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We first posted this article about six months ago so many of you have already seen this. But since that time, we’ve added thousands of daily readers and there has been a change of authority downrange so there may be deployed personnel that haven’t seen Rip Shears.
Rip Shears are a new attachment for standard EMT shears that transforms them into a tool that combines the shears with a safety knife and reflex hammer. Designed to attach directly to the handle of most 7-1/4″ shears, it provides a quick means of cutting through loose material and gear in order to access wounds.
Designed by Naval Special Warfare Corpsmen, Rip Shears are Made in the USA and crafted from fiberglass-reinforced nylon that can be autoclaved up to 270 deg F. Additionally, the blades are 440A stainless steel and are treated with a special DLC tungsten coating for increased lubricity. In fact, the coating will extend the life of the blades 4-5 times normal stainless steel. The design is simple and safe to clean with your fingers as well as replace blades. In fact, when you finally do need to change the blades, they are designed in such a manner that they are impossible to install incorrectly.
Rip Shears are offered in three models. The RS-1 is the Ripper unit by itself for installation on your current EMT shears. The RS-2 model combines the Ripper with EMT shears and the RS-3 or “Firefly” version is a Ripper featuring a glow in the dark material for civilian EMTs and flight medics.
A lot of folks are carrying hook knives to cut through webbing but they can be ineffective if the material is slack. With Rip Shears the cutting stroke is a pulling motion, offering a great deal of strength and control which can help to avoid further injuries. Rip Shears have been used on boots, leather jackets, and rigger belts. In fact, this video will give you a great idea of how well it works.
In fact, I had the chance to try them out myself and I am duly impressed. To get yours visit their distributor page www.ripshears.com and be sure to look around while you are there.
The “THULS” guys were on hand again this year with even more new products.
One example is the Ranger Basic Module. It is on the approved materials list for Ranger school. But, most recent graduates are saying it is mandatory. It features all of the checklist data from the Ranger Handbook printed on the Multiple Environment Rewrite System material so you can conduct mission planning. MERS feels like plastic and you can write on it with a Staedtler marker and the writing can be erased with an alcohol pen. Additionally, it is completely water proof and can be paired with a standard graphite pencil for use as an underwater slate.
Additionally, their Leaders Tactical Handbook is used by every leader in the Marine Corps. Mission Information Resources, Inc can develop custom products for your specific requirements.
The Air Ground Warrior Battery pack from Adams Industries is crafted from solid Delrin, a high strength composite. It can be machined and is highly impact resistant.
The case is water resistant. Adams Industries developed a battery case that can be powered by two AA or a single 3v CR 123 per side. Additionally, the rotating switch is more robust than the standard ANVIS toggle with 3 positions for left or right bank and “off” in the middle.
It incorporates the standard clip for attachment to a flight helmet or can be mounted via a Velcro field. Additionally, they have provided attachment points to accept the issue counterweights.
Smith Optics was on hand and they were killing it. I couldn’t get far enough into the booth to grab a sneak peek of any of their black bag projects, but let me tell you, you are going to like them when they come out.
BAE Systems demonstrated GEN II Headborne Energy Analysis & Diagnostic System (HEADS) which has just passed First Article Testing (FAT) for the US Army with first deliveries to begin September 22, 2011.
HEADS consists of the sensor which is mounted in the crown of the combat helmet, the software to perform computational analysis of traumatic events and an optional wireless antenna which can be used to interrogate the sensor for data when it is placed in close proximity. Alternatively, the HEADS sensor can be interrogated via a USB connection directly to a laptop.
As you can see from the photo, once data from the sensor has been uploaded to the software a date and time stamped visual display is created to assist medical personnel in correlating their medical diagnosis with actual events. The sensor will record all linear and angular acceleration and blast overpressure information, including multiple events.
It is important to note that the HEADS sensor can be covered with a crown pad within the helmet for enhanced comfort. Additionally, the sensor battery life is one year and can be recharged by tethering to a laptop via a USB cable or you can actually replace the battery with a fresh one.
For more information www.BAEsystems.com/ips
Mystery Ranch has released the new Removable Bolster System. Almost four years ago, the MR Bolster System (BVS) drastically changed how packs interfaced with a Soldier wearing body armor equipped with rear plates by keeping the load from rolling across the back. Now, the new Removable Bolster System enhances the flexibility of their pack line.
Made from a coated, molded EVA foam (as found in running shoe mid-soles) the Bolsters help conform the load and also provide some stability and some flotation for the pack.
Packs equipped with the Removable BVS will be available beginning in November.
This is going to knock your socks off. Tired of the poorly designed, issue ALICE frame, Tactical Tailor decided to do something about it and fix the problem. The result of their efforts is the Enhanced MALICE Pack Frame which is 15% lighter than the issue item.
Taking the basic ALICE design they made it from aluminum tubing to hold down weight and assembled the pieces with welded joints rather rivets. As you will notice, it has been powder coated in Coyote to better blend in.
Furthermore, the crossbar is offset to accommodate armor plates. Finally, the waist is scalloped in order to move the contact points further out on the hips.
Look for a more in depth article soon.
