Archive for the ‘Camo’ Category
A Little More A-TACS PR0N for You
Tuesday, November 17th, 2009Spot the A-TACS
Tuesday, November 17th, 2009We have a few new photos of the A-TACS pattern we will be releasing over the net day. We thought this would be a good first image since it is so much different than the previous shots. All of the equipment in the photos is real and the pattern was not photoshopped.
Army Camouflage Photosimulation Study Update
Friday, November 13th, 2009As part of the Army’s plan to investigate options for a Afghanistan theater-specific camouflage pattern, PEO-Soldier is undertaking a photosimulation study of uniform colors and patterns, along with associated Operational Clothing and Individual Equipment (OCIE) such as body armor, helmets, and rucksacks, against a variety of backgrounds common to Afghanistan including foliage, high desert, and mountains. Specific emphasis was placed on ensuring accurate RGB values during data collection which occurred earlier this month. The information obtained during this trip has been transformed into a usable test format which will kick off soon, possibly as early as the week after next at Forts Drum, Bragg, and Campbell. Participants will have had recent combat experience in Afghanistan.
The photo, taken in Afghanistan, depicts LTC Mike Sloane, Product Manager Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment, presiding over the reenlistment of a Soldier who took part in the camo study. COL Cole of PEO-Soldier commented that this is probably the first reenlistment in history of a Soldier in the All-Over Desert Brush pattern. Desert All Over Brush was one of the patterns used in the data collection effort and will be evaluated as part of this project.
Camo Test Units Revealed
Thursday, November 12th, 2009Our friends over at Defense Tech spoke with COL Cole, Program manager for Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment at PEO-Soldier and he revealed the units who will be involved in testing of Crye’s MultiCam and the Army developed UCP-Delta as possible supplemental camouflage patterns.
The unit sporting UCP-Delta is the 3d Squadron of the 61st Cavalry of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division and they have already received their test equipment. The 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry of the 2d Brigade Combat Team, 2d Infantry Division will soon be receiving their complement of MultiCam. Both batÂtalÂions currently operÂate in Afghanistan’s eastÂern Kunar province. Each Soldier involved in testing will receive four uniforms and associated individual equipment in the respective test pattern in addition to a standard RFI issue.
A-TACS – The Pattern
Sunday, November 8th, 2009People keep commenting that they don’t understand what is so special about the A-TACS pattern. In order for our readers to get a better idea of what went into the design of A-TACS, we are publishing information provided by Digital Concealment Systems (DCS).
A-TACS® is designed as a universal pattern for a wide range of operational environments with additional supporting color and design variants to follow. The current pattern uses a tan base and is tuned for use in arid environments.
Most of the so-called digital patterns use square pixels to create the distortion effect. These do not replicate the shapes, forms, and shadows of the environment they are deployed in; especially when viewed through optics. This use of ninety-degree angles and limited natural colors can in many cases, make detection easier.
Additionally, the “visual noise” in these same patterns tends to make them close together into a solid color, producing a “blobbing†effect when viewed from a distance. DCS designed A-TACS® to address these critical issues in three ways.
1. – Replace unnatural square pixels with organic pixels. They developed a patented process to create a palette of natural colors digitally sampled from real-world elements in carefully controlled lighting. The pattern is then created using a mathematical algorithm that writes “organically-shaped†pixels using the specific color information given. The resulting pattern while still digital, is far more organic in appearance.
2. – Use small patterns to create larger more distinct shapes designed to work at a distance. Small shapes create larger shapes and larger shapes are organized into a distinct pattern with no horizontal or vertical orientation. This unique “pattern within a pattern” concept allows A-TACS® to effectively break the human outline at great distances thereby, minimizing the “blobbing” effect of other patterns when viewed from a distance.
3. – More effective use of color range produces a better concealment system. A-TACS® is created using a far greater range of inter-mingled natural colors than was previously possible. The overall base color for the cast is a neutral tan which is designed for use in open, rocky, or arid environments. The additional colors mix together to create a greater number of shades.
The information provided by DCS has a couple of great points:
– No vertical or horizontal orientation. This can lead to a higher usable fabric yield for manufacturers.
– It looks like additional patterns for specific environments will be forthcoming
– It is difficult to copy meaning knock-offs should be easy to spot
DCS will release additional information soon. Visit www.a-tacs.com.
A-TACS Revealed
Thursday, November 5th, 2009Soldier Systems Daily recently published an article unveiling the the A-TACS® (Advanced TActical Concealment System) splash page. News swept across the internet like wildfire. Almost immediately outdated photos of early variants of the pattern began to surface. In order to release the most up-to-date information on the A-TACS® pattern to interested parties, Digital Concealment Systems, (DCS) has just unveiled the first official photos of the A-TACS® pattern.
As details on the pattern began to surface, specialized military and law enforcement agencies expressed interest and the US Army has also looked at the pattern as a possible contender for future camouflage systems. Based on these factors, it only made sense for DCS to move up the release of A-TACS information. So now on to some new information on the pattern.
Many who have seen the pattern comment on how it is unlike any camouflage pattern they have encountered as its chameleon-like qualities cause it to blend into the surrounding environment and I cannot agree more. The unique “pattern within a pattern” concept used in A-TACS allows it to break up the outline of the human body by relying on a palette of inter-mingled natural colors over a neutral tan base for use in open, rocky, or arid environments. I have shown the pattern to several people and asked them what color it is. Rarely did I get the same answer twice. Some have said “Gray”, “Brown”, or “Green” but their answers were based on their perception of what the pattern was supposed be or on the surrounding environment. Fernando Coelho, President of EOTAC®, LLC had this to say about the pattern, “I am very happy that we are involved in the A-TACS® project. Of all the patterns I have seen over the years, this is the first one to break from tradition and actually makes sense.”
DCS has taken some interesting measures to make A-TACS difficult to copy. “We like to continuously raise the bar relative to what is possible to achieve with current textile printing technology. The fact that there is interest from the US Military in the work we are doing validates that effort”, said Philip Duke, DCS Design Director and Principal. A-TACS® is being adopted by several vendors offering complimentary products. This has resulted in something I have never seen before. Essentially, the mix of products means the A-TACS® pattern offers users a Total Camouflage Solution. Never before have so many items been offered in the same pattern right out of the gate. DCS selected the licensees based on their ability to offer the end-user a holistic concealment strategy. All of the parts works together.
Ryan Smith, Brand Manager for LE/Tactical Firearms at Remington® offered these comments on A-TACS®, “Remington® firearms in the A-TACS pattern will blend in with a shooter’s complete ensemble, allowing the Operator to avoid detection.” This has been a major issue on the military side of things. A lot of work is being done to provide very effective camo patterns for everything but the weapon. Soldiers continue to carry a large black stick.
DCS is still on track for a formal kick-off after the New Year. Companies participating in this unprecedented launch include Remington®, Bushmaster®, DPMS Panther Arms®, Danner®, EOTAC®, Tactical Assault Gear®, Blue Force Gear® and Emerson Knives®. All will begin introducing A-TACS® product offerings starting on November 15th with additional product from selected manufacturers being introduced at SHOT Show. The formal release of the pattern is still scheduled for SHOT Show 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. DCS will host a press conference held in concert with the licensees where media will have the opportunity to receive detailed briefings from a variety of vendors. Additionally, the A-TACS® team will demonstrate how items from different licensees work together to provide a Total Camouflage Solution.
As new information is released it will be available from www.a-tacs.com.
UPDATE: The pattern has not been photoshopped in this photo. The items shown actually exist.
New Products from Mayflower
Thursday, October 29th, 2009Mayflower Research and Consulting has released several new products. As always, their focus is on no-nonsense, combat-focused equipment. Their designed are based on real-world experience.
Mayflower has been producing both 5.56 and 7.62 hybrid chest rigs for some time but just released them for sale to the general public. They are low profile, light weight, general purpose chest rigs with fixed pouches for magazines and PALS webbing to accommodate a customized load..
The new Assaulter Arm Board features three viewable surfaces; a flap which is viewable on both sides as well as the base. It is perfect for comms checklists, target info, and other aide memoires.
All Mayflower products are Berry compliant and available in Coyote, Ranger Green, Black, UCP, and MultiCam (some products may vary).
These are just two of the new products. Be sure to head over to www.Mayflower-RC.com to see all of them. These will be the last of the new releases before SHOT Show but they should be more than enough to tide you over.
Camouflage Expert Joins Protect the Force, LLC
Wednesday, October 28th, 2009Protect the Force, LLC announced recently that Mr. Richard “Rick†Cowan, chemist and Subject Matter Expert in Camouflage and Counter-Surveillance Protection has joined Protect the Force, LLC as the organization’s expert for camouflage and signature management.
“Rick brings an unmatched experience and know-how in the art and science of camouflage. He worked as the Army’s Camouflage Scientist at the Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center for over 20 years developing the most advanced counter-surveillance protective technologies applied to combat uniforms and equipment†said Francisco J. Martinez, EVP for Product Development and Technology Integration.
According to Mr. Martinez, Protect the Force does not plan on developing proprietary camouflage patterns but rather to lend their expertise to Government and industry on the test and evaluation of patterns.
To learn more about Protect the Force, LLC vsit them on the web at www.protecttheforce.com.
