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Archive for October, 2008

Vuzix Tactical Display Group

Friday, October 31st, 2008

Vuzix has been on the head mounted display scene for a couple of years now. In fact, if you own a headset for your iPod chances are that it is a Vuzix product. Naturally, we are interested in their tactical products and they have been instrumental in the Future Force Warrior program as well as taking on several special projects for USSOCOM. They are constantly developing new systems but here are two complimentary mainstays in their line.

The Tac Eye Goggle Mounted Display

What makes the GMD unique is that it is mounted below the eye unlike previous Head Mounted Displays which completely occluded the wearer’s vision. Additionally, it mounts directly to the operator’s goggles and it is adaptable to a wide variety of models (Revision, ESS, and Oakley) in order to accommodate different tastes or requirements. The SVGA+ (852×600) color display has a 32Â° horizontal field of view.

Wearable Mouse

The mouse is rugged and easily mounted to the operator’s kit.

For information on these and other custom solutions contact the Tactical Display Group.

Photos courtesy of Vuzix.

Tags: Tactical Display Group, Vuzix
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15 Top James Bond Gadgets

Thursday, October 30th, 2008

There are two things that we like; James Bond and Gadgets. In anticipation of the upcoming “The Quantum of Solace”Computer Weekly has combined the two in their photographic tribute to our favorite double naught spy.

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Face Paint from Orion Filters

Thursday, October 30th, 2008

Orion Filters is a company that has been around for several years but has only recently begun to expose a wider audience to their technologies. They specialize in products designed to enhance our night vision capability through improving vision and masking the tell-tale glow of an image intensifier tube.

REDEYEâ„¢, BLACKEYEâ„¢, and GREENEYEâ„¢ CAMOUFLAGE FACE PAINTS

REDEYEâ„¢ and BLACKEYEâ„¢ camouflage compounds are formulated to eliminate or minimize hazardous reflected “green light” emitted from phosphorous screens on Night Vision Devices. Both of these compounds appear “invisible/black” when viewed by a passive enemy Night Vision Device.

GREENEYEâ„¢ face paint has a signature identical to green vegetation when viewed at night through a passive NVG and/or using an IR Illuminator. It also appears as green in visible light.

For more information contact Orion Filters.

Specified Spectrum products are or may be designated as Defense Articles under Category XII(e) of the United States Munitions List and are subject to the licensing jurisdiction of the US Department of State in accordance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (22CFR through 130).

Tags: Orion Filters
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Ardica Technologies – Updated

Wednesday, October 29th, 2008

Ardica Technologies specializes in lightweight, environmentally friendly fuel cells. They are concentrating on developing consumer and commercial wearable heat and power as well as portable soldier power. Several companies are beginning to integrate the technology in to their garments. The heart of the matter is Ardica’s Moshi Power System, which relies on new Lithium Ion battery technology coupled with a micro controller and a wall charger. A technology connector kit is also available which comes with a backpack cable and a three-in-one connector for both running and charging various consumer electronics.

Not only will the system power an on board heater for either eight and-a-half hours on low heat or three hours on high (peak 100 deg), it will also charge ancillary gear such as up to 11 full charges on a cellphone or a whopping 20 on an iPod. Considering the possibilities, the added cost of $35 to $50 per garment is reasonable. However, weight is still an issue. Each Lithium Ion battery weighs half a pound with a total system weight of one pound.

For more information contact Ardica.

Tags: Ardica Technologies
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Inspiration or Imitation?

Wednesday, October 29th, 2008

Wellco has always been known for putting out a very high quality product. In fact, they not only developed the Direct Molded Sole technology that made GI issue boots possible for half a century, it spun off into an entire business unit called Ro-Search. They also spawned “blast boots” with soles that deflect the blast of a landmine explosion. So naturally when we saw the new Eurolite from Wellco, we were surprised that it made us immediately think of the Timberland Euro Hiker. Take a look for yourself.

Tags: Wellco
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Contacting Soldier Systems Daily

Wednesday, October 29th, 2008

We enjoy hearing from our readers whether its about an article, a tip, or experience with a piece of kit.

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Optimal SWAT

Tuesday, October 28th, 2008

State of the art training is now a priority not only for firearms but also physical fitness, including proper nutrition. As more military and law enforcement members begin to look for a physical edge, companies such as Optimal SWAT with previous experience in the mainstream fitness industry have begun to offer tailored programs for the tactical community. Optimal SWAT is helmed by well known trainer and author Will Brink who has combined his years of experience in the gym with his desire to help America’s armed professionals.

As you can see from the video, while the training itself is decidedly low tech, the regimen focuses on improvement at tasks that our warriors face on a daily basis. Training includes functional strength, improving bodyweight to strength ratios, dealing with unbalanced loads, conditioning, as well as grip strength. All of this is combined with shooting rotations designed to greatly improve performance and shooting under stress.

Visit the Optimal SWAT website to check out more on their background, articles, videos, and training schedules.

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Velcro Alternative?

Tuesday, October 28th, 2008

One of the winners of the last year’s Pop Sci Inventor awards was Leonard Duffy’s “Slidingly Engaging Fastener”. Although Duffy has succeeded in developing a great alternative for Velcro, his original intent was to develop an improvement to the zipper after a bag he was carrying wouldn’t close. The fastener works through a matrix of injection molded “islands” resembling clubs from a deck of cards that lock into one another. Duffy previously won a NASA inventor’s award for a wrap around cast using the fastener that he developed for his sister-in-law when she injured her wrist.

The inventor claims it supports eight times the weight of Velcro, doesn’t lose it’s stickiness and best of all is silent. Unfortunately, no one has picked it up for development yet but it looks like it has potential in the tactical nylon industry.

Tags: Pop Sci
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