DNS Alpha is exhibiting in the Mountain Horse Solutions booth. They showed me their new Over Whites which are based on a design they did for a European SOF unit.
They have a version made from a 3 layer GORE-TEX fabric as well as a version in a 40D material printed in MultiCam Alpine.
Armed forces will find it easier to combine world-leading tactical vehicles with advanced signature management solutions thanks to a new deal between Oshkosh Defense and Saab’s Barracuda business unit.
An agreement signed by the two entities in June makes Saab a preferred supplier for Oshkosh Defense’s portfolio of vehicles. Cooperation is already underway on integrating Saab’s Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System (MCS) onto the Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV).
The partnership is good news for armed forces who are looking to increase the level of signature management on the advanced tactical vehicles they purchase as a result of the rapidly changing geopolitical situation.
“Oshkosh and Saab’s Barracuda systems are both respected market leaders in their segments. Working together, we can provide customers with an extraordinarily powerful range of solutions that optimise their ability to engage the enemy and their chances of battlefield success.” says Niklas Ålund, Director Strategy and Business Development at Saab’s Business Unit Barracuda.
John Lazar Photo: Oshkosh Defence
“The Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System is a state-of-the-art approach to signature reduction for personnel and vehicles on the twenty-first-century battlefield,”
John Lazar, VP and GM of International Programs, Oshkosh Defense
“The Saab Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System is a state-of-the-art approach to signature reduction for personnel and vehicles on the twenty-first-century battlefield,”says John Lazar, VP and GM of International Programs, Oshkosh Defense. “We are proud to integrate this solution, which combines leading-edge camouflage innovation with the Oshkosh JLTV – the industry’s most advanced light tactical wheeled vehicle.”
Responding to customer demand
In 2015, Oshkosh Defense won the contract to supply the US Army with an initial 17,000 JLTVs. The Army is now negotiating a follow-on contract to supply an additional 15,000 vehicles, with Oshkosh a leading contender. There is also expanding interest in Oshkosh JLTVs internationally, with commitments from seven NATO and allied forces including, Belgium, Lithuania, Slovenia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Brazil, and Romania.
Photo: Oshkosh Defence
Wherever you go in the world, the battlefield is more transparent than ever been before. The number of sensors and the performance of sensors is growing exponentially.”
Niklas Ålund, Director Strategy and Business Development at Saab’s Business Unit Barracuda
Niklas Ålund says advances in sensor technology in recent years mean that armed forces are increasingly exposed, and effective signature management has become essential for all platforms. “Wherever you go in the world, the battlefield is more transparent than ever been before. The number of sensors and the performance of sensors is growing exponentially. To maintain a strategic advantage, armed forces need to invest in signature management.”
Niklas Ålund
Saab’s Barracuda unique Mobile Camouflage System relies on advanced blends of pigments, coatings, and designed materials to reduce the chances of detection by as much as 90 percent. Solutions can be tailored to counter sensors looking for ultraviolet, visual, near infrared, short-wave infrared, thermal infrared, and radar signatures.
Saab´s Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System
JLTV and beyond
“We are working on integrating MCS systems for both woodland and urban environments.”
Johan Stjernfeldt, Head of Marketing and Sales at Business Unit Barracuda
Johan Stjernfeldt, Head of Marketing and Sales at business unit Barracuda, says following the agreement, work has begun on two Barracuda MCS integrations for JLTVs. “We are working on integrating MCS systems for both woodland and urban environments.
Interest in MCS is growing across NATO, Europe and within the US Department of Defense. Many US allies already have the MCS system in use on their existing land vehicle platforms—expanding this offering to include the light, medium and heavy platforms of Oshkosh Defense is an exciting growth opportunity for Saab.”
Johan Stjernfeldt
While the initial focus of cooperation is around the Barracuda MCS and Oshkosh JLTV, the agreement also has scope for Saab to provide other products for integration into Oshkosh vehicles.
The proven quality and range of technology in the various Saab business units paired with the Oshkosh Defense current and prospective user communities suggests there will be increased collaboration between the two companies. The modular approach to mission system integration by Oshkosh Defense is to assure its customers that their preferred new or legacy systems will operate seamlessly on their Oshkosh vehicle.
Some examples of Saab products that could potentially be suitable for integration include MSHORAD systems, CBRN systems and medical solutions.
Johan Stjernfeldt says there are a range of similarities between Saab and Oshkosh beyond being market leaders, and these lay a solid footing for collaboration going forward. “Oshkosh Defense and Saab are committed to serving our customers, carrying out business to the highest standards of ethics and compliance, and providing continued focus on latest technologies to keep our global warfighters safe and returning home.”
Platatac has engaged with Snugpak to offer a version of the Badger Insulated Hoody in Tigerstripe. Coming soon.
The Wraith Multi Spectral Combat Uniform was developed with the cooperation of Australian Defence Apparel (manufacturer), FibroTex Technologies (material provider) and Spearpoint (design) to create a uniquely Australian camouflage system to replace standard combat uniforms and introduce true Multi Spectral concealment to the individual Soldier.
Spearpoint has represented Israel’s FibroTex in Australia and New Zealand since 2019. FibroTex manufactures the US Army’s Ultra Lightweight Camouflage Net System (ULCANS) as well as the Marine Corps’ NOA personal modular camouflage system which can be seen on the mannequin on the right and on top of the Catoma Wolverine individual shelter.
The Wraith pictures below is worn in lieu of a combat uniform and in conjunction with base layers, generally FR. The material is breathable and offers multi spectral concealment. However, the Soldier can use vision augmentation system to see out of the suit, even when the face is covered. This point is critical as a great deal of thermal exchange takes place in the facial area, often leading to detection even when the rest of the body is well camouflaged.
Individual equipment is intended to be worn under this oversuit design. As you can see, they have integrated access to equipment.
The Wraith is reversible and the visual camouflage patterns can be specified by the user such as Woodland/Alpine or Desert/Urban.
Additionally, the team has developed an Australian version of the famed Israeli Mitznefet Multi Spectral Helmet Cover System called Mulgara Helmet Cover System (HCS), which uses the latest multispectral material, adds neck flaps, and breaks up the unique profile of the helmet.
While the Wraith system was designed with the Australian Digger in mind, it can be adopted by any friendly foreign military force. Spearpoint intend to set up a Sovereign manufacturing capability in Australia to meet Australian and regional requirements. This will provide Australia with the ability to further develop patterns, capabilities and systems specifically for the ADF requirements. This will include personal, small team, mobile, modular and static systems.
Here’s an image of the tag in the original Scorpion uniforms by Crye Associates, now known as Crye Precision.
Ocean State Innovations is bringing Vietnam Tiger Stripe into their CORDURA® stock program. Desert Tiger Stripe will be added later this year. OSI has heard the market’s desire and demand for VTS and DTS. OSI and Tiger Stripe Products are excited to expand the availability of these 500D and 1000D Classic™ CORDURA® fabrics. OSI is taking orders now! Be sure to get your orders placed to get your piece of this first custom run.
Contact your OSI representative Peter, Nick, or Geoff for information and pricing.
peter@osinnovate.com
nick@osinnovate.com
geoff@osinnovate.com
Visit us at osinnovate.com of follow us on FB and IG.
trcoutdoors.com/product/bush-hat
By popular demand, our Bush Hats are now available in Tiger Stripe!
The Bush, or Boonie, Hat is beloved of soldiers everywhere. It’s a very practical and comfortable bit of headgear.
One thing you find is that soldiers will take the item they are issued and modify it according to their own needs. We’ve taken some of the most common modifications made to issued headgear, as well as the recommendations for alterations from the British Army Jungle School, and rolled them all into one product.
The hat itself has a 4cm brim which keeps the sun off of your eyes and/or face without blocking or channelling your field of view. It also won’t obstruct weapon optics
We’ve made the top of the hat out of the same tough mesh as our Timmy Hats so that your head is protected from the sun, but can still vent heat.
There’s a tie -on loop under the brim at the back of the hat so that you can dummy cord it to your clothing or gear to make sure you don’t lose it.
The cord to hold it in place is of a generous length so that you can wear it either under your chin or behind your head.
Finally, inside the hat there is a hi-viz band for IFF when you’re working in dense bush. Ideal for the RE-ORG or for hunting.
Also available in Multicamo or Night Camo.
Now available from MMI Textiles, the stretch woven SAM2 fabric is Made in the USA and Berry Compliant. It is made of 86% nylon and 14% spandex and weighs in around 4.3 oz making it great for outer shells. This performance apparel fabric is durable, lightweight, breathable, wind and water resistant. Also, has excellent inherent abrasion resistance. Plus, it’s available in Woodland camouflage.
For more information, contact MMI Textiles.
