Armor | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘Armor’ Category

FirstSpear Friday Focus – Concealable Vests

Friday, May 5th, 2023

This week, we’re focusing on our concealable vest options. The Slick™ and Deceptor™ are durable and lightweight discrete carriers.

Designed for wear underneath garments or load carriage platforms, the Slick is light and comfortable. The soft material can be folded up and stashed on your cargo pocket when not needed. This is a minimalist carrier and not designed to be an outer most carrier for overt tactical operations.

Sizing corresponds to SAPI plate size. Swimmer Cut available here.

Designed to conceal rifle velocity protective plates in hight threat environments, the Deceptor will discretely hold a pair of special threat plates and two 6” x 6” rifle side plates. Our Ragnar pockets can quickly attach to the front or the back of the carrier as well. The Deceptor shines with SAPI cut plates in the 2.2 to 4.5 Ibs medium-sized weight range which are .5” or thinner. For larger, thicker, or heavier plates, you need to consider another capability. This carrier comes with stretch and non-stretch shoulder straps to accommodate user comfort preference.

Check out FirstSpear to find American Made kit and accessories, Built For The X.

Posted in Advertiser, Armor, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post | 1 Comment »

FROG.PRO – HAWK Plate Carrier

Sunday, April 30th, 2023

(GATTATICO (RE) – ITALY) – FROG.PRO®, the Italian reference brand for tactical tailoring, is proud to announce the launch of its new and long-awaited plate carrier: the HAWK.

“The last years marked big steps in our endless journey towards innovation. After the renovation of our website and our catalogue in 2021, we were still missing a fundamental piece: a new combat plate carrier, that could inherit the place of our previous models and answer the needs of contemporary warfare.

A year-long process of researching and development, supported by the advancing of our machinery and manufacturing techniques that made us reach soaring heights in terms of finishing and performance, finally resulted in a product that we can safely define a combat plate carrier of excellence: the HAWK plate carrier.

For creating the HAWK plate carrier, we took the strength points of its predecessors and reshaped them in a new advanced form.

Like our low-profile ergonomic plate carrier LC-AWPC, the HAWK plate carrier opens from the top side. This choice ensures a snug fit for all models of ballistic plates, and also gives an easy access to the frontal part, letting the user operate smoothly on the MOLLE PALS system when setting up the equipment.

The front is reinforced with Tegris® technopolymer, one of the latest additions to our roster of materials; a way to give sturdiness, but without the downside of added weight. This gives stability to phone and NAV boards, enhancing instrument usability while moving.

The LC-Hagakure was the more protective, armor-like of our former combat plate carriers. We choose to integrate its particular shoulder shape into the HAWK carrier’s shoulder pads, designed to distribute evenly the weight on the back area.

Both wings of the shoulder pads feature MOLLE system, so that the gear can be completely secured on it, essential for equipping LPU. It allows as well for passing cables, consenting their exit in every position.

The HAWK plate carrier also takes after the LC-Hagakure’s level of comfort, given by the internal closed cell foam padding panels. Fits like a t-shirt, but protects like an armor.

We placed QR buckles on the shoulders and the cummerbund, so that wearing and removing the plate carrier would be a fast, hassle-free deal even with an helmet on. The offset position of the QR buckles on the cummerbund also maximizes the front space, with an easier access to side mag pouches.

Last, but absolutely not of least importance, the HAWK plate carrier is designed to support our new U-LOK Modular Magnetic Attachment System; a new concept of modularity that brings countless advantages. To mention some, we go from instantaneous configuration changes to field repairability and the possibility to mount and dismount the panels autonomously with the plate carrier on. A system straight from a New Generation.

In any mission, whether it is a military operation or the development of a project, knowing your goal is fundamental. We had a clear vision of what we had to achieve: a combat plate carrier with the most minimal bulk to give freedom of movement, but also with an extreme modularity and capacity to support the loadout weight.

And we think we reached our goal pretty well.”

The new HAWK Plate Carrier, together with new cummerbunds and pouches, are now available on www.frogpro.eu.

For those who are not aware, they offer free shipping to USA on orders over 200 EURO (220 USD).

Posted in Armor, International, Load Carrying, Press Release | 2 Comments »

ProTact by Haartz Now Available for Tactical Applications

Monday, April 24th, 2023

New line of materials offers increased durability and versatility for military and first responders

Acton, Massachusetts, April 24, 2023 – The Haartz Corporation, a global leader in highly engineered and uniquely designed textile materials, recently announced ProTact by Haartz™ – a new range of coated fabric products for use in tactical applications.

ProTact is a multi-layer textile laminated together to form a superior product with all the qualities required for tactical vests worn by military, law enforcement, SWAT teams and other first responders. ProTact is compliant with the Berry Amendment.

“We understand the importance of strong, durable fabrics when used in high-stress environments. Our analysis has shown ProTact by Haartz offers a high tensile strength and proven durability when tested against flex and fatigue, fabric fraying, high-temperature laundering and high-temperature and humidity endurance testing,” stated Samit Sadavarte, director, business development – new markets at Haartz. “Our development of premier-quality material is drawn from decades of developing flexible fabric laminates and a deep understanding of application-specific performance requirements through our long history as a trusted supplier to the world’s largest automakers.”

ProTact laminates are compatible with high-energy laser ablation cutting processes which offer a lighter weight and more versatile replacement to the widely used Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) system. Laser ablation avoids the risk of fabric tearing and allows for attachment points to be placed anywhere on the fabric, offering flexibility for applying the webbing feature in more sizes, shapes and locations. The laser cutting process also makes it easier for the wearer to adjust their ballistic load carrier and to remove ballistic plates when they are not needed.

A broad range of colors and prints are available, including solid colors using solution-dyed nylon fiber technology and multi-colored prints that can be adapted to conform to multiple common camo patterns. ProTact is available for large scale manufacturers and smaller individual companies in the United States and Europe in standard material constructions of 500x500d, 500x1000d and 1000x1000d yarn structures.

To learn more about ProTact by Haartz, please visit www.haartz.com/products/ProTact.

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

DuPont Announces Kevlar EXO, a Groundbreaking Next-Generation Aramid Fiber

Friday, April 14th, 2023

Kevlar® EXO™ offers an unmatched combination of protection, lightness and flexibility

Law enforcement officers and military personnel to be the first to experience the new fiber in soft body armor

WILMINGTON, Del., April 14, 2023 – DuPont (NYSE:DD) today unveiled Kevlar® EXO™ aramid fiber, the most significant aramid fiber innovation in over 50 years and an entirely new technology platform developed to serve endless applications where performance and protection is required in the midst of intense and demanding conditions. Life protection will be the first of many Kevlar® EXO™ use cases that will offer an unprecedented combination of lightness, flexibility and protection from an aramid fiber.

DuPont™ Kevlar® has long been the advanced material behind high-performing body armor that protects those who serve. Now, with body armor crafted using Kevlar® EXO™, military and law enforcement officers can experience previously unavailable levels of ballistic protection without compromising on mobility and comfort. With unmatched pliability, Kevlar® EXO™ contours to curves and body lines, providing a more body-inclusive solution while still offering maximum protection.

“We’ve spent over a decade developing, refining and perfecting Kevlar® EXO™, and the result is an industry-altering platform that has catapulted our life protection capabilities to a whole new level,” said Steven LaGanke, global business leader, DuPont Life Protection. “Developed and tested by leading materials experts at DuPont, Kevlar® EXO™ offers never-before-seen ballistic and thermal performance while also providing a flexible and lightweight solution that empowers users to operate at peak performance. Whether for military members, law enforcement officers, private security or emergency responders, pound for pound, Kevlar® EXO™ users can better manage energy output even during the most demanding physical tasks.”

First-of-its-kind Kevlar® EXO™ aramid fiber is incomparably better and more durable than even the highest-performing soft body armor materials available. Kevlar® EXO™ offers the following benefits:

The highest ballistics performance among all aramid fibers without compromising on weight, enabling the best-in-class, lightest weight ballistics soft armor solutions available on the market today

Peak flexibility, offering increased comfort and mobility, contouring to curves and body lines with less restriction for maximum defense, when paired with exceptional carrier design

Inherently flame- and temperature-resistant; melt- and ignite-proof up to 500°C (932°F)

Delivers the same level of protection after five years as it provides on day one

Made in the USA at DuPont’s new manufacturing facility in Spruance, Virginia

Endlessly customizable wearability for use case and body type

DuPont will debut Kevlar® EXO™ at the Best Ranger Competition (April 14-16, 2023), which brings together some of the United States military’s most talented soldiers to go head-to-head in a grueling competition that simulates the physical and mental challenges of combat. At this year’s competition, United States Army Rangers will be the first soldiers in the world to wear body armor vests made with Kevlar® EXO™, enabling them to experience peak flexibility and comfort as they conquer each challenge.

To learn more about Kevlar® EXO™ aramid fiber, visit www.KevlarEXO.com.

Posted in Armor, Materials, Press Release | 6 Comments »

FirstSpear Friday Focus – Overrun Carriers

Friday, April 14th, 2023

This week, we’re highlighting overrun stock of some of our best selling carrier systems, Strandhögg™ V1 SAPI Cut, Sloucher, and the Ragnar Vest. These are limited stock items so pricing and quantity are available while supplies last.

The Strandhögg™ V1 SAPI Cut Plate Carrier takes its name from an old Norse Viking term for, a lightning raid, Strandhögg was one of the first formalized battle tactics to use covert infiltrators in advance of an actual raiding operation. This system can be worn with or without a soft armor panel depending on ballistic requirements, threat level and plates utilized. Using streamlined fit throughout, along with state of the art materials and production technology, you’ll find this carrier to be extremely comfortable without compromising durability and performance.

The Sloucher combines many of the most desirable features of both the Siege-R and the Sleeper. Stretch panels on the cummerbund and Tubes® closures keep the fit tight and allow for quick donning and doffing. The 6/12™ Pocket Attachment System provides a low profile. This carrier accepts front, back and side plates, SPEAR/BALCS cut soft armor (not included) and MASS accessories. The Sloucher provides the capability to support a full spectrum of operations.

Named for the intrepid explorer and cunning warrior Ragnar Lodbrok, the Ragnar Vest and its accessories are suited for a wide variety of roles and circumstances. The Ragnar Vest is covered in loop fabric and can be altered with different cummerbunds. Four special built-in pockets with retention tabs allow for storage of accessories based on situational requirements. This is a multi-mission vest with the flexibility to cover a variety of profiles.

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

Posted in Advertiser, Armor, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post | Comments Off on FirstSpear Friday Focus – Overrun Carriers

New Agilite K-Zero Plate Carrier is Live!

Thursday, March 16th, 2023

There has been an enormous buzz about Agilite’s K-Zero™ since it was first shown at SHOT Show this year (see the video to understand why) and it officially launches today.

It has been a long time coming and was developed directly with both Israeli and US SOF units, many of whom have already procured it.

For Government purchases it’s available through the DLA TLS Special Operational Equipment (SOE) Contract via Noble as well as additional contracts.

See the K-Zero Plate Carrier or purchase it here.

Posted in Armor, Press Release | Comments Off on New Agilite K-Zero Plate Carrier is Live!

Soldiers Improve Equipment Safety, Effectiveness

Thursday, March 16th, 2023

FORT PICKETT, Va. — While accomplishing the mission is among the top priorities in the U.S. Army, the importance of keeping Soldiers safe in the midst of dangerous situations cannot be understated.

According to research published in a 2007 peer-reviewed journal article in the Society of Federal Health Professional’s Military Medicine Journal, between 2003 and 2005, 3% of the Department of the Navy and Department of the Army causes of death during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom were drowning.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Brandon Laspe, first sergeant of the 511th Engineer Dive Detachment, discovered a potential cause and solution to prevent some of these casualties.

Laspe was invited by U.S. Training and Doctrine Command to help photograph an Army Combat Water Survival Test at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. During the test, two of the three Improved Outer Tactical Vests, or IOTV, used failed to properly quick-release, keeping the weight on the Soldier.

Normally, when the quick release tab is pulled, the four cables linked to the buckles disconnect, allowing the IOTV to fall apart in two pieces. When submerged in water, the hook and loop fastener may lose grip and the cables never release. Upon this discovery, Laspe realized this could contribute to the problem of Soldiers drowning. His team went to work expeditiously to fix the problem.

Through some trial and error, they discovered the most basic solution was proper training and use of the quick release. If the Soldier pulls the tab all the way down instead of away from the body, the quick release functions perfectly, even under the water.

“The problem is that when Soldiers are submerged under the water and are in a panic, pulling the tab away is the most natural motion,” explained Laspe. “We’re not setting the Soldiers up for success if the equipment is not robust, simple and they are not properly trained to use it.”

The first solution they were able to engineer was applying two safety pins to the sides of the quick release. This keeps the hook and loop fastener in place, preventing mechanism slippage, and allowing the tension needed to unhook the cables internally in the IOTV.

The ultimate solution, Laspe suggested, is to redesign the IOTV so there is sewn stitching along the seam of the fastener. Laspe, in conjunction with the XVIII Airborne Corps Dragon Innovation team is working with Program Executive Officer product managers and engineers through the Soldier Enhancement Program to initiate a change in the IOTV Gen IV quick release mechanism. The PEOs have piqued interest with this new innovation, meeting with Laspe March 2 to discuss the next steps.

When Soldiers identify shortcomings, it is the creative minds within the ranks that can find the solutions and develop innovative ways to push the U.S. Army forward. With a simple change to the IOTV, Sergeant 1st. Class Brandon Laspe discovered a simple way to keep our Soldiers safer on the battlefield.

By SGT Jameson Harris

Posted in Armor, Army, Guest Post | Comments Off on Soldiers Improve Equipment Safety, Effectiveness

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Siege-R Optimized

Friday, March 10th, 2023

After collecting and analyzing years of valuable feedback from users about our popular Siege R, we designed the Siege-R Optimized.

The standard shoulder pads are padded and fully adjustable, including two sets of Tubes in the front and back for rapid switch-out to the enhanced MASS Shoulder System.

The front and back plate pockets are internal to the vest, making the system slimmer and better suited for confined & tubular spaces.

Our quick-drying airflow mesh is utilized on the interior to reduce overall weight and shed water quickly. This iteration of the Siege-R truly is Optimized for all missions and conditions!

Ballistic Armor Inserts, complying with NIJ Category IIIA.06 or Military Specification requirements, are available separately, please contact us for armor options and pricing.

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

Posted in Armor, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post | Comments Off on FirstSpear Friday Focus: Siege-R Optimized