GORE-Tex Professional

Archive for 2012

Silynx Communications

Thursday, October 25th, 2012

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While I was in DC I got the chance to visit Silynx Communications in Rockville, Maryland, a suburb of DC.

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They’ve got a cool facility that was a lot of fun to explore. In addition to the office area, they have a well equipped lab where new products are developed. Turns out, the best ideas come from a little inspiration so they’ve got a bag to help blow off some steam.

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Here’s a sampling of their capabilities. They use a HATS to measure how a device works with ambient sounds as well as in the ear. The same goes for microphones. The HATS’ ear replicates the human ear in pliability so it will react the same. This is all done to ensure both safety as well as fidelity.

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Silynx also tests how weapon heat affects grips, PTTs and other accessories as well as how force impacts these devices. They built this rig to replicate a weapon and can mount equipment to it. The weight on the right of the photo is then driven repeatedly (sometimes thousands of repetitions) into the test rig to determine the consequences.

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They make rapid prototypes right in the lab. Here, Associate Mechanical Engineer Kelly Dyer shows me their rapid prototype machine as well as their small temperature chamber that induces cold as well as heat.

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Silynx clued me in on several technologies including some covert applications that integrate into their flagship system, H2Ops. Hopefully, we can share details soon. But, I can share this.

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What you are looking at is a device designed at the behest of a Special Mission Unit to protect the switches on an AN/PRC-148 MBITR from damage and inadvertent switching during an operation. It is lightweight, rugged and simple to use.

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Finally, they have a really cool announcement for a new PTT coming soon. Look for details soon here on SSD.

www.silynxcom.com

AUSA – Ceradyne MOHAWK

Thursday, October 25th, 2012

We recently published an article on the latest version of the MOdular HArd Wired Kitted (MOHAWK) helmet from Ceradyne and comms partner Threat4. It’s a boltless design manufactured using their advanced Seamless Ballistic technology developed for the Enhanced Combat Helmet and integrates a modular data and power bus bar system. Essentially, this is a powered helmet with multiple mounting points on the helmet’s shell.

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You will notice numerous pieces from Wilcox Industries on these helmets.

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www.ceradyne.com

PMAG GEN M3/USGI Magazine Side Impact Test

Wednesday, October 24th, 2012

Magpul continues to demonstrate their new M3 PMAG technology. This time, it’s a 1 foot side impact test.

www.magpul.com/pmagm3

Drop Zone Tactical Corset Radio Pouch

Wednesday, October 24th, 2012

Designed to call small radios such as the PRR, the Corset Radio Pouch from Canada’s Drop Zone Tactical uses a bungee retention system as well as their MOLLE compatible attachment system.

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www.dropzonetactical.com/pouches/corset-radio-pouch/corset-radio-pouch

AUSA – Milliken

Wednesday, October 24th, 2012

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Milliken has signed a licensing agreement with the Swiss firm SSZ Camouflage Technology for their multi-spectral camouflage technology. This Thermal Infrared suppression technology will soon see its way into Milliken fabrics. Look for additional details soon on SSD.

www.millikenmilitary.com

Kitanica Introduces Mark V Jacket

Wednesday, October 24th, 2012

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www.kitanica.net

AUSA – Wilcox Industries

Wednesday, October 24th, 2012

Wilcox Industries has unveiled their new 3 hole shroud for the ACH/Ops-Core Helmet.

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It’s a skeletonized design that is optimized for the ACH geometry. Additionally, it combines a machined anodized aluminum mount with a polymer housing. This approach balances strength and weight meaning zero movement left and right or up and down. In fact, they tested the design by attaching and detaching an NVG 5,000 times. Additionally, it is available with or without a lanyard.

www.wilcoxind.com

AUSA – FNHUSA

Wednesday, October 24th, 2012

The FN Advanced Carbine is the weapon submitted to the US Army’s Individual Carbine program.

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It’s been described as “SCAR on Jenny Craig” and has had small, incremental changes to comply with the Army’s length and weight requirements. For example, the stock is slightly shorter and the front sight has been moved from the gas port to the rail. Additionally, the barrel now has the FNC profile in front of the gas port. One big change, a non-reciprocating charging handle.

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FN has also introduced a PDW to support an ICE requirement. Once again based on the SCAR platform, the PDW has a 6.75″ barrel with an operating system optimized for the short barrel. What’s really cool is that they developed a non-reciprocating charging handle for the PDW that can be retrofitted to existing guns!

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For future improvements of the PDW look for additional calibers such as .300, 6.8 and 6.5 was even mentioned. I’m looking at this and thinking MP5 replacement.

www.fnhusa.com