July 2020 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for July, 2020

LBT-6094 G3v2 Modular Plate Carrier

Friday, July 17th, 2020

LBT-6094 G3v2 is our new lightweight modular plate carrier derived from our original industry staple plate carrier 6094 with updated materials and functionality.

Made up of lightweight laser cut 1000D laminate nylon, the G3v2 weighs in at 1.4lbs paired with the laser cut MOLLE panel.

The front panel MAP system comes standard with removable 3/4″ fast clips and will accept 1″ fast clips as well for optional panel choices available on the market.

Our lightweight rigid cummerbund accepts side plate pockets(LBT-2739Q *sold separately) and can also be swapped for an elastic cummerbund or soft/hard armor cummerbund via special order through Sales@lbtinc.com

Posted in Advertiser, Armor, Press Release | Comments Off on LBT-6094 G3v2 Modular Plate Carrier

Saab to Provide $100m in Carl-Gustaf Ammo & AT4 Systems to US Army

Friday, July 17th, 2020

The US Army has awarded a $100 million (USD) contract to Saab for delivery of Carl-Gustaf ammunition and AT4 systems. It’s an “indefinite-delivery, “indefinite quantity” (IDIQ) contract, which EG will have to explain if you want details, but essentially the Big Army, the USMC, and JSOC can reportedly buy more than $400 million worth of them during a 5-year period.

Remember the testing in Sweden last year?

The advent of the new Carl-Gustaf munition ? assuming this is in fact the new laser-guided system ? will is probably more exciting news for more people than the new deal for AT4s. After all, the DoD has purchased well over half a million of them since the heady days of Rick Astley’s debuy album and the very first appearance of The Simpsons.

Back in 2018 the US Army announced it would be acquiring the latest version of the M4 “Goose”, the M3E1. Note that this is M4 is not that other M4 SSD readers might be thinking of. That one, which is much smaller and shoots 5.56mm instead of 84mm, is far more ubiquitous but not as much fun to use.

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration also recently announced the approval of Carl-Gustaf systems to Latvia, Estonia, and other countries over a ten-year period.

Erik Smith, President and CEO of Saab in the US, says,

“The Saab family of shoulder-fired munitions provides the U.S. Armed Forces with effective capabilities against a wide area of targets. With these systems, soldiers and Marines gain reliable, easy-to-use technology optimized for complex environments and engagements.”

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration also recently announced the approval of Carl-Gustaf systems to Latvia, Estonia, and other countries over a ten-year period.

The M3 MAAWS (Multirole Anti-armor, Anti-personnel Weapon System) has been in the US inventory for several years now. As with any weapon system, there is (or should be) an ongoing interest in increased lethality and more efficient use.

No immediate references could be found as to whether the new ammunition is thought to mitigate concerns of brain injury to those shooting the recoilless rifle, or if that was even a necessary or valid consideration. The most recent reference easily accessible was this report from the Blast Injury Research Program at Ft. Detrick. It’s nearly a decade old, and the helmet sensors formerly fielded to combat troops have since been withdrawn.

You can find additional details and confirmation at the Saab Group website.

From Defense Web TV:

Talk to me Goose.

By David Reeder

Posted in Contracts, Guest Post, weapons | 2 Comments »

Now Available: Vortex Optics AMG UH-1 Gen-II Holographic Sight

Friday, July 17th, 2020

When you rely on a tactical optic to keep you in the game, you’ve got to be ready to shine, day or night. The AMG UH-1 Gen II is the close-quarters solution you’ve been asking for, offering an incredibly fast holographic display to conquer every close-quarters situation, now with four night-vision compatible settings and a dedicated night-vision button. A large viewing window makes this door-kicker even faster, and a sleek, snag-free build looks and maneuvers great. The lightning-quick EBR-CQB reticle is designed to dominate in close, and our FHQ technology virtually eliminates stray light emissions for stealth shooting. Duty never sleeps, and the AMG UH-1 Gen II is ready to light your way.

• Mount Type Weaver/Picatinny
• Magnification 1x
• Dot Color Bright Red
• Dot Size 1 MOA
• Eye Relief Unlimited
• Adjustment Graduation 1/2 MOA
• Max Elevation Adjustment 100 MOA
• Max Windage Adjustment 100 MOA
• Parallax Setting Parallax Free
• Length 3.9 inches
• Weight 11.0 oz

OPTICAL FEATURES

Now Available: Vortex Optics AMG UH-1 Gen-II Holographic Sight

• Fully Multi-Coated Increase light transmission with multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces.
• Brightness Settings 15 Levels
• Unlimited Eye Relief Non-critical eye relief for rapid target acquisition
• Parallax Free All red dot and holographic sights will exhibit some small amount of parallax. Matching current industry practice, this small amount would be considered “parallax free” and will make a negligible difference in performance.
• Night-Vision Compatibility Dedicated button with 4 night-vision

CONSTRUCTION FEATURES

• Shockproof Rugged construction withstands recoil and impact.
• Waterproof (IPX8) O-ring seals prevent moisture, dust and debris from penetrating the holographic sight for reliable performance in all environments.
• ArmorTek ® Ultra-hard, scratch-resistant coating protects exterior lenses from scratches, oil and dirt.
• Rear facing controls Easily power up and click through intensity levels.
• FHQ? Technology Virtually eliminates stray light emissions for stealth-shooter-signature in low light and prevents eyepiece glare common to other holographic sights.
• Integrated Mount Quickly attaches to any Weaver or Picatinny rail with the integrated mount.
• Matte Anodized Finish Corrosion and wear resistant anodization provides low-glare matte surface and helps camouflage the shooter’s position.

Product Manual Download (PDF)

MSRP: $799.00

vortexoptics.com/red-dots/vortex-amg-uh1-gen2/vortex-amg-uh1-gen2-holographic-sight

Posted in Optics, Press Release | 2 Comments »

FirstSpear Friday Focus – VEP Modular Panel

Friday, July 17th, 2020

This Friday we are getting a look at a specialized pack from FirstSpear that offers an incredible amount of configurability to give operators one assault pack that can be tailored to meet their individual needs and rapidly changing mission sets. Meet the VEP Modular Panel featuring genuine 6/12 Laser Fused Platform and Quick-Release Tubes System.

The VEP Panel can be set up and worn in multiple configurations and includes four 2” Tubes straps to attach directly to the plate carrier keeping the underarms clear. The advantage of using FS Quick-Release Tubes lets the user don / doff the pack in mere seconds and even quickly throw the pack over the head or around the side when riding in vehicles or to access the pack contents without a teammate.

The entire system is remarkably thin, lightweight and configurable thanks to the 6/12 laser fused platform. Opposite of the 6/12 side is an adjustable mesh beaver tail pocket that is also removable. The panel is 100% user configurable and can be set up with the beaver tail side out or the 6/12 side out by simply adjusting a few buckles. The large 6/12 panel allows the operator to mount any style pocket or pouch where desired, perfect for the medic to the breacher and everyone in-between. There is one large internal zipper access the inside of the panel and works great for up to a 3L hydration bladder.

If all that was not enough FirstSpear also included two simple backpack straps you can quickly switch out and transform into a standard backpack worn with or without a plate carrier. Another innovative American made product from FirstSpear, available now in Multicam, Coyote Brown, Ranger Green, and Black. Pockets, hydration, and cell tag sold separately.

www.first-spear.com/platforms/vep-modular-panel

Posted in Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Packs | Comments Off on FirstSpear Friday Focus – VEP Modular Panel

MARCORSYSCOM Launches Digital Platform for Marine Feedback

Friday, July 17th, 2020

QUANTICO, Va. —

Marine Corps Systems Command recently launched an easy-to-use, Common Access Card-enabled website that allows fleet Marines to provide feedback on the command’s communication equipment.

Equipment Feedback Portal offers an avenue for Marines to virtually submit feedback on Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance gear in real-time. C4ISR equipment includes MCSC-fielded systems such as ground radios, tactical tablets, satellite systems and more.

“The website gives fleet Marines the opportunity to provide Marine Corps Systems Command program offices with insight into the equipment they use every day,” said Kenneth Hess, MCSC’s Manpower Personal Training lead for the Program Manager for Command and Control Systems, who spearheaded the project.

In addition to helping Marines, the website assists program offices in identifying, maturing and adopting key technical capabilities to advance and revolutionize C4ISR information and spectrum capabilities. The information gathered through the site can be leveraged to influence future system upgrades and enhancements.

How it works:

Equipment Feedback Portal fosters open communication between the maker and the user. The process of submitting information begins with Marines, who provide feedback ranging from technical difficulties to ideas for enhancing the gear.

MCSC’s Portfolio Manager for Command Element Systems receives and analyzes the feedback. Leveraging existing processes between the fleet and acquisition and requirements communities, PfM CES will make recommendations to Combat Development and Integration for potential updates to systems.

Timelines for action vary depending on the complexity of the idea, but the Marine who submitted the feedback will be updated throughout the process.

“When Marines submit a message, they will receive an automatic response explaining the next steps in the process and that the program office will be in touch if we need more information,” said Hess.

While Equipment Feedback Portal is currently limited to CES equipment, Hess said MCSC may expand the site’s options in the future to include technologies within other portfolios and programs. This would allow more Marines to offer critical feedback on gear.

“The success of the pilot will allow us to judge whether or not to open the site across all of SYSCOM.”

Discovering new capabilities:

The moment that sparked the idea for Equipment Feedback Portal occurred in 2018, when Hess attended a New Equipment Training exercise for Networking On-the-Move—a satellite communication system that enables Marines to communicate while mobile—aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California.

While there, Hess learned that a young Marine discovered a way to connect a network cable from the NOTM server to the flight deck of a KC-130 aircraft, giving the flight crew internet access, including weather updates. It was a capability the crew did not have previously.

However, the unidentified Marine’s NOTM innovation did not become a widespread utility because no mechanism for sharing the idea existed for MCSC-fielded equipment. Hess felt the command should launch a site that encouraged creative ideas for enhancing system capabilities.

“As we continue to equip the warfighter, we must listen intently to the warfighter.”

Sgt. Maj. Robin Fortner,
MCSC command sergeant major

“That was the moment that led to this idea,” said Hess. “We should be taking good ideas from Marines who use these systems and implementing them across the Marine Corps.”

Each day, Marines are employing equipment in ways beyond the intended mission. They are discovering new capabilities not realized when CD&I developed the requirement. Because Marines continue to push the capabilities of equipment, the need for a proactive program that solicits their feedback is paramount, said Hess.

The MCSC-run website will enable Marines to provide ideas that could be implemented throughout the Marine Corps.

“In many cases, we’re not capturing good ideas from Marines before they leave the service,” said Hess. “This is a mechanism to capture those ideas.”

MCTSSA involvement:

In 2019, Hess travelled to the Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, to support a NET exercise for Tactical Service Oriented Architecture. There, he shared his idea for creating a platform designed to solicit Marine feedback with Maj. Lucas Burke, the director of MCTSSA’s Warfighter Support Division.

Burke suggested the WSD host the site.

“He mentioned his idea of creating a portal for user input,” said Burke. “I told him MCTSSA could help him host that on our site, because any Marine with a CAC can get to our site.”

MCTSSA’s WSD is responsible for hosting, developing and supporting this initiative through their current self-help website. Their CAC-enabled platform provides 24/7 support to Marines using more than 65 tactical systems.

“The MCTSSA Support Center is the single point-of-contact for FMF issues with MARCORSYSCOM C4I equipment,” said Burke. “It provides a platform for the entire Marine Corps—from the MEFs to Training Command—to reach back to MARCORSYSCOM directly and engage with system analysts, engineers, logisticians and program offices in a highly efficient manner to solve their problems.”

Rick Bobst, information systems manager for the WSD, helped Hess create the new Equipment Feedback Portal.

“With subject matter experts and professional interoperability experts contributing to the site daily, warfighters throughout the DOD can access and solve their issues, without the need to call or chat,” said Bobst. “We felt this was the ideal location to hang a submission form for this equipment feedback project.”

Senior leadership support:

MCSC senior leaders have expressed support for a platform like Equipment Feedback Portal, including Sgt. Maj. Robin Fortner, the command’s sergeant major.

Fortner supported MCTSSA’s efforts to communicate with the Operating Forces prior to Fleet Feedback Portal. She and other senior officials have discussed at length how MCTSSA’s initial efforts should expand to more Programs of Record.

“I was very happy to hear about the equipment feedback project from PfM CES,” said Fortner. “This is essential to speed and relevancy.”

Fortner understands the value of Marine feedback and how their opinions can benefit the Marine Corps. Since she assumed her role with MCSC in 2018, Fortner has emphasized the need for steady communication between the program offices and Marines to enhance and sustain equipment.

Equipment Feedback Portal supports this vision.

“As we continue to equip the warfighter, we must listen intently to the warfighter,” said Fortner. “I hope this program can bridge some of those communication gaps and that the feedback provided can help increase the capability of the equipment. We owe it to the warfighter.”

Marines can submit feedback by visiting Equipment Feedback Portal at mceits.usmc.mil/sites/MCTSSA/innovation/Pages/Equipment-Feedback-Portal. The website requires a CAC and is optimized for use with Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome.

By Matt Gonzales, Marine Corps Systems Command

Posted in Guest Post, MARCORSYSCOM, USMC | 1 Comment »

Federal Ammunition Introduces New Force X2 Personal Defense Shotgun Loads

Thursday, July 16th, 2020

ANOKA, Minnesota – July 13, 2020 – New Personal Defense ammunition from Federal turns shotguns into the ultimate defensive platform. Force X2 copper-plated 00 FX2 buckshot pellets are specially engineered to split into two equal-size pieces on impact. Shipments of this new product have begun to arrive at dealers.

Force X2 utilizes nine splitting pellets to create up to 18 wound channels which improves the transfer of energy from the payload to the target and minimizes the potential for over-penetration reducing the risk to bystanders. Force X2 is also loaded for more manageable recoil, allowing the shooter to stay on target for faster follow-up shots and better accuracy in a self-defense situation.

“Federal’s splitting buckshot is the first significant change to buckshot ammo in over a century. The expert ammunition engineers at Federal decided it was time for improvements in buckshot that would help in some Personal Defense situations,” said Federal Ammunition Shotshell Product Manager Dan Compton. “This new self-defense shotgun load is designed for tremendous energy transfer for a wider and larger amount of terminal damage.”

Testing by Federal engineers conducted at the Federal Ammunition factory in Anoka, Minnesota showed patterns of 4 ½ inches at 7 yards and 14 inches at 20 yards using an improved cylinder choke. Patterns of 4 ¼ inches at 7 yards and 12 inches at 20 yards were achieved with a modified choke. Tests using 10-percent ballistic gel were also conducted by Federal engineers. The range of penetration depth of the segmented pellets in ballistic gel is 5 ¼ to 14 ½ inches with an average of 9 ½ inches. The average depth when pellets start segmenting is 4.5 inches after impact.

Features:
• 12-gauge 2 ¾-inch nine-pellet segmenting buckshot
• Nine FX2 copper-plated buckshot pellets designed to split in half on impact
• Manageable recoil
• The pattern and power of buckshot
• Double the wound channels
• Less collateral damage risk from over-penetration

www.federalpremium.com/shotshell/premium-personal-defense/personal-defense-shotshell/11-PD12FX2+00

Federal ammunition can be found at dealers nationwide or purchased online direct from Federal. For more information on all products from Federal or to shop online, visit www.federalpremium.com.

Posted in Ammo, Press Release | 3 Comments »

Blackhawk Expands T-Series RDS Holster Line with Level 2 Duty Model

Thursday, July 16th, 2020

New Level 2 Duty Light Bearing Holster Compatible with Glock 17

VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia – July 16, 2020 – Blackhawk, a leader in law enforcement and military equipment for over 20 years, announced today that it has added a Level 2 Duty (L2D) Light Bearing holster compatible with the Glock 17 to the T-Series Red Dot Sight (RDS) Holster line. The new L2D RDS fit is designed for use with pistol mounted red dot sights and is available in left- and right-handed configurations.

The new dual-injected molded holster is compatible with red dot sights including but not limited to the Trijicon RMR/SRO, Leupold Delta Point Pro, SIG Romeo1Pro, plus other similar sized optics. Each RDS holster features a removable, rotating dust cover that protects the optic from impacts and debris while the firearm remains secure in a durable glass reinforced nylon mold. This combination of features provides users with a sleek, ergonomic design without adding extra bulk to the holster.

The T-Series RDS L2D Holster can be used with the Streamlight TLR-1 and TLR-2 pistol lights and will accommodate the Glock 17/19/22/23/31/32/45/47 pistol models. As the world’s first thumb driven, dual-injected molded holster, each model is standard with a soft touch inner layer that is both super slick and sound-dampening. This durable and efficient, low-friction design translates into a smooth, quiet draw or when re-holstering the sidearm.

Designed to follow Blackhawk’s Master Grip Principle, all T-Series holsters have been specifically developed to allow the user’s hand to land naturally where it should in order to deploy the sidearm.

For more information on the new light-bearing T-Series L2D RDS Holsters or to view the complete line of T-Series holsters visit www.blackhawk.com/holsters.

Posted in Holsters, Press Release | Comments Off on Blackhawk Expands T-Series RDS Holster Line with Level 2 Duty Model

UF PRO Introduces P-40 All-Terrain Gen.2 Tactical Pants—Heavy Duty All-’Rounders Offer Extreme Performance, Comfort

Thursday, July 16th, 2020

TRZIN, SLOVENIA (15 July 2020)—UF PRO today announced it will bring to market on 28 July a fully updated version of its popular tactical pants. The new model—known as the P-40 All-Terrain Gen.2—incorporates innovative design elements that give wearers better fit plus enhanced freedom of movement as well as superior comfort and extreme durability coupled with greater functionality.

“We are very confident that the tactical community for whom the P-40 All-Terrain Gen.2 Tactical Pants were created will make them their go-to heavy duty all-’rounders for every-day use,” said Armin Wagner, head of UF PRO product development.

“We built these tactical pants for use in any terrain and for any activity,” he added.

The P-40 All-Terrain Gen.2 Tactical Pants make use of larger stretch panels built out of schoeller®-dynamic stretch material. These panels, in concert with a unique anatomic cut, allow wearers to move without restrictions and interference from the pants, Wagner said.

“The amount of freedom of movement these pants provide and how incredibly well the stretch panels retain their elasticity over the course of time is the reason we opted to employ schoeller®-dynamic stretch material,” added Wagner.

The stretch panels and the special anatomic cut also work synergistically to boost the level of comfort wearers experience, Wagner noted.

During cold weather wearers can take advantage of the option to add a WINDSTOPPER® liner. Wagner indicated that the liner, which easily zips into place, provides warmth and is 100% windproof even in subzero temperatures.

Carried forward from the first generation of P-40s is the modular knee protection. “The pants’ construction at the knees has been improved to make it more comfortable to wear and benefit from our UF PRO modular pads for extreme cushioning or protection or both,” Wagner said. “Also, the pockets into which the pads are inserted have been redesigned to ensure that the pads stay even more securely in place while the wearer is running or jumping or has the pockets fully opened for extra ventilation.”

According to Wagner, other key features of the upgraded tactical pants include:

• Nine high-function pockets. Two are dual-access side pockets offering large storage capacity, special inner compartments, and an attached CORDURA®-reinforced gear pocket with security flap. Among the remaining pockets—all constructed with CORDURA® reinforcement—are those designed to firmly hold a variety of essential items such as phones, knives, pens, small electronics, and extra magazines.

• Improved durability. The seams have been made even sturdier thanks to use of a different manufacturing technique. The result is less vulnerability to snagging on tree branches, metal barbs, and other pointy, protruding objects which wearers might brush up against.

• Added functionality. The pants come configured with hooks along the bottom of the legs for attachment to the shoelaces of the wearer’s boots. Their purpose is to prevent the pant legs from riding up as the wearer walks, runs, or sits. The pants also feature CORDURA®-reinforced double loops along the waist to enable the wearer’s belt to carry a duty belt. Moreover, the width of the lower leg can be adjusted to suit wearer preferences.

Wagner said the base material used in constructing the upgraded pants is a Ripstop fabric blend of—67-percent polyester and 33-percent cotton.

The P-40 All-Terrain Gen.2 Tactical Pants will retail at €152 each. Available colours are Kangaroo, Black, Navy Blue, Coyote Brown, Brown Grey, and Steel Grey.

UF PRO makes advanced-technology jackets, shirts, pants, hats, caps, and accessories for military and law-enforcement units in Europe and worldwide.

For more information about the UF PRO P-40 All-Terrain Gen.2 Tactical Pants, go to ufpro.com/pants/tactical-pants/p-40-all-terrain-gen-2-tactical-pants

For information about other UF PRO tactical gear, go to www.ufpro.com

To subscribe to UF PRO’s intel-rich newsletter, go to ufpro.com/subscribe

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, Press Release | Comments Off on UF PRO Introduces P-40 All-Terrain Gen.2 Tactical Pants—Heavy Duty All-’Rounders Offer Extreme Performance, Comfort