TYR Tactical

Archive for 2009

Reactive Body Armor from SWRI

Monday, March 23rd, 2009

South West Research Institute, in effort to further reduce the weight of body armor decided to adapt the reactive armor technology developed for tanks and the design was patented in 2002.

SWRI Reactive Armor

The Reactive Stiffening Armor System is “a reactive armor system that is effective against armor piercing projectiles and lightweight enough to be worn by humans”. It works by delaying the penetrator from fracturing the ceramic plate in the armor. SWRI calculated that delaying a bullet by just three microseconds is enough to increase protection (as measured by the kinetic energy of the bullet) by ten per cent.

The question is, what will it do to the wearer?

To read more visit Wired’s Danger Room.

Nike SF Boot Update

Sunday, March 22nd, 2009

Last Summer we broke the story about the Nike SF Boot and the Editor has been wearing a pair in Tan off and on since then. It is an excellent ultra lightweight boot built on the Nike Free sole.

Nike Special Field Boot

Previously, the boots in Tan and Black could only be purchased through a special website but they are now available to everyone. They can be purchased at Nike Town. However, a word of caution. Nike is notorious for changing their web content on a regular basis so the link may not be valid for long.

Popular Mechanics Duct Tape Test

Sunday, March 22nd, 2009

Popular Mechanics conducted a test of the leading brands of duct tape. They pitted them against three challenges: tensile strength, the tenacity of adhesive, and how it worked after a week underwater.

We don’t want to ruin it for you but the winner isn’t duct tape. For the entire report visit Popular Mechanics.

UCP Blended Operator Hat from 215 Gear

Sunday, March 22nd, 2009

You asked and they listened. 215 Gear has added the Army’s Universal Camouflage Pattern to the Blended Operator Hat lineup.

215 Gear’s Blended Operator Hat - UCP

Still manufactured in the USA and still comes with a lifetime guarantee. Available now from 215 Gear.

Drop Us a Line

Sunday, March 22nd, 2009

Soldier Systems Blog Logo

We have been getting lots of feedback from our readers over the past few weeks and even a couple of stories so if you want to write for Soldier Systems Daily its pretty simple. Just contact the Editor with your article idea. Seriously, that’s all you have to do. Generally, we want an article that is a couple of paragraphs long and answers the basic who, what, where, when, why, and how. Pictures are also helpful but make sure you have the permission of the owners. We are happy to give you a by-line if you ask. One caveat for vendors, we will happily post press releases but the impact is much greater if someone checks out your product and writes an article on it.

Interested parties can contact Soldier Systems Daily at admin@soldiersystems.net.

Inclusion of products or information on Soldier Systems Daily is for informational purposes only and in no way construed as an endorsement unless otherwise stated.

All content is copyright 2009 Soldier Systems Daily unless otherwise credited. Further use of content is prohibited unless specific permission is provided by Soldier Systems Daily. Corporate logos for companies featured on Soldier Systems Daily are the property of their respective owners and are used solely for illustrative purposes.

Mayflower is Up and Running (Update)

Saturday, March 21st, 2009

With over 24,000 hits yesterday, it was impossible to make final adjustments to the shopping cart system but you can now at least look at their wares. However, they won’t be able to take orders until Monday thanks to an IT contractor. Now I know why I used to pick on the AV club guys in High School.

www.mayflower-rc.org

KAC’s BulletFlight Software

Saturday, March 21st, 2009

Knights Armament Company

The last time we featured Knight’s Armaments was in recognition of C. Reed Knight Jr.’s receipt of a top 10 army invention of 2007 for the M110 7.62mm Semi-Automatic Sniper System (SASS) that was Type Classified by the Army in 2007.

Knights Armament has now broadened their scope to include a fully functional ballistic computer, but this computer isn’t like anything you’ve ever seen. Unbeknownst to you, it may already be in your pocket. It’s an iPhone/iPod Touch application called BulletFlight that costs a meager $11.99. Consider for a moment what the competition offers. Less functionality for a higher cost and in a bigger package.

KAC’s BulletFlight

BulletFlight has been designed to fit everything from the need of the everyday range tinkerer to the functionality demands of the warfighter. It’s a dynamic solution that provides ballistic calculations out to 3000 meters helping you make your shot.

To use it, start with one of several built-in profiles including the Army’s M110 semi-automatic precision rifle, the 14.5 inch barrel SR16 rifle, .50 BMG M107, .308 M40A3, .308 M24, or start from scratch. With your saved weapon profile’s ballistic coefficients you are ready to begin. Next, provide variables such as range, angle of sight, temperature, and pressure. The BulletFlight will provide predicted bullet impact above or below line of sight in distance and MOA along with how many clicks to correct, velocity and energy at target impact and estimated flight time to allow proper target lead.

KAC’s BulletFlight

Overkill? Need the quick and dirty? After building a weapon profile and including environmental variables, switch over to the “Simple” mode. With a standard selection wheel for rapid range-to-target adjustment and wind speed and direction, you are ready to go.

Thanks to a dedicated customer base and the rapid feedback associated with iPhone applications, Knight’s Armaments have been able to pump out multiple revisions in short order.

Check out the newly released KAC Bullet Flight 2.0.0 with a full suite of upgraded functions including manufacturer ballistic coefficients, additional functionality in the simple mode, field table output, and automatic weather data gathering at www.knightarmco.com/bulletflight/index.htm
.
Current and future efforts focus on overcoming platform shortfalls limiting official military use of BulletFlight to include operational temperature, sustainable g-loads, and touch screen limitations of the iPhone/iPod platform.

KAC’s BulletFlight

Keep an eye out for the Knight’s Armament bracket for mounting your iPhone to your Picatinny rail in conjunction with the Otter Case.

Tactical Tailor Enhanced Duffel Bag

Friday, March 20th, 2009

If you are looking for a duffel that is well built yet won’t burn a hole in your pocket, the Enhanced Duffel from Tactical Tailor comes highly recommended to us. At $95 this is practically a steal. PEO-Soldier has been looking for a replacement for the venerable GI duffel and this bag seems to fit the bill.

Tactical Enhanced Duffel Bag

In addition to features found on the current issue bag like the ability to lock the bag shut, the Enhanced Duffel has shoulder straps that can be tucked away when not in use, as well as carry handles on top and at both ends. Additionally, there is a clear pocket and velcro strip to affix a name tape. To us, the best improvement is the full length zipper that allows you to pack and access your equipment more efficiently.

The Enhanced Duffel is made in the USA from 1000D Cordura and available in Tan, OD, and Foliage Green.

They are available at www.tacticaltailor.com.