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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.

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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.

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Agilite K-Zero Plate Carrier Teaser

Thursday, March 9th, 2023

The Agilite K-Zero Plate Carrier caused quite a stir at SHOT Show this year and they just released a trailer which teases it for the first time and reveals the launch date.

www.agilitegear.com

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Enforce Tac 23 – Adept Armor

Thursday, March 2nd, 2023

Adept Armor is a US company that specializes in ballistic armor innovation like their NovaSteel Ballistic Buckler.

They took the opportunity of Enforce Tac to preview their latest product, a hard armor plate that replaces the ceramic strike face with treated glass. The result is both weight and cost savings. We should have some definitive ballistic performance and weight data soon.

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G-Code Launches Sync Series Assaulter Plate Carrier

Monday, February 27th, 2023

G-Code has launched the Sync Series Assaulter Plate Carrier they previewed during last year’s NRA Annual Meeting.

Developed over the past two years, the Sync series is available with an optional cummerbund as well as diff kit for a rapid cutaway. To facilitate comfort, their enhanced airflow channel improves circulation and moisture wicking.