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2nd Annual Special Operations Forces K9 Conference Follow Up

Monday, June 24th, 2019

SOF Project’s Krzysztof Puwalski was one of the organizers of the second international conference Special Operations Forces K9 Conference (SOFK9C), which took place from 17 to 21 June near Warsaw.

The theme of this year’s event was: “How can we help you and your dog in achieving and maintaining full operational readiness”.

The conference was attended by SOF operators, dog handlers, trainers, canine specialists and scientists from USA, Canada, Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Italy, Austria, Germany, Sweden and Poland. This time the main focus was on the operational preparation of both the guide and the combat dog.

The conference was full of interesting lectures, behind-the-scenes conversations and establishing relationships, but above all, practical exercises conducted by leading SOF instructors. The special guest of the conference was James Hatch, a longtime operator and team leader of the K9 Navy SEALs, who had to leave the active service as a result of injuries sustained in a combat operation. James told the participants of the conference about his combat experiences and about the extraordinary bond between the guide and the dog. He also touched on the extremely important issue of coping in everyday life after leaving the service.

The conference was co-organized with the following companies: Silent Technical (Poland) and Norse K9 (Norway).

Special thanks to the event sponsor – Direct Action, producer of high quality tactical equipment.

The next conference is planned for 2021.

Posted in International, K9, SOF | Comments Off on 2nd Annual Special Operations Forces K9 Conference Follow Up

Portuguese Navy Adopts G3 Upgrades By Spuhr AB

Wednesday, June 19th, 2019

After extensive testing, which included dropping the weapon 2 meters onto a steel plate, the Portuguese Navy has adopted the Spuhr upgrade kit for the G3. The deal was brokered by NT Group.

As you can see, it includes a new stock (R-410), upper rail (R-402), and forend (R-401). The stock abd forend are the same as Spuhr developed for the Swedish Army. Except, the sling swivel is diferent and the cheekpiece is not screwmounted and can be detached by hand so the rifle can be used with iron sights.

Posted in International, weapons | 6 Comments »

Rampart Range Day & Expo West 2019

Wednesday, June 19th, 2019

Rampart is bringing Range Day to BC! It’s October 2nd, 2019 at Port Coquitlam, BC. Government customers sign up at RampartCorp.com/rangedaywest.

Posted in International, Rampart Range Day | Comments Off on Rampart Range Day & Expo West 2019

Sneak Peek – CONCAMO Brown

Friday, June 14th, 2019

Longtime German military supplier Leo Köhler will release clothing in the new CONCAMO brown pattern.

Posted in Camo, International | Comments Off on Sneak Peek – CONCAMO Brown

Rheinmetall Books Order for Second Lot of Trucks: Bundeswehr to Buy 252 Unprotected Transport Vehicles Under Framework Contract

Friday, June 14th, 2019

The German Bundeswehr has awarded Rheinmetall an order for 252 unprotected transport vehicles with payloads of five and fifteen tonnes. This order falls under the framework agreement concluded in 2017 for more than 2,200 state-of-the-art military trucks. The order value of the 252 trucks just ordered comes to around €92 million, including value added tax. Before the end of 2019, Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH (RMMV) will build and deliver the vehicles, which include a total of 161 5-tonne trucks and 91 15-tonne trucks. Production of the lot just ordered will commence directly after completion of the first lot of vehicles, which are due to be delivered during the next few months, right on schedule.

Encompassing a total of 2,271 unprotected transport vehicles from RMMV’s HX family, the framework agreement concluded on 5 July 2017 with the Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-service Support (BAAINBw) is worth around €900 million (without VAT), including special tools and training services. As a first step, an order was issued for an initial lot of 558 vehicles.

In undertaking this large-scale project, the Du?sseldorf-based Group for mobility and security solutions is making a major contribution to modernizing the Bundeswehr’s fleet of trucks, which numbers in the thousands. Consisting primarily of components made in Germany, e.g. the engines, axles, transmissions and build-ons, the vehicles will be assembled at the RMMV plant in Vienna.

Particularly when it comes to multinational operations, the widespread global presence of RMMV vehicles results in major advantages with respect to interoperability and logistics. Among others, current users include the armed forces of the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Denmark. Norway and Sweden have also placed substantial orders for trucks made by RMMV.

Posted in International, Mobility, Press Release | 1 Comment »

SPARTANAT: Andres Industries TILO-3Z+ in use with Special Forces

Saturday, June 8th, 2019

The TILO-3Z+ thermal was tested in military operation in Afghanistan for 12 weeks. Although the TILO-3Z+ was used on an almost daily basis, no technical problems occurred. Also, there were only minor traces of usage. This shows the absolute ruggedness and first-class workmanship of this small thermal imaging device.

The TILO-3Z+ was used as observation instrument mounted on a helmet as well as attachment to a scope 1.5-6 x 24 on an assault rifle. It was unproblematic to mount the device on an OpsCore Fast Ballistic helmet using the adapter provided. With the 30 mm adapter from ACTinBlack the TILO-3Z+ could also be easily attach to the scope.

Mounted on Helmet

It is standard to perform night missions with a night vision enhancement device in combination with a red dot sight. In our case the GPNVG from L3 Insight Technology as well as the Argus goggles from Theon Sensors were used. By attaching the TILO-3Z+ to the helmet, thermal imaging technology could be deployed quickly. The small form factor of the device facilitated this task. The GPNVG tubes are made with green phosphor. Therefore TILO-3Z+ was used with thermal filter “Cold Green” CG.

TILO-3Z+ could be easily positioned in front of the eye. It was compatible with the image enhancing technology. Both devices complemented each other perfectly. This increased the spotting ability of the user. TILO-3Z+ was used almost daily as shown on below pictures.

Later, the TILO-3Z+ was combined with Argus goggles. The goggles were installed as a monocular. The operator used them in front of his right eye, while in front of his left eye the TILO-3Z+ was mounted. To assure that both eyes are exposed to green light, also in this case the thermal filter “Cold Green” CG was applied. A clear image was obtained by collimation. This combination allows the use of both night vision techniques simultaneously which presented an invaluable tactical advantage.

The LEDs were also not used with the GPNVG goggles. This reason is: LED lights are positioned on front of the TILO-3Z+. If folded up, they point into the direction of the helmet. If folded down, they could be used but the TILO-3Z+ would block the field of vision of one eye, which is not ideal.

In combination with the Argus goggles the IR LED could be used. But with the ITT Gen 3 tube it was found to work only in total darkness due to its modest brightness (see also IR LED test).

Attached to a Scope

The TILO-3Z+ was attached to a scope from “Schmidt und Bender” 1.5-6 x 24 on an assault rifle. This was easy with the 30 mm camera adapter from ACTinBlack. Following the instructions from the handbook, zeroing and collimation was unproblematic.

During the tests steel objects (30 x 40 cm) were targeted at distances between 100 and 350 m. After being heated up by the sun they could be identified very well from 50 m. At distances from 150 m the limitations of the TILO-3Z+ in combination with a scope became apparent, as a proper identification of the targets was no longer assured.

The resolution of the sensor (320 x 256 pixel @ 60 Hz) in combination with the small objective and the attached scope are probably the limiting factors. To benefit from tactical advantages at more than 150 m, the premium model with 640 x 512 pixel in combination with a 3x ancillary lens should be choose.

It could be also considered to develop the TILO-3 further to become a clip-on thermal sighting system. To such a standalone device an adjustable crosshair would need to be added as well as a mount for a Picatinny rail.

In conclusion, the TILO-3Z+ mounted on helmet is an essential tool in tactical scenarios. Its thermal imaging capabilities provide strong support on the battlefield. Due to its low weight it does not disturb the user. The TILO-3Z+ is suitable only to a limited extend attached to a scope, as in this application its strengths are not fully exploited.

IR LED Test:

The IR LED of TILO-3Z+ was tested with following 3 different Gen 3 tubes for image enhancement to evaluate its brightness:

Goggles GPNVG from L3 Insight Technology Gen 3 L3 tube (green phosphor)
Goggles FGE from L3 Insight Technology Gen 3 tube (white phosphor)
Goggles Argus Panoptes from Theon Sensors Gen 3 ITT tube (green phosphor)

First the brightness was tested with residual light in an urban environment. All 3 tubes were activated. The luminosity of the LED had no visible effect. An image analysis was not possible.

In a second trial a residential container was darkened out completely. A printed comic target was position in about 12 m distance. 3 pictures were taken with each tube: 1 without LED light, 1 with LED light at lowest setting and 1 with LED light at highest setting.

Goggles GPNVG from L3 Insight Technology Gen 3 L3 tube (green phosphor)

No LED

Lowest Setting

Highest Setting

Goggles FGE from L3 Insight Technology Gen 3 tube (white phosphor)

No LED

Lowest Setting

Highest Setting

Goggles Argus Panoptes from Theon Sensors Gen 3 ITT tube (green phosphor)

No LED

Lowest Setting

Highest Setting

Conclusion IR LED Test:

The IR LED of TILO-3Z+ works with the Gen 3 tubes of known US manufacturers. The paper target could be identified easily as well as the depicted weapon. Precondition is complete darkness and a relative short distance to the illuminated medium. The range of the IR LED of TILO-3Z+ in combination with the 3 image enhancement goggles is 20 to 30 m (Note: The real images are significantly better, than those captured on photo.).

Overall Conclusion: The TILO-3Z+ was found to be a felicitous thermal imaging device which has enormous strength in combination with night vision enhancement googles. This device is also a useful companion at hunting grounds.
It was a pleasure to carry and test the TILO-3Z+. Many thanks to Andres Industries for this opportunity.

Comment by Andres Industries regarding IR LED test:
The boost obtained with the American Gen 3 tubes was far less effective than it would have been with European tubes as those enhance much better the longwave light emitted by the IR LED.

ACTinBlack: actinblack.lu
ANDRES INDUSTRIES: www.andres-industries-shop.de
SPARTANAT: www.spartanat.com

Posted in International, Sensors, Spartanat | Comments Off on SPARTANAT: Andres Industries TILO-3Z+ in use with Special Forces

High Angle Solutions – Brigantes Presents – Montane Tactical Range Update

Wednesday, June 5th, 2019

The Montane Tactical range has now been around, in a very small way, for the past couple of years. It has found immediate fans, within the UK military, who are familiar with the brand and like the no nonsense, lightweight, outdoor approach. This has seen it taken on for amphibious, mountainous and arctic activities.

Following feedback and in partnership with the exclusive global distributor, Brigantes, Montane have updated the products to take into consideration the experiences of the users. This has led to some small tweaks in design to improve pocket access and allow for the more muscular legs of guys, who are used to carrying very heavy loads.

The new range will be available in the Autumn and will also now include a slate grey sub range based on the very successful stretch jacket, trousers and shirt. The price points remain very closely related to what you would expect in the outdoor world and the functionality is even better. Overall these are perfect pieces for use in the rapidly changing weather that we encounter in the UK and therefore excellent right across the globe.

The full range is available to buy on the Brigantes website and if you are in the UK or Europe you can purchase items from the shop. Register as a member you will get an excellent discount.

For more information get in touch by email on international@brigantes.com

For UK customers tribe@brigantes.com

www.brigantes.com

Posted in Clothing, Guest Post, International, Multicam | 2 Comments »

EWOOL

Wednesday, June 5th, 2019

During last week’s Rampart Range Day I saw EWOOL’s product offerings.

They are based in Quebec and produce electrically heated wool clothing, like the gloves and socks you see here. Once turned on, they warm up within three seconds. They also produce a vest, which can be powered via an onboard battery, or via 12 V on a snowmachine or motorcycle.

EWOOL clothing is available in Canada from Rampart International.

Posted in Clothing, Handwear, International, Rampart Range Day | 5 Comments »