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Archive for December 14th, 2015

Morgan Advanced Materials Launches Ultra-Lightweight Hybrid Composite Military Helmet Range

Monday, December 14th, 2015

LASA AC914

Morgan Advanced Materials, a world leader in the application of advanced composite material technology, has unveiled its newest range of lightweight combat helmets, the LASA AC914 and AC915.

The LASA AC914 and LASA AC915 draw upon the expertise of the Composite and Defence business of Morgan Advanced Materials. Morgan has a wealth of experience in composite materials and an established pedigree within the military and law enforcement sectors, having sold in excess of one million helmets worldwide. The helmets’ revolutionary designs deliver outstanding ballistic performance and comfort to the wearer. Made using a hybrid of composite materials and incorporating Morgan’s proprietary technology, the helmets’ shells are approximately 30% lighter than previous generation technology and deliver outstanding protection against ballistic threats, fragments and blunt trauma.

LASA AC915 front 45 degrees blue

In full compliance with NIJ 0101.06 level IIIA, the LASA AC914 and AC915 offer an unparalleled level of protection against blunt trauma and 9mm rounds, maximising user safety in combat situations. The high-cut LASA AC915 weighs little more than 1kg and allows for greater situational awareness, making it ideal for special operations. Similarly, the AC914, with its full-cut design for combat operations, offers unparalleled ballistic and blunt trauma protection – particularly impressive given that it weighs a mere 1.2kg (2.6lb). In both instances, the AC914 and AC915 offer exceptional levels of fragmentation protection and come with optional visor and mandible guard to provide greater high impact protection for the eyes and face.

Available in a variety of configurations, the LASA AC914 and AC915 are compatible with in-service equipment including night vision goggles as well as an array of other accessories. While the helmets have been designed to offer the greatest levels of protection, the configurable suspension systems also deliver optimum levels of user comfort.

Duncan Eldridge, President of Morgan Advanced Materials – Composites and Defence Systems, explained: “we are delighted to launch the LASA AC915 and AC914 helmets, the helmets are a result of three years of materials and product development, which have also been applied to our next generation helmet for Canada. Our expert knowledge in composite materials and application has once again allowed us to create a range of helmets that offer a level of protection at a weight beyond that typically afforded by standard ultra-lightweight helmet solutions.

For further information please visit Morgan Advanced Materials – LASA Soldier Systems

SOTech To Launch New Versions Of Viper Flat IFAK

Monday, December 14th, 2015

 

SOTECH will be debuting new versions of its Viper Flat IFAK with new belt configurations and a Hypalon version. The popular lower back sleeve IFAK carrier has been adopted by US SOF units and international SOF units, as well as a federal law enforcement agency. SOTECH will also display the Speed Clip Patrol Officer IFAK and Patrol Speed Clip Belt Tourniquet Carrier that was just selected as standard issue to LA Sheriffs Department. SOTECH will display its SOF Medical Equipment Set, the official issue medical nylon gear for Special Forces Medics (18D). SOMA will take place in San Marcos, Texas on December 15 and 16 this year.

5th Group Is Bringing Back The Viet Nam-Era Flash

Monday, December 14th, 2015

In March, 2016 the US Army’s 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) will hold a ceremony at their home on Fort Campbell, Kentucky to formally transition their beret flash from the current Black version to a type initially adopted during the Viet Nam war. The flash they will begin using again features a Yellow Band with three Scarlet Bands. The 5th Group Flash has always featured a Black background, going back to 1961 when the unit was stood up. In 1962 a White border was added and remains today. In 1964 the flash was redesigned, adding the bands. In December 1984, 5th Group commander COL Jim Guest, requested the Group revert to the older variant in order to disassociate the unit with Viet Nam. Specifically, Guest wrote, “The colors of a foreign flag should not be incorporated into a US Army beret flash.” In his request he went on, “The Republic of Viet Nam and the original purpose for having the Vietnamese colors in the flash no longer exist.” That request was approved on 16 January, 1985 by the Director, Institute of Heradlry although I recall still seeing 5th Group members wearing the “Viet Nam” flash into 1987 while TDY away from Fort Bragg.

 

While the official story is that these Yellow and Red affectations represent the 1st and 7th Groups which provided augmentation to 5th Group in Viet Nam, it’s impossible to deny that these colors are also from the flag of the Republic of Viet Nam. Isn’t it odd that the color bands perfectly replicate the RVN flag? If they were simply meant to honor the other groups, as in the case of the 3rd Group flash, wouldn’t there just be two stripes?

Naturally, like the decision that switched the flash during the mid-1980s, the move back is not popular with everyone. Reportedly, some Veterans of the “Legion” as it is known, don’t feel a connection to the Group’s Viet Nam roots and have questioned the change. The same thing probably came up in 1964 when they added the bands to the Black flash. No doubt, we’ll see 5th Group members continuing to wear the “war on terror” flash for many years to come.

U.S. Tactical Supply – 2016 Catalog

Monday, December 14th, 2015

image1

Click to view .pdf

U.S. Tactical Supply has just released the digital version of their 2016 catalog. You can download it for free by clicking the above image, or the link below. The hard copy will start mailing out in about 2 weeks.

ustacticalsupply.com/usts_catalog

S&S Precision Maker Monday – LiftR Series Modular Flotation

Monday, December 14th, 2015

LiftRSeriesModularFloatation_1

The LiftR is intended to be used in surface and subsurface operations, it is attached to existing combat equipment by slipping it on and over the shoulder straps and cummerbund of the operator’s plate carrier.

The LiftR is self-packing and modular to fit most brand’s plate carriers, while providing the appropriate amount of lift necessary to bring a diver/swimmer to the surface and float them in a face-up orientation.

LiftRSeriesModularFloatation_5

www.sandsprecision.com

This Is A Proper Short Length

Monday, December 14th, 2015

We’ve often debated the perfect length for shorts here in SSD. I’d say, these are just right.