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AMERICAN | Kinetix (AX) Announces Strategic Partnership with Adept Armor to Offer Thunder RF-2 Level III+ Rifle Rated Armor Plates

Thursday, July 11th, 2024

July 10, 2024 – [Casper, WY] – AX is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with Adept Armor, a leading innovator in the development of advanced body armor and protective materials. This partnership will see AX offering the highly sought-after Thunder RF-2 Level III+ rifle-rated armor plates to our customers.

AMERICAN | Kinetix is proud to partner with Adept Armor, a U.S. company owned and operated by patriots who are at the forefront of body armor and protective materials development. Adept Armor is renowned for its expertise in both inorganic chemistry – particularly metal alloys and ceramic compounds – and organic biochemistry. The company is dedicated to researching and developing the world’s most advanced body armor systems, pioneering innovative materials, and small-molecule therapeutics and ergogenics.

“Adept Armor’s Thunder RF-2 Level III+ plates are a game-changer in personal protection. We trust and use Adept Armor because it delivers performance and reliability that meet the highest standards,” said Director of Training at AMERICAN | Kinetix. “Our personnel come from CIA and JSOC backgrounds and we understand what it means to put gear to the test. It must work – every time.”

The Thunder RF-2 Level III+ plates are designed to provide exceptional protection against rifle threats, ensuring maximum safety for military, law enforcement, and security personnel. These armor plates are meticulously crafted using advanced materials and rigorous testing protocols to ensure they meet and exceed industry standards.

Made in the USA, this plate weighs just 3.4lbs and is rated to stop:

• 7.62x51mm (Velocity: 2,800 ft/s (± 30 ft/s))

• 5.56x45mm M855/SS109 “Green Tip” (Velocity: 3,105 ft/s (± 30 ft/s))

• 5.56x45mm M193 (Velocity: 3,250 ft/s (± 30 ft/s)), and

• 7.62x39mm MSCl (Velocity: 2,380 ft/s (± 30 ft/s))

AMERICAN | kinetix’s commitment to quality and reliability aligns perfectly with Adept Armor’s innovative approach to body armor development. This partnership underscores AMERICAN | kinetix’s dedication to providing the best protective solutions to those who serve and protect.

For more information about the Thunder RF-2 Level III+ armor plates and to place an order, please visit americankx.com/page/#!/ARMOR or contact info@americankx.com.

Posted in Armor, Industry, Press Release | No Comments »

Introducing the Battle Steel COMBATTLE Level IV Ballistic Shield: Unmatched Protection and Unrivaled Lightweight Design

Wednesday, July 10th, 2024

Battle Steel, a leader in advanced tactical defense solutions, proudly unveils the COMBATTLE Level IV Ballistic Shield, the lightest Level IV shield option available on the market today. Engineered for superior protection and designed for practicality, the COMBATTLE shield sets a new standard in ballistic defense.

Exceptional Threat Protection

The Battle Steel COMBATTLE Ballistic Shield is meticulously crafted to offer unmatched multi-hit protection, ensuring user safety against some of the most formidable threats. The shield exceeds NIJ Level IV Multi-hit Protection standards, capable of withstanding:

– 7.62mm M80

– 5.56mm M855 Armor Piercing Green Tip

– 30.06 APM2 Armor Piercing

Innovative Specifications

The COMBATTLE Ballistic Shield combines cutting-edge materials and ergonomic design to provide optimal defense and usability with a TRUE edge to edge ceramic protection.

– Dimensions: 20″ x 30″

– Shape: Silhouette for maximum coverage

– Material Composition: Ceramic & Polyethylene

– Weight: Only 34 pounds, the lightest in its class

– Thickness: 0.875? for enhanced durability

– Color: Foliage Green 10-6018 TCX

User-Centric Design Features

The COMBATTLE shield is designed with the user in mind, featuring:

– Dual Shooting Platform: Facilitates accurate handgun and long-gun deployment

– Flat Configuration: Ensures ease of use and maneuverability

– High-Density Shock-Absorbing Forearm Foam Pad: Provides comfort during extended use

– Adjustable Forearm Strap: Customizable fit for all users

– Custom Ambidextrous Handle: Enhances grip and control

– Polyurea Coating: Offers additional protection and longevity

– Reinforced Ballistic Bolts: Ensure structural integrity

Revolutionizing Mobility

Traditionally, Level IV shields have been mounted on wheels due to their significant weight, making them cumbersome to maneuver. However, with the introduction of the Battle Steel MULE, operators can now carry the COMBATTLE shield for extended periods with minimal effort. The MULE’s innovative design distributes the shield’s weight evenly, enhancing mobility and reducing fatigue.

Unparalleled Durability

With a lifespan of ten years from the date of sale, the COMBATTLE shield is a long-term investment in safety. Battle Steel’s commitment to quality and innovation ensures that the COMBATTLE Ballistic Shield will stand up to the toughest challenges.

For more information or to purchase the Battle Steel COMBATTLE Level IV Ballistic Shield, visit BOTACH.com.

Posted in Armor, Press Release | No Comments »

Revolutionary Advances in Ceramic Armor Systems: Adept Armor Founder Jake Ganor Publishes New Methodology

Thursday, June 27th, 2024

Jake Ganor’s latest research article, “A Facile Method for the Estimation of Ceramic Performance in Light Armor Systems,” has been recently published by The American Ceramic Society.

Tulsa, Okla. (June 2024) – Jake Ganor, the founder of Adept Armor, the most innovative company in leading performance body armor, has published a research article titled “A Facile Method for the Estimation of Ceramic Performance in Light Armor Systems” with The American Ceramic Society. This article introduces an innovative empirical equation that offers a significant advancement in the prediction of ballistic performance for ceramic armor materials. For professionals in law enforcement, military, security, and defense industries, this article presents a significant leap forward in the development of lightweight, high-performance ceramic armor.

Key Insights Include:

• Challenges with Traditional Methods: Traditional ballistic armor development has relied heavily on finite element models, which are computationally intensive and often fail to accurately predict the performance of ceramics, especially novel materials.

• Novel Empirical Equation: The new methodology provides a simpler, more cohesive way to estimate ballistic performance from mechanical properties, addressing the limitations of previous models.

• Performance Correlation: This approach successfully defines performance relations between different ceramic materials and identifies which mechanical properties correlate with ballistic efficacy.

• Implications for Development: The novel equation enables rapid development and optimization of more effective ceramic armor materials, marking a pivotal shift in armor material science.

Understanding and applying this new methodology can lead to more effective protective gear, enhancing the safety and performance of personnel in the field. Read the full article here: ceramics.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ces2.10227.

For more information on Adept Armor and its range of innovative protective solutions, visit its website.

Explore Adept Armor Body Armor plates:

• Colossus™ – Beyond RF3 – Level IV Body Armor

• Thunder – RF2

Posted in Armor, Press Release, Research | 1 Comment »

NFM Launching New THOR MCVS Light Weight at EUROSATORY 2024

Friday, June 21st, 2024

NFM are launching their new THOR™ Modular Combat Vest System Light Weight (MCVS-LW) at EUROSATORY 2024. The innovative MCVS-LW will be showcased from June 17th to 21st, and visitors can explore its advanced features and light weight at NFM’s booth in Hall 6, stand G145.

Paris, France – June 17, 2024 – The THOR™ MCVS-LW an individual load bearing and ballistic protection vest, designed specifically for military and law enforcement personnel who prioritize low weight, slim fit and quick water drainage. This vest ensures comfort, modularity, light weight, and functionality in diverse operational environments.

“Our mission at NFM has always been to provide the best possible protection and solutions for those who serve on the front lines,” said Tor Inge Thun, Chief Product Officer at NFM. “The THOR™ MCVS-LW is a testament to this commitment, offering unparalleled weight efficiency and quick-drying capabilities without compromising on ballistic protection.”

Advanced features and superior design

The THOR™ MCVS-LW is constructed from laser cut flame retardant, hydrophobic and colorfast laminates, permitting to integrate functionalities such as pouch attachment interface. The Omega material used in the vest excels in water operations, ensuring no added weight when exiting the water and allowing for rapid drainage.

“The MCVS-LW’s design leverages the unique properties of the Omega material, enabling users to maintain high mobility and comfort even in wet conditions. This vest is truly a game-changer for operations involving water”, says Thun.

Key Features of the THOR™ MCVS Light Weight:

• Optimal weight-performance ratio: The vest’s low weight does not come at the expense of protection, ensuring optimal performance in the field.

• Modular design: Primarily set up for plate carrier configuration, the MCVS-LW offers the same modularity as the MCVS 3.0, allowing users to customize their loadout as needed.

• Advanced protection: With front and back ballistic protection panels and plates, the MCVS-LW safeguards against high-speed fragments, handgun, and rifle ammunition, protecting vital anatomical structures within the thorax.

• Load bearing capacity: The laser-cut pouch attachment system on the vest’s front, back, and sides ensures efficient load distribution and easy access to mission-critical equipment.

• Enhanced mobility and comfort: The padded shoulder supports distribute pressure evenly, while the front and back comfort pads enhance airflow, reducing moisture buildup and ensuring maximum comfort.

• Quick release mechanism: The slim G-hooks on the shoulders and Tubes® buckles on the sides allow for quick release and easy closing, providing a secure fit that is easy to manage even with gloved hands.

• Field repairability: The waist Tubes® can be easily exchanged by the user without the need for specific tools, ensuring the vest remains functional in the field.

“The THOR™ MCVS-LW is designed with the end-user in mind, ensuring they have the best possible equipment to perform their duties effectively and safely,” says Thun. “We are proud to introduce this innovative vest at EUROSATORY 2024 and look forward to demonstrating its capabilities.”

NFM invites all attendees of EUROSATORY 2024 to visit our booth in Hall 6, stand G145, to explore the THOR™ MCVS-LW and witness the future of lightweight, modular combat vest systems.

Posted in Armor, Guest Post, International | Comments Off on NFM Launching New THOR MCVS Light Weight at EUROSATORY 2024

AFSFC Reaches Final Phase of Fielding Model Defender Gear

Tuesday, June 18th, 2024

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas (AFNS) —

A four-year initiative to modernize the day-to-day equipment of active-duty Air Force security forces defenders reached its fifth and final phase recently with the award of a $39 million contract for state-of-the-art defender gear.

In addition to securing the contract award through the Air Force Installation Contracting Center’s 773rd Enterprise Sourcing Squadron, the Air Force Security Forces Center worked with Air Force Materiel Command logisticians to get the equipment into the Logistics Readiness Inventory Control System.

“Because of this effort, not only will it be easier to account for equipment, defenders will now be able to move from one installation to another with their Model Defender Individual Equipment Kit under the Gear for Life program,” said Master Sgt. Derek Walton, AFSFC Model Defender and Gear for Life program manager. “This means they will no longer need to have that equipment issued at each installation as they progress in their careers.”

At the direction of Air Force Security Forces, the Model Defender initiative began in June 2020 with a focus on standardizing must-have daily gear for every defender in the Department of the Air Force.

“The establishment of the Model Defender Individual Equipment Kit was crucial as it standardized gear across the Air Force security forces enterprise enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring the safety and professional appearance of personnel and fostering modernization within the Total Force,” said Dennis Rodriguez, AFSFC individual protective equipment branch chief.

AFSFC started the new initiative by developing a standardized equipment list of 23 items which was then coordinated, amended and approved through major commands and security forces headquarters. This resulted in a final Model Defender Individual Equipment Kit.

Working with industry and Air Force contracting partners, the center then conducted phase 1 testing of state-of-the-art equipment using active-duty, National Guard Bureau and Air Force Reserve Commanddefenders in the San Antonio area.

“This collaborative effort with industry partners for phase 1 testing also streamlined the acquisition process, ensuring that all security forces are well equipped and ready for their duties,” Rodriguez said.

Based on testing results, AFSFC continued to phase 2 for expanded day-to-day testing at eight installations across four major commands, and phase 3 where the center consolidated and scrutinized collected data before presenting their findings to the Air Force Equipment and Weapons Configuration Board for validation.

During both of these phases, AFSFC worked with AFICC’s contracting experts for an acquisition strategy that would move the purchase forward once decisions were made about what equipment was best for the defender force.

“By conducting ongoing testing with the consolidation and analysis of test results, we were able to swiftly transition through the phases,” Rodriguez said. “This parallel processing allowed for immediate adjustments and expedited the validation and acquisition processes.”

As a result, the equipment procurement plan was set to go immediately after the team confirmed the best equipment for the security forces enterprise, he added.

Phase 4, the first purchase of Model Defender kit equipment took place May 2023 with Blue Force Gear and marked a significant milestone in the timeline.

“Blue Force Gear developed a kit specifically to meet the needs of our security forces enterprise,” Walton said. “Their laser cut technology is cutting edge and integrates seamlessly with the body armor solution that was selected by the Air Force.”

Upon receiving the initial small equipment purchase, the AFSFC team shifted focus to begin collaboration with Headquarters Air Force.

“The goal was to integrate the Model Defender items into the supply system through the Gear for Life initiative,” Rodriguez said. “Which was crucial for us to ensure the newly acquired equipment would be seamlessly incorporated into the broader system, enhancing the overall readiness and capability of the SF enterprise.”

“Our collaboration with headquarters was pivotal,” he added. “Integrating the Model Defender equipment into the Gear for Life initiative is not just a step, it’s a leap toward equipping defenders with the tools they need to face the future head-on.”

The final phase award was the career field’s largest purchase ever when the full contract of $39 million was awarded to Blue Force Gear in April.

Equipment rollout to the field is expected to begin in December with full delivery to the field by early 2025.

The finalized Model Defender kit consists of:
– M-4 magazine pouches
– M-18 magazine pouches
– Dump pouches (for easily stowing a variety of items like empty magazines)
– Holster adapters
– Mollie belts (a webbed belt that allows gear to be attached in a variety of configurations)
– Utility and handcuff pouches
– Flashlight and baton pouches

By Debbie Aragon, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Public Affairs

Posted in Advertiser, Air Force, Armor, Guest Post, LE, Load Carrying | Comments Off on AFSFC Reaches Final Phase of Fielding Model Defender Gear

NP Aerospace Acquires the Assets of Jankel Armouring Limited

Monday, June 10th, 2024

NP Aerospace, the global vehicle integrator and armour manufacturer, has today announced the acquisition of certain assets of Jankel Armouring Limited – in administration.

Jankel Armouring Limited entered administration on 27 February 2024 and Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP were appointed as Administrators. NP Aerospace has now acquired assets which include Jankel Armouring Limited’s intellectual property, patents and inventory and the right to transfer, assign and/or novate existing contracts. The acquisition will allow NP Aerospace to integrate a globally proven and successful vehicle product and support line into their already strong portfolio, which will now include Jankel Armouring Limited’s tactical vehicles, civilian armoured vehicles (CAVs), armour technologies, seating systems and through life support services.

Having received UK National Security and Investment Act (NSIA) approval, NP Aerospace can formally engage with key customers, including the Belgian MoD (BeMOD) and UK Ministry of Defence (UK MoD) regarding the delivery of former Jankel Armouring Limited contracts. With an existing pedigree of successful defence vehicle production, integration and support activities, NP Aerospace is ideally positioned to deliver on customer requirements, bringing production programs through to successful conclusion, onshore in the UK.

NP Aerospace has been successful in securing talent from the original Jankel Armouring Limited staff including pivotal engineers and critical executives with the required knowledge of the acquired assets. In addition, it is expected that the acquisition will create and/or sustain around 60-70 skilled jobs. The acquisition does not include any aspect of, or formal relationship with the US based Jankel business, including Jankel Tactical Systems and does not include any liability to former creditors, which sits in the hands of the joint administrators, Alvarez and Marsal.

James Kempston, NP Aerospace CEO, commented: “The announcement of the acquisition of Jankel Armouring Limited’s assets marks a significant phase of growth for the company, creating additional value for customers through new business synergies.” He added: “Our immediate priority is to push forward with existing customer contracts and deliver successful programmes to a global customer base. Beyond that, this announcement is good news for the defence industry, enabling continuation of capability, products and supply, whilst enhancing a very strong global defence export line, under the NP Aerospace brand”.

Mike Denny, Joint Administrator, Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP, commented: “The completion of the sale of certain assets of Jankel Armouring Limited to NP Aerospace will provide continuity to its customer base and create new opportunities for some of its skilled workforce. We are confident that the business will thrive under the ownership of NP Aerospace”.

Posted in Armor, Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on NP Aerospace Acquires the Assets of Jankel Armouring Limited

FirstSpear Friday Focus: NEW Universal Shoulder Strap Kit & Tri-Fold Shoulder Pad

Friday, June 7th, 2024

Introducing the universal shoulder strap. It offers end users and teams a myriad of options — it bridges the gap between running a shoulder on all of the platforms. Easily transition or fit a universal shoulder on a Strandhogg, Siege R or AAC. One size shoulder strap would suffice to fit all your sizes. You are able to size up or size down as needed.

The Universal Shoulder Straps come as a pair.

The Universal Shoulder Strap Kit comes as a pair of straps and then a pair of 2-inch female split bar Tubes with a heat shrink pulls.

Please note if you are buying this to swap out a SIEGE R Shoulder, you will need the KIT. End users can cut at bar tacks along the shoulder to shrink down the sizing. Those that buy the kit can also run a FirstSpear ECP on the shoulder as well.

Always innovating, FirstSpear has improved upon this critical comfort item, introducing the Tri-Fold Shoulder Pad. Taking into account field feedback and utilizing new, advanced materials, this load carriage support item has been redesigned to enhance functionality and comfort. The lower tri-fold flap provides cable and tube management with greater security. It also allows end users to purchase a 2-inch female split bar Tube to integrate M.A.S.S. Biceps.

For more information, check out www.first-spear.com/low-profile-tri-fold-shoulder-pad or www.first-spear.com/universal-shoulder-strap-kit-1

Posted in Advertiser, Armor, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post | No Comments »

Premier Body Armor to Exhibit at 2024 NRA Annual Meetings

Tuesday, May 14th, 2024

GASTONIA, N.C. – May 13, 2024 – Premier Body Armor will be in attendance at the 153rd NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits, May 17-19, 2024. The event takes place in Dallas, Texas at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center. Premier Body Armor will be exhibiting on the show floor in booth #9664.

Premier Body Armor will feature its newest collection, the Fortis Line, available for purchase at exclusive NRAAM pricing. Where high performance meets high value, the Fortis Line delivers an affordable line of rifle-rated plates and a robust plate carrier, without compromising the industry-leading ballistic protection Premier is known for. The Fortis plate collection includes four (4) rifle-rated plates, each offering competitive pricing while remaining extremely lightweight. In addition to the comprehensive line of rifle-rated plates, the Fortis Line also delivers the Fortis Alpha Carrier.

In addition to purchase opportunities, Premier Body Armor will also be hosting a giveaway with a complete Fortis Plate Carrier Loadout, including 2 Level IV Fortis Plates, the Fortis Alpha Carrier and MAAP (Medical/Admin/Assault Pouch). This giveaway is exclusive to NRA conference attendees. Visit Premier Body Armor at booth #9664 and scan the QR code to enter the giveaway for a complete Fortis Plate Carrier Loadout.

Invited members of the media are encouraged to contact Emily Stuchell at premierbodyarmorpr@murrayroadagency.com to schedule a meeting to visit the Premier Body Armor booth and get a first-hand look at the new Fortis line.

Learn more about Premier Body Armor and their complete Fortis line of armor at premierbodyarmor.com.

Posted in Armor, NRA, Press Release | Comments Off on Premier Body Armor to Exhibit at 2024 NRA Annual Meetings