Just before SHOT Show ATS Tactical Gear announced that it purchased the Woolrich Elite brand. During SHOT SHow, we gave you a little taste of how that was progressing at ATS Elite. Now, they’ve landed another coup with the announcement of a partnership with Vickers Tactical. This also means that the clothing will be worn by cast and crew of the newly launched Youtube channel home of TAC-TV.
Be sure to watch this video announcement by LAV and look for a discount code.
From the outset, I have to say that technically, the Army is just looking for a new fabric, as there has been no talk (at least publicly) about developing a specialized uniform layout for tropical environments. However, in addition to a new jungle boot that we talked about last week, Natick has released a Sources Sought Notice entitled, “Light Weight Tropical Uniform“. This is excellent news.
To read the meat and potatoes of what the Army is looking for, see it here at RFITropWeight.
This is an interesting move as it is an admission that the current fabric used in the ACU, a 50/50 NYCO or nylon/cotton blend adopted for the Enhanced Hot Weather Battle Dress Uniform in the early 90s isn’t really much of a tropical weight fabric. Prior to this, Hot Weather BDUs were made from a 100% ripstop cotton fabric. This came about as the Army “rediscovered” the need for a tropical weight version of the BDU during the invasion of Grenada in 1983. The Army had begun fielding the Woodland camouflaged BDU, made from a heavy, 50/50 nylon/cotton twill in 1981. Designed for use in central Europe, they were too hot for hot weather use. However, the comfortable, quick drying, 50/50 NYCO poplin fabric of the HWBDU was to be replaced within a decade.
By the early 90s, a serious garrison mentality had taken hold in the US Army. Soldier were starching their HWBDUs and the process was wearing them out rather quickly, with fraying at the cuffs and collars in as little as six months. Instead of telling Soldiers to stop starching a uniform fabric optimized for tropical environments, the Army introduced a new fabric that would be more durable when starched and pressed under high heat. Unfortunately, this 50/50 NYCO fabric compromise fabric isn’t so great in the hot weather environments the uniform was intended for. The nylon content lowers breathability, making the fabric feel warmer. Operational capability was abandoned in favor of looking good in garrison. When the ACU came along, the Army incorporated that same 50/50 NYCO poplin fabric. Now that the Pacific Pivot is in, and the Army is scrambling to recreate capabilities like the jungle boot that it had abandoned years ago, it has dawned on somebody that they can find a better fabric solution and I am glad.
Granted, the Universal Camouflage Pattern is an issue in the jungle and Woodland EHWBDUs are will in use by some Army SOF and students at the new US Army Jungle School in Hawaii. Hopefully, the Army will work out a solution for this dilemma. But, we can always look back to a simple solution fielded during the Viet Nam War.
I’ve called it “The Greatest Uniform Ever Fielded By The US Army” and in my opinion, the OG-107 Jungle Fatigue in 100% ripstop cotton remains just that.
In fact, this uniform, as well as the ERDL camouflaged variant, continued to be worn well into the late 80s by Special operations Forces.
Rightfully so, the Army is looking, at a minimum (threshold), for a no-drip, no-melt solution fabric story. Naturally, if the star’s aligned (object) they’d like a full FR solution, although this is probably overkill considering the operational environment.
If you’ve got something that you think will work, the Army needs to hear from you by 1200EST on 08 May 2014. They’ll also need 5 yards of fabric (any color) and a the usual slew of technical data. Make sure you read the details in the amendments. The Army is going to use this data to help scope an actual requirement, making this is a very important part if the process.
With so much development in the textile industry over the past 10 years, here’s to hoping that the Army identifies a fabric optimized for use in hot-wet environments.
BURNABY, BC – Mustang Survival is proud to introduce a new line of environmental Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Designed to be worn underneath flight suits, standard uniforms and outer garments, Mustang Survival Sentinel™ Series Dry Protective Layer (DPL) provides mission-critical exposure protection in a lightweight and technical mid-layer. Developed with input from military aviation users including US Army Aviation and USCG Aviation, the DPL reduces the bulk and interference commonly associated with immersion protection.
“Staying dry is essential to an operator’s ability to perform,” comments Brian Dalgliesh, Military Business Development at Mustang Survival. “Since water transfers heat away from the body faster than air, constant wet exposure can quickly deprive you of mental and physical capacities. With current environmental PPE being worn as an outer layer, bulk, impediment of movement, and compatibility with equipment is always a concern. The DPL offers users environmental protection while allowing them to wear their choice of outer garments – which can be imperative for covert operations. In testing, our Special Operations field testers confirmed that the DPL increases operational efficiency by keeping users dry while removing impediments to movement, mobility, and load carrying abilities.”
The DPL (MSD406) is a one-piece technical mid-layer made of waterproof, breathable military-grade GORE-TEX® fabric. It has been designed to provide advanced protection while on operational missions in extreme weather or when there is risk of experiencing wind, rain, snow, or immersion. A patented, adjustable neck seal allows the user to easily vent the suit to reduce thermal burden, and to quickly close the neck seal with one hand to make it watertight. Weighing only 24-ounces, and incorporating stretch panels across the back, knees and elbows, the DPL provides improved mobility and less bulk than other immersion solutions.
The DPL is exclusive to Mustang Survival’s Sentinel™ Series line of protective apparel, and also features:
· Mobility Based Sizing™ – offers users a semi-custom size fit that reduces bulk and increases mobility without the custom price tag
· Rapid Repair Technology™ – enables users to field replace neck and wrist seals and repair small leaks in under an hour.
In addition to the DPL, Mustang Survival will be launching the Sentinel™ Series Aviation Dry Suit (MSD697) at the Army Aviation Mission Solutions this May. The Aviation Dry Suit is a waterproof, breathable, fire-resistant dry suit ideal for extended over-water missions in colder climates.
For more information about the DPL, Aviation Dry Suit, and Mustang Survival’s full line of PPE for military users, please visit the Mustang Survival booth at The Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit in Nashville, TN May 4-6, 2014 or visit www.mustangsurvival.com.
For more information about the Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit, please visit www.quad-a.com.
Made from 50/50 NYCO and Jersey Knit, the Assaulter Uniform is a modified underway uniform design. They are comfortable and durable for many uses. They are great for those seeking an inexpensive combat uniform.
lbxtactical.com/collections/assaulter-uniform
The Striker XT BDU line teased late last month is now fully revealed. It consists of shirts, pants, and jackets, which feature improvements over the original Striker line.
Striker XT Combat Shirt
Based on the previous Striker Combat Shirt, the XT model features a new cut and improvements to comfort and functionality.
The torso is composed of 100% polyester with abrasion-resistant knitware, and the armpit area is composed of a mix of polyester and merino wool for durability, comfort, and odor-inhibition.
UF PRO air/pac inserts in the shoulder area distribute weight and prevent thermal bridges.
The cut of the sleeve and the slide-in elbow pockets have been ergonomically improved so that the wearer will always land on the inserted D3O elbow protection. Large upper arm pockets with Velcro, and forearm pockets with additional phone clasp allow for storage of important items.
Striker XT Combat Pants
The Striker XT pant is made from 50/50 NyCo ripstop fabric (the SloCam variant is made from a 67/33 PolyCotton blend) and features a proximal anatomic cut with inserted stretch areas made from a resilient Schoeller-dynamic stretch material for limitless comfortable movement.
The XT pant has a functional pocket configuration:
– Large 2-way access side pocket with inner compartments and attached gear pocket
– Security pocket
– Large lower leg pockets
– Knife or magazine pocket
The XT pant also features a front zipper with two zip sliders, and a high belt area with double belt loops.
Striker XT Combat Jacket
The Striker XT Combat Jacket is a multipurpose outer layer field jacket, made from 50/50 NyCo ripstop fabric.
The shoulders feature UF PRO air/pac inserts to distribute weight and prevent thermal bridges.
The arms feature pockets on the upper arms with large Velcro area, elbow pockets for D3O Trio Mid protectors, and cuff adjusters.
Four front pockets with inner compartments and a back pocket offer ample storage.
Additional features include a stow away hood, waist draw cord, lower hem adjustment, and side vents.
Pre-orders are available with an introductory price of 5% off. Orders will start shipping on May 13th, 2014. The STRIKER XT line is available in PenCott GreenZone, SloCam, Olive Drab, and Black. No word yet on if and when the line will be available in North America.
Here’s a snapshot of the new Australian cold weather jacket – in the new camouflage; the latest variant of Australian MultiCam Uniform. Initial issue scheduled for Q4/14.
The new AMCU uses the AMP print screens developed by Crye Precision but integrates some of the more traditional DPP/DPCU colors.
The very first Phantom OPS Airflow Pants, the result of a collaboration between VertX and Fighter Design, are now available.
Made from mini rip-stop pattern weave fabric, the Phantom OPS pant is built with Fighter Design’s Active Airflow System mesh insert which enables the movement of air for cooling purposes. Pockets are featured on the back and hip, and concealed zipper pockets on both sides offer discreet carry options. Triple-bellowed insert cargo pockets expand for additional capacity and have integrated mesh inserts for air flow. The knees are double-reinforced for extra protection against wear and tear.
Tan and MultiCam is currently available, for a limited time only. Next week, Green and MultiCam launches, also for a limited time. This will be followed by solid colors and full MultiCam available this Summer.
As a special offer, Soldier Systems Daily readers can use coupon code soldiersystems at checkout for free US shipping.
www.fighterdesignusa.com/phantom-ops-powered-by-airflow
Tactical Distributors is offering a re-design of their last shooter shirt. Made from 100% Pima cotton, this update features a small crest Alpha/Beta horse head logo to the left chest, and a small TD logo to the back neck. Additionally, the Shooter Shirt 2.0 has a left arm Velcro 4″ x 3″ sleeve patch for ID or morale patches.
Available in Black, Desert Tan, and new color Urban Grey.
