Developed in conjunction with Chris Costa, the Armatus armor carrier has a new variant. Based on end user feedback, they’ve introduced a fully modular MAP system carrier.
In addition to removable panels up front there are also now removable rear panels.
It incorporates Hypalon shoulder straps with removable padding, a breathable mesh cummerbund and a streamlined front design that covers the attachment clips for the MAP.
Although it comes configured with a PALS panel they are also looking at introducing a pouch panel and a backpack panel.
The US Army literally has hundreds of thousands of Gen I & II IOTVs. Over the course of the program, the Army has significantly upgraded the outer carrier but the soft armor remained virtually the same. PEO Soldier’s Gen III conversion kit takes servicable soft armor inserts and placed them in new, Gen III carriers in OCP.
In addition to the great savings afforded by this program ($413 for a conversion kit vice $791 for a complete vest), the Army is also taking a hard look at life cycles for soft armor, challenging the standard five year shelf life. Recent testing has already extended this shelf life to seven years and a new round or testing may extend it further; to 15 years. This is just as important for LE activities who rely on ballistic vests as critical, day-to-day PPE.
Velocity Systems issued this statement in order to clear up any confusion regarding the threat protection level of their VS-P34 plates.
We have heard of a few instances of people incorrectly stating the threat level of our VS-P34 Plate.
Our P34 Plate is an In Conjunction With (ICW) Plate rated for both NIJ Level III and NIJ Level IV.
The P34 MUST be worn In Conjunction With VS-13A Soft Armor to achieve the stated threat level. (The reason for rating the plate to both III & IV is that the NIJ Level IV Threat Rating is not all inclusive of the NIJ Level III Threat Rating)
WARNING: The P34 is NOT a Stand-Alone Plate for ANY threat level. To assume this plate is a “Level III Stand-Alone and Level IV In-Conjunction WIth” is INCORRECT.
Agilite has just released the brand new K3-Keramon Plate Carrier. Intended for IDF units, the K3 is designed to house the IDF-standard V3 “Hashmonai” plate.
The K3 is lightweight, with a selection of modular pouches that allow the end user to adapt the carrier to their equipment and mission. The minimalist design of the K3 decreases the overall weight, while increasing airflow. Additionally, a laser-cut Velcro front panel allows for the attachment of patches or hook-backed modular pouches.
This week we feature a FirstSpear original. The Beat Up is a plate carrier that was one of the first armor platforms produced when the company launched. A government agency overrun has allowed them to close out a limited stock of Medium and Large SAPI cut Beat Ups (Ranger Green only).
This is a great opportunity to grab a full featured carrier or replace an old one at a very low cost. These are not seconds and are fresh off the floor and still come with the FirstSpear lifetime warranty in materials and craftsmanship.
With a name borrowed from the lexicon of the elite Long Range Desert Group (LRDG) of World War II, a “Beat Up” was considered to be a raid, ambush or direct action of the type that group favored and this PC is developed for just that sort of operation. The Beat Up is lightweight and integrated with all appropriate functions that reflect input from Professional Users, the experience of the FirstSpear Design Team and the very best in modern materials technology.
The Beat Up features full comfort padding and ventilation on the front and back body just like the Strandhögg. Includes full cummerbund that accepts 6×6 side plates, Drag handle, fully adjustable shoulder straps, and FirstSpear design and quality craftsmanship you can trust. Fits Hard Armor plates cut to SAPI in the corresponding size, ie. Medium Plate fits a Medium Plate Carrier.
The Beat Up retails at $349.98 now available while supplies last for $149.99 AND they are offering Free Domestic Ground Shipping (APO/FPO/DPO) with purchase of the Beat Up (Ranger Green only).
Tactical Revolution has recently released a video which functions as an overview of their AJAX Armor System.
The AJAX Armor System is intended to protect the gunner from enemy fire into his shoulder area which is more lightly armored than the chest. Consisting of a Picatinny rail mount and associated armored 46100 steel plates, AJAX weighs 1.46 lbs per mount and 3.6 lbs per plate. Naturally, this means it’s meant for use in fixed positions but it can quickly be mounted and dismounted from the weapon.
This week, we are checking out the FirstSpear Deceptor. Designed to conceal Rifle Velocity Protective Plates it will discretely hold a pair of plates and, if desired, two 6”X6” Rifle Side Plates. Additionally, pockets from the Ragnar Series can be quickly attached to the front or the back of the carrier as well.
It’s optimized for plates in the 2.2 to 4.5 pound size medium weight range which are .75” or thinner. For larger, thicker or heavier plates, FS recommends you consider a different carrying solution. This carrier comes with stretch and non-stretch shoulder straps to accommodate user comfort preference.
The Deceptor is becoming quite popular at the Federal level and has basically split down the middle on users who prefer Stretch vs. Static Shoulder Straps. FS speculates that a lot of that preference is shaped by the plate used and whether or not there is an external load (Ragnar Pockets) being utilized on the Carrier.
FS has a range of soft armor inserts cut in plate shapes as well as their UC Special Threat Plate that will fit the Deceptor. The soft armor cummerbund of the popular NOC will fit onto this carrier as well.
Available in Black or Coyote, sizes Small through XLarge.
Army Research Labs recently subjected several new fabrics to ballistic testing to see how they might perform in protecting against explosively launched debris for applications in clothing and other gear such as Protective Under Garments. They chose airsoft BBs from BB Bastard as test projectiles because they replicate the size and weight of gravel particles.
Click to view .pdf
The report is quite interesting for those of us interested in materials, ballistic or for those who want a peek into what testing actually entails.
