Atrius Development Group

Archive for 2011

Fire Steel, Blanket Pin, and Awl (in-One)

Wednesday, July 6th, 2011

The Fire Steel, Blanket Pin, and Awl is a multi use product offered by Dave Canterbury of “Dual Survival” fame and Owner of the Pathfinder School, LLC. Inspired by a conversation with Rob Simpson of the Canteen Shop, the concept was combine a blanket pin with a fire steel. In fact, you may have seen this in use on “Dual Survival” when Dave’s partner Cody Lundin wraps himself in a buffalo cape (episode: Frozen Plains).

It is offered in two sizes, naturally referred to as Small and Large. The smaller one can be used as a belt buckle so you can always have it on you. However, it do so it is recommended that you slightly modify it by shortening the pin.

Naturally, it’s primary function is as a fire steel. But, this device allows you to take a wool (or in a pinch other type) blanket and use it as a cloak, clasping it in front. Finally, it can be used as an awl, with the loop of the steel making an excellent handle.

While there’s no catchy name for this product, I’ll call it the “Awl-in-One.”

stores.thepathfinderschoolllc.com

There’s a New PM Soldier Weapons in Town

Wednesday, July 6th, 2011

Project Manager (PM) Soldier Weapons conducted a change of charter ceremony on June 28, transitioning responsibility for the Army’s small arms development from COL Douglas Tamilio to COL Scott “Scotty” Armstrong.

“Having been stationed at Picatinny for the last year, I’ve had an opportunity to meet and work with Col. Tamilio and the Soldier Weapons team on various occasions,” said Armstrong in an Army press release. “They are a dedicated and talented group of individuals with a tremendous record of success. I’m looking forward to joining the team to continue the development and fielding of the world’s best weapons that will make a tremendous difference for Soldiers at the tip of the spear.”

The Army has published the following biographic data for COL Armstrong:

Upon his commissioning at Colorado State University in 1989, Armstrong served in a variety of command and staff positions in the Air Defense Artillery branch. In 1997, he was assessed into the Acquisition Corps where he has served on various programs, including the Missile Defense Agency’s Ground Based Interceptor program where he was the Product Manager.

Armstrong holds a Master of Science in management, with a concentration in systems acquisition management, from Naval Postgraduate School. He also attended the Combined Arms Services and Staff School, Command and General Staff College, the advanced program management course, and the U.S. Army Senior Service College Fellowship Program at the University of Texas.

We wish COL Armstrong luck as he takes the reigns of a VERY busy PM shop.

Daniel Defense to Open New Facility in South Carolina

Wednesday, July 6th, 2011

In a $5.3 million investment, Georgia-based Daniel Defense is opening a new facility in neighboring South Carolina’s Jasper County. The move is expected to generate 100 new jobs with hiring to begin in August.

In a press release Daniel Defense President and CEO Marty Daniel said, “With 90,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space, we are poised to continue to grow our brand in the U.S. firearms industry, international firearms Industry, DoD manufacturing and strategic business relationships. Our goal is to build the best firearms in the world and we view this investment as a key milestone toward achieving that goal. The company expects to have the facility in operation by December 1, 2011.”

In a statement, SC Governor Nikki Haley added, “One hundred new jobs in Jasper demonstrates our administration’s commitment to rural areas, and Daniel Defense is an example of a good quality partner for South Carolina that we are excited to welcome and support for many years to come.”

Such a move could signal a high degree of confidence by Daniel Defense that they are going home with a sizable chink of the Army’s small arms pie. As we reported last week, the Army’s dual path strategy to improve the current fleet of M4 carbines combined with an open solicitation for a new Improved Carbine means there is a lot of work to go around for small arms producers.

danieldefense.com

Crye All Weather Combat Shirt

Wednesday, July 6th, 2011

Crye’s All Weather Combat Shirt is based on the same design of the current G3 Combat Shirt but rather, built from a 4-way stretch woven laminate treated on the exterior with NANO STX for extreme weather resistance. A wicking, midweight, high-performance flame resistant DRIFIRE knit torso is paired with reinforced, 4-way stretch laminate sleeves to provide a warmer base than the standard Crye Precision Combat Shirts. Large easy access zip vents allow a massive amount of ventilation when needed. The All Weather Combat Shirt features stretch woven upper back coverage for added weather protection and a zip collar that allows easy donning and doffing. The elbows accept the Crye Precision removable AirFlex Elbow Pads. Made in the US from US materials (this means Berry Compliant). Offered in MultiCam, Black, Ranger Green, and Khaki in sizes XSmall – XXXLarge, Reg and Tall lengths.

And you can order it from Level Peaks before you can get it anywhere else.

For the Ladies – Cyclops from Mantis Knives

Tuesday, July 5th, 2011

Designed to be worn in places where are knives are frowned upon, the MU-6 Cylcops from Mantis Knives made quite a hit at the recent BLADE Show. It hangs from a chain around the neck. To put it into action, simply pull down and away. Once deployed the Hawkbill blade resembles a talon and is wielded with a finger inserted into the handle.

With five colors to choose from (Black is sold out) a man could use one too, but when it’s blinged out like this one, it doesn’t belong anywhere but hanging around a Lady’s neck.

www.mantisknives.com

It’s Not Too Late to Register for Warrior Expo East

Tuesday, July 5th, 2011

Be sure to register online to attend Warrior Expo East, July 14 & 15 in Virginia Beach, VA. But, online registration closes on the 7th of July at 11:59 PM EDT. Any registrations after this point will need to be done on-site and believe me, you don’t want to wait in line. There’s so much to see and do you will want to get right inside.

www.adsinc.com/warriorexpo

Spectrum from ZERO POINT

Tuesday, July 5th, 2011

Aptly named due to its adaptability across the light spectrum, the Spectrum from Zero Point is an illumination toolkit. It comes packaged in a custom molded case and looks like a pen light. But it’s so much more.

The waterproof case features a purge valve and has a foam liner with cut outs for all of the components including batteries.

I have had the pleasure of having one available to use and it is fantastic. Each end of the Spectrum features a swappable light head which is powered by independently by a single AAA battery. This allows you to configure the Spectrum based on mission requirements although it can quickly be reconfigured. The heads integrate tightly spaced threads and O rings to keep the water out.

As you can see above, the optional High Density Rubber Light Shield prevents to light from going anywhere but where you direct it. This can come in handy for a variety of reasons. Additionally, the rubber construction of the Light Shield allows you to further control the beam by pinching it closed. Two are included with the Spectrum so that you can configure both heads simultaneously.

In addition to the UV and White light heads already mentioned, Infrared, Blue, and Red also come with the Spectrum. All lamps are LED.

For more information visit www.zeropointusa.com.

Military Emergency Tourniquet Gen III

Tuesday, July 5th, 2011

We’ve written about the Military Emergency Tourniquet (MET) in the past. Now, based on user feedback, Tier-One Quality Solutions has introduced the Gen III model.

The biggest improvement is that the constricting band has been widened (40” x 1.5”). Research and clinical study demonstrates that wide-based tourniquet devices effectively compress arterial bleeding at lower pressures, increasing tourniquet effectiveness while reducing the potential for extremity injury when applied.

Wide bands are becoming more common for tourniquets so that isn’t anything new. However, what you will find is that with these other models, they have just added a widened sleeve over a narrow constricting band. While this looks like it might do some good, the reality is that the pressure will only be spread across the width of the restricting band.

The MET Gen III can easily be employed by pulling on the tail of the constricting band as seen in the photo. Use on both arms and legs is the same and the band is plenty long to get around large thighs. This center pull design simultaneously takes up band length evenly from both sides of the device. It quickly applies distributed constriction to the affected extremity resulting in shorter constriction times. Additionally, this design makes it possible to apply the tourniquet to yourself.

Once applied, the aluminum windlass won’t break under the highest pressure and is easily secured in place by both primary and secondary straps.

The MET Gen III is currently undergoing the Joint Operational Evaluation of Field Tourniquets conducted by the Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM), Family of Field Medical Equipment (FFME), in coordination with the U. S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity (USAMMDA). They can be had from
www.tqsresponse.com as well as ADS, GSS Gear, Tidewater Tactical, San Diego Police Equipment Company, T3 Tactical and Rally Point Tactical.