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NP Aerospace Extends Ukraine Support with Norway Contract

Thursday, April 25th, 2024

Ukraine soldiers wearing NP Aerospace body armour (image copyright NATO)

NP Aerospace is continuing its support for Ukraine with the delivery of a further 2,000 sets of body armour and carrier vests via Norway and the UK Ministry of Defence.

This takes the total number of ballistic plates sent to Ukraine from NP Aerospace to over 180,000 since the start of the war. In addition to NP Aerospace ballistic helmets and bomb disposal suits which are being used on the frontline.

The latest delivery is in support of Operation Ellisiv a Norwegian Ministry of Defence operation. Previous deliveries have been in support of Operation Interflex, aBritish-led multinational military operation to train the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and part of the UK’s commitment of £3 billion in military aid for this year. The 2,000 sets of body armour (4,000 plates and 2,000 vests) were contracted and delivered from Coventry in the UK in less than three months.

Peter Hardisty, Managing Director and Senior Vice President of NP Aerospace’s Composites and Armour Systems business, said: “Our team in Coventry are honoured to continue to support Ukraine with life-saving body armour and associated military equipment. We have expanded our facilities and team to deliver NATO programmes and will continue to do so for as long as the war continues.”

Posted in Armor, Contracts, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Together, We Save Lives: Safariland Hosts SAVES CLUB Event to Honor Injured Officers

Saturday, April 13th, 2024

JACKSONVILLE, Florida – Safariland®, a brand of The Safariland Group®, a leading global provider of safety products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets and one of Cadre Holdings, Inc.’s (NYSE: CDRE) (“Cadre”) key brands, is proud to host its annual SAVES CLUB® Presentation on April 11, 2024, at its Jacksonville headquarters. The Safariland SAVES CLUB recognizes and honors officers who endured a life-threatening incident while in the line of duty, in which their Safariland Group armor or gear played a crucial role in saving their lives.

“The event serves as a platform to celebrate the bravery and resilience of the remarkable 2,193 SAVES members. We are excited to welcome three officers to share their inspiring SAVES stories,” said Brad Williams, president of Safariland. “These officers have not only survived life-threatening situations but have also become advocates for the law enforcement community. They are living proof of Safariland’s creed: Together, We Save Lives.”

Safariland will proudly host Officer Genevieve Bone, SAVES #2186, from the Memphis Police Department. On September 3, 2023, Officer Bone responded to an armed party disturbance at a convenience store. Despite facing a suspect armed with guns, knives, and a hand grenade, Officer Bone fearlessly confronted the assailant. She sustained three strikes to her chest with a fixed-blade knife. Thanks to her Safariland XT03 level II armor, Officer Bone’s life was spared, and she successfully apprehended the suspect, who has since been charged with attempted second-degree murder.

Officer Derek Williams from the Dallas Police Department, SAVES #2185, will also be honored. On September 14, 2023, Officer Williams and his partner witnessed a suspect commit a homicide. During the pursuit, the assailant opened fire with a .9mm handgun, hitting Officer Williams in the lower right abdominal area. Fortunately, his Safariland SX02 Level IIIA armor stopped the round. The Dallas SWAT team later apprehended the assailant, and Officer Williams has since returned to full duty.

The third honored SAVES member is Narcotics Detective Sean Stumpf from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, SAVES #2168. On January 2, 2023, Detective Stumpf and his partner engaged in a high-stakes pursuit of a suspect who had taken the life of the Chief of Police of a local agency earlier that day and injured another officer. During the pursuit, the suspect opened fire with a fully automatic 9mm Glock, hitting Detective Stumpf in the arm and center of his chest. His Safariland SM02 Level II armor protected his chest, and he was able to return fire alongside his partner, ultimately ending the threat. After undergoing surgery on his arm, Detective Stumpf made a full recovery and is back on active duty.

Safariland is honored to recognize these brave officers and their unwavering commitment to protecting their communities. The SAVES CLUB event will serve as a testament to Safariland’s commitment to providing high-quality protective equipment to the law enforcement community and reaffirm their dedication to prioritizing officer safety.

Safariland continues to innovate and provide solutions that enhance the performance and effectiveness of those who rely on safety equipment for optimal protection. To learn more, visit Safariland.com.

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

Hometown Army Fellow Joins PEO Soldier as Next Gen Body Armor Engineer

Monday, April 8th, 2024

Born and raised in Alexandria, Va., Britt Wieland grew up going to the Ft. Belvoir summer camp.

Now, as a civilian engineer with PEO Soldier, she works on the Army’s next generation body armor at Fort Belvoir.

Wieland’s primary focus as a Body Armor Engineer is the Army’s new hard armor. In her current position, she enjoys seeing the direct impact of her work on the warfighter every day.

“We procure and field the latest body armor to our Soldiers,” explained Wieland.

“I have some friends serving in the Army, and every time they receive the newest gear, they call me to rant and rave about how excited they are, and I take a sense of pride in knowing I get to play a part in serving those who serve us. There aren’t many jobs that give you that kind of opportunity and fulfillment.”

Having trained as both a Hard and Soft Armor Engineer, Britt frequently is called upon to brief Soldiers, Army Senior Leaders, and industry partners on the Vital Torso Protection (VTP) system.

VTP is a subsystem of the Soldier Protection System, the Army’s newest Personal Protective Equipment. The Army is currently collecting data to verify trade space of weight reduction with protection ability for Soldiers to reduce the Soldier’s load and increase mobility in tactical environments.

“Our goal is to rebalance the testing to optimize the time and cost spent, while maintaining performance. This will allow industry to redirect resources towards developing more advanced designs and technologies, which in turn, benefits the Soldier.”

As the chair for the Vital Torso Protection Purchase Description project, Wieland has had an opportunity to work on the Army’s newest hard armor, where she has demonstrated her leadership skills during the process of changing the testing and evaluations for VTP.

“We’re looking to make the test procedures more statistically significant, operationally relevant, and aligned with the original requirements,” explains Wieland.

“I feel really special knowing my leadership trusted me to represent them even though I was less than a year into my career.”

Britt has served in key briefing roles to the special operations community, including the Spear Side-by-Side, which aimed to develop understanding and communality amongst the kit used in SOF versus the general Army, and USASOC Women in ARSOF, which supports holistic improvements to not only the kit of female Soldiers, but also improvements to uniforms, healthcare and quality of life.

“Britt has been able to brief key senior leaders and a large group of female Sergeants Major from ARSTAFF on improvements to PPE and paths forward for iterative changes based on Soldier feedback. She’s also taken part in HFEs to gain knowledge on Soldier kit,” said Maj. Kim Pierre-Zamora, the assistant product manager for the body armor team.

“There’s also a special place in my heart for the Army’s mission to better equip female and small statured soldiers,” Britt Wieland said.

“As a smaller female myself, I take pride in being a female engineer that gets to help take on this task and find it extremely rewarding every time I get to fit a female Warrior with a new kit that was made with them in mind,” Wieland said.

Britt Wieland graduated Summa Cum Laude from Lawrence Technological University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering. She became an Army Fellow in 2020 and joined PEO Soldier as a Department of the Army civilian in 2023.

By Scott Sundsvold, Army

Posted in Armor, Guest Post, PEO-Soldier | 8 Comments »

Sneak Peek – DefTex x Send NODS Climate Management Plate Carrier Pads

Sunday, April 7th, 2024

Germany’s Defence Textile is working with Send NODs to introduce a new climate management padding system for your plate carrier.

Posted in Armor, As Seen On Instagram, International | 2 Comments »

Inroducing the MX042 Plate Carrier from Lindnerhof Taktik

Thursday, April 4th, 2024

THE ULTIMATE ALL-ROUND PLATE CARRIER BY LINDNERHOF

LENGGRIES, GERMANY (04.04.2024)

Lindnerhof, a renowned name in tactical solutions, proudly presents its latest innovation: the MX042 Plate Carrier, a versatile tactical gear designed to meet diverse needs.

Innovative Material and Design

The MX042 Plate Carrier serves as the MX version of the popular LT042/Il model. It features a specially developed MX laminate as its primary material, replacing the traditional Cordura fabric. Additionally, the plate carrier incorporates laser-cut MOLLE slots to minimise water absorption.

Enhanced Comfort and Functionality

The shoulder straps and 3-row skeletonised hip belt of the MX042 offer unparalleled comfort and functionality. They can be easily adjusted even while worn, thanks to the intuitive design featuring hook and loop areas, elastic cords, and cord stoppers. Additionally, the MX042 boasts an intelligent cable management system, ensuring cables and drinking tubes are neatly organised and out of the way. Furthermore, the plate carrier comes with suitable straps for attaching various ballistic plates, enhancing its versatility.

Customisation Options

Designed to meet the diverse needs of military and law enforcement professionals, the MX042 is fully MOLLE/PALS compatible. Its extensive loop surfaces on both the front and back facilitate seamless customisation, allowing users to attach various equipment, including admin pouches, magazine pouches, and radio holders.

Explore essential gear for police special units with a focus on the MX042 plate carrier.

Effortless Wear and Rapid Deployment

Featuring Lindnerhof’s patented ‘Hakenschnalle’ for seamless entry and exit, the MX042 plate carrier offers unparalleled ease of use. With its quick-release option, users can don the carrier from the side without the need to lift it over their head, providing added convenience and space for shoulder pads. The patented hook buckle on the shoulder and waist straps ensures swift detachment within seconds, whether in response to an injury, immersion in water, or changes in operational requirements. A simple pull in any direction is all it takes to release or reattach the carrier, making it ideal for rapid deployment scenarios.

Watch the video to see Lindnerhof’s unique multi-directional quick-release buckle in action.

For more information about the MX042 Plate Carrier and other products, please visit here.

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

FirstSpear Friday Focus – Siege R Optimized

Friday, March 22nd, 2024

Today, we’re highlighting the Siege R Optimized Platform – a revolutionary advancement designed to meet the demands of modern warfare and tactical operations.

—6/12™ laser fusion platform

—Rapid-release Tubes® technology

—Loop field on front and back panels

—Internal bellyband (removable)

—Accepts SPEAR BALCS Cut Soft Armor-same size as carrier

—Accepts SAPI, Swimmer/Shooter, and/or Full Size Plates-same size as carrier

The Siege R Optimized Platform represents a paradigm shift in tactical gear, offering unparalleled versatility, durability, and performance in the field.

Adaptive Design:

Every element of the system is meticulously engineered to seamlessly integrate with a wide range of mission requirements and operational environments.

Modularity Redefined:

The Siege R’s modular architecture empowers operators to customize their loadout with precision, ensuring readiness for dynamic missions.

Enhanced Ergonomics:

Engineered with input from end-users, the Siege R prioritizes comfort and mobility, enhancing wearer performance during prolonged missions.

Durability Without Compromise:

Built to withstand the rigors of combat, every component is engineered to meet the highest standards of reliability and resilience.

Visit FirstSpear to find America’s premier tactical gear and equipment.

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

AARDVARK Tactical’s PROJECT7 Armor Updates XPV, Expands Production

Monday, March 11th, 2024

La Verne, CA: PROJECT7 Armor is pleased to announce new additions to the in-demand Xternal Patrol Vest (XPV) product line as well as the company’s production process. Effective immediately, the XPV is available in a new Uniform style carrier as well as two new colorways, navy blue and tan 499. In addition to the expanded XPV product options, PROJECT7 (P7) is increasing production capacity for all products. Both updates are driven by increased demand for PROJECT7’s industry-leading tactical armor systems.

The XPV launched in the spring of 2023 and since then, has been in demand by law enforcement and firefighters. The platform was designed to reimagine how police officers, detectives, K-9 handlers, firefighters, and paramedics are armored. The new uniform carrier and two new color options come in response to customer demand and bring the total number of color options to seven.

This product update aligns with the XPV’s intended goal to provide customizable solutions for individual officers. The vest offers the benefits of a four-panel, tactical vest shape in a patrol-compatible vest that has multiple configurations to fit specific use cases. The XPV can be worn with its external carrier and ballistics alone or, for missions that require concealment or when wearing a Class A uniform, the optional internal concealable carrier and ballistic panels can be worn under a uniform or street clothes.

One of the XPV’s most revolutionary features is the four-panel design. While traditional patrol vests utilize a two-panel construction (front and rear), the XPV’s four-piece design (front, rear, and two cummerbunds) supports better sizing and greater coverage without sacrificing comfort. This improves mobility and wearability over traditional two-panel designs while also providing better coverage. Unlike other vests on the market, the XPV adapts to officers over time, offering a continuous fit over the service life of the vest regardless of officers’ weight fluctuation or changes to body composition.

In addition to the updated XPV product options, PROJECT7 is also expanding its production capacity across its product lines. This is in response to a near 100% growth in PROJECT7 sales year-over-year. With the culmination of years of research, development, consultation, and testing, PROJECT7 has grown to offer a wide variety of platforms, helmets, and ballistic shields – aimed at providing the right solution for every user and threat.

Speaking about the development of PROJECT7, founder Jon Becker said, “We are extremely excited to expand the XPV product line and grow our manufacturing capability. When we started PROJECT7, it was our dream to build the absolute best possible armor system in direct cooperation with our end users. The rapid adoption we have seen, combined with our clients’ love for the brand has made that dream a reality and we are profoundly grateful for all the support. An end user entrusting their safety to PROJECT7 is the highest possible compliment we can receive.”

To learn more about the XPV, visit https://shop.aardvarktactical.com/pages/project-7-armor-xpv To learn more about all of PROJECT7’s products, visit www.project7armor.com

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

Qore Performance Introduces HIPS: A Groundbreaking Full-Service Solution to Prevent Heat Injuries

Friday, March 8th, 2024

[Knoxville, Tennessee] — [06 March 2024] — In a significant advancement for safety, performance, and operational efficiency, Qore Performance unveiled its latest effort in the fight to end heat injuries last week at the US Army Heat Center Heat Forum at Fort Moore, GA called HIPS or Heat Injury Prevention Solutions. HIPS is a first-of-its-kind, end-to-end solution to stop heat injuries before they occur. HIPS is designed for military, law enforcement, first responders, and private sector companies. This launch marks a pivotal step forward in the company’s mission to enhance individual performance and well-being in demanding environments, while giving time back to organizations – the one thing of which they cannot make more.

“Heat injuries are one of the most significant hidden taxes on organizational readiness and productivity. The value proposition for HIPS is incredibly simple,” said Justin Li, Co-Founder and CEO of Qore Performance, “we create more time for large scale organizations. By preventing heat injuries, we can give customers back all of the productivity hours they would otherwise lose to heat injuries. In the case of some of our existing enterprise customers, we’ve created 20% or more additional work capacity without any overtime or additional headcount. This is a tremendous competitive advantage and produces an ROI measured in days and weeks, not months or years.”

At the core of the HIPS program is the integration of ICEPLATE® Curve, a hardcell water bladder shaped like a Medium ESAPI armor plate that provides cooling or heating and hydration without adding any extra weight because it uses the drinking water already carried by end-users, maximizing efficiency and performance for individuals and organizations alike. This system is part of Qore Performance’s broader strategy to leverage its proprietary thermoregulation technology for better health outcomes, increased operational capacity and improved readiness at a time when labor/manpower shortages are hitting both public and private sector organizations. These labor shortages are compounding the challenges of already challenging times.

Since 2017, ICEPLATE® has facilitated over 6.5 million hours of safe, injury-free work. The process for the end user is straightforward: Schedule, Work, Repeat. A Qore Performance HIPS Team handles everything else: preparation, delivery, distribution, collection, cleaning, and maintenance of all ICEPLATE® Curves and support equipment. This eliminates disruptions to daily operations for organizations, enhancing operational capacity by 20% or more.

”As the customer, all you have to do is give us a headcount and a duration for your training event or work location,” said Will Clark, Director of Operations for Qore Performance, “we take care of the rest.”

A Qore Performance HIPS Team works with the customer to determine the number of ICEPLATE® Curves needed, and make sure they show up at the right time and place ready to go (frozen, filled with hot water, etc.). The HIPS Team distributes the ICEPLATE® Curves to customer personnel on-site, then handles collection, cleaning and removal.

HIPS by Qore Performance is a testament to the company’s forward-thinking approach to tackling heat-related challenges, offering a proactive solution that benefits a wide range of public and private sector organizations. HIPS was specifically created to tackle heat injuries for military training exercises, but the solution is also available to other sectors prone to heat stress, such as construction, school crossing guards, car washes, gardening/landscaping, QSR (Quick Serve Restaurant) chains, wildland firefighting, airport ramp workers, valets, hospitality, manufacturing, warehousing/distribution, emergency medical services, and any other organization exposed to the elements.

For more information about how HIPS can benefit your team or to schedule a consultation, please visit QorePerformance.com.

For more information about HIPS by Qore Performance or media inquiries, please contact:

Qore Performance, Inc.

300 Winona Street

Knoxville, TN 37917

Phone: 703.755.0724

Email: info@qoreperformance.com

Website: www.qoreperformance.com

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