Currently undergoing evaluation by the US Air Force, OTTO’s Handheld Audio Recording Interface System (HEARS) is a 6-pin cable mounted recording device which goes between the hand/headset and radio. It records up to 100 hours of traffic in .wav format which can be downloaded directly to an Android device, but relax, there’s an on/off switch. HEARS has a battery life of 15 hours.
While Gerber’s Silver Trident isn’t exactly brand new, I don’t feel that it has received the attention it deserves.
A William Harsey, Jr. and Chief Watson (a founding member of Navy Seal Team 2) design collaboration, the Silver Trident features a 6.5″ double serrated blade made from 154CM. The handle is overmolded with two densities of Hytrel, a rubbery compound, with a rock hard center and softer, textured outer layer. The steel butt is meant for hammering and the knife comes with a ballistic nylon sheath.
Knight’s Armament displayed their LMG outfitted with a new M-LOK rail. The last time we saw this weapon it featured a Keymod rail.
Thanks JC!
Blue Force Gear will be attending the 2015 AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition. Email Sales@BlueForceGear.com to make an appointment to meet with a member of Blue Force Gear for assistance with your requirements for lightening soldiers’ load, and to discuss OEM and Military opportunities.
This is a 7.62×39 variant of the MCX. Interestingly, it’s fitted with a new folding stock that has been developed for European security forces who wear helmets with ballistic visors. This pairing generally won’t be seen operationally.
I have to say that I was astounded at what I found in the Team Wendy booth. When you first see their X2 Scalable Helmet Prototype it looks pretty much like their Exfil Ballistic but without rails. Turns out, they’ve integrated a whole bunch of new tech into the design.
Once they removed the shell, you could start to see some serious differences. While this version was a 3D printed prototype, they are capable of making different shells for different threat levels. Beneath the shell is a carbon fiber bump helmet, that can be used alone. If you’re following the logic, you can buy one helmet for both ballistic and bump applications. What’s more, new shells can be crafted as threats arise and material technology improves. Instead of purchasing new helmets, you could be purchasing new components.
You can see the honeycomb lining with forward canted vents to help keep the air cool.
This honeycomb construction not only aids in structural strength and ventilation but also serves as a crumple zone during impacts in order to absorb impact. They are constructed of a flexible polymer using additive manufacturing technology and features a gradient in durometer. They are soft against the head and stiffer the further out they go.
Below, you can see the bolt less retention system.
Below is a closeup of the fixed front shroud.
Finally, you can see their new accessory attachment system called Gear Utilization Tactical Rail (GUTR) along both sides and the rear of the helmets. It is also used to secure the ballistic shell.
While the TW-X2 is still a tech development effort, it certainly changes the realm of the possible in helmets.
Many thought the AK compatibility requirement for the SOF Combat Assault Rifle had fallen off the table. Not true. Rather, USSOCOM initially concentrated in the impending need for 5.56 and 7.62 NATO variants. Now, FN has built a 7.62×39 version of the Combat Assault Rifle to fulfil a requirement. with the CAR contract entering its second five years, you’ll start to see these models hitting the field as a reliable alternative to battlefiled pickup AKs.
Naturally, it features a different barrel, bolt, lower and AK-style magazine catch, but it also has a different gas regulator seen below.
As it utilizes AK magazines, there is no bolt hold open on the last round.
This is the MP-5 Mid-Life Improvement. While they haven’t changed the weapon mechanically, they’ve upgrade to a new three position collapsible stock, the Modular Slim Line Handguard and Mounting Rail with STANAG 4694 Profile. All three of these items can be retrofitted to existing MP-5s.
