Just because you haven’t heard much from Diamondback Tactical lately, don’t count them out. Diamondback Tactical has launched an all new website with an emphasis on armor systems.
Also, check out their new catalog.
Archive for the ‘Armor’ Category
Diamondback Tactical Launches New Website
Sunday, January 8th, 2012KDH Releases Body Care and Use Manual
Sunday, January 8th, 2012Army Seeking Advanced Combat Helmet Maxillofacial System
Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012The US Army dropped a presolicitation over the holiday break for an “Advanced Combat Helmet Maxillofacial System.” According to the FBO posting it is a set aside for small business and must not change the standard ACH:
“Product Manager Soldier Protective Equipment (PM SPE) is looking for a commercially available product that can provide ballistic, blast and blunt impact protection in the maxillofacial region to increase soldier survivability. The system must be able to integrated on the current Advanced Combat Helmet and provide modularity which allows for commanders in the field to either wear the face shield or ballistic mandible separately or as an integrated system. The maxillofacial system shall not change the current form, fit, function of the helmet and maintain the current helmet sizing profile.”
Sounds like it might just be written for MTek Weapon Systems’ G-Series Faceshields. Their FAST G3A has been purchased in limited numbers by the Rapid Equipping Force and used by cupola gunners in combat.
The Army intends to procure only one type of system with an initial quantity of one hundred and sixty (160) systems will be procured with options for an additional two thousand (2,000) systems. The actual RFP will come out on 13 January and offerors will have until 14 February to reply.
Discreet Body Armor LLC
Thursday, December 29th, 2011Discreet Body Armor, LLC is a small Missouri-based company that has caught the eye of their local news network which ran a story on their bullet proof computer bags and folios. Quite simply, the bags contain armor panels and when unzipped can be worn as armor. With the increase in workplace violence, we’re surprised we haven’t seen more products like these. Conceptually, it sounds great. But, the thing that raised my eyebrows a bit is the demo video.
I saw Richard Davis do this to himself when he ran Second Chance but it wasn’t in an office and there wasn’t a guy doing it to him. I appreciate Mr Griffin’s confidence in his products but I have a bit of hesitation getting behind stunts like this. All in all, it looks like a great product. Hopefully, they will reevaluate their marketing.
Armor Holdings Take 2?
Tuesday, December 27th, 2011Ok, it’s not the same thing but we do see Sun Capital Partners gobbling up armor companies. In addition to Protective Products Enterprises and Paraclete that we recently wrote about, they have also purchased Point Blank Solutions Inc (in October) which consists of Point Blank Body Armor and PACA Body Armor. That puts several armor companies under one “roof” and when you add in the other companies under the Sun Capital Partners umbrella that operate on the fringes of the tactical industry; Kelty, Sierra Designs, Slumberjack, Ultimate Direction and Royal Robbins, you begin to see the possibility of some synergy. Let’s see if they do as well.
Body Armor That Complies With NIJ Ballistic Resistance and Stab Resistance Standards
Tuesday, December 27th, 2011The National Institute of Justice maintains a website listing the armor (by make and model) that meets NIJ Ballistic Resistance Standard, 0101.06 and Stab Resistance Standard, 0115.00. It’s a great resource for those that need it. Chances are good, if you’re reading this, you need it.
nij.gov/nij/topics/technology/body-armor/compliant-ballistic-armor
nij.gov/topics/technology/body-armor/compliant-stab-armor
Armored Releasable Carrier & Concealment
Thursday, December 22nd, 2011
The A.R.C.C. (Armored Releasable Carrier & Concealment) from Battleline Industries has been in development for about a year-and-a-half. It is a modular armored carrier that accepts the popular BALCS cut soft armor and any standard SAPI, ESAPI or steel plate. According to Battleline Industries there are six distinct features that set it apart from its competitors.
1. It’s ability to take modular lightweight concealment “ghillie” panels which consist of two sleeve sections and a torso hooded section for the back that can be set up for different environments utilizing multiple sets of panels that are purchased separately. This way the sniper doesn’t have to make a new ‘ghillie suit” every time he goes somewhere new. This allows the sniper the ability to add more concealment than his regular carrier provides him depending on the mission specific need.
2. The A.R.C.C.’s one cable pull release system is very unique in the sense that the whole release action happens on the front panel. There is no more cable running to the back of the carrier system like most versions and no 3’ cable pull to get the carrier to cutaway. Another issue the A.R.C.C. solves is that the cable on the front panel only has a 10″ pull and runs very little risk of binding or getting pinched where the medic would be unable to pull the release like other variations. The problem with other products is the solider goes down and all his armor, gear and body weight is pinching the release cable in the back because of the release design.
3. The A.R.C.C. uses no Velcro in crucial spots. The ONLY Velcro on the A.R.C.C. is used to close the plate harness and soft armor compartment which is against the operator’s body. This feature insures noise discipline and a carrier that won’t fall apart because it was held together by Velcro and the combat field conditions destroyed it from ever sticking together again.
4. The A.R.C.C. has a feature to accept a modular/removable 2″ leg sub-load adapter which allows the user to attach a holster or sub-load to the carrier and not the belt holding his pants up. This distributes the weight across the carrier and shoulders for a more comfortable feel without the operator having to pull up on his pants every five minutes.
5. The A.R.C.C. has a fully adjustable modular plate harness that accepts multiple sizes and thickness of hard armor.
6. The A.R.C.C. has an extremely durable; two layer Kevlar / Nomex fire resistant liner which protects the operator in a flame environment from the Cordura nylon from melting and dripping on his skin.
Made in USA!
Unheard of until recently, Battleline Industries has been hitting it hard, releasing new product after new product. We look forward to hearing about their next undertaking.
Some Interesting Connections Surrounding Sale of Paraclete Armor
Monday, December 19th, 2011In late October MSA announced the sale of Paraclete Armor to PPE. PPE in turn, is owned by Sun Capital Partners, Inc.
What is pretty interesting about the Paraclete sale is that American Recreation Products which includes such brands as Kelty, Sierra Designs, Slumberjack, Ultimate Direction and Royal Robbins, is also owned by Sun Capital. These brands all have an impressive line of military products that we’ve covered in the past here on SSD.
Since ARP’s primarily outdoor focused the vast majority of their products are produced overseas. This can make for rough going if you are interested in military business. Perhaps, thanks to the Sun Capital connection, we will see some production of ARP’s military products by Paraclete. What would be even cooler is if we could see some cross pollination from ARP’s outdoor design expertise to Paraclete’s product offerings.
