Archive for February, 2015
Sneak Peek – Costa / War Sport Uppers In Production
Friday, February 20th, 2015Good Guys in Greenzone
Friday, February 20th, 2015Yesterday’s online and paper editions of the Austrian newspaper ‘Heute’ (Today) featured an article and photo gallery of the Austrian Interior Ministry’s anti-terrorist / special operations unit ‘Einsatzkommando COBRA’.
The photo spread included this shot of a two-man sniper team in their standard-issue GreenZone camouflage smocks and trousers from SABRE in Germany. COBRA has been using a range of GreenZone camouflage clothing and equipment made by SABRE since 2012. Einsatzkommando Cobra isn’t GI Joe’s arch-nemesis but rather an Austrian Counter Terrorism team with a very good reputation. Organized under the Ministry of the Interior, Cobra was founded in 1978 and is made up of about 450 personnel.
They even use GLOCKs.
Read the whole thing at www.hydedefinition.com.
SureFire – New M600 AA Can Use AA Lithium or Alkaline Batteries
Friday, February 20th, 2015
The new Picatinny compatible M600 AA Scout Light can be powered by AA lithium or AA alkaline batteries, the latter of which are typically more readily available globally.
“The M600 AA’s ability to be powered by two separate types of batteries is a key element to its anticipated success,” said SureFire Product Manager Chris Skahill. “For optimal performance, AA lithiums can be used. But it can also be powered by AA alkalines, which are more readily available and usually easier to find, particularly in remote or rural areas.”
Powered by two lithium AAs, the M600 AA’s solid-state light emitting diode (LED) generates a maximum output of 200 lumens and produces tactical-level output for up to 3.75 hours on a set of batteries. The output and runtime from two AA alkaline batteries is approximately one-third that from lithium AAs, but this reduced output/runtime is theoretically outweighed by the convenience of using these easier-to-find and often less-expensive power cells. But to maximize output and runtime, SureFire recommends powering the M600 AA with lithium batteries whenever possible.
The M600 AA uses a proprietary Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lens to shape the LED’s output into a smooth, flawless beam with ample reach and enough surround light to maintain good situational awareness in close- to medium-range applications. Like all SureFire Scout Lights, it securely attaches to any MIL-STD-1913 rail, the M600 AA utilizing an integral thumbscrew clamp that attaches/detaches the light to said rail in a matter of seconds. Constructed of lightweight aerospace aluminum that’s hard anodized with a Mil-Spec finish for added durability, this new Scout Light can be easily activated via its momentary-/constant-on click-type tailcap switch, or via several remote plug-in switch models available for purchase from SureFire as optional accessories.
The M600 AA Scout Light has an MSRP of $299.00 and is currently available for purchase through authorized SureFire dealers. It will also soon be available for purchase directly from SureFire by calling 800-828-8809 or visiting surefire.com online.
215 Gear – Bolt Bag, Large
Friday, February 20th, 2015
Designed as a true Bolt Bag to quickly detach from any MOLLE compatible surface, the Bolt Bag is designed as a means to carry survival essentials if you have to jettison a larger pack. This 450 cubic inch bag will allow you to store essentials like food, water, first aid items, a light jacket and other necessities. The bag also comes with a detachable shoulder strap, that you can sling over your shoulder. In addition to the use as a Bolt Bag it is also a great solution for anyone looking for an additional 450 cubic inches of storage. With the ability to mount to any MOLLE surface you can easily add this storage option to any pack or bag. The inside of the Bolt Bag has one flat mesh zippered pocket along with two billowing mesh pockets. Made of high quality Mil-Spec Materials.
Offered in Coyote and MultiCam. Made in the USA/ Lifetime warranty.
When purchasing the Bolt Bag, Large, enter CODE: SSDReaders into the coupon code section to receive a free Batuca Battery Case color of their choice. Once the Bolt Bag is added and the code is entered you can add the battery case and make any color choice. Offer good through Monday morning 9 am EST.
Introducing 47 Pro 6 Treatment
Friday, February 20th, 201547 Pro 6 is a new C6 flourochemical-based finish which offers long lasting oil and water repellancy to natural and synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, cotton, rayon and blends. In addition to oil and water resistance, this DWR treatment is also stain resistant and much more environmentally sound than the C8 treatment. As you may know PFOA, a material that bio-accumulates in Humans is an unintended byproduct of C8 DWR production and is viewed suspiciously by the medical community due to its adverse effects on laboratory animals and persistence. C8 flourochecmical production is under EPA review and DoD desires to move away from it. C6 production, on the other hand does not result in PFOA and is not subject to the voluntary restrictions facing C8.
Initial applications for 47 Pro 6 DWR treatment include physical fitness uniforms for DoD. If you are interested in incorporating this capability or for more information, contact Edward Ricci.
Sneak Peek – Velocity Systems Trigger Gloves
Friday, February 20th, 2015
Feedback from the SF NCOs using the Trigger glove from VS has been very good. Look for these Merino wool and Pitard leather gloves soon!
FirstSpear Friday Focus – Deceptor
Friday, February 20th, 2015
This week, we are checking out the FirstSpear Deceptor. Designed to conceal Rifle Velocity Protective Plates it will discretely hold a pair of plates and, if desired, two 6”X6” Rifle Side Plates. Additionally, pockets from the Ragnar Series can be quickly attached to the front or the back of the carrier as well.
It’s optimized for plates in the 2.2 to 4.5 pound size medium weight range which are .75” or thinner. For larger, thicker or heavier plates, FS recommends you consider a different carrying solution. This carrier comes with stretch and non-stretch shoulder straps to accommodate user comfort preference.
The Deceptor is becoming quite popular at the Federal level and has basically split down the middle on users who prefer Stretch vs. Static Shoulder Straps. FS speculates that a lot of that preference is shaped by the plate used and whether or not there is an external load (Ragnar Pockets) being utilized on the Carrier.
FS has a range of soft armor inserts cut in plate shapes as well as their UC Special Threat Plate that will fit the Deceptor. The soft armor cummerbund of the popular NOC will fit onto this carrier as well.
Available in Black or Coyote, sizes Small through XLarge.
Iraq Purchases Husky Mine Clearance Vehicles
Friday, February 20th, 2015
Charleston, South Carolina (February 19, 2015) – Critical Solutions International (CSI) announced today that the Iraqi Ministry of Defense has purchased the Husky 2G as its Improvised Explosive Device (IED) & mine clearing vehicle. This procurement represents a critical enhancement to Iraq’s route clearance mission and its ability to maintain freedom of maneuver and oppose ISIS and other forces within Iraq.
Enhanced Capabilities That Saves Lives.
Known worldwide for its survivability and capability, the Husky 2G is equipped with the FASCAN interrogation arm used to interrogate suspected mines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The up-graded Husky 2G is built with additional power and capability to accept future integration of additional sensors and enhancements such as the NIITEK Ground Penetrating Radar.
This contract was awarded to CSI and its partner DCD Protected Mobility, a division of DCD Group (Pty) Ltd, the OEM of the Husky. Over the past decade, the Husky family of vehicles has saved countless lives around the globe. In addition to the FASCAN International interrogation arm, the Husky 2G is also equipped with the TORC Robotics 360 Situational Awareness camera system and QinetiQ North Americas QNET, which provides the vehicle with lightweight protection from rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). This program is valued at more than $73.5 million and will support the Iraqi military in protecting both soldiers and civilians in and around Iraq.
Two operators. Longer missions. Sophisticated sensors.
Responding to the need for longer mission duration and enhanced detection capability, the Husky 2G two-operator variant was originally developed and delivered to the U.S. Army. The addition of a second operator allows the Husky driver to focus on vehicle control and situational awareness, while the second operator monitors and analyzes the advanced sensor systems and the operational environment. The U.S. Army recognized this life-saving vehicle design with an Innovation of the Year Award for 2010.
“The Iraqi government has determined that the Husky 2G is essential to defeating their IED and mine threats and represents a significant investment in saving lives and enhancing the capability of the Iraqi military,” said Patrick Callahan, CEO of CSI. “We are honored to have been awarded this contract and are looking forward to working with the Iraqi Ministry of Defense to fully support this program and any future requirements.”
CSI is the world’s leading provider and service supporter of blast protected vehicles with land mine, improvised explosive device and unexploded ordinance detection capability. An essential supplier of the U.S. countermine and humanitarian demining community, CSI’s products lead the way in the safe detection and identification of hidden threats. For more information please visit www.c-s-i.com.
