TYR Tactical

Archive for March, 2011

Getting Your SSD Fix

Sunday, March 27th, 2011

Awhile back, one of our readers described SSD as “Crack for the Tactical Addict”. We think he might be on to something considering how often some of you visit us each day. But even if we were to publish 10 times a day, and we’ve been coming close lately, some readers would still be jonesing for more. Well, more we can offer, and in several flavors.

TacticalFanboy.com
Awhile back we realized that as our readership grew, so did their interests begin to vary and in response, our editorial content began to shift somewhat as well. Ever conscious of our core readership; Industry, Government, and Military, we became a bit concerned that we had lost some of our focus. And in that notion, the idea for Tactical Fanboy was born. Officially launched during SHOT Show, you can think of it as sort of an alter ego. Over the past few months TFB’s fan base has grown and grown. In fact, some of our most popular stories have been from TFB.

Now, we can have our cake and eat it too and so can you. SSD at work and TFB at home. SSD has moved back to its roots concentrating on hardcore Government and Industry news while TFB has picked up the more recreational and entertainment sides of this community, with a little bit of humor and risque content thrown in for good measure. While this may mean no more worries about running across content on SSD that may be questionable at work, don’t just write TFB off as some milsim wannabe site. The name might be lighthearted but the content will always be on point. Additionally, TFB is more of a traditional blog so feel free to comment and join in the discussion. But don’t worry, you’ll see us share content and collaborate regularly.
www.TacticalFanBoy.com

News
We put the “new” in news. If it’s worth knowing you are going to read it here first. And if you do happen to see it somewhere else first we will tell you to go see it there, unless we have the rest of the story. Which, all too often seems to be the case. There were over 2000 registered media at SHOT show but there sure as hell aren’t 2000 publications or websites worth reading. We will always endeavor to give you the best and most up-to-date coverage of the tactical industry, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. No one else provides this level of coverage.

Comments
Our readers kept asking to be able to comment on our stories and finally, we listened. You can now comment on our articles. We were a bit standoffish at first and maybe one or two commenters seem to forget that this is primarily a tactical gear site but overall we are very pleased to see how well behaved everyone is. Additionally, it is nice to see some of the added value our readers have offered.

Twitter
We have found Twitter to be one of the best means to reach out to our readers and our list of followers continues to grow. In addition to alerts of new stories we also release information through Twitter that might be of interest to our readers or is related to our core content but originates elsewhere.
twitter.com/soldiersystems

Facebook
We launched our Facebook page awhile back and recently started taking advantage of it. Tactical Fanboy has also got his up and running so check him out as well. Make sure you like us and tell your friends about us as well. Additionally, look for special giveaways open to our fans.

iPhone
Our iPhone app has been extremely popular and delivers the latest updates directly to your iPhone each time you open it. If it seems to have died on you, delete it and reinstall. We want to do an Android app but we are not happy with the company we had chosen. Any suggestions?
iTunes

M4Carbine.net
M4Carbine.net has been most gracious in offering us a dedicated sub-forum to interact with our readers. Not only is it a great place to discuss our articles and current issues in the Soldier Systems industry but M4Carbine.net gives access to the best group of Subject Matter Experts we have run across. No over-inflated CVs, no BS, just good information. Military, Law Enforcement, or a fan of the Black Rifle? You should be a member of M4Carbine.net.
M4Carbine.net

Youtube
We post videos for our articles on our Youtube channel. Additionally, we make use of content posted by others. Always be on the look out for more content.
www.youtube.com

Kindle
Subscriptions to SSD’s content are available for the Kindle via Amazon. Don’t forget there is a Kindle reader for iPhone and iPad.
Scribd.com/solsys

Contests
We have been running some cool contests this year thanks to our sponsors. Our recent kit design contest was the first time we have seen industry reach out to partner with a user to develop new products.
Contest.SoldierSystems.net

Trade Shows
In the near-term look for us at ADS Warrior Expo West and SOFIC.

On-line Gaming
If you have an Xbox Live account, you can friend request ‘Tactical Fanboy’.

The Future
Here at SSD we continuously look at ways to increase interaction with our readers. For example, some of our writers have begun to develop specialized content for other sites. In fact, you may have seen the article on HIGH GEAR on ADS Inc’s web site. You will also begin to see some of our stuff in print. Additionally we have also posted guest content from the Mad Duo and others.

One final word. None of this would be possible without the support of our sponsors. We have affiliated ourselves with reputable companies who provide solid products and services and we would not hesitate to recommend any of them. At SSD we look at our sponsorship program as a two-way street. We are endorsing them as much as they are us and we urge you to support them. They offer some great products. Use them and let them know you saw them on SSD.

One of the first things I learned in the Army was to constantly improve my fighting position, so if you have any additional ideas on ways SSD can do more for you, please feel free to share them with us.

Yato Technology from UTE

Saturday, March 26th, 2011

Unleashed Tactical Equipment revealed their new Yato thermal management technology at the recent IWA in Germany. Essentially, Yato reflects thermal energy with the added benefit of anti-microbial and anti-static properties. It can be added as a third layer in laminated fabric solutions.

Yato can be built in to a variety of products. For example, the hooped bivy was manufactured with Yato. During testing in a -4 deg C environment, the ambient air temperature within the bivy remained significantly higher than in a bivy without Yato thermal management.

The thermal management properties go both ways. If you are in a hot environment, Yato will reflect heat away from the fabric and help keep the inside cooler. It also offers some RF suppression properties as well. This brochure from UTE tells a little more of the Yato story.

Yato Product Data

www.unleashed-tactical.com

Skedco Cobra Buckle Retrofit Kit ADS Tactical

Saturday, March 26th, 2011

Available for the past 30 years, there are uncounted Skedco litters out there. Many users have asked for a quicker way to configure the litters and Skedco listened. They recently released a Cobra Buckle retrofit kit. The actual litters themselves are extremely durable but over time straps abrade or are damaged and buckles break. This kit includes both Cobra buckles as well as new straps so it’s a great way to breathe some new life into an older litter as well as increase its utility. Manufactured by Austrialpin, Cobra buckles are rated at a 3000 lbs break strength. They work just like standard side release buckles but are machined from aluminum and will not open under load.

For more information visit www.skedco.com. For unit and agency order contact www.adsinc.com/skedco

Vipertail – New from Revision

Friday, March 25th, 2011

Built the same exacting standards of their duty protective eyewear, the Vipertail introduces some civilian styling to the Revision line. We got to check them out last week at the NAVEXFOR. They are really cool and unlike anything else currently offered by Revision. If you like Revision and want to wear them during your free time, then these are a good option. Rumor has it they will be joined by a couple of other styles later this year.

The Vipertail is available exclusively from www.revisioneyewear.com/vipertail.html.

I Know What I’m Doing Tonight

Friday, March 25th, 2011

Not sure about the rest of these guys but I’m going to see Sucker Punch tonight!

More Military Camo Moments

Friday, March 25th, 2011

Recently, two fairly significant events happened regarding military camouflage. First, on 14 March a vanload of illegal immigrants and their smugglers were apprehended east of San Diego by Border Patrol agents. At face value this sounds pretty routine, except that these illegals were wearing MARPAT uniforms and sporting high and tight haircuts. What’s more, they had swapped their van’s tags to US Government plates and had a simple cover story explaining that they were on their way to nearby, March AFB. Fortunately for us, one of the Border Patrol agents was a former Marine and asked one simple question that tripped up the illegals. That question? “What is the birthday of the US Marine Corps?” The bad guys didn’t know and are now cooling their heels in detention.

Next, US European Command (EUCOM) announced that military personnel are not allowed to wear camouflaged uniforms off post. This includes while commuting back and forth to work and comes in response to the recent fatal attack on US Airmen in Frankfurt by a Muslim gunman. Similar edicts have been made in the past so this isn’t a first but it does show how seriously EUCOM is taking this most recent threat.

The Latest MultiCam Knockoff

Friday, March 25th, 2011

MultiCam was developed by Crye Precision and is currently one of the most popular camouflage patterns on the market. It’s been adopted by numerous countries including the US, UK, and Australia. Consequently, we run across MultiCam knockoffs all of the time. Readers send them to us often asking if they are authentic or not. In fact, we received one yesterday that really caught our eye. Generally, copycat patterns are intended for the MilSim or consumer markets which are often more driven by price than performance. But this one was different. It was developed by the US Army and oddly enough, for much the same reasons. Intended as a cost savings measure and yet still be MultiCam compatible, we’re not too sure they have succeeded at either goal. Take a look, and you’ll see what we mean.
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BAE Produces One Millionth Hard Armor Insert for DoD

Friday, March 25th, 2011

BAE held a ceremony yesterday at their Phoenix, Arizona facility to celebrate the production of their millionth hard armor insert for the Department of Defense. These include the Small Arms Protective Insert (SAPI) as well as the newer generation Enhanced or ESAPI and Next Generation XSAPI plates as well as smaller Side variants.

“A hard armor insert helps protect a warfighter’s vital organs and has been proven as a critical lifesaver on the battlefield. Our employees come to work each day knowing that the work they do could save a life and bring a loved one home to their family,” said Joe Coltman, vice president of BAE Systems’ Protection Systems. “Manufacturing one million of these plates is a significant milestone for BAE Systems and its employees to achieve. It brings into perspective the number of lives we are protecting.”

On hand for the celebration were U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor (Dem, AZ), COL William Cole, Program Manager for Soldier Protection and Individual Equipment, LTC (P) Jon Rickey, Product Manager for Soldier Protective Equipment and COL John Womack, Commander for the Defense Contract Management Agency in Phoenix.

www.baesystems.com