Pretty interesting video. I’d say it speaks for itself.
Archive for May, 2011
DDM4 Torture Test
Monday, May 23rd, 2011OASYS Technology
Monday, May 23rd, 2011Late last summer we mentioned that BAE Systems had acquired OASYS (OPTICAL ASSEMBLIES AND SYSTEMS) Technology. What we didn’t do is tell you the nuts and bolts of what OASYS actually does. They specialize in Electro-Optics and just happen to make, what are in our opinion, the hottest IR systems out there. In fact, you may already be using an OASYS product and not even realize it. JIEDDO has fielded thousands of Universal Thermal Monoculars (UTM) (and most recently SkeetIRs) through SPAWAR to troops in OEF and OIF to help look for IEDs. The UTM is also known as the StalkIR and can be mounted on weapons as well as used as a handheld device. It features dual band lasers and a modular chassis that can accommodate new technologies as they become available as well as allowing the device to be easily configured at the factory.
The most important factor in all of their designs is that they are custom products built to the client’s specifications. These uncooled LWIR sights can be turned on and put into action in less than four seconds and are controlled by a combination of hot buttons and an intuitive menu. Calibration is quickly accomplished when needed.
The SkeetIR is even more compact and lightweight that the StalkIR weighing in at a scant 6.5 oz with a CR123A battery. With a 320 x 240 detector and a display boasting 640 x 480 it also features selectable reticles and variable zoom. Additionally, there are three display options, white hot, black hot, or outline mode.
Due to several mounting options utilizing a mounting shoe, the sights are extremely versatile and can be rapidly transitioned from the handheld mode, mounted to a weapon as a stand alone sight or as a clone sight, and can be headborne alone or integrated with a legacy NVG utilizing a COTI (Clip-On Thermal Imager) module to turn it into a NV/IR fusion sight. In this mode, the SkeetIR is set in outline mode and overlays this information directly on to to the night vision scene in real time. This helps define shape and definition to what might appear as blobs under NV alone. All of this is possible as the signal is digital and can be accessed via a data port on the back of the device which is common to both SkeetIR as well as StalkIR. Not only can the IR signal be combined with NV data but it can also be sent via radio protocol just as any other signal. This port also allows the sight to be reprogrammed. Additionally, the SkeetIR’s reticle is smart and will shift from black to white based on the conditions displayed in the view.
The SkeetIR comes standard with a red laser pointer. Green lasers can be integrated into the larger UTM design but users have found that they use power too quickly. Additionally, units have been delivered with LEDs of various colors for standard illumination. When the device is used as an applique on a night vision system to form a fusion goggle you can look at a target and simultaneously point a laser at it. The laser can be programmed to a variety of patterns. Additionally, as the sight integrates a three axis Digital Magnetic Compass you can determine a target’s azimuth by degree or mil. These features make the technology a great candidate for integration with other digitization efforts.
The weapon mount accepts either OASYS sight and allows them to be quickly flipped out of the way when not needed. Additionally, the SkeetIR is easily cloned to the zero of your existing optic. Both IR devices are extremely robust and can handle the shock and vibration associated with being mounted on heavy weapons.
OASYS uses the same remote as Insight for laser activation so the UTM is backwards compatible with the PEQ-2A, PEQ-15, PEQ-16, PSQ-18, and M3X/M6X weaponlights. There is no need to purchase additional new accessories and if a cable is lost or damaged it is easily replaced from existing spares. Finally, to conserve power, the SkeetIR utilizes a Hall Effect Sensor to go into standby mode and eventually shut down when disconnected from its mount.
Look for more articles on OASYS Technology soon here at SSD.
The entire line is available through Stryke Logistical Group LLC.
Note: This is an ITAR restricted item.
Immerse Yourself in the SSD Experience
Monday, May 23rd, 2011Believe it or not, SSD is poised to share all of your online moments.
TacticalFanboy.com
Last Fall we realized that as our readership grew, so did their interests begin to vary and in response, our editorial content began to shift somewhat as well. Ever conscious of our core readership, consisting of Industry, Government, and Military, we became a bit concerned that we had lost some of our focus. And in that notion, the idea for Tactical Fanboy was born. Officially launched during SHOT Show, you can think of it as sort of an alter ego. Over the past few months TF’s fan base has grown and grown. In fact, some of our most popular stories have been from TF.
Now, we can have our cake and eat it too and so can you. SSD at work and TF at home. SSD has moved back to its roots concentrating on hardcore Government and Industry news while TF has picked up the more recreational and entertainment sides of this community, with a little bit of humor and risque content thrown in for good measure. While this may mean no more worries about running across content on SSD that may be questionable at work, don’t just write TF off as some milsim wannabe site. The name might be lighthearted but the content will always be on point. But don’t worry, you’ll see us share content and collaborate regularly.
www.TacticalFanBoy.com
News
We put the “new” in news. If it’s worth knowing you are going to read it here first. And if you do happen to see it somewhere else first, we will tell you to go see it there, unless we have the rest of the story. Which, all too often seems to be the case. We will always endeavor to give you the best and most up-to-date coverage of the tactical industry, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. No one else provides this level of coverage.
Comments
Our readers kept asking to be able to comment on our stories and finally, we listened. You can now comment on our articles. We were a bit standoffish at first and maybe one or two commentors seem to forget that this is primarily a tactical gear site but overall we are very pleased to see how well behaved everyone is. Additionally, it is nice to see some of the added value our readers have offered.
Twitter
We have found Twitter to be one of the best means to reach out to our readers and our list of followers continues to grow. In addition to alerts of new stories we also release information through Twitter that might be of interest to our readers or is related to our core content but originates elsewhere.
twitter.com/soldiersystems
Facebook
We launched our Facebook page awhile back and recently started taking advantage of it. Tactical Fanboy has also got his up and running so check him out as well. Make sure you like us and tell your friends about us as well. We recently conducted a test of live Facebook/Twitter coverage of a recent PEO Soldier media roundtable. Overall, it was very well received.
Wibiya
We have added the Wibiya toolbar to our website and found that it really slowed down page loading. We’ve taken it down.
iPhone
Our iPhone app has been extremely popular and delivers the latest updates directly to your iPhone each time you open it. If it seems to have died on you, delete it and reinstall. We want to do an Android app but we are not happy with the company we had chosen. Any suggestions?
iTunes
M4Carbine.net
M4Carbine.net has been most gracious in offering us a dedicated sub-forum to interact with our readers. Not only is it a great place to discuss our articles and current issues in the Soldier Systems industry but M4Carbine.net gives access to the best group of Subject Matter Experts we have run across. No over-inflated CVs, no BS, just good information. Military, Law Enforcement, or a fan of the Black Rifle? You should be a member of M4Carbine.net.
M4Carbine.net
Youtube
We post videos for our articles on our Youtube channel. Additionally, we make use of content posted by others. Always be on the look out for more content.
www.youtube.com
Kindle
Subscriptions to SSD’s content are available for the Kindle via Amazon. Don’t forget there is a Kindle reader for iPhone and iPad.
Scribd.com/solsys
Contests
We have been running some cool contests this year thanks to our sponsors. Our recent kit design contest was the first time we have seen industry reach out to partner with a user to develop new products. We also ran a camouflage design contest that brought 29 unique patterns vying for a $500 prize from one of our sponsors.
Contest.SoldierSystems.net
SWAG
Looking for some swag? If you don’t run into use at a trade show, our logo patches are available from Mil-Spec Monkey and our American Heritage T-shirt series is available from Tactical Distributors.
Trade Shows
In the near-term look for us at Blade Show and ADS Warrior Expo East.
On-line Gaming
If you have an Xbox Live account, you can friend request ‘Tactical Fanboy’.
The Future
Here at SSD we continuously look at ways to increase interaction with our readers. For example, some of our writers have begun to develop specialized content for other sites. In fact, you may have seen the article on HIGH GEAR on ADS Inc’s web site. If you look hard enough, you will also see some of our stuff in print. Additionally, we have also posted guest content from the Mad Duo and others. Look for some SSD logo items becoming available VERY soon through well known vendors. We don’t run this site to sell you anything but people keep asking us for it so we’ll let them do what they do best and we’ll stick with the news.
One final word. None of this would be possible without the support of our sponsors. We have affiliated ourselves with reputable companies who provide solid products and services and we would not hesitate to recommend any of them. At SSD we look at our sponsorship program as a two-way street. We are endorsing them as much as they are us and we urge you to support them. They offer some great products. Use them and let them know you saw them on SSD.
One of the first things I learned in the Army was to constantly improve my fighting position, so if you have any additional ideas on ways SSD can do more for you, please feel free to share them with us.
Italian Army Rainsuits Use GE Fabrics
Monday, May 23rd, 2011
I kid you not, the company that makes rainsuits for the Italian Army is named Lovers s.r.l. Actually, they make pretty much all of the issue combat clothing for Italian forces, except for SOF and have been since 1982. For rainsuits, they use the GE fabric formerly known as eVent. The contract for rainsuits is now in its fourth year Lovers has already supplied 210,000 sets to the Army and will deliver another 57,600 sets as part of this latest contract.
GE will deliver PTFE for lamination to camouflaged face fabric by Tessitura Majocchi s.r.l. which will then be turned into uniforms by Lovers.
“GE is a leader in innovation and technology. We’re pleased to use our expertise to create dependable, protective garments for the Italian Army supporting Lovers and Majocchi,†said Glenn Crowther, product line leader for performance fabrics at GE.
GE materials are also used in foul weather clothing for the US and Korean militaries.
3rd Annual NSW Foundation Golf Tournament
Sunday, May 22nd, 2011
The 3rd Annual Naval Special Warfare Foundation Golf Tournament is coming 10 June, 2011 to the Virginia Beach National Golf Course. In addition to good times, players will vie for a variety of prizes based on skill such as hole in one.
There is still room for foursomes and they are still seeking sponsors. Interested parties should contact www.tidewatertactical.com. The Naval Special Warfare Foundation provides scholarships to the survivors of fallen NSW Operators.
Malaysia Eyes Bigger Market for M4 Carbine
Sunday, May 22nd, 2011According to a report by Malaysian news agency Bernama, Malaysia has put forth a proposal to cooperatively produce and market the M4 carbine to Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The M4 is manufactured in Malaysia under a license granted from Colt Defense LLC in 2006-7 by SME Ordnance Sdn Bhd. 14,000 M4s are currently in service with the Malaysian Armed Forces, Special Forces of Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency as well as the Royal Malaysian Police.
SME Ordnance Sdn Bhd (SME) is a National Aerospace & Defence Industries (NADI) subsidiary company. They have been issued a mandate to cooperate with ASEAN countries to produce the Colt M4 carbine assault rifle for a wider user base. SME signed a new contract with Colt in February to facilitate the production of an additional 116,000 carbines over seven years. This must still be approved by the US Congress. In particular, Brunei was singled out as a possible customer for the US issue service weapon.
The initiative to develop the region’s defense industry, referred to as the ASEAN Defence Industries Collaboration (ADIC) was set forth at the recent ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) in Jakarta. One of the most compelling points of the plan to federate the production of the rifles across partner countries is that 85% of the parts will be locally produced. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi explained “Only the main technology and equipment come from United States. Colt also gave us the right to sell M4 to ASEAN countries. “Asean partners will be given the opportunity to share production. Although M4 will be made in Malaysia, its components will be produced by ASEAN countries.”
Join Us at Blade Show
Sunday, May 22nd, 2011
The 30th annual BLADE Show will be held at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Georgia June 10th to 12th. Hosted by BLADE magazine, BLADE Show is the largest combined show of handmade, factory, and antique knives, with over 700 tables and around 175 factory booths and products. Also available is the first ever Tactical Gear Expo, which features manufactures, dealers and suppliers of tactical firearms, tactical knives, and tactical gear. The best part is you get access to both shows with a single ticket. Combine this with special guest appearances and events and you have the makings of the best BLADE show yet! We will be in attendance on opening day along with Tactical Fanboy. We will be looking for you.
Visit bladeshow.com for more information on the upcoming expos, including the event schedule and list of exhibitors.
