Archive for 2019
ePIG Reviews the Nacktis
Monday, April 1st, 2019US Army Selects B&T for Sub Compact Weapon
Monday, April 1st, 2019Less than a year after releasing its requirement for a Sub Compact Weapon, the US Army has selected the Brugger and Thomet APC9K as it’s new Sub Compact Weapon.
The SCW requirement arose from the Military Police. United States military operations take place worldwide and in all types of terrains as well as under every environmental condition. The Secretary of the Army and/or the Chief of Staff approves senior commanders and key personnel as High Risk Personnel (HRP). HRPs are authorized a Personal Security Detail (PSD), which are assigned to guard against outlined threats. To address this operational need, PSD military personnel require weapons with greater lethality than pistols that are more concealable than rifles. The ultimate objective of this program was to acquire a highly concealable Sub Compact Weapon (SCW) system capable of engaging threat personnel with a high volume of lethal force while accurately firing at close range with minimal collateral damage.
An initial requirement was issued in May of 2018 and the Army issued contracts to multiple companies to investigate their weapon systems. However, they soon retracted the offers and instead, issued a prototype opportunity notice to industry for the Sub Compact Weapon. Six companies were selected and eventually provided a total of 15 weapons each.
The companies who competed are:
Angstadt Arms
B&T USA
Global Ordnance, LLC
Shield Arms
SIG SAUER
Trident Rifles, LLC
Note that B&T USA and Trident Rifle’s, LLC both offered B&T produced options, but that B&T USA was awarded the contract.
The timeline of the PON was fairly quick and the 15 weapons from each company were put through a test regime. The B&T offering came out on top of the source selection.
The Army will initially purchase 350 weapons with slings, manuals, accessories, and spare parts, but has an option to purchase up to 1000. The value of the contract is $2,575,811.76.
The adoption of the SCW is significant as this is the first service program of record to adopt a 9mm subgun and the first subgun service-level program of record since the M3 greasegun.
Please note that the weapon in the images is the commercial version of the APC9K. The contract SCW is very similar.
UF PRO to Unveil Breakthrough Invisible Cloaking Pattern
Monday, April 1st, 2019
TRZIN, SLOVENIA (1 April 2019)— UF PRO® today announced it has discovered the Holy Grail of camouflage, a pattern impossible to see even when standing within arm’s length of the wearer.
The maker of advanced-technology tactical jackets, shirts, pants, hats, caps, and accessories said it plans to show off this camouflage at a private unveiling ceremony set at an undisclosed location. The company added that defence ministers and top military commanders from around the world are expected to attend for a first-hand look.
“There’s never been anything like this fully invisible camouflage because, to the human eye, there’s not anything there at all,” said a beaming Armin Wagner, head of UF PRO® product development.
“At UF PRO® we always strive to challenge the status quo,” he continued. “That’s why we decided to develop full-invisibility camouflage—and in so doing take our European and worldwide reputation as a best-in-class camouflage resource to a unique, new level. Specifically, a UF PRO® level.”
Wagner hailed the new product as a “masterpiece of invisibility.” He said the technical craftsmanship involved in its creation was unprecedented among makers of combat uniforms.
For more information about the invisibility camouflage, please watch this declassified video.
For more information about UF PRO®, its complete line of tactical gear, please go to ufpro.com.
First Tactical Operator Short
Monday, April 1st, 2019Mission Spec Changes The Armor Game
Monday, April 1st, 2019Mission Spec has just released the first look at their new LOMOP™ (Large Or Multiple Operator Platecarrier). At first it appears to be just another large plate carrier but when you see it to scale against a ‘normal’ carrier you will come to one of two conclusions. Either Mission Spec is gearing up for a genetically engineered super soldier program or someone has been thinking outside of the box.
When asked, the project leader cleared things up. “Other companies are producing stand-alone armor solutions to protect multiple team members at once. We are attacking the problem from another angle. From scale, really. Why invent a new solution when you can simply scale up what you already have?”
While it looks as if it was designed for one huge shooter, “Which is always an option if the world ever gets it’s genetic engineering priorities right.” Added the same project leader, the LOMOP is designed to house two operators at once. One shooter supports a single oversized shoulder strap with another shooter doing the same on the opposite side. At anytime the LOMOP can be rested on the floor and utilized as a fighting position.
Dignitary protection will also find the LOMOP useful. Imagine a scenario where a VIP has just been recovered from hostile force. The LOMOP can completely envelope the principle while an operator on either side (still under cover) can fight and move to egress.
Currently there is no level 4 armor insert available to fit the LOMOP but Mission Spec is working on that problem now. “We have contacted many armor producers, but they all seem to think it is a joke and hang up laughing before we can explain the benefits. Some people in this industry have no ability to look forward to the future.” The project leader remarked.
Look for the LOMOP to start deploying to teams in Q3 of 2019. This will be an ITAR item.
CROPS ‘COS’ Tripod system
Monday, April 1st, 2019
The ‘COS’ Tripod system is a low volume, ultra lightweight sniper and close observer platform.
What I really like is how compact it becomes when stowed for transport, thanks to the roll up carbon fiber legs.
Strategie & Technik – German Navy Awards Boarding Specialist Qualification Badge
Sunday, March 31st, 2019
According to our friends at the German language blog, “Strategie & Technik” the Seebataillon der Deutschen Marine has awarded the Boarding Specialist (Bordeinsatzsoldat) Qualification Badge for the first time since its creation in 2015. It is meant to designate fully qualified boarding team leaders.
Read the full details here.
Petzl Tactical Helmets
Sunday, March 31st, 2019
Petzl’s Vertex line of climbing helmets is available in Grey and Black. The Vertex Best has no venting, while the Vertex Vent, like its name, has vents. Both features a six-point textile suspension and CenterFit adjustment system to keep the helmet centered on the head. Additionally, the Vertex helmets will accept the Petzl ULTRA VARIO headlamp in front and back slots.
The Vertex Best is certified CE*, ANSI Z89.1-2009 type I classe E, while the Vertex Vent is certified CE EN 12492 *, ANSI Z89.1-2009 type I classe C, EAC.
petzl.com/US/en/Tactical/Helmets
