The crew at Triple Aught Designs have been busy remodeling their San Francisco show room. It turns out that wasn’t the only thing they were making over. Their new web site features a whole new look and is visually stunning. Make sure you stop by and check it out.
It’s been in the works for some time but Crimson Trace just announced the formation of a new business unit dedicated to the military market. Tactical-Life.com broke the story earlier today.
According to the article, “Among the introductory products that will be offered by CTC Defense is a pair of Lasergrips for the SIG Sauer P226. Affectionately known as the “dual can,” they incorporate both a red laser and an infrared (IR) laser for use with night vision.” Additionally, MVF-515 fore grip will be offered with not only a red but also a green laser.
Expect new products to begin to roll out at Modern Day Marine.
Imagine 8 common tools in a package no larger than a common house key. Now imagine that is the same general shape as that house key and will blend in with the rest of your keys right on your key ring. Well imagine no more. The KeyTool Keyring Multi-tool combines 3 sizes of screwdriver, nail file, finger nail cleaner, Bottle cap opener, wire cutter, and tweezers.
While it would probably be a lot more airport friendly if it didn’t have the name for every tool printed out right on the side of the thing, it does look to be pretty handy.
Available from ThinkGeek.
During Outdoor Retailer we were introduced to Drift Innovation, a company which specializes in wearable Point of View cameras. They have already established quite a following in the action sports community but told us that they are beginning to see sales to military customers.
Drift Innovation HD170, Skydiving from Drift Innovation on Vimeo.
Their flagship Drift HD170 offers quality 1080p and 720p HD as well as standard definition (WVGA) video for $329.99. It relies on a rechargeable internal battery. There is also a standard version of the 170 that uses AA batteries and retails for $199.99. Drift has developed a Tactical model, seen below.
The unit relies a fish eye lens so it takes in a wide field of view and is a compact 133 (L) x 50 (D) x 33 (W) mm. As you can see from the button layout it is simple to use which is important for such a device when mounted to a helmet or weapon. There is also a remote switch that can easily be attached to a weapon’s forearm. Additionally, it features an integrated screen for instantaneous feedback in the field. Finally, video is saved in .MOV format with no obscure codecs so it can easily be shared and stored.
At the recent TREXPO, we ran across a new technology that makes mobile video surveillance affordable to most any department of military organization. The one thing that struck as the adaptability of the system. It can be fitted to any vehicle with a standard trailer hitch and is powered through a simple cigarette lighter adapter. This means you don’t have to purchase an entirely new vehicle, but rather can adapt different vehicles for use as a surveillance system. For example, a van could be used during urban ops or a 4-wheel drive vehicle for use in rural areas and these same vehicles can be used for other purposes when the system is not in use. Additionally, it doesn’t require any long-term institutional training but can rather be learned on the job.
Both Luke and Holloman AFB have recently obtained a Mobile Video Surveillance (MVS) systems from Venture Tec LLC. The system is unique in that it incorporates an adjustable, telescopic mast hitch, which allows users to position the mast vertically at any location, including uneven or sloping terrain. The unit weighs approximately 85 pounds and unlike a trailer-mounted system, this surveillance system can be used anywhere the vehicle can go
The MVS system attaches to any vehicle with a standard 2” x 2” Class III receiver, requiring no vehicle modification and it pneumatically telescopes to elevations up to 32 feet. It’s simple to use, takes only a minute to raise or lower, and can operate day or night in all weather conditions. The MVS system can be equipped with a long range visible light camera and a thermal camera for complete darkness. All surveillance is done from inside the safety and comfort of the vehicle or command center, and all video is recorded with a date/time stamp. To operate the system, users simply tilt the mast to find vertical, lock it in place, and raise the mast to the desired height. The PTZ controller and video display provide an unparalleled view from above in all directions. When ready to relocate, users simply open the air release valve to lower the mast.
For more information, please visit www.mobilevideosurveillance.com.
You may have heard the term but what it is it? And what does it mean to me? If you are reading SSD then you are most likely a member or student of the profession of arms. Pay attention here dear reader because pretty soon we are going to introduce you to what we consider a disruptive technology that may very well challenge our primacy in a particular facet of warfighting.
“Disruptive innovation is a term used in business and technology literature to describe innovations that improve a product or service in ways that the market does not expect, typically by lowering price or designing for a different set of consumers.”
-Wikipedia
The concept of Disruptive Technologies was coined by Clayton M. Christensen in his 1995 article Disruptive Technologies: Catching the Wave where he defines a disruptive innovation as a product or service designed for a new a set of customers.
“Generally, disruptive innovations were technologically straightforward, consisting of off-the-shelf components put together in a product architecture that was often simpler than prior approaches. They offered less of what customers in established markets wanted and so could rarely be initially employed there. They offered a different package of attributes valued only in emerging markets remote from, and unimportant to, the mainstream.”
While the idea was applied to how technology affects markets, it can just as easily be applied to warfighting. Wired’s “Danger Room” blog wrote a piece awhile back talking about how enemy belligerents can outsource or improvise their way into being a niche competitor with the US. Check out this PowerPoint briefing by Booz Allen Hamilton that illustrates this point. Commercial access to satellite imagery could be considered disruptive simply because an entirely new set of players have access to what was once the sole purview of the most advanced nation states.
As Moore’s Law makes high power computing more accessible to the masses, it becomes more difficult to maintain a technological edge. As commercial technologies are adapted for military and intelligence purposes, it becomes even more troublesome for the United States who has long maintained a distinct advantage.
Sure it’s designed for cycling, but the Topeak Alien III’s 25 tool can fill the void when a tool box isn’t handy. The two halves of the pressed metal frame come apart revealing tool heads crafted from Chrome Moly and Stainless Steel. Included is everything from Allen, Box, Spoke, and Torx Wrenches to Tire Levers and a Chain Tool. There’s even a Knife Blade and a Bottle Opener.
So whether riding a mountain bike on your time off, or just looking for a handy emergency tool kit, consider the Alien III from Topeak.
At the recent Warrior Expo – East NEMO Equipment had quite a few new wares on display. In addition to the ZIRO 2P SE Shelter, they also displayed the EMFX pouch. Sure, it looks like a mild mannered pouch made from 210D Ripstiop Nylon with a tough Hypalon belt loop. But don’t judge this pouch by its looks. The real power is inside. Using a conductive textile the EMFX pouch blocks all electromagnetic signals from reaching your cell phone. This means your phone won’t be tracked or attacked by adversaries. In addition to cell phones and other personal electronics, the EMFX pouch will also keep prying signals from interrogating your passport with RF chip. Measuring 4″ by 5.5″ it features a roll top to keep the duct and other debris out.
For more information visit www.nemoequipment.com
Unit orders can be processed by ADS.
According to a news release from the British Ministry of Defence, a team of energy experts at Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) and the Integrated Soldier Systems Executive (ISSE) at Abbey Wood have developed a portable energy solution dubbed the Solider Portable Charger. Based on a Urgent Operational Requirement from field commanders in Afghanistan, the system consists of lithium ion power source (LIPS) 11 & 12 batteries, a solar charging mat, and a plug n play battery charger that can be carried by a quad.
The requirement was based on weight. Currently, an eight-man section taking part in a 40-hour patrol currently has to contend with a hefty 60kg burden in batteries alone:
“A major factor in developing this UOR was the weight in batteries required during that 40-hour mission,” explained project manager Peter Flowers. “That’s a ridiculous amount to be added just for power supplies, so we sat down last autumn and worked out how we could do something about it.
“One of the things we discovered was that [the batteries] were saying they were empty even though they may have had between ten and 20 per cent power remaining.
“The SPC takes that energy out and transfers it to another type of battery. That means that if you take rechargeable batteries, you only need one on the radio and one on charge and you can then take four of each type off the patrol.”
Additionally, the new LIPS 11 & 12 batteries were developed based on the 3.75kg LIPS 10. They weigh 1.5kg and 2.25kg and provide enough power for two and four hours respectively:
“We have effectively taken the LIPS 10 and chopped it into thirds,” explained Mr Flowers.
“You can now take the lower-power battery if you need it. We’re not dictating to commanders on the ground what they should use, we’re just putting the right clubs in their bag.”
A total of 4,556 units are being deployed to Op HERRICK, with the first 1,000 arriving in theater this month and the remainder being delivered in batches in August and September 2010.
Awhile back two active duty Navy types came up with a great idea but they didn’t really know how to turn the concept into a marketable product. So they set about figuring it out and the result is Phokus Research Group, LLC. In addition to their subject matter expertise, they have an excellent mentor/partner who has been very successful in the business world. Additionally, they have partnered with a manufacturer responsible for numerous successful products in the outdoor and water sports market. Now that they’ve worked the kinks out of the administrative side of things, two new technologies are hitting the market; the CBR (RaDD Pak) backpack and their original product the Phokus Aid.
The Phokus Aid is brilliant and everyone will be using it because it allows the user to maintain “infinity” focus with the AN/PVS-14, while providing clarity at critical distances of 10 feet and closer without requiring re-focus. You just flip the Phokus Aid up or down in order to use.
From the beginning they based the business on the concept of “By the Operator for the Operator” so what you see here is just the beginning. If you are still serving but have come up with a better mousetrap, we highly recommend that you speak with Phokus Research Group. They understand where are you are coming from and if your idea makes the cut, can help you navigate the numerous issues you will encounter including protecting your intellectual property. We are very impressed with their products as well as their staff and will be keeping a watch on what they cook up.
This the “Handsome Guy” mask from SPFXMasks. As you can see it is very realistic. In fact, it’s so realistic that an African American version by the same manufacturer was recently used by a bank robber to fool surveillance cameras.
We know it sounds like a mouthful but the folks at Chicago-based Tanagram Partners are on to something. Essentially they are able to overlay geo-registered data sets over objects of interest. So, if you are looking at a building for example, additional information on that building can be accessed. Additionally, the information can applied to any form of imagery enhancement whether visual spectrum, IR, or night vision.
Check out Tanagram’s blog for more info.
SureFire, LLC is releasing a limited-edition flashlight/pen gift set to celebrate their 30th anniversary. This collector set features an E1B Backup® flashlight and a SureFire™ Pen—both finished with a special hard anodized black-red-gray camouflage representing SureFire’s colors—and will be limited to a production run of 1,800 units. The flashlight and pen in each set will be engraved with matching serial numbers and housed in an attractive wooden case with a commemorative plate featuring SureFire’s 30th Anniversary logo. A letter of authenticity from founder and president Dr. John Matthews will also be included.
“We wanted to do something special to commemorate this historic milestone,” said Derek McDonald, SureFire’s VP of Marketing. “Offering these two products, in this unique color scheme as limited-edition gift sets, gives our customers the opportunity to own a piece of that history.”
Like previous special offerings from SureFire, such as the limited-edition, all-titanium Titan flashlight, these collector gift sets are expected to sell out quickly. The set retails for $590 and will be available for purchase directly from SureFire on a first-come-first-served basis.
For more information, visit www.surefire.com.
They’ve been around for awhile, but they had a major unveiling at this year’s SHOT Show. Licensed by the Rogue Warrior himself, Commander Richard “Dick” Marcinko, these watches have several technologies integrated into their design. Manufactured with Swiss works, the line also features d30 for shock dampening. d30 has been selected for use as elbow pads by SOCOM for the Protective Combat Uniform. Additionally, the watches are filled with krypton gas to prevent condensation from forming inside the watch. Each of the watch styles is available with a metal, rubber, or leather band. In addition to these timepieces, they are also prepared to release a line of knives and at SHOT they showed a few select examples of low profile bags and belts.
Black Diamond Advanced Technology has been awarded the production and manufacturing contract from Computech International (CTI) for a ruggedized, wearable tactical computer system for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The production award follows a successful prototype phase, which began in January 2009 and culminated in a successful 6-month end-user evaluation. Dubbed the Digital Army Computer System (DACS) it will be deployed by the IDF in late 2010.
DACS, an integral part of the IDF’s Digital Army Program (DAP), is a networked communications and navigation system designed to be worn primarily by the dismounted warfighter or vehicle mounted to provide real-time situational awareness and communications.
Its modular approach allows for the integration of communications, networking, positional information (GPS) and data acquisition required to provide real-time situational awareness to fighting forces. DACS’ reconfigurability — integrating application-specific components — offers the flexibility of mission-specific deployment across the ranks, from frontline warfighters to command and communications personnel. DACS is a basic building block within C4I Corp, the IDF’s telecommunications branch.
“DACS is a significant development for the IDF because it marks the first time that dismounted commanders are not tethered to their stationary or mobile command posts. The dismounted commander can be anywhere in the field and still have and provide the reliable situational awareness needed to carry out their mission,” said Yehoo Even-Zahav, Brig. General, retired (former head of the IDF’s C4I Technical division).
DACS recently won the Program of the Year award from the IDF Ground Forces Chief of the C4I Brigade, based on its technical merit, the completeness of the program and the overall program performance.
Black Diamond’s contribution to the DACS solution is an adaptation of its combat-proven, ultra-rugged SwitchBackTM computer platform and comprises three main components: the Switchback Wearable Computer, which integrates the IDF encrypted radio interface and communications; a handheld, sunlight-viewable display; and a docking system that is incorporated into a soldier’s body armor or mounted in a vehicle.
“Wearable technology is the next logical step for dismounted warfighters in the 21st century, and Black Diamond is currently developing wearable systems for two of the top five militaries in the world,” said Justin Dyster, Black Diamond’s vice president of engineering. “Our extensive research and experience gives us unique insight into the battlefield challenges of wearable systems. That’s why DACS can run existing battle-management software, can manage the embedded secure wireless communications seamlessly, and includes an FPGA capable of aiding in security management and providing additional inputs/outputs for tasks like real-time encoding and decoding of video.” DACS was developed in partnership with the Israel Ministry of Defense Department of Defense Research and Development and the IDF Ground Forces Technical Logistics Brigade “Yahtal.”
“DACS represents a breakthrough in the practical and reliable deployment of the soldier-borne computer,” said Eyal Shachi, CEO of CTI. “With its ultra-rugged design, modularity and forward-thinking architecture, DACS will remain a viable military tool for many years to come. As technology progresses, DACS can grow to meet tomorrow’s situational awareness needs. We started down this road many years ago; by partnering with Black Diamond we’ve been able to achieve our goals.”
Like all SwitchBack rugged computers, the DACS components are sealed to IP67 and qualified to MIL-STD-810 for temperature, altitude, vibration, shock, salt fog, drop and explosive atmosphere. The SwitchBack Wearable Computer is additionally qualified to MIL-STD-461 for EMI performance. The system features a removable hard drive, up to 4 GB RAM, a hot-swappable battery and operates in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 55°C (-4°F to 131°F).
Black Diamond is also providing hardened, wearable computing hardware for Raytheon Company’s Ground Soldier System for the U.S. Army.
Black Diamond is in the Liteye’s booth #609 this week at SOFIC in Tampa.
Manufactured from 5/8″ titanium rod, the line of Vertical Assault Climbing Hooks from Wilcox Industries is available in four styles. Two versions of the three prong hook are offered (120 deg and 154 deg). The double and single prong hooks are also available but are not used as often as they hang up on obstacles less but are more difficult to hook. At the bottom of the photo you can see the pole interface which connects with currently fielded boat poles.
Quite frankly, we just didn’t have time.
Gun Disassembly 3D for the iPhone
How Inmates Smuggle Cellphones into Prison
LWRC to License Production to Jordan
The $750 Travel Belt Yes, $750
Holster Mounting Bracket for Wheelchair Frames – Thanks to Tactical Wire for putting the word out on this.
I saw a lot of great kit at last week’s ADS Warrior Expo West, but the new IZLID Ultra from BE Meyers really impressed me. The precise application of airpower has become a cornerstone of our Counter Insurgency strategy and without the proper tools to effectively mark targets, that strategy would be nowhere. The IZLID 1000P has been the work horse for Terminal Attack Controllers for some time, but the new IZLID Ultra offers several advantages.
Just setting the two versions of the IZLID side-by-side you can see a distinct difference. The IZLID 1000P (top) is over 10” long, roughly 2.5” diameter and weighs 27.5 oz with batteries while the IZLID Ultra (bottom) is 8.6” long, about 1.8” diameter, and weighs 11.7 oz with batteries. Both lasers mark targets at very long range (>43 km) with their nominal 1W output at 860 nm but the Ultra really shines due to its compact size and weight and well as a longer battery life. Additionally, the new chassis allows for an improved grip as well easier access to the controls. Notice in the photo, the 1000P has a weapons mount. Rarely if ever, is this used due to the size of the device but with the new Ultra, it may well be an option allowing a TAC to mount it to his rifle.
Unleashed Tactical Equipment unveiled the ARC at last week’s GPEC trade show in Germany. The name says it all, Absorb, Reflect, Control and that is exactly what it is designed to do; keep good emanations in and bad emanations out. The material can be configured in any number of ways including shelters.
ARC is available in the US exclusively through Tidewater Tactical.
According to an article in Advanced Materials, DARPA funded research at the U. of Florida has adapted technology regularly found in flat-screen OLED televisions to create a thin film that turns any infrared signal into visible light. This is exciting news for the consumer base is that such cheap night vision could be integrated into everything from car windshields to plate glass windows to cell phone cameras as well eyewear. For the warfighter, this could also be a boon, as eye pro could pull double duty as night vision and be even more widely available.
Traditional night vision systems rely on a vacuum but new thin-film night vision requires no vacuum but instead use several layers of energy-efficient OLEDs to convert infrared light to the visible spectrum. In this case it is seven separate layers of OLEDs that detect IR light as it enters, generating a charge of three to five volts then amplifies the signal as it passes through the additional layers. This process converts the light to the visible spectrum, producing a green-lit picture similar to that of existing night vision tech. What makes this new technology so special is that a night vision device might weigh less than a quarter of a pound, with the actual working bits being only a few microns thick.
The proof of concept for the technology is only about one square centimeter, but researchers think they could scale the concept to a usable device like a car windshield or cell phone camera within just 18 months.
Truthfully, these are the things that keep me up at night. Sure, the technology can easily be applied to both mil and commercially items to improve night vision at a lower cost but ultimately that’s the problem isn’t it? If everyone can afford night vision and it is built-in to common everyday items then it isn’t special anymore and it chips away at that “Owning the Night” edge we have prided ourselves on for the last 30 years or so. We want technologies like this to be special. Our enemies purchase any technology from the open market that they can use to close the gap between them and us. Fortunately, our tech base is hard at work fielding and improving on new systems that fuse night vision and IR sensors (see photo). For example, the AN/PSQ-20 Enhanced Night Vision Goggle is a helmet-mounted passive Image Intensification (I2) and thermal device and it’s developments like this that are critical to ensuring the US military maintains its warfighting edge.
We constantly run across interesting stuff but just can’t seem to find the time to write about it.
X170 Action Camera
Toy Company Develops Less-than-lethal Rifle
Air Force Puts 2nd Lt in Charge of Uniform Roadmap (Yes, this explains SO much)
The Gen 4 iPhone Saga
Free iPhone App – Adobe® Ideas 1.0 for iPhone
