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Archive for the ‘Armor’ Category

Breaking News from US PALM – Introducing CB62

Friday, August 26th, 2011

US PALM has informed us that they will be introducing the CB62 camo pattern into a limited number of products in their line for contract orders only. As demand for this pattern rises once US manufactured uniforms are available from SOD USA, we expect US PALM’s offering to increase and be available for retail customers as well. At this point, US PALM is the only company offering nylon gear in this pattern.

The 3-piece kit they are producing for a national agency is the Desert Tracker plate carrier seen above, a ballistic battle belt and a hardened backpack. They have also developed a suite of accessory pouches. Samples will be at agencies that have already expressed interest by next week.

www.us-palm.com

Shellback Tactical – Banshee Rifle Plate Carrier

Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011

Shellback Tactical shared this video review with us of their Banshee Rifle Plate Carrier. It’s a great wrap up of the design. It features ample PALS real estate on the front and back as well as a removable cummerbund with interior and exterior PALS for side plates as well as a drag handle.

Available in Black, Coyote Tan, Ranger Green, A-TACS and MultiCam at a great price from shellbacktactical.com.

Trexpo Never Looked So Good

Thursday, August 11th, 2011

SSD supporters Velocity Systems, Mayflower Research & Consulting, and Protective Solutions are sharing a booth at Trexpo in the National Capital Region this week. Check out their booth.

OR – Catching Up With D3O

Friday, August 5th, 2011

We caught up with D3O at OR and they gave us a quick glimpse of their new helmet pad system. Look for a full report soon on SSD soon.

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www.D3O.com

c2r Adopts A-TACS

Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011

A-TACS has snagged their first British licensee and it’s c2r. You may recall we told you about their TacPad technology back in February. c2r has been around for a couple of years and they specialize in innovation. Once the mastered the technology to illuminate maps, charts and aides memoire, they turned their attention to armor carriers.

They developed the c2RMOR by adapting their plate carrier design to incorporate a load distribution system that transfers weight from the shoulders to the hips without compromising the ability of Soldiers to move naturally. The design is configurable via PALS for a variety of applications with additional lightweight cummerbunds available as well. It also features a built-in pouch for three magazines. To eject the inner plates, simply pull the two quick-release tabs on the front plate carrier. In addition to plates it also accepts level III soft armor backers. Finally, their design creates an air gap that allows cool air to circulate.

Development of the c2RMOR LITE followed the original C2RMOR platform as a cleaner, less cluttered design for use in low visibility applications. They kept the design flexibility concept, but left off the PALS webbing found on the the C2RMOR. Instead, the LITE offers a detachable magazine pouch on the front of the vest. Side pockets are integrated into the A-TACS printed elastic to allow for additional magazine storage. The back panel can be easily mated to their hydration pocket which is built around a source 2LPS water carrier.

In addition to a more widespread release c2r has decided to make their kit available in A-TACS.

www.c2rfast.com

Diggerworks – Cracking the ‘Nut’

Thursday, July 28th, 2011

This is officially my favorite Soldier Modernization briefing of ALL time. From the organization named Diggerworks, to the title of the briefing, this is just great. It also gives us some great glimpses into the Australian Defence Force’s fielding of the Enhanced Soldier Combat Ensemble in MultiCam.

Diggerworks is a “virtual organisation comprising agencies involved in soldier combat systems (SCS).” And, it is important to note that, “Diggerworks is not Land 125 rebadged.” This means they aren’t giving the program a spiffy new name but rather adding value by including more stake holders in the discussion.

Their mission is simple –

Diggerworks is to identify options and deliver integrated soldier combat systems solutions in order to enhance the capability of the warfighter

Moreover, they are working on Adaptive Acquisition which is something we’d like to see more of here in the US.

Adaptive Acquisition

– “Buy less more often”
– Enable change to happen quicker
– No longer is everyone to be equipped the same
– The close combatant is to be treated differently

Be sure to check out the entire briefing:

Cracking the Nut

Revision to Develop Next Gen Helmet

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011

Recently, Revision was awarded a three-year contract with the U.S. Army’s Natick Labs Soldier Systems Center worth $1,990,340 to develop a next generation helmet. Although you probably consider Revision just an eye pro company, they have been hard at work developing other protective products. For example, take the Eye Shield and Maxillo Facial Protection they showed at the 2009 AUSA conference.

According to a press release from the office of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), “The new helmet will integrate both ballistic impact protection and blast protection from rotational forces that are believed to contribute to the relatively high number of brain injuries suffered by soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The helmet will have built-in communications systems, include enhanced chemical protection for the wearer, and will integrate a protection for the jaw and lower face.

www.revisioneyewear.com

FirstSpear Platform Combinations

Tuesday, July 26th, 2011

By now most of you have already checked out FirstSpear’sâ„¢ website or catalog and you will have noticed that they have worked hard to develop a system. Three of their platforms are designed to work alone or in concert with one another: The Sleeperâ„¢, The Beat Upâ„¢, and OAGREâ„¢.


The Sleeperâ„¢
Designed in conjunction with Crye Precisionâ„¢, the Sleeperâ„¢ is designed to wear over or under garments and can be worn alone or in conjunction with the other platforms featured in this article. It gets its name from


The Beat Upâ„¢ PC (Plate Carrier) – SAPI/ESAPI/SPEAR
The Beat Up gets its name from WW II’s Long Range Desert Group (LRDG). They referred to a raid as a “Beat Up” and FirstSpearâ„¢ developed it for just this sort of operation. It can be worn alone or in conjunction with the other platforms to beef up their protection level.


Operational Assault Ground Reconnaissance Exploitation (OAGREâ„¢) Tactical Vest
The OAGREâ„¢ was actually first conceived for use by Recce elements but the Assaulters saw it and recommended a few changes. It is great for those who need a more traditional load bearing or assault vest. It can be worn alone or over The Sleeperâ„¢. That you can add The Beat Upâ„¢ allows it to be instantly uparmored for the task at hand.

Here are some shots of various combinations. The Beat Upâ„¢ attaches to the other platforms via ITW G-hooks that attach to a discreet tab system.


Beat Upâ„¢ / Sleeperâ„¢
– shoulder straps and padding removed from Beat Upâ„¢
– Beat Upâ„¢ cummerbund attached to Sleeperâ„¢
– optional Beat Upâ„¢ attachment kit connects Beat Upâ„¢ to discreet tabs on Sleeperâ„¢


OAGREâ„¢ / Sleeperâ„¢
– Plate and soft armor inside sleeper
– Foam shoulder and waist pad removed from OAGREâ„¢
– Assaulters Gun Belt attached to OAGREâ„¢


Beat Upâ„¢ / OAGREâ„¢
– cummerbund, shoulder straps, and padding removed from Beat Upâ„¢
– optional Beat Up attachment kit connects Beat Upâ„¢ to discreet tabs on OAGREâ„¢

FirstSpearâ„¢ has gone to great lengths to incorporate the latest material technologies such as printed Velcroâ„¢ into their designs. Additionally, their products are Berry compliant and offered in Black, Coyote, Khaki, Ranger Green, and MultiCam.

www.first-spear.com