GORE-TEX Military Fabrics

Archive for October, 2010

SUMA Container from Solkoa

Friday, October 29th, 2010

Solkoa’s Ultralight Multi-purpose Aluminum (SUMA) container measures 2-1/2″w x 4″l x 1-1/2″d and is a great way to package your survival kit or other small items that need to be protected from crushing as well as the elements. It is machined from a solid billet of 6061 aluminum and then hard anodized and can be used for cooking in a pinch.

The SUMA container is available in a variety of finishes and can also be laser etched. Additionally, as you can see in the photo, special lids can be machined with raised symbols. However, a lot of guys using these are applying sticky Velcro to the lid and attaching a flag or other near recognition symbol to the face.

To order visit www.greygrouptraining.biz. For more information contact www.fast-fire.com.

Tactical FanBoy Goes The Social Network

Friday, October 29th, 2010

Sadly, this doesn’t mean the rights to my life are being optioned into an awesome movie, but instead this is an announcement that you can now add ‘Tactical Fanboy’ on Facebook. Also, if you happen to have an Xbox Live account, you can friend request ‘Tactical Fanboy’. Regretfully, it’s first come, first serve, since there are only 100 open friend slots allowed on XBL. Even so, that shouldn’t discourage you from joining up for any community playdates we’ll set up in the near future.

– Tactical FanBoy

Level Peaks Delivers EMAGs to UK MoD

Friday, October 29th, 2010

In September, Hereford, UK based Level Peaks Associates won the contract to exclusively supply the UK MoD with the MagLevelâ„¢ Magpul EMAGâ„¢ (Export Magazine) for their SA 80A2 rifles. Level Peaks has already delivered the first consignment of 250,000 of the EMAG and is poised to deliver an additional One Million to fulfill the contract.

As part of the UK MoD’s ongoing efforts to reduce the weight carried by the Infantry Soldier, the introduction of the new EMAG is a significant step. The 30 round, 5.56mm EMAG was designed by Magpul specifically for NATO-pattern rifles (M4/C8, M16/C7, SA80, HK 416, etc.). It features a slim, rib-less, anti-snag profile and the front-to-back and side-to-side dimensions have been adjusted from the PKAG to ensure compatibility with as many STANAG 4179 weapons as possible, including most non-Mil-Spec AR15 rifles.

Level Peaks Associates were able to supply the EMAG as a rapidly manufactured and cost effective alternative to in-service metal magazines, offering substantial life cycle cost savings and placing a reduced logistic burden on the Operation HERRICK supply chain. The EMAG is over 40% lighter than the in-service HK steel magazine and represents over a 1kg reduction in combat loads for the British Soldier. Additionally, polymer magazines do not suffer from rust degradation, crushing damage, or dust and sand ingress. Since polymer does not clog, troops do need not clean every round before loading them into the magazine. This potentially reduces the time taken to reload magazines in dust and sand environments.

www.LevelPeaks.com

www.Magpul.com

All-Time 100 Gadgets

Thursday, October 28th, 2010

Yes, we are gadget geeks at SSD, and when we heard that Time magazine had published a list of the top 100 gadgets of all time (OK, so we lied, it’s 1923 to now), we had to check it out. We aren’t going to steal any of their thunder since we know you are going to check it out, but we do have a couple of comments.

First off, they didn’t have a military category and everyone knows that all of the best technological advances, ever, were due to man’s inhumanity to man. And, how the heck did the TV not make the list unless you count the craptastic Sony Watchman? The remote made the list but not the idiot box. Classic.

www.time.com

Mk 777 – An American RPG Launcher

Thursday, October 28th, 2010

Although it’s as common as the cold in parts overseas, the RPG-7 has seen little use by American forces. That is, until recently. Nine years of engagement with an enemy (and quite a few allies) that use the RPG as a standard weapon have driven us to use it for training, threat assessment, and in some cases, employment. The standard launcher is adequate, and generally well constructed but they made millions of the things, and some are noticeably better than others. So naturally, good old American ingenuity stuck its nose into the issue in the form of Airtronic USA, Inc. In fact, Airtronic recently was awarded a contract as the sole supplier of RPG launchers to the US military. Their launcher, dubbed the Mk 777 takes the classic RPG launcher and improves upon it. The name coming from its weight, 7.77 lbs.

What’s not to like about it? It comes in a variety of colors including Black, Tan, and MultiCam, it incorporates 1913 rails and is manufactured from lightweight, modern materials. The rails allow you to employ newer sighting systems and other accessories such as vertical grips and shoulder stocks. Additionally, you will notice that the grip is an M4 pistol grip which US troops will be accustomed to.

www.airtronic.net

Death Race – You May Die

Thursday, October 28th, 2010

Our friend PJ Rourke, author of “Core Strength” gave us a heads up on the 2011 Death Raceâ„¢ known for its cryptic instructions disseminated at the last minute and out of the ordinary tasks. Part ‘Survivor’, part ‘Jackass’, the whole point of the 24 hour race is to finish. Survive and make it to the end and you get bragging rights. We would never do it, but PJ has decided to go for it, wearing Bates Boots naturally. If you are up for the challenge or to just encourage him, visit PJ’s website. Last year’s co-winners were US and Royal Marines and since PJ is a retired Master Guns, he has some serious shoes to fill. Those of you interested in entering the 2011 Death Raceâ„¢ need to sign up soon. They are only taking 200 entries.

www.youmaydie.com

Two Words

Thursday, October 28th, 2010

“First Spear”

We expect to see them rolling off everyone’s tongues soon or at least have them wagging.

Details to follow…

Energizer Helmet Light Now Offered with Red Lens

Wednesday, October 27th, 2010

Energizer’s popular Hardcase tactical helmet light is now offered with a red lens. I know that sounds odd to some of you old school guys who cut your teeth on red lenses but they played havoc reading the contour lines of maps, so many companies, Energizer included, switched over to a blue green color that was more map friendly. In the interim, the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency altered the colors on mapping products just slightly so that they would be red light readable. The rest is history.

Additionally, Energizer has upgraded the MOLLE mount for the helmet light so if you were an early adopter, Energizer wants to give you one of the new mounts. Visit www.energizerlightingproducts.com.