-7 Steel
• Integral Full Tang Construction
• American Oak handle with leather handle wrap
• 12 1/2” overall
• 6 1/2” Head
• 1.5 lbs.
• Felt lined Kydex carrier w/bungee retainer
US Naval Battle Axe Damascus Steel
• Damascus Steel
• Integral Full Tang Construction
• American Oak handle with leather handle wrap
• 12 1/2” overall
• 6 1/2” Head
• 1.5 lbs.
• Felt lined Kydex carrier w/bungee retainer
US Army Breaching/Combat Axe S-7 Steel
• S-7 Steel
• Integral Full Tang Construction
• Walnut Handle
• 13 7/8” overall
• 6 1/4“ Head
• 1.6 lbs.
• No-Glare finish
• Waxed Leather Belt Carrier with swiveling loop
What’s Next
Currently Winkler is working on a rescue axe for a special client that may also be added to the program in the near future. Additionally, he has just delivered the first of a new knife design that we will be featuring here as well.
Become a Program Donor
This is a rare opportunity to support our Nation’s Warriors as well as purchase one of these amazing axes for yourself. I would like to call on all of my sponsors to consider making a corporate donation to this noble cause. The only way to purchase an axe is to become a Program Donor and these axes will never be sold to the general public. Donation costs will vary slightly by the type of axe but all are true masterpieces suited for actual use or display.
For information on participating in the donor program, please contact Daniel Winkler through his website.
The RPG-7 Boresighter was imagineered by the BHI design and development gnomes to allow you to calibrate your optical sights.
Made from aircraft grade aluminum and hard coat anodized for wear protection, the Boresight has been machined to exacting tolerances while taking into account the bore dimension of varied countries of manufacture.
Instructions for usage included. Like one of the gnomes told me, beats the hell out of looking through the tube with bubble gum holding strings on the bore.
The boresight is available from Blackheart International.
Japanese company Haruyama, has developed a new suit with pouches under the armpits for specially designed ice packs. The intent is to produce a cool suit for office workers.
Last year saw the introduction of the deodorant suit to counter the effects of the summer heat and this year the “New Ice Suit” integrates cooling packs in use with athletes to help keep the Salaryman cool. It is only available in 277 store across Japan will set you back about $540. We wonder how long it will be until we see garments that use the refrigerated gel packs to keep the wearer cool introduced into the American market.
When we recently visited Daniel Defense we learned about their sister company, Defense Products. They are an international defense outfitter and while they specialize in supporting allied SOF, are more than capable of completely outfitting a friendly foreign government with everything from small arms to C-130s. They represent Daniel Defense internationally, but also have access to any number or weapon systems based on customer requirements. In fact, think of them as a solutions provider. Defense Products sits down with the client and discusses requirements from a capabilities stand point and then, based on budget and any special circumstances, identifies the proper mix of material solutions to effect the desired solution.
Defense Products is very well versed in compliance with the International Trafficking in Arms Regulations and everything they do is with the approval of the US State Department. This is particularly important in the initial stages of requirements definition and Defense Products has a great track record of expediting the proper permissions to support the customer.
Visit Defense Products online for more information.
The enhanced Mark 7 helmet and Osprey Assault body armor, which will provide equivalent ballistic protection to current systems but with a lighter weight and an improved fit were unveiled at the Defence Vehicle Dynamics (DVD) equipment show this week in Millbrook.
The MOD has ordered over 10,000 sets of the new helmets and armor under initial contracts worth £16m, with companies including NP Aerospace, Morgan Armour Ltd, Aegis Engineering Ltd, Seyntex and Solo International Ltd. The 10,000 sets are reported to go to Infantry, Engineers, and medical with all other general purpose forces retaining the Mk6a helmet and current Osprey armor.
Just as in the case of the MICH becoming the general issue ACH here in the US, the new Mk 7 is a variant of the AC900/600 helmet worn by UKSF on CT role. Of further evidence of SOF influence over kit design, the new armor carrier is supplied by Solo International located near Hereford, home of the British SAS. However, based on information we have received in the past we do not believe that this new equipment is a part of the PECOC program but rather an interim solution to solve an urgent operation requirement. This would also account for the relatively small procurement.
The new Mk 7 helmet features a four point chin strap for enhanced stability, particularly while wearing helmet mounted night vision devices. Additionally, the front lip has been cut back in order to increase visibility while in the prone and is reported to include configurable pads like the US ACH.
While we did say that the new Osprey carrier is being supplied by Solo International, it is interesting to note that they outsource their manufacture. Additionally, the UK does not have an equivalent of the Berry Amendment to ensure domestic production of defense textile articles so at this point we are unsure where the carriers will actually be produced. In addition to the carrier, a new, lighter armor plate is reported to be on it’s way to the troops.
Pictures: Andrew Linnett, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009
Optics giant Zeiss has acquired long time Euro tactical scope manufacturer Hensoldt and the firm Hudisco is currently importing them into the US for the first time. Many feel they are comparable to Schmidt & Bender scopes in quality and durability. While pricey, users claim that they have excellent eye relief which makes getting back on target that much quicker.
One of the members of Snipers Hide did an excellent review of the Hensoldt 3-12X56 FF. It is a fact-filled look at the scope and features several videos, one of which is included above. Overall, the evaluation was favorable.
For more information visit www.hudisco.com.
Rock River Arms has just released a new 6 position Operator stock for the M16/M4 series weapons. Reminiscent of the SOPMOD stock with its sloping sides, it also features watertight tubes integrated on either side of the stock capable of holding 4 AA or 6 Cr123 batteries. To access the tubes, the ribbed buttpad is released via a button. It is then pulled downward to reveal the recesses.
The stock also has multiple sling mounts. RRA is selling the stock in kit form that includes a commercial receiver extension, end plate, lock nut, CAR buffer and buffer spring and retails for $170.00. It is available online from Rock River Arms.
Article by Mike Perry
We received some new information on the Lock Pick business card used by Kevin Mitnick.
Mitnick Card
Melvin Card
Mitnick actually got permission to slightly modify the design from Melvin self-described “hacker, entrepreneur, and all around mischief maker.” ultimately, the Mitnick card is more show than go, but, TOOOL, the Open Organization of Lockpickers have a VERY practical last ditch card that is usually only available at hacker and security conferences.
Thanks to WK at c4i.org for the info!
We ran into this item at the recent Multi Agency Craft Conference at Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base. The EZ Loop Lock from utilizes two steel cables connected by a series of steel lugs. Each locking lug is made of forged steel that is press on to the steel cable and coated in plastic to prevent scratching. The unique design allows the user to make up to 4 locking loops. This means you can lock up four individual items with one locking cable. Additionally, the 54″ cables can be connected using the loops on the end as girth hitches to extend their length as long as is required.
Current production features a different key set for each rattler but teh next wave of rattlers will allow users to purchase as many as they need with a common key. The Rattler is available in Black, Green, and Military Green. Order from www.ellock.com. They are also looking for retailers.
Special Operations Technologies has got a phenomenal sale going on right now. 32 overstocked items are going out teh door at substantial discounts including Mission Packs, Go Bags, and even the USSOCOM issue Mission Go Bag!
Check out the great sale going on now at www.specopstech.com.
One of our readers sent us this link of a review of Mayflower’s UW Chest Rig. It weighed in at an astounding 15.8 ounces! The article has many excellent photos of the vest’s various features and also contains feedback from Mayflower on issue that were brought up in the review. It is available here.
ITW Military Products has just released the TAC Link. Designed as a low cost alternative to snap links that see duty for such administrative tasks as attaching slings and gloves as well as other non-life support functions, the Ghillie Tex Tactical Link is non-infrared reflective and like all ITW products, color matched to your equipment.
The spring-loaded gate closes with a solid tongue and groove joint. This helps to ensure that the gate doesn’t break under constant use. The TAC Link supports up to 200 lbs but is NOT intended as a life support item and should never be used for climbing.
Available in Coyote, Foliage Green, Black, and Orange, they are currently in-stock at Supply Captain. Our only advice is that you need to buy a handful. We brought samples home from SOFIC and they immediately disappeared and began to show up on packs and as key rings. They are like Grimlocs, once you start using them, you come up with more and more uses and you can never have enough of them around.
UPDATE: The TAC Link will also be available as a commercial product as the Polymer Attachment Link or PAL. Additionally, another color was approved today; Red.
-Eric Graves
Daniel Defense has just released the Aimpoint® Micro Mount (Tall). Designed to attach an Aimpoint Micro R-1, H-1, or T-1 optics, to a flat top upper receiver, the mount is lightweight, and it’s essentials only design offers a snag-free, low-profile, reversible mounting option for shooters that do not require or desire a quick attach/detach mount. The Aimpoint® Micro Mount features Daniel Defense’s Rock & Lock attachment system and secures to any MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny Rail with two slotted machine screws. These fasteners thread into stainless steel self-locking threaded inserts that resist vibration and loosening. They are also mitigated by a recoil lug that minimizes sheer forces on the factory mounting screws. Offering a lower 1⁄3rd co-witness with your back up iron sights, this mount is ideal for shooters who are looking for the lightest mount for their Aimpoint® Micro. In fact, one internet user who has already adopted the mount for his rifle weighed the mount AND painted T-1 optic at an astounding 4.7 ounces.
The new mount is machined from 6061 aircraft grade aluminum and then Military Specification Hard Coat Anodized. Available from www.DanielDefense.com.
Available exclusively from Grey Group, Black Palm Syndicate is apparel for the man who doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty.
One of the first things that will grab you is the detail that goes into every garment. From the quality American Apparel T-shirts and Polos to the graphics and lettering, everything fits in harmony. There is elegance in the design. Even the Black Palm Syndicate “Manifesto” is printed on the inside of every shirt to remind the wearer of what he is now a part of.
“Black Palm embodies the elite within the group; a connectedness defined by a unique desire to see all worthy tasks thru to the end. We celebrate hard work, sacrifice and individual dedication to the ultimate goal. Black Palm symbolizes a willingness to get your hands dirty and a commitment to the “all in” mentality. Acquire the mark of the Black Palm.”
There have been other motivational brands out there but nothing like this. Finally, clothing that signifies who you are. Order your Black Palm Syndicate shirts from Grey Group.
Blackheart International has just announced the release of their BHI-15 Stripped Lower Receiver. Manufactured from a 7075 T6 aluminum alloy forging the BHI-15 Lower incorporates a variety of features.
The entire lower is CNC machined to final dimensions with tolerances as fine as .001”. The magazine well is wire-EDM machined and CNC broached with a flared opening for snag-free magazine insertion. Standard .154” holes for hammer and trigger pins let you install the aftermarket trigger of your choice and .250” pivot and takedown pin holes offer compatibility with a broad range of upper receivers.
The receiver is marked with “safe” and “semi” pictographs and is marked “MULTI Caliber”. It comes finished in Black Hardcoat anodized to MIL-A-8625 Type III Class 2 spec. The BHI-15 Lower Receiver can only be transferred to a Federal Firearms License. For more information visit www.bhigear.com.
Soldier Systems Daily is proud to welcome Silynx Communications, Inc. as a new sponsor. Silynx is a world leader in miniature, software defined, tactical hearing protection, communication headsets. Their headsets are used by elements of the US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), US Army, USMC as well as international SOF. Silynx specializes in the design, development, and manufacturing of advanced and innovative software based noise protection communication headsets. Their name really sums up who and what they are – Silynx combines SI for silent communications and LYNX, a solitary wild cat that is known for its strength, precision, and stealthiness.
The C4OPS is Silynx’s premier headset featuring 20m immersibility and an excellent man machine interface. The user receives voice prompts from the system in a clear female voice and can monitor up to 3 radios/intercoms simultaneously using the same headset. Additionally, the C4OPS provides hearing protection (ANR & INR) and hearing enhancement. The modular system is designed for ease of repair without putting the entire system down. The heart of the system is the Main Control Box and this allows each user to customize the system to their requirements, whether that means wearing an Eagle headset, Peltor ear muffs, the standard foamies that come with the system or custom molds. When the system is only connected to one radio, the user has dual hearing through both ears but if the user connects to dual comms he receives primary in the left ear and secondary in the right. If the user then connects to an intercom/3rd radio then the user monitors this third connection via both ears. The C4OPS is a PC programmable system which allows the user to customize his system and integrate upgrades as they are produced. Check out the “Build Your Own” web page.
For us, two things really stand out about Silynx. First, their system is software based so changes can be rapidly made to the system without having to purchase new components and other vendor’s components can be integrated into the system.
For more information please visit www.sylinx.com.
cRadia has produced a new laptop stand that not just elevates the computer off of the desk but also allows you to configure the fan placement for optimal cooling. This could come in mighty handy in some of our more hot and dusty AORs.
The USB powered fan can be moved around the base of the stand via a series of pins and holes allowing you to configure your cooling fan under the hottest spot on your laptop. For more information visit cRadia.
Soldier Systems Daily is pleased to be fortunate to present what is the first in a series of articles on the work of legendary knife maker, ABS master smith Daniel Winkler. His work is no stranger to those seeking no nonsense tactical and custom knives. In particular, many are seeking out his family of axes and if you have seen the movie “Last of the Mohicans”, you know of his work. He designed the hawk used by the character Hawkeye. It is our goal to educate a wider audience about his creations and hopefully facilitate some introductions to the right tools for the right users.
The Sayoc/Winkler Hawk is a collaboration between Daniel Winkler and chief Sayoc Tomahawk fighting instructor Rafael Kayanan and the design is heavily influenced by the Filipino Sayoc Kali fighting style. It was designed with edge awareness, economy of motion and mobility in mind. The weight is distributed so that the heaviest area rests at the head, with a full tang and 13″ handle. It is available with a standard head or with front spike and comes with a Maple or Rubber handle. A good background article was printed recently by Blade magazine.
The WW II combat axe is available with a Maple or Rubber handle and the sheath features a Tek-lok belt attachment. Discounts are available for military personnel.
The two axes we wrote about today are available as open purchase items. Our next article will discuss are restricted to a select customer base.
Daniel Winkler’s work can be purchased from his website.
Frenchman Eric le Fou or “Crazy Eric” carries over 1300 items on his person and has been called the “Human Pen Knife”. He carries most of his EDC in his coat but also straps “sub-loads” to his shins under his trouser legs.
Check out his website for details on all of the contents of his 7 kg Schott NYC Jacket. I have been informed by a reader that this jacket may no longer be in production but may be found in a retailer if you are diligent.
TAG is running a unique “two for one sale” from now until June 23rd in honor of Father’s Day. A new spin on the 50% off sale, for each item you purchase, TAG will double the quantity at checkout. The process is automatic so the sizes and colors will remain the same. For example, you can’t order one Mountain Ruck Pack in Coyote and receive a free one in Ranger Green.
Visit www.theoperatorschoice.com to take advantage of this great offer.
Mayflower Research and Consulting LLC in conjunction with Velocity Systems LLC has just released the first of their new Armor Line. The Low-Vis Assault Armor Carrier comes with Level III-A soft armor and was created by Mayflower to provide the wearer with a high degree of mobility while still providing an acceptable amount of armor coverage. The adjustable cummerbund has integral pockets for 6″ x 6″ hard armor side plates and is held in place in the front by a wide velcro flap that is wider than a hard plate. The flap also features pull tabs at the corners. The hard plates fit into pockets attached to the outside of the soft armor carrier. While the carrier is not a cutaway design, the shoulder flaps facilitate rapid donning and doffing yet remain secure during wear.
The Level IIIA Soft Armor panels are manufactured by Velocity Systems LLC and are certified to NIJ 2005 Interim Requirements for Bullet-Resistant Armor. They also meet or exceed the USASOC Fragmentation requirements and meet or exceed the DEA test protocol.
Manufactured from 500D Cordura the Low-Vis Assault Armor Carrier is Berry compliant and available in Coyote Brown, Multicam, and UCP.
The new Low-Vis Assault Armor Carrier is available for order now at www.mayflower-rc.com.
