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.
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
