UK Kit Gurus Extraordinaire Special Air Sea Services have updated their website. The new site is more user friendly and continues to feature their excellent line of customizable Smocks and other combat clothing as well as alternatives to British issue webbing and packs. One example is the current issue British Special Forces Smock.
Visit them at www.sasskit.co.uk.
Information on the new Dutch combat helmet continues to trickle out of the Netherlands. The article from the Dutch Ministry of Defense reveals Galea to be a component of Project VOSS (Verbeterd Operationeel Soldaten Systeem) or Improved Operational Soldiers’ System, IOSS in English.
A translation of an informational piece released by TNO
“TNO has developed a new multipurpose helmet for the Defense Materials Organization (DMO). The helmet’s design is based on operational experience from recent deployments such as the current one in Afghanistan. When/if all the tests are completed successfully, the Galea (Roman word for helmet) will begin issue by 2011.
The new helmet stems from the Verbeterd Operationeel Soldaten Systeem (VOSS in Dutch or Improved Operational Soldiers’System, IOSS in English) and offers some tremendous advantages. The Galea weighs less, has a better fit and offers better protection. The helmet consists of multiple detachable parts, and the intention is that the dressed down variant has a friendly, approachable appearance. This benefits contact with the local population when out on patrol.
Galea weighs 1100 grams, almost half the weight of the current helmet, which has been in use since the 1990’s.
The helmet fitting form has been improved professionally, resulting in a secure fit on the head. New as well is the ergonomic mount for night vision goggles and the helmet may possibly be equipped with an air conditioning system, situated between the helmet and the head.
It is also fitted with separate neck, jaw, and ear pieces which cancel out noise at high ambient sound levels. TNO is currently researching how it can improve the protection of neck, throat, and face even more. The first test run of Galea helmets will be evaluated in the field later this year. The design itself has received several awards at a innovation summit in Prague.
More wearer comfort, more flexibility, and better protection are core components of Project VOSS. In addition to the helmet, a smart vest and a communications and combat information module are also being developed under the project. The goal is to improve and harmonize the battlefield capabilities of the soldier as much as possible. His gear is no longer is a collection of individual components, but a lightweight, wearable system in which the components needed are integrated as much as possible.
5500 frontline troops have been selected for participation in VOSS which is an evolution of the Soldier Modernization Program (SMP), which started in 1998.”
CP Gear has launched a Youtube channel featuring informational videos of ever 50 of their products.
Check it out at www.youtube.com/cpgear.
US tactical wear manufacturers be advised, you have been outdone by the Austrians. The lightweight knit is anti-microbial and features a chest mounted rank tab and velcro on the sleeve and chest for unit and name identifiers respectively. The left sleeve also has an integrated pen slot.
The polo is part of a new clothing system for Austrian troops intended as an interim until the new camouflage uniform is fielded. The new “KA03 X-Light†uniform from Steinadler Handels GmbH (KA03 stands for Kampfanzug 03 – “2003 pattern battle dress uniform†in English).
The polo is available in Steingrau/Oliv in sizes S – XXL. To order it, or the other uniform components which include a shirt, trousers and softshell jacket visit Steinadler Militaerversand.
Be sure to check out Strike Hold!’s coverage of the entire uniform.
For years detractors have called for the abolishment of airborne forces as wasteful and unrealistic. However, current operations in the CENTCOM AOR have shown that such a capability is not only viable but particularly useful for strikes against irregular foes. In fact, the UK’s SAS reportedly accomplished a successful MFF operation in Iraq. The Australian Military’s Defence Material Organization currently has three new starts intended to enhance their airborne capabilities. Two are concerned with Military Free Fall and the third seeks to replace current static-line chutes.
MINCS(L) AMP066.50 seeks to introduce a high altitude parachute operations capability for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The equipment to be procured comprises oxygen masks, bailout bottles and portable oxygen consoles; and will enable ADF parachute operations to be conducted from altitudes above 12,000 feet. The requirement dates from march of 2007 and a sole source tender for the equipment has been released.
MINCS(L) AMP058.07 seeks to introduce enhanced (MFF) for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The project is seeking to procure systems that will enable the ADF to conduct a range of MFF and Ram Air Parachute Static Line descents. Included are systems to replace the current in-service fleets of MC-5 and tandem parachutes.
MINCS(L) AMP058.08 seeks to acquire an Enhanced Static Line Parachute capability to replace the Australian Defence Force’s current in-service fleet of static line T10B-D, T10R and MC-1 parachutes.
It is important to note that neither of the new parachute replacement programs have been approved for full development.
Solo International, suppliers of the new Osprey Assault Armor Carrier have just put it up on their website for sale at a whopping £1000.00! Their website has a great deal of info on the new carrier that they claim is modular and scalable in nature, offering essentially three carriers for the price of one. Additionally, they confirm that the Osprey Assault carrier is manufactured overseas, “Designed By SOLO International in their own studios based in Hereford and manufactured overseas by SOLOHANDMADEPRODUCTS manufactures.”
Interested parties should contact Solo International directly via their website.
The enhanced Mark 7 helmet and Osprey Assault body armor, which will provide equivalent ballistic protection to current systems but with a lighter weight and an improved fit were unveiled at the Defence Vehicle Dynamics (DVD) equipment show this week in Millbrook.
The MOD has ordered over 10,000 sets of the new helmets and armor under initial contracts worth £16m, with companies including NP Aerospace, Morgan Armour Ltd, Aegis Engineering Ltd, Seyntex and Solo International Ltd. The 10,000 sets are reported to go to Infantry, Engineers, and medical with all other general purpose forces retaining the Mk6a helmet and current Osprey armor.
Just as in the case of the MICH becoming the general issue ACH here in the US, the new Mk 7 is a variant of the AC900/600 helmet worn by UKSF on CT role. Of further evidence of SOF influence over kit design, the new armor carrier is supplied by Solo International located near Hereford, home of the British SAS. However, based on information we have received in the past we do not believe that this new equipment is a part of the PECOC program but rather an interim solution to solve an urgent operation requirement. This would also account for the relatively small procurement.
The new Mk 7 helmet features a four point chin strap for enhanced stability, particularly while wearing helmet mounted night vision devices. Additionally, the front lip has been cut back in order to increase visibility while in the prone and is reported to include configurable pads like the US ACH.
While we did say that the new Osprey carrier is being supplied by Solo International, it is interesting to note that they outsource their manufacture. Additionally, the UK does not have an equivalent of the Berry Amendment to ensure domestic production of defense textile articles so at this point we are unsure where the carriers will actually be produced. In addition to the carrier, a new, lighter armor plate is reported to be on it’s way to the troops.
Pictures: Andrew Linnett, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009
