TYR Tactical

Archive for the ‘Armor’ Category

SKD Tactical PIG Brigandine SYSTEMA

Friday, December 14th, 2012

I see loads of armor carriers. If anything, I’m jaded. But, every once in awhile, something different comes along. SKD came to me a few weeks ago and showed me this video and I have to say that it impressed me. Watch this video and tell me what YOU think.

Obviously, it looks different, but it is also scalable. You can go from a simple 11 oz chest rig all the way up to a full blown Plate Carrier with cummerbund and integrated pouches.

The modularity is thanks to the multiple component options. In addition to front and rear plate pockets (you can mix and match sizes), shoulder straps, cummerbunds, and rear storage systems, the PIG BRIG offers multiple chest rig systems (seen below).

Weight is mitigated by the “shoehorn” fit for the plates. It is a very tight fit but means that there is no slop and consequently, there is less fabric and less weight. Each PIG BRIG model is designed around a specific plate contour. Currently, the BRIG is available for ESAPI (4 sizes), the 10″ x 12″ Tap Gamma and the Velocity Systems/LTC ICW 10″ x 12″ Plate. Other plate shapes will be offered in the future.

Additionally, the PIG BRIG is designed with the straps attaching at a lower point than the top of the plate (like the PIG PC), allowing for a higher plate placement. Considering how many new pieces SKD had to introduce all at once, the SYSTEMA is impressive. But, to be honest, you’ve got to head over to SKD Tactical and read up on all of the options.

www.skdtac.com

US Army Begins Fielding of Female IOTV Variant

Thursday, December 13th, 2012

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PFC Cheryl Rogers grins as 2LT Chelsea Adams helps her into the new Generation III Female Improved Outer Tactical Vest. The Soldiers, who are part of the 1st ABCT Female Engagement Team, Third Infantry Division, are preparing to deploy to Afghanistan and will be only the second group in the US Army to test this new body armor. Photo – US Army

The female fit variant of the US Army issue Gen III Improved Outer Tactical Best began in 2009 after the 101st identified fit issues with the Gen II IOTV for their female Soldiers.

“When I was with the 101st in Afghanistan, I raised the issue there that we had female Soldiers going outside the wire on a routine basis and their equipment was just too large for them to operate and correctly pocket their weapon in,” said MSG Jeff Fenlason. “Because the problems were directly affecting the ability of these women to operate efficiently in combat, the Army began looking for ways to improve the vests.”

During the initial push for a better vest, the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center initiated multiple surveys and found that about 85 percent of women in the Army were wearing a vest one size too large and about 52 percent were wearing a vest about two sizes too large.

“Over the course of a couple years, NSRDEC worked through a couple design changes, and what we put the 1st ABCT FET team in is the result of all that work,” explained MSG Fenlason, who is now operating as a plans noncommissioned officer for 1st ABCT.

According to an Army press release, this version of the IOTV is designed to curve with the female anatomy, and the parts come in multiple sizes to custom fit to each woman, unlike the one-size-fits-all Gen II model.

The Army plans to field 3,000 of these models by the summer of 2013.

BAE Systems Receives $35 Million Order from DLA for IOTVs

Tuesday, December 11th, 2012

BAE Systems has received an order from the Defense Logistics Agency for $35 Million to supply Improved Outer Tactical Vests. The IOTV is the standard armor vest for the US Army and comes in 11 sizes including long versions. It incorporates soft armor panels and is designed to accommodate hard armor plates in the front rear and to the sides in the cummerbund.

DLA Troop Support ordered the vests as part of a four-year contract issued in March, which could reach a cumulative value of $267 million. BAE Systems has thus far received a total of $83 million under the contract. They report that the production will occur at the company’s Jessup, Pennsylvania facility, and this order is scheduled to be complete by October 2013.

“This tactical vest is a necessary and life-saving piece of equipment for the Soldier,” said Eric Gavelda, director of Warfighter Protection at BAE Systems’ Protection Systems business. “The vest helps shield vital organs and protect against a variety of battlefield threats. Our ultimate goal is to help our warfighters return home safely to their families.”

Since 2007, BAE Systems has produced more than 800,000 outer tactical body armor vests for US troops serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world.

www.baesystems.com

PIG Mollevella from SKD Tactical

Monday, December 10th, 2012

SKD Tactical’s new PIG Mollevella is a bib for their Universal Chest Rig as well as the Eagle CR-UTV Chest Rig. Named after the concept’s inspiration, Mike Olivella, the PIG Mollevella (UCR Bib) integrates a Zipper Top Pouch (Approximately 5″ x 8″ with tapered bottom) as well as Multiple Elastic Pen/Light Slots and a Mesh Stash Pocket. The 3 Row x 5 Column PALS Field also features a 3″ x 4.5″ Loop Velcro Patch Field. Made In USA!

Available in Black, Coyote Brown, Ranger Green and MultiCam.

www.skdtac.com/PIG-Mollevella-UCR-Bib-p

Sneak Peek – Scalable Armor Carrier, Jumpable from 215 Gear

Friday, December 7th, 2012

www.215gear.com

KDH Lays Off 280 at Eden NC Plant

Tuesday, December 4th, 2012

According to the Winston-Salem Journal, body armor manufacturer KDH is laying off 280 in January at their Eden, North Carolina plant due to the end of Government orders.

KDH manufacturers the IOTV for the Army as well as the IMTV and Plate Carrier for the USMC.

This lay off is hoped to be temporary as KDH works to bring in LE business, but the slow down will affect almost two-thirds of their work force.

EGL SkunkyWerks PWN in Kryptek Mandrake

Thursday, November 29th, 2012

ExtremeGearLabs (EGL) SkunkyWerks PWN “Platecarrier With No name” PC in Kryptek Mandrake 500D sized to fit Medium size M80 black SAPI plates. Admin pocket with slotted chemlight pocket behind.

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www.facebook.com/extremegearlabs

Assault Plate Carrier in Kryptek Highlander

Monday, November 26th, 2012

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Check out this prototype Assault Plate Carrier in Kryptek Highlander produced by Velocity Systems. Kryptek is one of four finalists in the US Army Camouflage Improvement Effort and Highlander is their transitional pattern. The APC is a Mayflower Research & Consulting design, but don’t worry. Mayflower and Velocity work together on a wide variety of projects. Although this is a one-off, I’d hazard that it’s safe to say that this is a portent of things to come.