ADS, Inc. announces the official launch of ADSInc.com as their new website address. The company changed their address from ADSTactical.com to ADSInc.com in an effort to better represent their full capabilities in the operational equipment and logistics solutions marketplace.
Both the Ops-Core Ballistic and FAST helmets have been added to the US Air Force parachutist approved for use list which details equipment that have been certified for airborne operations. This means that they have passed an evaluation including helmet acceleration testing. Following the 1998 parachute fatality of Pararescueman SrA Sean McDermott, the Air Force has taken extra care to ensure that new air items are meticulously tested prior to approval.
Two caveats have been placed on use of the helmets. First, it cannot be jumped with Night Vision Devices unless criteria in MAJCOM standards are adhered to. Second, nothing may be mounted on the side rails during jumps except O2 mounting straps. Additionally, direction from the Air Staff indicates that the helmets must be properly fitted and MAJCOMs should seek contracted fit training.
“CIVILIAN CONTRACTORS: The Greyman” I have been getting quite a kick out of Death Valley Magazine, an online blog for the Independent Contractor. Not only is the info good, it is slathered in the ironic, tongue-in-cheek goodness that I know and love. I highly recommend it.
One of my favorite articles is “CIVILIAN CONTRACTORS: The Greyman“. You really need to go read it, particularly those of you that wear the “5.11 Tuxedo”. However, my favorite visual aid from the article is the one I have chosen to share with you. It’s stuff like this that will make the message stick with you.
Awhile back we shared with you video of MMI’s new camo pattern designed for use by snipers. At the recent NAVEXFOR expo they unveiled a new color variant called ‘Oasis’ which is more of a woodland pattern and here you can see it applied to a developmental over suit. In addition to the top shown there are also chaps available. Designed to keep the wearer as cool as possible, the material is also FR and provides an additional amount of signature suppression.
Contact www.mmi-fed.com for more info.
Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) handed over the first series-production vehicle of the Joint Fire Support Team (JFST) FENNEK to the German Federal Office of Defence Technology and Procurement (BWB) and the Armed Forces at the artillery school in Idar-Oberstein on Thursday, March 11, 2010.
The new vehicle is based on the FENNEK all-terrain vehicle. The JFST coordinates command and control with indirect fire of land, airborne and shipboard assets, increasing their effectiveness. Two vehicle configurations will be fielded, ground-ground, which will coordinate artillery assets as a forward observer and air – ground, which will function as a forward air controller. Speaking on behalf of KMW, Jürgen Weber said “This highly sophisticated system provides the Bundeswehr with a new, urgently required capability. Opponents can be reconnoitered, identified and geographically positioned up to a range of several kilometers during day and night time. The information gathered by the JFST is vital to the forces of the Army, Air Force and Navy.â€
The Bundeswehr has identified a requirement for 40 vehicles and has an order in place for 20. The vehicles, with a laser pointer and illuminator, integrated onto the system, will improve the capability to use laser-guided munitions with a future extended function. Acquisition of these advanced vehicles elevates the Bundeswehr’s net centric capabilities.
Copyright 2010 Sal Palma
Velocity Systems has just released the latest addition to their Phalanx line or armor plates. It is a new lightweight, multi-hit plate that is going to be a game changer. Take a look at the specs and you’ll see why.
7.62 x 39 Armor Piercing Incendiary (API-BZ) Multi-hit
7.62 x 39 Ball, Mild Steel Core Multi-hit
7.62 x 51 NATO Ball Multi-hit
5.56 x 45 NATO M855 Multi-hit
5.56 x 45 NATO M193 Multi-hit
5.45 x 39 Ball Multi-hit
Now, granted, these are in conjunction plates meaning they require soft armor backers (IIIA), but you get all of this in a plate that weighs 4 pounds for a medium. Ok, stop reading for just a sec and let that sink in. Now I am going to repeat myself….4 pounds. Additionally, the ceramic plates are a mere half inch thick and formed in the SAPI shape so you can use them without having to purchase an entirely new carrier.
Yes, that is MultiCam. It’s part of Velocity’s philosophy of “safety measure by design†so you won’t mistake the plate for anything else. To order visit www.velsyst.com.
Scottsdale Gun Club has just added the AK30 magazine from US PALM to their website. The name is pretty self-explanatory. It is a 30 round polymer magazine for the 7.62 x 39 AK family of weapons. The five sided box design eliminates a removable floor plate found on other magazines. The AK30 has a unique low-friction semi-floating follower that is slotted to allow for easy magazine cleaning and hassle-free maintenance. It can be cleaned with simple soap and water and dry material flows free through the vented follower design. The chromium-silicon spring that is heat treated, stress relieved and Mil-Spec corrosion resistant coated so cleanings or exposure to the elements won’t result in rust. Life expectancy for this spring is 100,000+ cycles. The AK30’s locking surfaces are reinforced by a stainless steel cage that has been molded into the entire top of the magazine. Additionally, the front and rear of the magazine integrate a serrated surface and the flat sides are molded in a waffle pattern. Another interesting feature is the angle on the toe of the AK30 making it possible to use a vertical fore grip. Available in Black and Flat Dark Earth from sgcusa.com.
If you need a way to carry your new mags in style you might want to check out the AK Attack Rack (AKAR). It holds 4 AK30 magazines (or similar) as well as 4 pistol magazine which will also accommodate most high-cap pistol magazines, a folding knife, mini-gas canister, or similar sized items. Additional mags can be stored in the hidden universal pocket. Berry compliant and manufactured from Cordura and ITW buckles the AKAR is offered in Black, Coyote, Khaki, and MultiCam.
