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HP White Expands NIJ Testing

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

HP White, the World’s Largest Independent Body Armor Test Laboratory Gains National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) Accreditation for its Environmental Conditioning Test Facilities in Support of NIJ Body Armor Certification Regimen

NVLAP has awarded HP White accreditation to the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) 0101.06, Sec. 6 Flexible Armor Conditioning Protocol; fortifying the lab’s existing ISO/IEC 17025:2005 Scope of Accreditation (NVLAP Lab Code: 200825-0). HP White joins a handful of NIJ certified ballistic testing laboratories that can conduct the required environmental conditioning of personal body armor, in addition to the ballistics resistance testing required for NIJ 0101.06 body armor certification.

“Since 1972, HP White has been conducting body armor testing for NIJ and its predecessor the National Institute of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice,” said Mike Parker, president, HP White. “Through the years HP White continues to evolve its operations with the NIJ programs and customers’ needs. This NVLAP accreditation will provide our customers with more efficient NIJ testing cycles, and faster throughput and market readiness of their products.”

Ok, so now you are saying to yourself, “What does this mean for me?” What it means for you is that HP White is now certified to conduct a protocol “designed to subject test armors to conditions that are intended to provide some indication of the armor’s ability to maintain ballistic performance after being exposed to conditions of heat, moisture, and mechanical wear. This protocol will not predict the service life of the vest nor does it simulate an exact period of time in the field.” This protocol is critical to predicting how well armor will perform in real world conditions. Nobody gets shot in a lab. It’s always in the rain, or bitter cold, or sweltering humidity.

HP White is a household name in the armor world and more testing/certification capacity is good for the market. It means new configurations can be tested more rapidly. This should help shorten the development cycle and encourage competition. Competition in the market place means improved armor and lower costs.

www.hpwhite.com

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ECLiPSE RBAV-AF (AF as in Air Force)

Friday, February 25th, 2011

Actually, this isn’t the first version of the Releasable Body Armor Vest for the Air Force. Just over a year ago, BAE outfitted Air Force TACPs with vests as well as a pouch suite. This new variant of BAE’s ECLiPSE RBAV is designed specifically for the Guardian Angel Weapon System (USAF PJs) and packs a couple of new features not found in other versions. For example, it includes communications cable routing (referred to as management) into the design meaning no more exposed radio cables. Although a subtle upgrade BAE designers slightly modified the rear flap covering the cable release mechanism which alleviated some binding issues that can occur with previous iterations. Additionally, BAE redesigned the release cable handle for the cutaway to make it easier to get a hold of and deploy. The RBAV-AF also integrates an internal chest pocket for documents and other small items as well as a pouch for a hydration reservoir in the rear. Finally, the cummerbund internal side pockets will accept magazines as well as batteries.

Here is the full information sheet provided by BAE.

RBAV-AF

www.eclipsegear.com

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CAGE Armor Chassis Price Reduction

Thursday, February 24th, 2011

Crye Precision has introduced a price reduction on their CAGE (Crye Assault GEar) Armor Chassis. Previously, it went for about $1900 but is now listed on their site for $1642.80. Unfortunately, still no word on availability of the new products unveiled at SHOT show and showcased in their catalog.

www.cryeprecision.com

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The RAD Pack from Ares Armor

Friday, February 4th, 2011

Ares Armor presents the R.A.D. (Rapid Armor Deployment) Pack. Designed to do exactly what the name implies, the wearer can deploy armor from a storage slot in the pack and deploy a sidearm in less than two seconds. Once we get to the features you will see that one of their main concerns was to keep the features of this pack from betraying its intended purpose. It is important to note that this pack was designed more for civilian concealed carry than for military or LE use although it looks like it will do a great job there as well.

One of the first things you are going to ask is, what armor plates will it accept? According to ARES Armor, it is designed primarily for SAPI cut plates but is fully adjustable to accommodate different sized plates and individuals. However, we have not had our hands on one yet so we are looking forward to feedback from users on how well it handles various plate setups.

Additionally, this isn’t a one trick pony. While it does offer armor protection, it can still be used as a normal pack. Featuring a rear compartment that is fully separated from the plate panel and that is designed for the storage of everyday items, it’s storage capacity is comparable to a normal bookbag-sized pack. There is also PALS webbing on the inside of the storage compartment that allows users to set it up however they choose. The RAD Pack can carry both front and back plates with backers or just soft armor panels.

As you can see in the video, a cable system keeps the front plate panel in place inside the pack. Once the cable is pulled, the plate can be pulled up over the head. not only does this provide immediate protection it also allows access to a chest mounted sidearm.

It comes with a simple universal pistol holster that is attached via PALS webbing into the front plate panel. This is what you pull over your head. There is also PALS webbing covering the entire front of the carrier to allow whatever setup you want or to change out holsters.

In order to maintain the low profile image, there is no PALS webbing or other military/LE/tacticool giveaways on the outside of the pack. Additionally, the colors are very civilian friendly: Black, Black and Grey, Black and Blue, in addition to Black and Red.

Ares Armor left us with this statement about the RAD Pack.

Its not made to turn people into super heroes just to give them an advantage in an unexpected gun fight. (imagine if one of the innocent people at Columbine, Virginia Tech, Arizona the other week etc. were wearing a system like this. Having armor as well as a handgun might have very well given them the bravado to save some lives)

Overall, it looks like a promising design. According to Ares Armor, they are manufacturing the packs themselves and are applying for patents that cover how the pack works. Naturally, this makes them Made in USA. While we aren’t going to delve very deep into this, Ares Armor is collectively owned by several veteran and active duty military members. A big part of their business model is giving back and we will write more on this soon.

To order, visit www.aresarmor.com.

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Crye Changes Everything…Again

Wednesday, January 19th, 2011

It seems like just last year we were telling you all about all of these great new Crye Precision products, and just as they are hitting the market, Crye up and does it again.

As we reported some time ago, Crye did in fact win the SOCOM contract for their Low Viz vests. They produced two variants, one for the RBAV armor and the other for the MBAV. They both accept a small chest rig that attaches via SR buckles and the cummerbunds are interchangeable with the skeletonized AirLite cummerbund.

This is the AirFrame helmet with Chops and MultiCam mesh cover.

In addition to the GunClip we wrote about last year and is now available, Crye showed their new MagClip. Weighing a mere ounces, it fits US GI as well as PMAG magazines, clamping around the base of the mag and relies on two fork-style bars that fit around belts or into PALS channels. Unlike other systems, the MagClip remains connected to the magazine.

Crye has also made a couple of changes to their G3 field and combat clothing including larger jacket pockets with huge side entries as well as zippered back pockets and a new tool loop on the trousers. Additionally both field and combat pants share identical pocket layouts. They also are introducing an all weather combat shirt and field pant as well the FieldShell seen above as well as the WindLiner, a simple, lightweight wind shirt. Finally, for clothing Crye is reintroducing the range vest in a much more streamlined form as a cover up for the combat shirt when no armor is being worn.

Crye also introduced FastMits which is a product designed specifically for fast roping. For years, operators have used a variety of solutions including welding gloves which prove to be bulky and difficult to transition from rope to weapon ready. Crye developed an overmitt that is lightweight and is easily stored. They are placed over the operator’s gloves and can be quickly diffed in order to expose the hands to wield a weapon or operate radios or other equipment once safely on the ground.

In the photo below you can clearly see the MagClip attached to the PALS on a Blast Belt in addition to Crye’s dump pouch and zip off back panel.

www.CryePrecision.com

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Sneak Peek of Blue Force Gear’s New Plate Carrier

Monday, January 17th, 2011

Check it out in booth #26211.

www.blueforcegear.com

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BAE’s ECLiPSE Giving Away T-Shirts at SHOT Show

Friday, January 14th, 2011

Once again, BAE is exhibiting their ECLiPSE brand at SHOT Show. They promise to have a full schedule of events including daily giveaways of pouches as well as t-shirts.

Additionally, BAE is running a contest, seeking designs for a new 2011 T-shirt. Not only does the winner get bragging rights, the prize also includes $250 and $100 credit toward the purchase of ECLiPSE gear. See for yourself in booth #12762.

www.eclipsegear.com

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FirstSpear Formally Launched

Tuesday, January 11th, 2011

Scott Carver, FirstSpear founder has announced the formation of his new company concentrating on specialized load carrying and armor systems for warfighters. He has assembled one hell of a team and we wish him our best. Below is the press release in its entirety.

FirstSpear Utilizes Unique Technology Advancements and Focus to Provide Enhanced Capabilities for Warfighters and Professional Users

Saint Louis, MO, January 11, 2011 – Today, President and CEO, Scott Carver, announced the launch of FirstSpear, a company focused on the rapid design, development and delivery of Integrated Personal Protective Equipment and Enhanced Load Carriage Solutions for warfighters and professional users. The company will begin new product roll-outs in early 2011 and is already accepting orders for production.
FirstSpear’s founders have a legacy of designing, developing and producing some of the most widely used and sought after tactical equipment for military and law enforcement. Carver’s newest venture will focus on providing our men and women in uniform the next generation of mission-critical equipage. Based upon an unsurpassed understanding of operational requirements and dedication to ensuring high-speed fielding, FirstSpear has a unique capability for custom product design and innovative manufacturing. Built to meet the highest quality standards, FirstSpear’s products are engineered to be light weight, withstand harsh combat conditions, and maintain their durability over time, no matter the mission.

“FirstSpear is about empowering our professional users with solutions that exceed expectations, in any environment, during any mission profile,” said Jonathan Laplume, FirstSpear’s Vice President for Strategy and Development. “Our products utilize advanced design, lightweight materials, and our first-hand knowledge of user needs to provide our warfighters with a consistent combat advantage.”

“Our user’s needs are constantly evolving, FirstSpear’s vision is to evolve with them in real time,” said Carver. “FirstSpear integrates past experience and proven technology with a unique advancement in materials, configuration and production efficiency, to offer the most advanced load carriage solutions possible.”

FirstSpear, LLC is dedicated to rapidly delivering innovative individual equipment systems to professional users. To follow the launch of FirstSpear, LLC visit www.first-spear.com.

FirstSpear was founded in 2010 by a team of experienced industry professionals and former U.S. servicemen, with the mission of rapidly delivering innovative personal protective equipment and enhanced load carriage solutions to US and allied warfighters and professional users. With over 20 years of hands-on manufacturing experience with tactical equipment, Scott Carver has proven experience and dedication to meeting the warfighter’s evolving mission needs. FirstSpear’s uniquely focused research and development team is lead by former SOF Infantryman and present industry design specialist Jonathan Laplume.

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