Just this week I began looking at Woodland camo with a renewed sense of nostalgia. It had been long enough since the services had dumped it like an ugly girlfriend and I had even asked someone to do something for me in Woodland. It was well on its way to ‘cool’ again, at least for me. But then I was forwarded and advertisement from Barneys. Looks like Woodland skipped straight from lame to hip. Me and cool got left in the dust.
Polartec, the developer, manufacturer, and marketer of Polartec performance fabrics, has worked closely with US Special Operations Forces and one of their fabrics was chosen for use in the first standard issue combat shirt developed specifically for the needs of SOF.
Designed by Patagonia, the Special Operations Forces’ (SOF) Protective Combat Uniform (PCU) Level 9 Shirt is currently being fielded to all US SOF users, and will enhance their combat advantage in the world’s most hostile conditions.
Designed to be worn next-to-skin, the new PCU level 9 combat shirt integrates Polartec Power Dry fabric in the shirt’s torso to provide moisture management, breathability, stretch, quick drying and comfort. Power Dry features a patented bi?component knit construction with two yarns. One picks up the sweat from the skin and the other disperses the sweat to the outer layer to rapidly dry it. It moves 30% more moisture than single component fabrics.
The Power Dry used in Level 9 is printed in a variety of camo patterns and also offers FR properties.
“Polartec is very proud of our longstanding development relationship with the Special Operations Forces. We are constantly challenged by the extreme performance that Operators demand of their clothing and equipment. These men are the tip of the spear of our country’s projection of power and always exhibit remarkable ability and patriotism. To be selected by this very demanding customer is a tribute to the abilities of the research and development team at Polartec who are honored to help support our warfighters.” said David Costello, Polartec Business Manager.
Polartec fabrics are found throughout PCU; in levels 1, 2, 3, 3A, and now 9. Additionally, Polartec offers numerous fabric solutions including wicking base layers, to insulation layers, to extreme weather protection and are utilized by the best clothing brands in the world
Chris Costa runs a leg rig that utilizes TACO Pouches from High Speed Gear mounted to a dual-strap drop leg panel. TACOs come in different models that accommodate AR10/LR308 mags, AR mags, AK mags, Pistol mags and multi tools or flashlights.
The panel features the Costa Ludus Logo front bottom center.
The Leg Rig consists of –
Padded Leg Panel with a 1-1/2” Adjustable, Non-slip Strap
(2) DTACOS – Double Decker’s
(1) PTACO – Pistol
Available in any color as long as it’s MultiCam from www.costaludusgear.com.
Note: TACOS are threaded together and cannot be reused in other configurations
Climashield announced that their signature COMBAT continuous filament insulation was selected for the new and improved SOCOM-issue Protective Combat Uniform (PCU) Level 7 designed by Massif.
In extensive laboratory and field evaluations, Climashield repeatedly provided the right combination of technical elements to achieve greater warmth at lighter weights, significantly reducing the weight of the PCU. Designed specifically for use by SOF, the jacket, pants and vest boast a new, sleek design from Massif paired with Climashield COMBAT performance insulation. Along with superior ratings in thermal efficiency, Climashield COMBAT is durable, maintaining warmth throughout the life of the product even when stretched, packed or washed multiple times.
“When Massif was tasked with designing elements for the new PCU 18 months ago, the challenge was to increase functionality and reduce bulk while maintaining thermal efficiency in the process,” said Sarah Sameh, President and COO at Massif. “Climashield met our needs and we are grateful to have their brand and experience on board for these PCU garments.”
“From the zipper to the fabric, every element in the design of gear for the military is essential in providing the best protection for our troops,” said Brian Emanuel, General Manager at Climashield. “Massif is meticulous with each detail and Climashield is proud to be part of a superior product used around the world by the men and women serving in the U.S. Special Forces.”
Climashield insulation is manufactured in the U.S.A. in an ISO 9001-certified facility.
For a full look at the latest version of PCU check out our story at soldiersystems.net/2012/01/26/pcu-block-2-preview
We’ve shown you the Super Light Armor Applique Plate developed by Velocity Systems for the Ops-Core Ballistic FAST Helmet. However, there are far more Advanced Combat Helmets fielded. In fact, there’s an entire Army and Air Force worth out there. Early on in the development of the SLAAP, Velocity Systems produced a variant for the ACH’s geometry.
They produce blanks that are water jet cut to finish and using this process they can accommodate different NVG mounts/shrouds as well as rail systems. The model you see above is cut for a rail and NVG mount that takes up more vertical space than most others. Additionally, a Large/XLarge SLAAP weighs just a pound. Considering it will stop an AK round, that’s impressive.
SLAAP is THE answer to the rifle caliber threat.
SLAAP is economical. You purchase as much protection as you need. There’s no need to buy an entire new fleet of helmets that only stop an arbitrary threat. Both front and rear plates have been developed, and since they are easily attached to and detached from the helmet, SLAAP is scalable. You adapt to the threat and only use the amount of protection you need. SLAAP is effective. It defeats the threat you will see on the street; 7.62 x 39mm FMJ with mild steel core penetrator. Additionally, the technology is adaptable. Because it is a helmet accessory, new versions of SLAAP can be developed as new threats emerge.
Military or Law Enforcement, I encourage you to look at SLAAP if you are facing rifle caliber threats. Chances are very good that Velocity Systems has already built a model to fit your issue helmet. It is a major game changer for the ACH.
Today is the last day to suggest a name for FirstSpear’s 40mm Speed Loader. When Moder Day Marine closes today at 1530 EDT, the contest is over.
Post your entry at soldiersystems.net/2012/09/25/mdm-firstspear-name-that-product-contest
Edgar Brothers created this custom scooter for DSEi, the largest integrated defense and security show in the world.
