B5 Systems

Archive for the ‘Camo’ Category

UK Hybrid DPM

Saturday, March 7th, 2009

Limited quantities of kit in the proposed “Hybrid DPM” have already been on issue to troops deployed to Afghanistan. This new camo pattern is being developed as part of the PECOC program. While it remains developmental it is interesting to see to what extent it is already being used operationally.

Hybrid DPM Battle Bag Hybrid DPM Battle Bag Tag

Recently these photos surfaced of a Battle Bag issued to a Tommy on Op Herrick.

Hybrid DPM Osprey V3 cover
Additionally, Royal Navy personnel have been observed wearing some of the 1200 Hybrid DPM Osprey V3 covers purchased last year.

Urban Camo

Friday, March 6th, 2009

Those zany Germans. You never know what they will come up with next. True, camouflage is the art of blending in with your surroundings, but this is a bit much.

Urban Camo Urban Camo

To see the whole thing visit www.urbancamouflage.de

Ops-Core Releases New Products

Wednesday, March 4th, 2009

Ops-Core debuted their new Ballistic and Bump Future Assault Shell Technology (FAST) Helmets at SHOT show and just released them for sale to the general public. There are full articles coming soon on Ops-Core products so the intent today is to get the word out on availability. Both of the FAST variants share every detail except shells. The Ballistic Helmet protects from both impact as well as ballistic threats and the Bump Helmet is designed for activities such as parachuting. Both helmets are available in Black, Foliage, Tan, Multicam, and MARPAT.

FAST Ballistic Helmet
Ops-Core FAST Ballistic Helmet

The Ballistic Helmet offers the same amount of coverage as a TC-2002 (Gunfighter) but in a different cut. Manufactured from a combination of carbon and UHMWPE, the helmet offers a 20% weight reduction over the ACH and meets NIJ Level III.

FAST Bump Helmet

Ops-Core FAST Bump Helmet

The carbon fiber shelled helmet meets CE EN 1385 (Water Sports) and ASTM F1492 (Skate Board) impact standards.

Occ-Dial Liner Kit

Ops-Core ACH Liner

In the event you just want to modify the suspension of your MICH-style helmet, Ops-Core has released an ACH liner to retrofit your existing dome. Combined with the Ops-Core Head-Loc Retention System, the new Occ-Dial Liner provides you with the same stable fit found on the new FAST helmets. The kit consists of pads designed to ergonomically cradle the head as well as an adjustable fitband with an adjustable dial to control tension. The fitband is easily removable in order to accommodate COMs headsets with internal top headbands.

To order visit www.ops-core.com. Additionally, on a recent visit to Fort Bragg we noticed that Grey Group had Bump Helmets in stock.

Note: The Ballistic Helmet is only available for purchase in the US by US customers.

New Products from Blue Force Gear

Monday, March 2nd, 2009

Blue Force Gear manufacturers of the popular Vickers Combat Cling have released two new products to complement their ever growing line of tactical nylon.

SOC-Câ„¢ Low Profile Suspender

Blue Force Gear SOC-Câ„¢ Low Profile Suspender

Designed to interface with the SOC-Câ„¢ Belt the shoulder area of the Low Profile Suspender is lined with the same flash/flame resistant mesh found in that belt. Additionally, the back of the suspender has an elastic ring to increase comfort. The Low Profile Suspender is available in Coyote and Multicam.

Boo Boo Pouch

Blue Force Gear Boo Boo Pouch

The Boo Boo Pouch is intended as a go to pouch for more common items like band aids so you don’t have to break out the trauma kit for little things. It is available in Black, Coyote, Foliage, UCP, and Multicam.

Either product can be ordered directly from Blue Force Gear.

Kifaru Launches 2009 G2 Line

Monday, February 23rd, 2009

Kifaru, manufacturers of specialized military packs release their Generation 2 (G2) line today. Kifaru has not raised prices in nearly three years but increasing costs for materials and transportation have forced them to revise their price tags. However, they are upgrading their line’s features in order to help soften the impact. Those familiar with Kifaru products will get the most from this report and I encourage readers who have not taken a look at Kifaru to check out their website.

Overall Changes
Across the board, they have made several improvements including use of thicker, dual density foam lumbar pads, featuring their anti-slip PackLock technology as well as providing velcro patches on the packs for removable tags. Additionally, all of the packs, except for the Tailgunner waist packs, will now come with an interior hang loop for water reservoirs. Finally, they have switched over to ITW Quick Release shoulder strap buckles on most of the packs to eliminate strap slippage.

Omni Suspension Packs
With the exception of the Tailgunner and Scout waist packs all Omni Suspension packs will have external, raised torso pads, along with new anatomical dual density foam lumbar pads using Kifaru’s anti-slip PackLock material. The Tailgunner will also feature just the anatomical foam lumbar pad with the PackLock material.

Armor Grip
In addition to the numerous upgrades made to individual packs, Kifaru is also releasing two packs incorporating their new Patent Pending Armor Grip technology; the AG1 and AG2.

Kifaru Armor Grip Kifaru Armor Grip

Armor Grip was developed to facilitate carrying heavy loads when wearing armor while mitigating pack sway. The torso pads are stowable and can be rolled out and secured to the sides of the frame, which create rigid stabilizers that cup around the armor. There is no need for torso pads when wearing armor, so by rolling them to the outside, the pack/frame can now ride even closer to your back. If you’re not using armor, just roll the torso pads back down onto the frame, where they use a velcro attachment system. Both of these packs use the same 24″ Duplex frame with the Armor Grip.

Kifaru AG 1
The AG1 pack uses a Navigator type bag, with almost all the same features as the Navigator, and the same capacity of 4000ci.

Kifaru AG2
The AG2 pack uses an EMR bag that is 2″ shorter, and it has a capacity of 6500ci.

New Look
In conjunction with the new product launch they are also unveiling a new look for their website which incorporates drop down menus in order to improve navigation. Additionally, the hunting line is also receiving the upgrade and will be launched next week.

Kifaru packs are made in the USA and come in Coyote, OD, Foliage, Black, as well as UCP and Multicam at a slight additional charge.

Be sure to visit Kifaru to check out all of the enhancements to their line.

Garrett Container Awarded DF-LCS Contract

Friday, February 20th, 2009

The 37th Contracting Squadron at Lackland AFB TX has awarded Garrett Container Systems, Inc. an award for delivery of Defensor Fortis-Load Carrying Systems. This is a base period of 12 months with four one-year option periods worth up to $16,522,924.13 for the base period and four options. Interestingly, the award stipulates that the procurement is for Air Force Security Forces only so it appears that other organizations will not be able to leverage this contract vehicle.

GCS DF-LCS

DF-LCS is a MOLLE-compatible load carrying system designed specifically for Air Force Security Forces and first issued in 2004. Although it originally came in OD, under the new contract DF-LCS will be offered in the Air force Digital Tiger Stripe pattern. Each Security Forces member will be issued a Rifleman’s kit as well as a Multi-Mission Pack. Additional modules for Team Leader, M-203 Grenadier, M-240 Gunner, M-249 Gunner, and K9 Handler are also available and considered an integral part of the DF-LCS kit. Each SF member is also issued a Black rolling equipment bag to store thr kit.

DF-LCS is available online from Garrett for government clients as well as Air Force members. A version of DF-LCS is also available for commercial purchase from Diamondback Tactical.

Photo courtesy of GCS.

5.11 Tactical DPM 3-in-1 Jacket

Friday, February 13th, 2009

5.11 Tactical has been offering exclusive products with retail partners for a couple of years now. Now in the UK, they offer a version of their popular 3-in-1 Jacket in British DPM. This is a good option for British troops awaiting the new PECOC issue.

5.11 Tactical DPM 3-in-1 Jacket

Essentially, three jackets in one, the garment features a waterproof/breathable outer shell and a removable inner fleece jacket. They can each be worn alone or together and mate via main zipper and a low profile strap system in the wrists. The handwarmer pockets are also fleece-lined and there is a removable hood that rolls up into the collar.

Another feature not often found in military clothing is side zippers which allow access to your duty belt. This is particularly useful for MPs or those who carry a sidearm. Additionally, the chest pockets are compatible with 5.11’s Back-up-Belt Systemâ„¢ or other velcro backed pouches.

Available from a variety of UK retailers including Drop Zone Supplies.

Photo from Drop Zone Supplies.

Latest PECOC News

Wednesday, February 11th, 2009

Moving in a new direction from past policy of issuing two identical jackets, plans for the new PECOC clothing systems call for issue two different garments. The reasoning is simple. During the Cold War, conventional wisdom held that the Soldier would be without resupply or laundry services for long periods of time so redundant clothing made sense. But current operations call for access to support services and more flexibility for the individual Soldier.

Both jackets will outwardly appear the same but will differ by insulation and the inclusion of pit zips. Please note that these are not official names and are only used to describe the two versions.

Standard Temperate Field Jacket Based on an upgraded version of the SF Tantalus system (which features a mesh drop liner in order to maintain an air gap between the outer material and the wearer for insulative purposes). Normal features of quick drying, IRR compliant, map pockets, compass holder, wired hood. etc etc. For field operations inside the UK the Jacket is well suited for 6 months of the year or for high activity levels. They have chosen to maintain the chest pockets even though they are not well suited for armor use as they are very useful for wear without armor. Although the garment is “shower proof” it is designed to integrate with the lightweight waterproof. Interestingly, the lightweight waterproof jacket does not have chest mounted pockets for improved interface with armor.

Encapsulated Field Jacket It is similar to the Filed Jacket but includes a wind proof and waterproof liner so does not need to interface with the lightweight waterproof. It is intended for static duties, range days, cold environments, etc.

The intent is to provide the Soldier with the right garment for the right application. No longer will the British Soldier have to wear a compromise that is too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter.

Additionally, for hot climates there is also the new jacket lightweight (shirt) and UBACS which is similar to the US Army Advanced Combat Shirt.

Additional clothing system components include a buffalo jacket, softie jacket, thermal underwear, t-shirt, and an improved “Norgie”.