Lincad Power Management Systems has been around since the early 90s, specializing in batteries and chargers. In recent years there has been a proliferation of devices that charge via USB cable. Lincad created the USB power adapter as a simple means for Soldiers to charge/power their devices from commonly used radio batteries. This also also means that Soldiers can harvest as much power as possible from a better which is only partially charged and can’t be taken on a patrol.
This model is for the UK standard LIPS 10, 11 & 12 series interface. It offers two USB ports and will charge 5v, 1.5A Max per line.
Along the perimeter of the Edgar Brothers booth at DSEI were a series of glass cases. Inside one of these were four examples of Salomon footwear. Three of the boots were from their Forces line but the fourth boot was a commercial mountaineering model.
Turns out, it’s the X ALP MTN GTX and it’s currently undergoing wear trials with several European military and civil rescue organizations.
It’s a GORE-TEX lined, lightweight mountaineering boot, designed to be used with B1 crampons. They’ve balanced the sole system to make it flexible enough for approaches yet stiff enough for use with crampons.
The Nubuck leather upper is paired with Cordura and a 3D edging chassis. It’s got true to-toe lacing as well as a rubber toecap and heel counter. Additionally, the forefoot is protected with EVA foam and the tongue is also padded.
They’ve chosen the Contragrip sole which is combined with an EVA shaped footbed as well as a carbon fiber “edging” stiffener.
Now, we just need to see a militarized version of this boot in the Forces line.
Unveiled at the recent DSEI in London, the Supacat LRV 400 ‘Mark 2’ features a chassis based on the Land Rover Discovery. The reason it is referred to as a Mark 2 variant is that the design has received an overhaul after its initial sighting during DSEI 2013.
With a top speed of 100mph/160km, the LRV 400 has a range of 800km. It is CH-47 internally transportable. It is designed for a crew of 3 or 4 supported by an operational payload of 1700kg with a gross weight of 4200kg. This Light Reconnaissance Vehicle is powered by a V6 3.0 turbo diesel providing 256 bhp and 600Nm Torque with an 8 speed automatic transmission and high and low permanent 4WD with centre diff lock.
Here are a few shots of the driver and passenger positions.
The spare tire can be swung to the outside of the roll cage or toward the interior to make the vehicle narrower for rapid ingress and egress of aircraft.
These are a few additional photos of the rear compartment of the LRV 400.
Additionally, the truck incorporates reinforcement bars along the frame like a commercial off-road vehicle. While it isn’t much of a step, it could also be used to transport personnel a short distance such as assaulters.
The LRV 400 offers a very interesting capability. You see those four bolts in the photo below? You can insert an additional axel at that point transforming the LRV 400 from a 4×4 to a 6×6 design and lengthen the bed as well as increase carrying capacity.
This Combat Shirt is part of an ensemble of IED Fragment Protective Clothing created by Blücher’s Saratoga division which also includes bandana, protective collar, shorts and a shirt. Worn alone or in concert with one another, these garments increase the amount of body coverage against secondary projectile injuries.
In addition to providing environmental, camouflage and FR protection, the Fragment Protective Combat Shirt also stops secondary fragments such as dust, dirt and sand (v50 2gr RCc @ 320 m/sec, IAW STANAG 2920). These properties also mean that the material is cut and slash resistant.
During the recent DSEI show in London we saw the Humdinga, an amphibious 4×4 vehicle from Gibbs Technologies. It combines a carbon fiber hull with a water jet propulsion system. This combination means that the Humdinga will plane in conditions up to sea state 3 and maintain headway in sea state 4 with a maximum speed underway of 30mph. The range is 100 miles in water and 150 ashore. The suspension retracts at the push of a button in less than 5 seconds.
This is the rear deck area of the Humdinga. It’s got ample space for rescue operations as well as a table for a nice lunch. The maximum payload is 1,000kg but by removing the cabin roof, it can be extended to 2,000kg.
At DSEI we got to take a look at the Future Soldier Vision, the UK Ministry of Defence’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory’s conceptual vision of what the Soldier will look like in 2024.
Head Sub-System
Soldiers will have enhanced multi-spectral sensors enabled by modular integration, to provide mission-tailored systems at significantly reduced weight. Sensors will be capable of fusing their feeds and being shared between soldiers, providing collaborative targeting and engagement capabilities. For example this network capability will enable small unmanned aircraft systems to provide commanders with enhanced battlefield surveillance and target acquisition.
– Integrated sensors
– Integrated power supply
– Hearing protection system
– Respirator/mandible connector
Torso Sub-System
Soldiers will be able to tailor their protection according to the mission requirement, balancing protection with agility to provide optimal survivability. Future systems will consist of tiered, modular protection providing enhanced capability, without increasing weight. Design and integration with other elements of the soldier system will ensure legacy and future compatibility.
– Hard body armor
– Ratchet adjusting system
– Integrated connectors
– Asymmetric design
– Quick release cord
– Flexible shoulder pads
– Integrated power supply
– Integrated load carrying
Wearable Communications Concept
The advent of a body sensor network will provide real-time reporting of soldier health. Sensors embedded in the helmet, clothing, and smartwatch will monitor physical health and performance. Wirelessly linked to the soldier processing system, the availability of this data will allow the commander to make informed decisions during combat. If the soldier is seriously injured, information will enable medics to act faster during the ‘golden hour’ following trauma.
– Biometric data
– Push to talk
– Screen graphic
– Screen protection
– Accessing functionality
Smart Glasses Concept
The presentation of real-time data will enable greater clarity and quality of information throughout the operational system.
– Heads up display with augmented reality presentation
– Bone conducting headphones
– Integrated camera
– Power and data connection
Personal Role Computer Concept
Commanders and troops will be provided with information across a set of connected devices covering visual, acoustic, and tactile interfaces to access voice, data, video, and historical information. The information architecture will ensure commonality of data, with each device determining the appropriate means of presentation. Navigation system will incorporate simultaneous localization and mapping technology and be capable of operating in a global positioning system-denied environment.
– Screen protection
– Screen graphic
– USB protection
– Push to talk
– Camera
– Assembly
Weapon Concept
Individual weapons will have improved ergonomics, with effects spanning combinations of lethal and non-lethal capabilities. The ability to seamlessly provide targeting information between soldiers and their units will allow collaborative engagement to become commonplace. The increase in timeliness and accuracy of multiple weapon systems will result in a more effective fighting force.
– Enhanced stock design
– Digital optical weapon sights
– Adjustable down grip
– Adjustable pistol grip
Although not specifically mentioned in the other technology areas, they also displayed this conceptual boot.
Much of the development work was accomplished by Kinneir Dufort. They also had a display of the system in their booth.
The London Metropolitan Police recently adopted the SIG SAUER MCX in 5.56mm. The configuration the chose was on display in the Edgar Brothers booth and we got a photo. As we understand it, the G36s in service will remain but will eventually be pushed to other LE organizations. Interest in the .300 variant of the MCX grows but the caliber must still be certified for LE use in the UK.
Ran across this 16 piece kit in the Quantico Tactical booth. Pretty cool training aid that won’t give you a stick while conducting pat downs. Available through Quantico Tactical.
