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Archive for 2010

New Prosthesis Recycles Energy

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

According to an article posted on Plos One, researchers Steven H. Collins (Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands) and Arthur D. Kuo (Departments of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America) have developed a new prosthetic ankle that recycles energy through the natural gait of walking. They have mimicked the natural push-off of a human ankle and using a microprocessor to control the device, capture the energy normally dissipated by the leg. This new technology requires less than one watt. Perhaps this same technology can be used by developers of Human Exoskeletons.

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DRIFIRE Donates FR Shirts and Blankets to Haiti

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

Responding to a call for aid to earthquake damaged Haiti from the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), DRIFIRE has assisted the Kids in Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.) organization by shipping approximately 1,650 comfortable FR shirts to be distributed to two orphanages.

“We’ve worked with the AAFA and K.I.D.S. in the past, donating more than 500 garments during the relief effort after Hurricane Katrina. We’re happy to join them in supporting orphans in Haiti with our products. Our donations may be a tiny piece of the overall relief effort, but we wanted to be involved and we’re excited for our chance to directly impact these orphanages,” says Kim Scarbrough, Executive Assistant at DRIFIRE, who is leading the company’s efforts in Haiti.

The flame retardant shirts sent in DRIFIRE’s first shipment feature moisture wicking and antimicrobial technology that is crucial for staying dry and comfortable in humid, warm climates. The second shipment will include rolls of raw fabric made of soft, comfortable material in response to the strong need for blankets. The fabric also features antimicrobial technology, cutting down on germs and odor. In addition to blankets, the fabric can be used to make clothes, tents and other garments to help keep the children protected and comfortable.

DRIFIRE isn’t stopping there. They plan to continue helping the orphanages on a long-term basis as more products become available for shipment in the coming weeks. Additional aid will be spread among the communities in Haiti as needed.

“Everyone at DRIFIRE is eager to contribute to helping the people in Haiti. From warehouse employees working overtime to get products shipped, to the executive team coordinating with AAFA and K.I.D.S. to make this all happen, we’re thankful and proud to be part of such a generous, hard-working company. Working together is crucial in these times of need, and we hope that our efforts will encourage and inspire others in the FR apparel and safety industry to donate high quality, life-saving products to those who need them,” says Scarbrough.

Tags: Drifire
Posted in Clothing, FR, Industry | Comments Off on DRIFIRE Donates FR Shirts and Blankets to Haiti

Army to Field MultiCam in Afghanistan

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

Apparently, the endgame is in sight for an issue that began last June when the now deceased Rep John Murtha called for the Army to investigate alternative camouflage patterns for use in Afghanistan.

According to numerous sources the Chief of Staff of the Army approved a plan today to field MultiCam to all Army forces in Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) beginning as soon as possible. This is implementation of the decision brief’s Course of Action 1 which called for the fielding of MultiCam to all Army personnel engaged in OEF-A. Other options offered to GEN Casey included fielding a less robust MultiCam package focused on phased implementation with ground maneuver elements as well as a plan to maintain the status quo which is the use of the Universal Camouflage Pattern. It is important to note that the decision to field MultiCam uniforms and equipment currently only affects forces operating in OEF-A. Contracts could begin to be modified as early as this week and OEF-A bound Soldiers should begin to see clothing and equipment as early as July with in-theater fielding starting in August.

Congratulations to the US Army, the American Soldier, and Crye Precision.

UPDATE: Apparently, congratulations are a bit premature. According to multiple sources, the information above is still valid but due to the level of visibility on this issue, the Secretary of the Army, the Honorable John McHugh still needs to consider the issue and make a final decision on the CSA’s recommendation. Although GEN Casey has approved the plan, this is not yet a done deal. Word is that the Secretary has already been briefed and we are just waiting on a formal announcement. Army PAO has failed to return phone calls or e-mails despite contacting other news outlets. Hopefully, we will hear something soon. We will keep you posted.

Tags: Multicam
Posted in Multicam, PEO-Soldier | Comments Off on Army to Field MultiCam in Afghanistan

Tactical Gear Digest Sports a New Look

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

If you are looking for one stop shopping to quench your thirst for nylon gear news from a variety of sources, then head over to Tactical Gear Digest where the reader drives content. Readers post stories and content from different source sites and are encouraged to vote and comment on the content.

They have been around for some time but recently updated their site to make it more user friendly. Additionally, they are running a new member drive and are giving away a Blackwater Gear Rifle Case.

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The C-More M26 May Become Available to Civilians

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

In 2005 the Army, answering a Operational Needs Statement generated in Afghanistan, fielded the M-26 Modular Accessory Shotgun System from C-more Systems for use in breeching. Manufactured by Vertu Corporation, the single shot M-26 features a detachable 5 round box magazine, a collapsible charging handle, and a unique muzzle device designed to be placed directly against a lock for proper standoff. The Firearm Blog scored a coup at SHOT Show, learning that C-more Systems may offer the MASS for commercial sales. While it is designed to be mounted to a primary weapon in a manner similar to an M-203, The Firearm Blog snapped a great photo of a couple of other variants.

I’ve fired the M-26 and I can say that swoopie it ain’t. I could see an airsoft version selling like hotcakes to the MilSim crowd but other than as a conversation piece, I don’t see this really taking off. You’d really be better served with an actual, separate shotgun. Not to mention the NFA implications. Maybe LE will be thrilled with it? On the other hand, ABC will probably call it a grenade launcher.

Tags: C-more Systems
Posted in weapons | Comments Off on The C-More M26 May Become Available to Civilians

Haitian Response Equipment

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

I realize the initial surge is over but troops, aid workers, and security professionals continue to pour into earthquake stricken Haiti. ADS has compiled an online catalog of products suited for those responding to that devastated nation. They run the gamut from shelters to generators and medical kits to tools. It is not only a great resource for those deploying to Operation Unified Response but can serve as a tool for anyone planning for humanitarian, rescue, or security operations.

To view the catalog visit www.adsinc.com/haiti.

Tags: ADS
Posted in Sustainment | Comments Off on Haitian Response Equipment

Global Spear – Where Credibility is King

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

There’s a new forum in town and it’s not quite like anything we have ever seen before. In addition to free general memberships, the staff at Global Spear will offer special consideration to those members who choose to disclose their backgrounds. Such information will be kept confidential but will add considerable weight to a poster’s contributions. The goal is to avoid having the unqualified dispense advice that could get a forum member injured or killed.

Additionally, Global Spear seeks to provide unbiased product evaluations free from the influence of corporate shills. Evaluators must disclose how they obtained the product and any affiliations they might have with the product’s producer. The establishment of a poster’s credibility will also help to temper the voice of fan boys as they rush to defend the object of their affection’s latest turd polisher.

Global Spear also envisions a forum where small business owners can go and exchange information on how to better serve the market as well as themselves.

I am very excited about the possibilities being offered here. Visit www.GlobalSpear.com to learn more.

Tags: Global Spear
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Energizer Lights for LE

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

Energizer has taken their technologies developed for military use and adapted them for the Law Enforcement market. The most obvious change is the color choice of Black rather than Coyote to accommodate SWAT in particular. But that’s not the only change. They’ve also added a handle held single cell light to the line. Although we’ve covered these lights before, we have so many new readers that we thought it would be a good idea to reacquaint you with them.

The head rotates a full 180Â° head allowing light to be directed where needed and offers six light modes:
-Bright white, high-intensity LED (70 lumens on high)
-Red LED for light-discipline and combat conditions
-Blue LED for light-discipline and medical applications
-Green LED for light-discipline and map-reading
-Infrared (IR) light for use with night-vision devices
-IR strobe for Identify Friend or Foe (IFF) capability
The Energizer Smart Switch Technology controls intensity of all visible light sources, providing a â€œquick-extinguishâ€ feature. Both IR and Lockout modes prevent other light sources from operating. The light runs on two AA batteries, but is fully functional with one AA battery when necessary. Additionally, Energizer offers an ingenious feature that the batteries are always inserted tips-in, eliminating the need for polarity indicators. This is fantastic in the dark.

The helmet light weighs in at 3.5 ounces and features four light modes: High-intensity White LED (45 lumens), Red LED for low-light conditions, Infrared (IR) light for use with night-vision devices, and IR strobe flashes for Identify Friend or Foe (IFF) capability. Once again, the Smart Switch Technology controls intensity of all visible light sources and provides â€œquick-extinguishâ€ feature. Additionally, the IR and Lockout modes prevent other light sources from operating. The helmet light is rotatable in 18-degree increments and locked into place and mounts to either side of helmet with standard screwdriver. It detaches from the helmet mount for use with other accessories such as a MOLLE vest or Picatinny rail.

In addition to the 2 AA handheld and helmet lights, Energizer has also introduced a 1 AA light. It features a constant-on control with the push of a button as well as a dim up/dim down feature. It is waterproof with a machined, aircraft-grade aluminum alloy body, shatterproof lens, and white LED.

Note: The lights are not scaled in relation to one another.

Tags: Energizer
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