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Archive for the ‘Camo’ Category

Been Looking for an A-TACS Uniform?

Thursday, November 11th, 2010

Well look no further. Propper and A-TACS developer Digital Concealment Systems have just announced an agreement resulting in Propper offering an ACU cut uniform in the popular A-TACS pattern. Manufactured from 65/35 Poly Cotton, the ACUs are sewn to the same exacting specs as the issue gear. This means they will hold up to tough use and there are no unknowns when it comes to sizing. Look for the new uniforms in the Spring with Boonie Hats and Combat Shirts to follow.

The Propper ACUs join load carrying equipment from Tactical Assault Gear and slings and other specialized kit from Blue Force Gear.

www.Propper.com

www.A-TACS.com

Bulldog Launches New Line of Comms Pouches

Wednesday, November 10th, 2010

While Bulldog Equipment’s latest lineup of pouches is well suited for both communicators as well anyone who carries radios, it was designed specifically for use by Joint Terminal Attack Controllers. Designed to protect many communications devices and keep them close at hand on packs and fighting kit, there are also pouches for specialized equipment such as the izlid as well as options for both the AN/PRC-117F and 117G. Additionally, their AN/PRC-152 pouch allows the user to access the control panel without removing the radio from the pouch. Developed with feedback from the JTAC community, this unique pouch suite is a welcome addition to the tactical toolkit.

The entire Bulldog line is Berry Compliant and available in a variety of colors and patterns including their popular Mirage camo. For more info or to order, visit www.bulldogequipment.us.

Camouflage Improvement Industry Day Announced

Friday, November 5th, 2010

We have mentioned the Army’s Camo program many times over the last year. The fielding of MultiCam (OCP) was not the end but rather a way station on the road to a more comprehensive signature management solution. As part of Phase IV, the Army will host an Industry Day on 9 December at the Army Research Lab in Adelphi, Maryland. Then, they will solicit industry for a family of camouflage patterns. These will be assessed and the Army hopes to choose a new camouflage solution by FY13.

The U.S. Army Product Manager, Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment (PM-SCIE) and Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC) will be conducting a Camouflage Improvement industry day on 9 December 2010 (1000-1500, 0900 registration) at the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) in Adelphi, Maryland. The intent of this industry day is to allow the Army to open lines of communication as it relates to the sources sought that was released on 29 June 2010 (W911QYFAMILYOFCAMO), address areas of concern with current camouflage solutions, identify a path forward and timelines as they relate to potential camouflage changes, as well as clearly identify the process (i.e., testing, evaluation, etc.) that will be used in determining the solution that is in the best interest of the government.

The 29 June 2010 sources sought (W911QYFAMILYOFCAMO) was for a family of camouflage patterns. A family is considered to be of the same or similar geometry with coordinating color palettes to cross the global operating environments. Global operating environments are defined by a geographic classification system that subdivides the global landmasses into areas with similar environmental characteristics. Examples of these environments include but are not limited to: physiographic features such as arid and humid river plane, low and high relief mountains, plateau; land cover such as forest / full ground cover, shrub land / moderate ground cover, barren or sparse ground cover, cropland, snow and ice; and seasonal changes.

Interested organizations are asked to register prior to 24 November 2010. (See the actual solicitation for POC info.)

Subsequent to the close of this notice, the Government intends to solicit for and award multiple developmental contracts for the purposes of evaluating (via computer and field) a family of camouflage patterns. The developmental contracts will include a priced option for the Government to purchase the data rights to the family of camouflage patterns.

Visit FBO.gov for the full announcement.

Hyde Definition Announces Next Production Run of PenCott Multi-terrain Camo

Friday, November 5th, 2010

Hyde Definition’s next production run of their PenCottâ„¢ multi-terrain camouflage is scheduled for early 2011, featuring a new uniform design and mil-spec-level clothing and equipment fabrics. PenCott-GreenZoneâ„¢ pattern rapidly established a reputation of being “probably the best verdant terrain camouflage pattern in the world” (to paraphrase the famous beer adverts). PenCott-Badlandsâ„¢ and PenCott-Sandstormâ„¢ have been specifically created for semi-arid and arid environments respectively.

Currently, they anticipate offering IR-treated 50/50 NyCo ripstop for uniforms and 725-Denier nylon for equipment. As for pattern colorways, they are leaving that up to the customer. They are hosting a questionnaire to solicit your opinion.

The registration page now live on www.hydedefinition.com

Ultraviolet Reflective Camouflage

Wednesday, October 20th, 2010

These days, camouflage is more than just blending into the foliage. It means blending into the background in the Infra-Red and Ultra Violet spectrums as well. Handheld IR sensors are widely found, even in commercial form and UV sensors are often employed as airborne sensors. UVRC (Ultraviolet Reflective Camouflage) by UVR Defense Technologies is a spray on application that controls UV reflectivity. Due to its properties, different preparations are used in varying concentrations to mimic to amount of UV reflectivity in the background environment. For example, a Soldier in an arid environment would use a 22% concentration to mimic silicates.

This video depicts a MARPAT uniform blouse. One side was treated with UVRC and the other side was not. The video was shot with a low resolution camcorder that had been modified to record images in the ultraviolet spectrum. Below is a with the treatment under normal visible light as well as UV. You can really see the difference.

UVRC is restricted to qualified Government clients. To learn more visit www.uvrdefensetech.com

More on OCP Fielding

Friday, October 15th, 2010

SSD was fortunate enough to participate in a media roundtable earlier today. We picked up a few tidbits to keep our readers up to date. While the Army began fielding OEF Camouflage Pattern (OCP is the Army’s designation for Crye Precision’s MultiCam pattern) clothing and equipment to CONUS-based Afghanistan bound troops in September, equipping troops who are already in theater has kicked off. According the COL William Cole, Program Manager for Soldier Protection and Individual Equipment they recently began issuing OCP kit to in-theater troops. Additionally, he brought us up to speed on a few items being fielded. First, he clarified the Gen III ECWCS issue. Only layers three through six are being issued in OCP. The puffy layer and under layers are already in solid colors that are either worn under other clothing or a suitable shade.

Next he explained that troops are now receiving the Gen II IOTV which is more comfortable most notably due to the new cummerbund which makes it more easy to mount the side plates. COL Cole related that during his most recent trip into theater, he fitted the new style cummerbund to his IOTV. Additionally, the Army has let contracts for conversion kits to upgrade currently fielded armor to the Gen II standard and OCP camo coloring. This is quite cost effective for the Army as the retrofit kits cost less than one-third the cost of a new vest.

A decision still has not been made on the Mountain Combat Boot, but data collected during a wear test this summer in Afghanistan is being crunched.

Finally, while the Air Force is still staffing their OCP fielding strategy, BG Peter Fuller, PEO-Soldier explained the Army’s commitment to field full OCP kits to sister troops working with Army units. Way to go Army! Hopefully, we will see OCP versions of the USAF’s ABS-G soon.

Montenegro Military in MultiCam

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

The Military of Montenegro (Vojska Crne Gore) is a professional force consisting of a 2500 member combined Army, Navy and Air Force. As you can see, they use MultiCam.

Serbian Army Adopts New Camo Pattern

Saturday, September 25th, 2010

According to a report in BalkanMonitor.com, the Serbian Amy has adopted a new camo pattern called M-10. Unveiled during their annual promotion of officers, the pattern is intended to adapt to the Serbian environment “from the air in all four seasons without snow cover”. Sounds like they are continuing their CC&D program that was successful during the NATO air campaign in 1999.