Tactical Tailor has just launched a new, updated website to coincide with the official launch of the much anticipated Fight Light line. Look for more info on this line here soon.
As the new site populates the worldwide DNS system you may run across a “system down for maintenance” message but rest assured, by tomorrow you should be able to see the new look.
The AquaSource 20l is the first accessory designed to fit the USMC’s new pack frame. As you can see, the AquaSource adapts directly to the Down East 1606 frame (and the Army-issue 1600 frame as well) allowing a single Marine to effect a water resupply for his Squad. The AquaSource holds 20l of water in its collapsible bladder which features Source’s Glass-like reservoir technology. There are multiple carrying handles including integral shoulder straps for use in a pinch. Additionally, it adapts directly to Source Hydration’s Vehicle Hydration System.
To order, military and agencies visit www.adsinc.com/source-hydration.
Who
FirstSpear develops, designs and manufactures tactical equipment that directly increases the lethality and survivability of the modern day U.S. warfighter. FirstSpear’s products are developed with direct input from the end user, taking into account specific mission needs. The end result is innovative, capability-driven products that precisely meet the wants of the user.
What
FirstSpear is dedicated is the rapid design and delivery of innovative personal protective equipment and enhanced lightweight load carriage solutions to U.S. and allied warfighters, and professional users. FirstSpear’s emphasis is on meeting the very unique and ever-evolving mission needs of each warfighter, and to this end maintains very open dialogues with end users to ensure excellence in product functionality. The company’s equipment is built to government specific requirements to achieve the best combination of weight and durability.
Where
FirstSpear is headquartered in Fenton, Missouri. The company conducts significant work on research and development, and these efforts, as well as prototyping and substantial manufacturing work, are conducted out of Missouri. In keeping with FirstSpear’s commitment to domestic manufacturing and ensuring that the technologies used by our soldiers and professional users remain here in the United States, the company provides fully Berry Amendment compliant products to the US Military.
When
FirstSpear was founded in 2010 by a team of experienced industry professionals and former U.S. servicemen with over 30 years of experience in the load carriage field. Members of FirstSpear’s team have successfully designed, developed, and fielded some of the world’s most significant load-carriage systems currently in use by the U.S. Department of Defense. FirstSpear unveiled their full suite of 60 products in July of 2011 and has been filling orders since the company’s inception in late 2010.
Why
FirstSpear’s core mission, the one that really matters, is to support the men and women who risk their lives for our country and our freedoms. The FirstSpear team is working every day to make equipment that is lighter, with increased functionality and durability to broaden warfighter capabilities. The company strives to continually raise the bar in equipment excellence and will continue on this path of innovation for years to come. FirstSpear is honored and privileged to support the modern day warfighters’ missions, and thanks them for their loyalty.
If you’ve spent any time at all in the military, then you are well with Chem Lights and perhaps with other Cyalume products as well, but here’s one that’s so new, you haven’t seen it yet.
We called this kind of stuff pixie dust, but Cyalume’s new idIRt (Intrusion Detection InfraRed Traceable) technology brings discreet tracking to the masses. You just mix it up, sprinkle it in an area likely to attract the target, and let him do his thing. Then, you can use night vision systems to track his movements. Naturally, this is great for LE use, but can also be used for other security applications such as catching pilferers or tracking vermin.
idIRt is undetectable with the naked eye so it will blend right in with other earthen materials. However, it emits in the IR spectrum so you can easily detect it’s presence with the aid of night vision.
Propper International gave us a few minutes with this production example.
Here you can see the details of the molded waist belt.
The Pack also comes with 2 Sustainment Pouches, a Horizontal GP Pocket, and a Hydration Carrier.
Finally, there is an Assault Pack. While it can be mounted crossways on top of the pack, it is really meant as more of a stand alone item. The channels along the back (seen under the shoulder straps) are open cell foam but we are told the material used will not absorb water. Additionally, the panel loader has an assymetric 2-way zipper that opens lower on the wearer’s left side. The outer pocket features an internal mesh pocket while the main compartment also has a mesh pocket and will accommodate a radio.
It seems the Marines aren’t quite so taken with the term “FILBE” (Family of Improved Load Bearing Equipment) which was used to differentiate this new external frame pack from its predecessor during the solicitation.
At MDM we heard a couple of terms being used like “Marine Corps Pack Suite” which could basically denote any old set of packs. Hopefully, they will lock something down soon. My favorite alternative was “MELBA” for Marine Enhanced Load Bearing Assembly.
FILBE or whatever it’s being called is so new that PM-ICE didn’t even have a production sample available to display. But that doesn’t mean that this program isn’t on the fast track. The fielding schedule is very aggressive with the entire run complete within 18 months at the outside. In fact, the first delivery order has already been placed.
