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Archive for the ‘Armor’ Category

SOFWERX to Host Lightweight Body Armor (LWBA) Assessment Event

Wednesday, July 12th, 2023

SOFWERX, in collaboration with USSOCOM Program Executive Office-SOF Warrior (PEO-SW) will host an Assessment Event (AE) 29-31 August 2023, to identify solutions for Lightweight Body Armor (LWBA). The LWBA will provide the SOF operator with the lightest possible ballistic plate that meets ballistic protection requirements, to increase operational effectiveness and to reduce long term injury.

USSOCOM is seeking sources within the national technology and industrial base with the ability to provide USSOCOM LWBA. The objective is to streamline developmental efforts and field Special Operations (SO) – peculiar body armor in a rapid acquisition environment. The LWBA will focus on reducing the weight of currently fielded ballistic plates while maintaining or increasing the level of ballistic protection, and provide vital mission essential equipment for SOF operators.

The objective of the LWBA effort is to evaluate and identify the lightest weight ballistic plates that meet current ballistic performance specifications. The lightweight ballistic plates must be compatible with currently fielded USSOCOM body armor vests and meet the requirements of the technical drawings provided by USSOCOM.

Interested parties must submit by 01 August 2023 11:59 PM ET.

Details are found at events.sofwerx.org/bodyarmor.

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The MSV (Modular Scalable Vest) Gen II’s NIJ Level IIIA Counterpart heading to U.S. Air Force

Wednesday, July 12th, 2023

One of the items I ran across during Warrior East was the Gen II Modular Scalable Vest from Custom Armor Group. Unfortunately, as it is part of a current Army program, fielding of this popular armor vest is restricted for those outside of the program of record or for those who are, but want to spend O&M funds to jump in line, like the National Guard.

With long lead-times and high demand for the U.S. Army’s Modular Scalable Vest (MSV Gen II), PEO Soldier has required all purchases for approved MSV Gen II systems flow through their current contract. This has made the lead times of MSV Gen II vests for other branches take much longer than expected.

Custom Armor Group (CAG) and its strategic partners have designed the QR2 which can be seen above to the right of the issue MSV. The QR2 is a high performing armor system with similar user interface, visuals and profile while offering improved delivery times.

The QR2 will be available immediately for those units unable to wait the extended MSV Gen II lead times.

The CAG QR2 was developed to offer a solution to meet demand and shorten lengthy lead times. This design utilizes manufacturing techniques and advanced materials which allow more efficient manufacturing and supply chain management.

The QR2 utilizes an NIJ 0101.06 (National Institute of Justice) certified, and First Article Tested/Approved package currently fielded by NAVSEA and CNIC. The package was created as an updated version of the former NAVSEA soft armor solution. This NIJ 0101.06 certified ballistic package also offers US Military FRAG protection (like the MSV Gen II) along with special threat protections. Additionally, the upgraded ballistic offers all these advantages while showing a 25% weight reduction versus former NAVSEA ballistic package.

Other small advances in the QR2 are an improved inner carrier system and additional padding for user comfort. Still, the greatest advantage will be availability.

Samples are shipping to USAF for approval this month, giving USAF units MSV Gen II styling with USAF specifications (USAF currently requires min NIJ 0101.06 IIIA Protection).

For more info contact sales@customarmorgroup.com

Posted in Air Force, Armor, Army, Warrior Expo | 9 Comments »

Sneak Peek – Modular Vest Adaptor by Unobtanium Gear and @The_Random_Oh

Saturday, July 8th, 2023

The MVA (Modular Vest Adaptor) fills a capability gap in the standard issued IOTV (Improved Outer Tactical Vest) and MSV (Modular Scalable Vest) platforms. Designed by active duty soldiers and produced in partnership by Unobtainium Gear and The Random Oh, the MVA allows the user to attach any hook/loop wing or radio pocket and dangler style pouches without interfering with the quick disconnect features found on the vests themselves. No modification to the plate bag or cummerbund necessary.

Weighing in at only 1.5 ounces, the MVA will be compatible with IOTV Generations 3 and 4, and MSV Generation 2 vests.

Stay tuned for an official announcement and release in the coming months.

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FirstSpear Friday Focus – Assaulter Armor Carrier v2

Friday, July 7th, 2023

You heard the call for something that’s light and low-profile while still offering full protection. We answered with the AAC v2. Whether your mission is land or sea, let the Assaulter Armor Carrier v2 keep you geared up and ready.

Don’t forget the upgraded Instant Adjust Back Panel – it ensures your carrier is always sized right for the mission. Its minimal padding and water-resistant nylon mesh material make it one tough cookie – lightweight and streamlining you while keeping you safe. You can configure it with BC inserts, soft armor inserts, and hard armor inserts to give you full protection.

If you’re ready to leave the boys in the dust, check out the 6/12 Padded Wings that offer you added comfort while giving you extra pockets for all your gear. So if you need protection for your mission, the AAC v2 is the one for the job. Light and low-profile – mean and strong.

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

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ADS Federal Range Day 23 – Rapid Access Safe Room

Thursday, June 8th, 2023

There were a lot of great products at Federal Range Day, but I found this to be the most significant.

The Rapid Access Safe Room was designed by manufacturer and contractor KT Solutions USA to protect school students and staffs from active shooter threats. Naturally, it can installed in other buildings, both government and private sector, as well.

Offering NIJ level III armor protection, the RASR can be stored against the wall, the sides configured as dry erase or cork boards, yet can be deployed in 10 seconds, providing shelter from gunfire or even objects propelled around a room due to a tornado.

The door and wall are locked from within making unauthorized entry extremely difficult. Yes, there’s a way to gain entry in the case someone accidentally locks themselves inside and is incapable of opening the door but I’m not going to disclose it here.

There are optional cameras for both inside and outside the shelter which can be used to verify the identities and condition of those within the shelter and to maintain situational awareness outside of the shelter.

Interestingly, the safe room is manufactured with a standard height and custom panels are fashioned for each installation to allow it to cover from floor to ceiling.

Units and agencies can procure products seen at ADS Federal Range Day by contacting ADS, Inc.

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The Agilite Warfighter Cummerbund

Thursday, June 8th, 2023

Agilite just launched their revolutionary patented Warfighter Cummerbund which fixes the issues with regular cummerbunds-Check out the video to see how it works here.

It has several very unique features and it attaches to their K-Zero™ plate carrier or any other plate carrier with hook and loop flaps.

It has patented interchangeable ends so you can switch out either First Spear Tubes or velcro flaps in seconds.

The Warfighter has 3 full rows of MOLLE but only the top two are stiffened so it doesn’t chafe the wearer’s hip bones.

See more at www.agilitegear.com

Posted in Armor, Guest Post, International | Comments Off on The Agilite Warfighter Cummerbund

OpEx 23 – Milburn Mountain Defense

Thursday, June 1st, 2023

Milburn Mountain Defense Ltd is a small family owned business which manufactures all of their ballistic plates and soft armor in their facility in Alberta. In addition to Armor they also offer tactical gear including plate carriers and will work with the customer to customize the gear.

Posted in Armor, International, OpEx | Comments Off on OpEx 23 – Milburn Mountain Defense