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Archive for 2009

Arcâ€™teryx Corpsman Assault Pack

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

Propper International has partnered with Arcâ€™teryx in a licensing agreement to manufacture and sell the Arcâ€™teryx designed USMC Corpsman Assault Pack (CAP) to Military and Government customers.

The CAP features compartmentalization for medical instruments and equipment as well as removable inserts for enhanced, customized mission configurations, and compatible with hydration system. Additionally, Arc’teryx integrated an ergonomic suspension system and made the load easy to manage via compression straps.

The Corpsman Assault Pack (CAP) is planned to be available in Multicam, Tan, Green, Black, AOR1, AOR2, Digital Tiger Stripe and Army Universal.

Propper has been manufacturing the CAP for the USMC since 2003 and looks forward to bringing this battle proven product to additional customers.

Distributors, government agencies and military acquisitions personnel be sure to check out the pack today at Modern Day Marine, Booth # 1553.

Gov/Mil Sales Contact: Greg Graves
GSA purchase information will be available soon.

Note: Propper is not taking individual commercial orders at this time but as product becomes available through distributors we foresee availability coming to retail customers.

Tags: Arc'teryx, Propper
Posted in Foreign, Medical, Packs | Comments Off on Arcâ€™teryx Corpsman Assault Pack

More on PenCott Camo from Strike Hold!

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

Strike Hold! has published some photos of PenCott camo being used in the field. Sure the users are MilSim but the photos still show the utility of the pattern in a rural environment.

Checkout the article.

Tags: PenCott
Posted in Camo, Foreign | Comments Off on More on PenCott Camo from Strike Hold!

FAS Bag from NEMO

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

The FAS (Full Action, Sealed) Bag from NEMO Special Operations Shelters is designed as a semi-disposable water-proof weapon bag that maintains the ability to put the weapon into action from inside the bag.

The FAS Bag was designed to accommodate a suppressor equipped weapon and has heat resistant panels at the suppressor and ejection port. Additionally, the bag comes with a no-slip Hypalon shoulder strap. The shoulder strap is also used to tighten the bag around the weapon in order to secure excess material. A newly released version features a clear window for an ATPIAL equipped weapon. NEMO suggests that users practice extensively with the weapon in order to gain confidence with it before placing it into action. The weapon remains dry via a roll top closure that is secured with a side-release buckle.

Bags are currently available for the MP7 (shown) and M4 carbine. The FAS Bags are available from ADS.

Tags: Nemo
Posted in ADS, weapons | Comments Off on FAS Bag from NEMO

USMC Awards IMTV/Plate Carrier Contracts

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

Carter Enterprises, Brooklyn, N.Y. is being awarded an estimated maximum value $414,427,770 firm-fixed price, indefinite- delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for plate carriers, improved modular tactical vests and associated spare and repair parts. An initial delivery order in the amount of $78,936,987 will be issued.
Work will be performed in Brooklyn, N.Y. (77 percent); Sunrise, Fla.,(23 percent), and work is expected to be completed September 2014. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.
The Marine Corps Systems Command (M67854), Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-09-D-3001).

KDH Defense Systems, Johnstown, Pa. is being awarded an estimated maximum value $380,260,385 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for plate carriers, improved modular tactical vests and associated spare and repair parts. An initial delivery order in the amount of $88,732,482 will be issued. Work will be performed in Eden, N.C., (33 percent); Johnstown, Pa.,(22 percent); Lares, P.R., (30 percent); Mayaguez, P.R., (10 percent); Fenton, Mo., (5 percent), and work is expected to be completed September 2014. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.
The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-09-D-3000).

These contracts were awarded as result of a competitive Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) small business set-aside. Proposals were solicited via FedBizOpps, with 14 offers (one for the PC and one for the IMTV) were received from seven different HUBZone Certified Small Businesses.

It appears that Carter will utilize PPI as a sub and KDH will rely on assistance from ATK’s Eagle Industries division. In the case of KDH/ATK it seems to be a beneficial relationship as they also captured a portion of the Army’s IOTV contract last month.

Finally, it is important to note that the IMTV is a Government design. Additionally, the Plate Carrier referenced in the contract awards was until recently known as the “Improved Scalable Plate carrier” and the name has been changed to simply Plate Carrier. While this is also a Marine Corps design it is based on an improved version of the Scalable Plate Carrier produced by Eagle Industries for the USMC.

These awards were announced on 28 September by DoD.

Posted in Contracts | Comments Off on USMC Awards IMTV/Plate Carrier Contracts

Popular Mechanics Takes on Disaster

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

It seems like everyone is focused on Disaster Preparedness these days. For example, just last week saw the season finale of the Discovery Channel’s “The Colony”. It seems that in the wake of natural disasters and a near economic melt down, folks are interested in taking care of themselves and the October 2009 issue of Popular Mechanics takes it on.

One of the more interesting articles covers unusual survival kit essentials. Number one on the list? Beer. According to magazine publisher Trey Click, who survived last yearâ€™s Hurricane Ike in Galveston, Texas. â€œItâ€™s one of the only things you can use for money in the aftermath.â€

Here are just a few of the other articles in this issue:

â€¢ TIMELINE: An Illustrated History of Self-Reliance
â€¢ EARLIER: How to Make Biodiesel out of Kitchen Grease
â€¢ OFF-THE-GRID: Alaskaâ€™s Hidden Model for Clean Energy
â€¢ DIY HOME: How to Build a Raised Garden Bed (With Plans!)
â€¢ PLUS: Has Affordable, Efficient Rooftop Wind Power Arrived?

Posted in SERE | Comments Off on Popular Mechanics Takes on Disaster

Ecotat Multi-Purpose Sleeping Bags – On Sale

Monday, September 28th, 2009

Ecotat Systems Company has been around for over 25 years producing specialized sleeping and shelter systems. In fact, they are so specialized that you probably never heard of them. They have produced shelter and sleep systems for Marine Force Recon, Army Long Range Surveillance and Special Forces units as well as for inclusion in Army and Air Force survival kits. In fact, the multi-purpose sleeping bags carry NSNs for units wishing to purchase them through the standard stock system. Contact Ecotat at the email address below if there are any questions. Until the end of October individual sales are offered a 30% discount from MSRP.

What makes Ecotat’s products so innovative is that one item fulfills the functions of many. As I discussed earlier, foot mobile units who find themselves regularly in austere environments have adopted the shelter and sleep systems. The multi-purpose sleeping bag pulls duty not only as a mummy style bag but also can be worn as a long “great” coat, short “anorak” coat, poncho-style or unzipped it takes the place of a poncho liner. By utilizing the head hole and stepping into the body of the bag the wearer retains full mobility of his head and his hands are free to operate weapons and night vision devices from defensive positions.

I have used Ecotat products extensively in the past and I personally recommend them. For someone operating in Afghanistan, the multi-purpose sleeping bag is a great option. It not only provides provisions for sleeping but can also makes insulated clothing items redundant in the load. What’s more, the bag was designed with combat lessons learned in mind. Ecotat president Dick Hailsip is a retired Colonel of Marines and engineered practical features into the design such a zipper that will rapidly open in an emergency and the adjustable hem that accommodates not only static guard duty but also is adjustable for stride when worn during foot mobile operations.

As a special offer to Soldier Systems Daily readers, Ecotat is conducting an end of fiscal year close out on solid colors of their Cold Weather (0 degree) and Desert (35 degree) bags. This offer is good now through the end of October and they will be be discounted 30% from retail pricing.

Both bags are available in regular (82″) and long (86″) lengths and are Berry compliant. They feature Taffeta shells and linings that are water and mildew resistant. The insulation is a silicon coated continuous filament fiber that is laminated directly to the shell to avoid cold spots and does not absorb water. The solid colors include Coyote Brown, Black, and OD. However, they also have light blue and purple for those interested in using the bags for civilian use. The lining comes standard in Black but Ecotat can accommodate custom orders as well. Naturally, Ecotat offers the multi-purpose sleeping bags in Woodland, UCP, and Woodland MARPAT but these colors are currently available at full price.

Ecotat does not normally sell direct so to take advantage of this offer contact them via email for instructions.

35 Deg Bag NSN: 8415-01-416-6216
0 Deg Bag NSN: 8415-01-417-4001

Tags: Ecotat
Posted in Deal of the Week, Shelter, Sustainment | Comments Off on Ecotat Multi-Purpose Sleeping Bags – On Sale

The Tactical Assault Panel

Monday, September 28th, 2009

Many of you noticed a reference to the Tactical Assault Panel or TAP being issued to the Afghanistan camouflage test battalions.

Here is a little bit of background on this developmental item.

The bib-like TAP is a product improvement that attaches to the Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV) or Outer Tactical Vest (OTV) giving Soldiers the ability to attach Modular Lightweight Load-bearing Equipment (MOLLE) basic fighting load pouches to the TAP, as opposed to directly to the IOTV or OTV. It is easily donned and doffed allowing the Soldier to quickly reduce the girth of his load by removing the TAP from his armor.

The intent is to issue the TAP in addition to or in lieu of the Fighting Load Carrier once an assessment has been completed. An in-theater User Evaluation began in 4QFY09 and PEO-Soldier will be making adjustments to the TAP based on that feedback.

Posted in Armor, Load Carrying, MOLLE, PEO-Soldier | Comments Off on The Tactical Assault Panel

Bobro Standard Vertical Grip

Sunday, September 27th, 2009

For those of you running a vertical fore grip, Bobro offers a unique take on the device. It attaches via a system called the SACL (Self Aligning Compression Lock). Basically you align the grip at a 45 degree offset from the portion of the rail where you want to attach the grip. Loosen the compression lock a couple of turns, slide it into place and twist. Then you tighten the compression lock to keep it in place. A major advantage to this style of attachment is that you can attach it anywhere along the rail without having to remove any accessories already in place.

The SACL portion is machined from a polymer (Delrin). The fasteners and index pin are phosphated to Mil Spec STD 171. While the grip was not designed for the waterproof storage, items can be stowed inside the central core. Additionally, it is not rail sensitive, meaning it can be installed on any rail built to Mil-Std 1913.