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Avon To Acquire Ceradyne For $91 Million

Thursday, August 8th, 2019

Specifically, Avon Rubber PLC, best known for their CBRN protective masks, will be purchasing 3M’s armor protection business which includes production of helmets and armor plates. It operates three sites within the US and has about 280 employees.

3M developed the Integrated Head Protection System for the US Army, it’s latest ground troop helmet. They also manufacture armor plates for military and law enforcement.

Avon sees that this move, “Significantly widens Avon Protection’s product range in the personal protective equipment segment with a leading brand for next generation ballistic helmets and body Armour,” as well as “Deepens our presence in the U.S. and relationship with the U.S. DOD as a key supplier of ballistic helmets and body armour for the Soldier Protection System (“SPS”).”

The acquisition should be complete by the first half of 2020.

Posted in Armor, Helmets, Industry, International | 2 Comments »

KDH Defense Systems Awarded Another $40 Million in Orders from the US Armed Forces

Wednesday, July 31st, 2019

Eden, NC, July 30, 2019 – KDH Defense Systems, Inc. (“KDH”), a leading manufacturer of American-made, high-performance protective solutions, announced today it has been awarded two separate delivery orders from the U.S. Army totaling approximately $40.0 million.

KDH received a $31.5 million delivery order as part of contract number W91CRB-15-D-0021 from the Army Contracting Command to produce the Modular Scalable Vest (“MSV”) Generation II. KDH also received a delivery order valued at $9.0 million from the Army Contracting Command to produce the Blast Pelvic Protectors (“BPPs”). These are new fair opportunity awards stemming from the contracts the Company initially won in 2015. All production will be performed at KDH’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Eden, NC, with an estimated completion date of June 2020.

Jim Henderson, Chief Executive Officer of the holding company that owns both Armor Express and KDH Defense Systems stated, “We continue to receive large-scale orders from the U.S. Armed Forces and various Federal agencies, which we believe are a testament to our manufacturing capabilities, technological skillsets and most important, our commitment to customers. We are also expanding our domestic and international law enforcement business, with the bulk of production being performed in our Central Lake facility. We’re investing in our business, enhancing our talent, and strengthening relationships with our supply chain and technology partners, which we believe will benefit our customers as we move into the 2nd half of the year and for years to come. It is our honor to serve our customers and deliver the solutions they need to ensure their safety.”

www.armorexpress.com/kdh-defense-systems

Posted in Armor, Contracts, Press Release | 4 Comments »

202 MPH $205,000 APR RS7 The World’s Fastest Armored Car?

Tuesday, July 30th, 2019

Pete Blaber led company uses advanced polycarbonate composites and ballistic glass and “world class” security features to creat a B-4 level safe room.

AddArmor, known as much for the pedigree of its leadership as for designing what they call sophisticated mobile safe rooms, recently announced its latest creation: the “world’s fastest armored car.” It’s an Audi RS7 built with a polycarbonate weave they say is 10x stronger than ballistic steel.

The new 202 mph APR-tuned RS7 was designed and built to showcase new developments in lightweight combat-proven polycarbonate armor paneling. Armored vehicles have long been associated with lumbering, heavy duty trucks. This was apparently the impetus that pushed AddArmor design. As they describe it, they decided to showcase a truly modernized armored car that could put lie to such impressions – and by doing so to highlight just how far modern armor technology has evolved. The result is a car they claim can perform at speeds of more than 200mph sporting an armor material weighing 60% less than ballistic steel.

AddArmor President Jeff Engen explains.

“With the new AddArmor APR RS7, we wanted to demonstrate how today’s armoring technology allows drivers to pick from a wide range of cars not normally associated with armored vehicles. The total armoring weight of the AddArmor APR RS7 is no more than 200 pounds. That small amount of weight allows for exotic sports cars and even electric vehicles to be nicely armored without compromising their performance or range. The key difference is AddArmor uses a polycarbonate composite instead of heavy steel plating. The weave offers a much stronger, lighter package that simultaneously allows the car to be much faster.”

Speed and maneuverability is frequently a critical element of safety, so AddArmor worked to ensure the vehicle’s “lightweight comprehensive 360-degree protection” would function without compromising acceleration or braking. They combined this ballistic protection with horsepower. As a result, the RS7’s 4.0L twin-turbo engine is complemented an APR Stage II system. AddArmor advises us this “special performance package” will produce 760 horsepower/800 lb-ft of torque with a manufacturer-clocked 0 – 60 mph time of 2.9 seconds.

AddArmor upfitted European B4-level armoring to the RS7; this package combines front-seat 360-degree polycarbonate body panels and ballistic glass to limit weight and protect the primary the occupants. Their ballistic glass is comprised of a multi-layer mixture of polycarbonate and ballistic glass, providing a transparent layer of armor that can withstand prolonged attacks from blunt objects like bricks and bats. Ballistically, the B4 armor can stop a .44 Magnum round, allowing drivers and passengers to evade attack – more important to EP/PSD work than overlanding, but nice to have nonetheless!

Vehicle armor is ballistically rated, much as individual body armor is categorized in II, III, and similar levels by the NIJ. The actual terminology used my vary, for instance from the US State Department Armored Vehicle Program to others from half a dozen or more different countries.

As described by the AddArmor release, the APR RS7 features “Delta Force-tested security throughout.”

The description continues:

Hidden security countermeasures include a sonic sound cannon with a PA system and siren capable of 120 dB. Other security items include electric-shock door handles equivalent to a high-powered taser gun and pepper spray dispensers. For ramming, AddArmor installed a front barrier bumper that protects the car’s radiator while also allowing the automobile to comfortably drive through most ambush situations. The AddArmor APR RS7 also includes a specially developed rear blinding light system that uses aircraft landing technology to temporarily blind assailants. The new vehicle also features a custom smokescreen system. For added security, the AddArmor APR RS7 includes biometric gun racks hidden in the trunk that can accommodate assault rifles and handguns.

Another unique security measure included on the AddArmor APR RS7 is a special Global 911 concierge service. This satellite-activated 24/7 system monitors the vehicle’s occupants via their cell phones and an array of beacons. Any sign of trouble automatically sets off a siren in a command center staffed by highly trained security staff with military and first-responder backgrounds. The Global 911 concierge service assesses all security situations as they arise and dispatches solutions in the case of any emergency. These systems allow AddArmor to protect their clients anywhere around the globe.

For added security, the new AddArmor APR RS7 includes a multitude of other on-board tactical electronics. An overseas-compliant drone-denial frequency-jamming satellite communications system has been installed alongside active mine/explosion detection, as well as a state-of-the-art 360-degree night-vision camera system. In the case of any airborne attacks, the AddArmor APR RS7 has an overpressure gas detection unit with onboard gas masks and air tanks to supply filtered fresh breathing air.

The RS7 runs on high-performance 275/30ZR21 Pirelli P Zero Run Flat tires capable of driving 30 miles after sustaining multiple high-powered rifle shots.

The AddArmor APR RS7 demonstrates how AddArmor provides custom protection packages to meet clients’ needs for either new or existing vehicles. Security packages for executive, work, personal, and family vehicles are available starting at $28,000. The new AddArmor APR RS7 is available for $205,000.

AddArmor (which offers training as well) can be found online at AddArmor.com.

DR can be contacted on IG via @reederwrites.

Posted in Armor, Grey Man, Guest Post, Mobility | 14 Comments »

“System Panzergrenadier”: Rheinmetall Modernizing Puma Infantry Fighting Vehicle and Other Equipment for NATO Spearhead VJTF 2023

Tuesday, July 23rd, 2019

Order volume close to half a billion euros

Rheinmetall is taking on a key role in equipping the NATO spearhead Very High Joint Readiness Task Force 2023 (VJTF 2023), which will be furnished by the German Bundeswehr. Contracts have now been awarded to a consortium for the “System Panzergrenadier VJTF 2023” project, in which Rheinmetall’s share comes to over €470 million, including value added tax. Work has already begun and is set to continue through to the end of the VJTF readiness phase in 2024.

On 11 July 2019, the Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-service Support awarded a corresponding contract to ARGE Puma, a consortium consisting of Puma manufacturer PSM Projekt System Management GmbH – a joint venture in which Rheinmetall holds a 50% stake – and Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH. Subcontracting within ARGE will take place shortly.

“System Panzergrenadier” links the Puma infantry fighting vehicle – the mainstay of the German Army’s mechanized infantry – with the modular Future Soldier – Expanded System (IdZ-ES) soldier system, in an advanced, network-enabled warfare environment.

Included in the “System Panzergrenadier VJTF 2023” package is a comprehensive combat performance upgrade of forty-one Puma infantry fighting vehicles, coupled with additional measures for improving communication between the infantry fighting vehicles and dismounted infantrymen. For Rheinmetall, the total value of this order comes to €258.3 million, including value added tax. The systems will be delivered at the end of 2020/beginning of 2021.

Among other things, the package also encompasses complete logistic support of the VJTF Pumas for a period of five years, i.e. spare parts, special tools and spare parts logistics. Also included is a new generation of digital radios for the infantry fighting vehicles as well as integration of the MELLS multirole light guided missile system, significantly expanding the capabilities spectrum of Puma. New daylight and thermal imaging cameras and a colour display feature in the upgrade too. Optimized day and night vision will increase the range of reconnaissance, while simultaneously widening the crew’s field of view. Furthermore, new training resources will enable the unit to train in a highly realistic manner.

Closely linked to the hardware of the new optronic systems and monitors for the infantry fighting vehicles is the contract for development of the “Vision Enhancement, Chassis”, which is already underway. Including value added tax, it represents sales of €67.2 million, including value added tax.

Furthermore, Rheinmetall is equipping the mechanized infantry companies of the VJTF 2023 with “TacNet”, its battle management system (BMS). In addition, an initial lot of ten platoon versions of the “Future Soldier – Expanded System” soldier system will be brought up to modern VJTF 2023 standard. Improved communication between the Puma crew and the dismounted infantry section will result in a continuously updated, uniform common operational picture. This way, Rheinmetall gives mechanized infantry a command-and-control capability that extends from the company commander to the individual rifleman on the ground. These modernization moves will mean incoming orders for Rheinmetall worth €146.5 million, including value added tax.

“System Panzergrenadier VJTF 2023” substantially enhances the fighting strength of the VJTF 2023. At the same time, Rheinmetall views these measures as a template for further modernization and digitization of the Bundeswehr.

Modernizing the command and control capabilities of complete mechanized infantry companies and bringing the IdZ-ES up to VJTF 2023 standard involves modifying the hardware and software. Dispensing with the “electronic backbone” is one key innovation. Others include advanced new radio systems for dismounted troops and infantry fighting vehicles, which result in improved command capabilities as well as enabling secure transmission of large amounts of data.

During development of the new vision systems and their integration into the Puma, an initial lot of five sets of prototype assemblies will be fabricated and integrated into five standard vehicles. These tasks are to be complete by 2021. Verification will then take place at the Bundeswehr’s technical centres by 2023.

Furthermore, digitization of the vision technology will proceed in tandem with implementation of NATO Generic Vehicle Architecture (NGVA) in the Puma. It forms the foundation for the future sensor-to-shooter nexus. Already underway, the networking of sensors and effectors in individual vehicles will soon enable the networking of sensors and effectors in entire units and formations. As a result, the Puma will be one of the world’s first digitized combat vehicles.

Posted in Armor, International, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Point Blank Enterprises Announces Reserve and Auxiliary Officers Can Now Upgrade Their Armor Protection Through the National Reserve Officer Program

Monday, July 15th, 2019

POMPANO BEACH, Fla., July 15, 2019 — Point Blank Enterprises (“PBE”), the worldwide leader in the production of soft body armor and related protective solutions announces a program for Reserve and Auxiliary law enforcement officers to purchase soft body armor, rifle protection plates and complete active shooter kits at deeply discounted prices, directly through the National Reserve Officer Program.

The body armor systems available through Point Blank’s National Reserve Officer Program meet the company’s stringent quality control standards and have the standard 5 year ballistic warranty from the time of purchase. The program includes a variety of ballistic systems including select NIJ .06 Level IIA, II, and IIIA models. Now, with the addition of hard armor plates, Reserve and Auxiliary officers can enhance the protective capabilities of their body armor and have access to more options than ever before.

“Many reserve and auxiliary officers receive equipment from their policing agency, including body armor. But, many reserves and auxiliaries are required to purchase at least some of their own gear,” said Dr. Ross Wolf, president of the Volunteer Law Enforcement Officer Alliance. “This National Reserve Officer Program through Point Blank allows volunteers and part time police to have access to the protective gear that is necessary to perform their important role in communities.”

“The success of this program allows us to now expand the offerings to include hard armor plates and associated carriers,” stated Hoyt Schmidt, Executive Vice President of Commercial Sales at Point Blank Enterprises. “We conceived this program with the goal of ensuring that every reserve officer has access to the best protective armor solutions in the industry so that they can perform their function as effectively and safely as possible.”

In order to qualify for the program, Reserve Officers can visit the Point Blank website at www.pointblankenterprises.com/rop and sign up to initiate the verification process. The simple purchasing process allows officers to select their desired NIJ .06 threat level, ballistic model, appropriate size and carrier color (black or navy). Upon placing their order, the Reserve Officer can expect delivery in 10 business days, if not sooner.

Posted in Armor, LE, Press Release | Comments Off on Point Blank Enterprises Announces Reserve and Auxiliary Officers Can Now Upgrade Their Armor Protection Through the National Reserve Officer Program

Armor Express Expands Leadership Team with the Additions of Lushana Offutt, Senior Vice President, Government Operations and Rick Dressler, Vice President, Federal Operations

Thursday, July 11th, 2019

Dave Herbener, Founder and Former CEO of KDH Defense Systems Joins Board of Directors

CENTRAL LAKE, MI – July 11, 2019 – Armor Express, a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-performance protective solutions for the Domestic and Federal Law Enforcement markets, Department of Defense and First Responders, today announced two strategic hires – Lushana Offutt, Senior Vice President, Government Operations and Rick Dressler, Vice President, Federal Operations – as the Company continues to build out its leadership team.

Jim Henderson, Chief Executive Officer of Armor Express commented, “The additions of Lushana and Rick to our team are significant, especially as we grow our business with the U.S. Government and with the major contract opportunities on the horizon. Both have vast experience, knowledge and relationships across government and industry that will serve our organization and customers well. They have overseen multi-billion-dollar contracts throughout their careers and understand customer needs, which was critical in our selection process. We are excited to have Lushana and Rick onboard and look forward to working with our partners as we continue to expand our life-saving capabilities.”

The Company is pleased to welcome its new Head of Government Operations, Lushana Offutt, who brings over 20 years of defense and federal sector experience. Most recently, Ms. Offutt served as Senior Vice President, Operations at ADS Inc., a leading provider of equipment, procurement, logistics, and supply chain solutions to the Department of Defense (DoD) as well as federal, state and local agencies. She helped develop the business strategy, while overseeing all support functions including proposal development, contract administration, information technology, purchasing, inventory, and logistics. Previously, she served as Senior Vice President, Strategy, leading business development and capture management initiatives. She joined ADS in 2008 as Vice President, Program Business Development and served later as Vice President, Air Force, Army and International Sales. Earlier in her career, she held various positions with SYColeman Corporation, L3 Communications and NISH.

Also joining Armor Express as its new Vice President, Federal Operations is Rick Dressler, a seasoned professional in the Defense and Federal Law Enforcement industries. Mr. Dressler brings to the Company close to 30 years of special operations and management experience, having served in various senior roles for the U.S. Army; U.S. Air Force Reserve; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); and on Capitol Hill. Prior to joining Armor Express, his most recent roles were that of Supervisory Special Agent and Program Manager at the ATF’s headquarters in Washington D.C. He also served as a Special Agent (Lt. Col.) in the Air Force Reserve, Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI).

Ms. Offutt will be responsible for overseeing the Company’s Military, Federal and International operations, including contracts, programs, proposals, sales and business strategy, working closely with the operational teams in Eden, NC and externally with all customers. She will be based in the Company’s new headquarters in Arlington, VA, and initially spend time at the Eden, NC facility where the majority of contracts are being produced for the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy Security Forces, and various Federal customers. Mr. Dressler will spearhead program and contract management, sales, sales support, and customer service for all Federal accounts and future business opportunities. He too, will be based in the Arlington, VA office.

Lushana Offutt added, “I’ve been fortunate throughout my career to have worked in such great companies that were all focused on servicing the needs of the men and women who put their lives on the line every day. I now look forward to working with the Armor Express and KDH teams to leverage the experience I’ve gained across all facets of operations, program management and sales to not only help the Company grow but help support our customers. The customer always comes first and that was a shared vision that attracted me to Armor Express. We have a great team in place, one that is expanding, and a product assortment and commitment to innovation that makes me confident in our ability to increase our share of market and deliver the best and safest products to our customers.”

Mr. Dressler added, “I’ve spent my career serving our country, in both the Military and Federal Government, and I have worn and sourced our products in the field. They are second to none and continue to evolve as new technologies come to market and as we gain insight from customers around the world. Every agency has different needs and part of my former responsibilities was harnessing the right resources and equipment to ensure Agents, Officers and Military personnel were safe. I look forward to utilizing my past experiences and relationships to improve our customer offering and service capabilities. The need for protection has never been greater and I believe we have the resources and drive to deliver exactly what our customers need.”

The Company also announced today that David Herbener, Founder and former Chief Executive Officer of KDH Defense Systems has joined the Company’s Board of Directors. This follows the most recent appointment of Sam White to the Board, a highly respected and seasoned executive from the body armor industry.

Posted in Armor, Industry, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Redpath Notions Ahegao Plate Carrier

Wednesday, July 3rd, 2019

Now here’s something you don’t see every day.

Jesse Redpath is making these carriers from a rather unorthodox pattern. Once you know the story behind the vest, it makes sense.

The idea came from a /k/ thread. This /k/arrier uses a combination of 500D Cordura and nylon with a ahegao print.

Foam padding is used on the user-facing side of the platebags for increased user comfort. Shoulder strap placement has been changed to be even wider for decreased neck discomfort along with ITW G-hooks being used in place of the conventional sewn in shoulder straps, allowing for servicing and customization of the straps. The front platebag includes a removable kangaroo placard attached by two QASM buckles. The kangaroo placard is lined with hook and loop to allow the insertion of magazine retention inserts. Also included with the carrier is a elastic cummerbund with magazine carrying capacity (3 magazines per side). The magazine slots on the cummerbund are sized to accept both 7.62 and 5.56 magazines.

Get yours at his Etsy shop.

Posted in Armor | 19 Comments »

AXL Advanced – Crye AVS Upgrades

Tuesday, July 2nd, 2019

AXL Advanced offers after market enhancements for popular load carriage systems. For example, they make multiple upgrades for the Crye Precision Adaptive Vest System.

They do things like the Hot Swap 3-Band Skeletal™ Cummerbund Adapter which allows you to use FirstSpear Tubes with your AVS.

It modifies the Crye 3-band Skeletal™ Cummerbund to allow for fast donning and doffing as well as rapid configuration.

www.axladvanced.com

Posted in Armor, Load Carrying | 6 Comments »