Predator BDU has just added several new products from Propper International in the popular A-TACS camouflage pattern. Shipping in November, the new items include a patrol cap, shorts, and the traditional BDU design – a 4 Pocket Coat and 6 pocket Pants.
Available for pre-order now from www.predatorbdu.com.
HyperStealth Biotechnology Corporation has announced that the Afghanistan Border Police (ABP), an elite division of the Afghanistan National Police (ANP) with a strength of around 20,000 has authorized the Ghostex Kilo-1 pattern as their new uniform camouflage.
You may notice that the pattern looks complimentary to the Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern (OCP) currently used in Afghanistan by the US Army and Air Force. This is because the US Government stipulated that the new ABP pattern must have similar coloration but yet be distinctively different. This is so that the forces could work in concert during operations but would not be mistaken for one another in close proximity. Based on this requirement, HyperStealth was able to offer three different patterns from the Ghostex line the same day the request came in.
A Purchase Order has been issued and the first 12,000 yards of fabric has been already been printed. The fabric is milled and printed in the US and then sent to Afghanistan for assembly by Afghanistan citizens working for Afghanistan companies.
This is not the first time HyperStealth has worked with the Afghanis. In 2009, the Afghanistan National Army (ANA) chose Hyperstealth’s Spec4ce Afghan Forest pattern for their uniforms.
Ghostex is a joint venture between ADS Inc and Canada-based HyperStealth Biotechnology Corporation.
If you’re attending the MiliPol 2011 Exhibition in Paris this week, make sure you visit the booth of Slovenian clothing company Uni & Forma to check out their Sniper Garment System in Hyde Definition’s PenCott-GreenZone camouflage. Uni & Forma produce clothing solutions for the Slovenian military, police, border guard and customs forces – as well as a growing number of European customers – and can be found at stand # 1G 140. More details of their 3-layer Sniper Garment System can be found on their website at: www.ufpro.si.
Coming soon from Grey Ghost Gear, equipment in Hyde Definition’s PenCott family of camo patterns.
The most common questions we currently field are for updates on Phase IV of the Army’s Camouflage Improvement Effort. Finally, we have an answer. In a PEO Soldier media roundtable earlier today COL William Cole, PM Soldier Protection and Individual Equipment related that the Army received over 20 submissions for their solicitation. The picture-in-picture evaluation strategy has been completed by over 900 Soldiers viewing the patterns in 45 environments. Currently, the Army is evaluating the data. According to COL Cole, they plan to brief the Army Senior Leadership late this month. Ultimately, the mix of patterns may be 3 commercial families and 2 Government or possible 4 commercial variants to 1 Government family of patterns.
Researchers at University of Dallas in Texas have figured out how to use transparent carbon nanotubes to create photothermal deflection, or as it is more commonly known, a Mirage. In their paper, “Mirage effect from thermally modulated transparent carbon nanotube sheet” they lay out the science. It seems to look pretty good in water but I’m not too sure how it would look for all aspects of observation. Additionally, I’m not too sure how it would be done on land or if it would be as effective. But, for certain underwater applications, it might be just the ticket. Like hiding the entrance to a secret underwater lair for instance.
Via Wired’s Danger Room.
We’ve mentioned it exists and here’s a shot of the new MARPAT-Woodland variant of FROG.
It’s made from TenCate’s latest Defender-M twill fabric that offers twice the tear strength of the material used just 14 months ago.
Reversible camouflage has been done in the past but not utilizing waterproof breathable membranes like GORE-TEX. WL Gore has developed a proof of concept that takes the current APECS garments to the next level. Retaining the 3-layer membrane construction, Gore replaced the tricot liner material with another DWR coated face fabric. Additionally, the actual membrane is a new version designed specifically to provide symmetrical performance no matter which way the clothing is worn. What’s more, by combining a couple of garment design tricks to ensure pockets are accessible no matter which pattern side is showing along with printed lightweight seam tape, they have been able to cut the weight of the garment itself.
Additionally, by combining two different garments into one, one set becomes redundant and can be cut from the clothing bag. Not only does this make the gear more versatile, but it will save money on several levels. Not only are there fewer garments to purchase overall but there are other intangible savings such as lower contracting requirements, warehousing, and transportation costs across the supply chain as well as once issued.
New garments for use featuring not only MARPAT Woodland and Desert patterns, but also the Navy’s recently adopted NWU Type II and III would help save dollars as we move into a more resource constrained environment.
