“Longtime follower here. I’ve been religiously following your blog since its inception when I was still in high school. I thought it would be cool to show you a product that I have been working on. This product is a Hawaiian themed plate carrier.
Why?? After seeing Hawaiian themed combat shirts, I felt like I could take things up a notch and make the carrier itself out of Hawaiian themed fabric. This was a fun side project and I’ll be making more in the near future.”
CENTRAL LAKE, MI and EDEN, NC — October 25, 2018 — Armor Express and KDH Defense Systems (“KDH”), two leading manufacturers of high-performance protective solutions for the U.S. Armed Forces, Federal Government and Law Enforcement communities, are pleased to announce the latest addition to their Board of Directors with the appointment of industry-veteran, Sam White.
Matt Davis, Chairman of the Board of Praesidium, the holding company that owns both Armor Express and KDH stated, “Sam is a proven commodity in our industry and we are all excited to have him join our Board. The insight and experience he has gained over the past 20 years will be a tremendous benefit to our Company and all of our technology partners across the world. His understanding of ballistic science, both hard and soft armor technologies, and strong relationships within the supply chain will be leveraged for one common goal: improving our ability to advance science to save lives.”
Mr. White will continue to serve as Vice President, Applied Science with FirstSpear®, a leading manufacturer of advanced load bearing equipment and armor platforms built for the warfighter and law enforcement professional. Prior to FirstSpear, he served as Senior Executive Vice President of Point Blank Enterprises, Inc., responsible for all facets of Research & Development (“R&D”), Design & Engineering and Business Development, with a focus on advancing supply chain and customer relationships. He also held various leadership positions with Point Blank Enterprises, including President of Point Blank Body Armor and Head of Global Sales. Earlier in his career, Mr. White held various leadership and R&D positions with Armor Holdings and Allied Signal.
“I am honored to become part of the Armor Express and KDH Defense Systems family and look forward to advancing their business in any way that I can,” stated Mr. White. “I have worked with many of their executives throughout my career, and we share the same passion for developing mission-critical, life-saving technologies. I hope to leverage my relationships and experience to support the Board’s vision, while continuing to build FirstSpear’s presence worldwide.”
A lawsuit has been filed by in Delaware District Court Martinson, LLC vs. North American Rescue Holdings LLC and North American Rescue, LLC. alleging patent infringement. Case number 1:2018cv01358* was filed in Delaware District Court on August 31, 2018, with a jury requested by Martinson LLC (the plaintiff).
The lawsuit alleges that North American Rescue’s AGENT Ballistic Vest is a “stitch for stitch” copy of the Martinson ELSA (Emergency Life Saving Armor). Martinson holds two patents for the ELSA, to wit,
“As a result of Martinson’s efforts to protect its intellectual property in the ELSA product, Martinson is the owner of U.S. Patent Nos. 9,737,100 (“the ’100 Patent” [issued August 22, 2017]) and 9,861,145 (“the ’145 Patent” [issued January 9, 2018]), each entitled “Concealable Body Armor and Combination Bag/Vest.”
“Upon information and belief, NAR markets and sells a combination bag/vest called the AGENT Ballistic Vest in the United States.
Upon information and belief, the AGENT Ballistic Vest is a stitch-for-stitch copy of both the ’100 Patent and the ’145 Patent.”
The Martinson ELSA can be found online, but the “AGENT RTF Kit, formerly known as ELSA RTF Kit” now returns a 404 response on the NAR website despite being their immediately after the suit was filed.
SO ORDERED, re 8 STIPULATION TO EXTEND TIME in which defendants North American Rescue, LLC and North American Rescue Holdings, LLC have to answer the Complaint to November 8, 2018 filed by Martinson Industries, LLC, Set/Reset Answer Deadlines: North American Rescue Holdings, LLC answer due 11/8/2018; North American Rescue, LLC answer due 11/8/2018. Signed by Judge Colm F. Connolly on 10/4/2018. (fms) (Entered: 10/04/2018)
SSD reached out to NAR for comment but they politely declined, citing pending litigation. However, considering the same product was found on several sites, it is possible that a third-party vendor is the root cause of the issue.
*1:18-cv-01358-CFC Martinson Industries, LLC v. North American Rescue, LLC et al Colm F. Connolly, presiding
Features & Specifications:
-Weight: 14.9 lbs.
-NIJ 0108.01 Level 3 Compliant – 7.62 x 51 mm, 149 gr, FMJ NATO Ball (M80 Ball)
-Forearm Pad
-Carry Bag
-Fixed Handle
-Special Threats: 7.62 x 39 MSC 123 gr
Features & Specifications:
-Weight: 20.8 lbs.
-NIJ 0108.01 Level 3 Compliant – 7.62 x 51 mm, 149 gr, FMJ NATO Ball (M80 Ball)
-Forearm Pad
-Carry Bag
-Fixed Handle
-Special Threats: 7.62 x 39 MSC 123 gr
Features & Specifications:
-Weight: 21 lbs.
-Thickness: .425”
-NIJ 0108.01 tested to Level 4 threats 7.62 x 63 166 gr (APM2)
-Special Threat Testing:
• 7.62 x 39 API
• 7.62 x 63 AP M2
• 7.62 x 54R B32
This system provides both load carriage and unmatched ballistic protection. The center armor panel covers the ballistic gap on both sides of the Dolly. Bolt holes on the armor panel are offset from the ballistic gap to reduce the possibility of penetration.
Features & Specifications:
-Constructed out of high-strength, lightweight aluminum
-Telescoping frame to accommodate up to two shields
-Removable rear wheel
-Two wheel configuration allows for 360° movement.
-Dolly is self-supported in the two wheel configuration by resting on the lower shield
Center armor panel reinforces the connection area where the upper and lower shields meet.
-Telescoping, pull pin, shield handle bracket for multiple shield sizes
-Two rubberized dolly handles
-Padded shield rest
-Three removable heavy duty wheels
-Matte black powder coat finish
-Two Wheel Configuration Wt. 28.7 lbs.
-Three Wheel Configuration Wt. 37 lbs.
Configurable helmet designed for broad use from combat operations to law enforcement
ST. PAUL, Minn.– Oct. 8, 2018 – Military and police forces across the world require cutting-edge protection to match an ever-evolving range of operational environments. Ceradyne, Inc., a 3M company, designed the new
3M Ballistic Helmet F70for maximum flexibility of use in military combat missions, special forces operations and law enforcement tactical operations. The helmet leverages 3M expertise to deliver its high level of protection for its low weight.
The 3M Ballistic Helmet F70 provides a unique combination of ballistic performance, low weight, modular system design and optimized geometry. The helmet comes in both high cut and mid cut (full coverage) versions and offers an optional ballistic mandible and ballistic visor. The helmet geometry is engineered for improved coverage of critical areas and increased stability and comfort.
Unlike conventional helmet designs, the no thru-hole design eliminates weak spots in the ballistic shell by removing thru-holes for the night vision device shroud, retention system and rails. With this state-of-the-art design, bolts can no longer become secondary projectiles during a ballistic event.
“Every detail matters when it comes to protecting those who serve their countries and communities, and that’s why we continually develop advanced solutions like the 3M Ballistic Helmet F70,” said Terry Griffith, defense business manager, 3M Advanced Materials Division. “We ensure our designs use the highest standards for compliance-driven manufacturing that have earned 3M a reputation our customers can trust. Everything we do is driven by a deep passion to help military and law enforcement stay safe as they work to achieve their vital objectives.”
The 3M Ballistic Helmet F70 meets or exceeds all commonly specified Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) requirements for ballistic fragmentation and bump protection and meets NIJ IIIA ballistic penetration protection standards. It provides V50 fragmentation protection against 17 grain (.22 caliber) FSP at greater than 2,750 feet per second (greater than 840 meters per second) when tested in accordance with NATO STANAG 2920. The ballistic shell weight is 1.68 pounds (770 grams) in the high cut version and 1.91 pounds (870 grams) in the mid cut version.
The Air Force Test Parachute Program (TPP) also conducted an evaluation of the 3M Ballistic Helmet F70 and determined it to be suitable for Air Force static line and military free fall operations.
Each F70 helmet comes with reverse dovetail rails that accept common industry accessories. Optional accessories designed for the helmet include ballistic mandibles, visors, helmet covers, over ear ballistic protection(high cut) and counterweights. In addition, the helmet works seamlessly with 3M PELTOR communications and hearing protection solutions.
3M will debut the helmet at booth 7741 at the AUSA 2018 Annual Meeting and Exposition,Oct. 8-10, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The helmet will be available for sale in December 2018.
For more information about soldier protection solutions provided by 3M, visitwww.3M.com/Defense.
Tags: 3M Posted in Armor, AUSA, Helmets, Press Release | Comments Off on The Newest Addition of 3M Ballistic Helmets: 3M Ballistic Helmet F70 Allows for Flexibility of Use in Multiple Operational Environments
Program Manager for Infantry Combat Equipment (PM ICE), Portfolio Manager Ground Combat Element Systems (PfM GCES), MCSC, has announced they will host an Industry Day for the upcoming LITE Plate solicitation 17-18 October 2018 at Get It Done (GID) Solutions LLC in Triangle, Virginia. It will include classified one-on-one sessions with the PM shop.
The Low Intensity Threat Environment (LITE) Plate must be Berry Amendment compliant. It is a small arms protective hard armor insert that will improve the survivability and mobility of Marines by maximizing ballistic protection while minimizing the burdens of weight, bulk, and heat stress.
Interestingly, the NAICS code is 339113 (Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing) for this requirement.
Interested parties should visit www.fbo.gov for details.
Posted in Armor, Contracts, USMC | Comments Off on USMC Announces Industry Day For Low Intensity Threat Environment (LITE) Armor Plate
Yesterday, the US Marine Corps awarded Vertical Protective Apparel, LLC, of Shrewsbury, New Jersey, a $62,612,464 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to produce and deliver the PC Gen IIIs. A maximum quantity of 225,886 will be delivered, and the work will be completed by September 2023.
“The legacy carrier fit the span of the Marine Corps, but this new system is more tailorable to fit Marines of various sizes with three new smaller-stature options,” said Flora “Mackie” Jordan, body armor engineer for the Infantry Combat Equipment Team at MCSC. “We wanted to give as much mobility back to Marines as possible by reducing the weight and bulk of the vest without decreasing ballistic protection. We were able to reduce the weight of the vest by 25 percent.”
The goal was to lighten the load Marines carry to reduce fatigue and improve their operational capability in the field. A few new features of the PC Gen III contributed to the weight reduction.
Excess material was removed from the shoulders and about an inch-and-a-half was taken from the bottom, which provides better integration with the USMC Pack. The team also chose a laminated laser cut material that only absorbs seven percent of water compared to 70 percent with the legacy system.
“We made sure to get the best system for our Marines, which included choosing the best lightweight soft armor and the best quality when it comes to the cut and sew of the carrier,” said Mackie.
While conducting research, MCSC discovered Marines are eight percent faster when the PC Gen III systems were combined with prototype lightweight plates, compared to the Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts. They also found Marines could remove and reassemble the vest in less than three seconds.
“With the old system, it took about seven seconds to take it off, and 10 minutes to reassemble,” said project officer Capt. Frank Coppola, Infantry Weapons at MCSC who helped test the vests. “The new quick release works a hundred times better. It has a vastly improved quick detach system for Marines to act fast while on missions.”
The PC Gen III is less bulky and easier for Marines to move in, especially when working in tight spaces. An inner vest was also added to increase modularity of the system. Marines can adjust it to meet the requirements and environment of their particular mission.
“Our vests have come a long way over the past 15 years, and the reduced weight and increased mobility is huge,” Coppola said. “The fact that we can decrease the size of the vest and still be protected is the key.”
Infantry, school house, and Reconnaissance Marines, along with vehicle crewmen and combat engineers will receive the vests when fielding begins in the third quarter of fiscal year 2019.
Information provided by the MARCORSYSCOM PAO contributed significantly to this report, particularly the quotes from PM-ICE.
