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Archive for the ‘International’ Category

No Wonder They Lost – A Revisit

Wednesday, April 30th, 2014

We recently posted photos from our trip to the Airborne and Special Operations Museum, and in the comments section, one of our readers asked what the deal with the “…Darth Vader looking Republican Guard helmet” was. Way back in 2009, we ran a brief article on the helmet, which was worn by Sadaam’s “elite” Fedayeen forces. Since it has been asked, it’s now perfect time for a revisit.

Some of you may remember the Darth Vaderesque helmet worn by troops in Sadaam’s “elite” Fedayeen forces. Apparently manufactured from fiber glass it saw only limited issue. Perhaps the idea behind the helmet was to make the enemy pause to say, “WTF?” giving the wearer enough time to run away. A badge with the words “The Lord, The Homeland, The Leader” was affixed to the side of the helmet. They bring top dollar in the collector’s market.

Iraqi "Vader" Helmet

A Spanish collector’s site has an excellent backgrounder on the helmet. Check it out here.

Spuhr 417 Lower

Monday, April 28th, 2014

Hakan Spuhr is at it again. This time, he’s made some changes to the H&K 417 lower.

Spuhr 417 lower

Available in both semi and full auto models. Uses standard SR25/Magpul mags and incorporates an ambi mag release. It’s got an integrated sling attachment point as well as non-rotating hammer and trigger pins. Additionally, Hakan has incorporated his spuhrinterface so attachments can be added. For example, Hakan suggest brass catcher, cosine indicator, a holder for extra magazines.

What do you think?

HyperStealth to Introduce INVISIB – Commercial Variant of Quantum Stealth

Friday, April 11th, 2014

HyperStealth announced on their Facebook page earlier today that they would release a commercial version of their long promised Quantum Stealth. I for one am looking forward to the release simply so I can finally speak openly about the technology.

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With authorization from the U.S. Military last week, Hyperstealth INVISIB will be the first commercial variant of Quantum Stealth (Light Bending Material). A confidential version with a higher capability will be available for Law Enforcement/Military Regular Forces and a highly advanced classified version will be available for Tier 1 and Tier 2 Special Forces Teams in Canada and the U.S. only.

Hyperstealth is now in the process of establishing the Intellectual Property (IP) for INVISIB, and only after the IP is secured will the product be demonstrated to the public.

Hyperstealth was not allowed to pursue the IP prior to this recent authorization as Canada does not allow patents to be taken out on classified technology and while the U.S. does allow patents on classified technology, it would have to be stamped secret and would not allow Hyperstealth to secure worldwide protection.

E-Petition For The Ownership And Use of .22LR Pistols For Sporting Purposes In England, Wales, And Scotland

Thursday, April 10th, 2014

As you probably aware, gun rights in the United Kingdom are severely restricted. An e-petition has been started on the UK Government’s official petition site to allow for the ownership and use of .22LR pistols for sporting purposes in England, Wales, and Scotland. Support their rights. At the time of writing, the petition has reached almost 13,000 signatures.

epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/62588

Platatac H Smock Available in Limited Edition Colors

Thursday, April 3rd, 2014

h-smock-aor1-front-

Platatac’s new H Smock is made from 50/50 NyCo ripstop fabric. It features a wealth of storage space: 4 throated cargo pockets with taped buttons, 2 zippered map/document pockets on chest, 3 internal poachers pockets at the rear, and 2 bicep mesh bottomed pockets with internal zippered ID/Notebook space.

The hood is adjustable with retention strap and shaping wire trim.

The waist and hem feature draw cords for sizing retention. The garment is loose cut, for freedom of movement in arms and torso, ensuring ventilation and room for extreme cold weather equipment to be worn underneath. The cuffs feature a double elastic throat to stop wind.

All major seam lines are double stitched and feature Bar tacking for increased durability. The elbow pads feature a reinforced double layer. The H Smock also utilizes YYK zippers and ITW Nexus hardware.

For a limited time, the H Smock will be available in AOR1 (I believe this is seconds fabric, because the material is controlled). Also available in A-TACS AU and FG.

www.platatac.com/platatac-h-smock-aor1

SPECOPS.PL – New Products In The ULPC Line

Monday, March 24th, 2014

SPECOPS.PL has further expanded their line of ULPC equipment. In the same vein as their Ultra-Lekki Plate Carrier, the ULPC series consists of laminate-based, laser-cut tactical bags, pouches, and belts with webbing-free PALS compatible mounting options.

The newest additions to the line include the inclusion of a set of comfort pads to their ULPC plate carrier, a new version of their patrol belt with matching lightweight suspenders, and a dedicated leg panel. The line as a whole gives off a serious “Blue Force Gear” vibe.

The ULPC line is available in MultiCam, Olive, Black, Desert, PenCott and A-TACS family of patterns. Manufactured in Poland, with a 3-year combat warranty.

www.specops.pl

2014 Operator Challenge

Friday, March 21st, 2014

(Click to view .pdf)
Operator Challenge

The 2014 Operator Challenge is an invitational 5-stage physical and shooting event limited to 100 Operators from the USA and the 117 nations that have been invited to attend USSOCOM’s 2014 International SOF Week. Competitors will compete in events including an obstacle course and steel challenge range, tested through a mixture of shooting barricades, movement with kit, and a simulated wounded Operator. Competitors will utilize carbines, pistols, ammunition, and individual tactical equipment provided by the Operator Challenge Committee. The competitors will be competing for awards and high end prizes.

op-flyer_front

A parallel ‘SHOOTING WITH SOF’ event will allow select non-DoD and civilian teams to compete for prizes as well as shoot weapon systems utilized by SOF Operators.

GSOF_Flyer_Back

The 2014 Operator Challenge is being held on May 18th, 2014, the weekend prior to SOFIC and the USSOCOM Global SOF Conference. The competition is being hosted at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office’s range complex, a 220 acre shooting facility with state-of-the-art ranges, utilized by local, state, and national law enforcement ranges as well as units from the U.S. Special Operations Command.

The awards ceremony and Operator social will be held on May 20th, 2014 in downtown Tampa. The event will include entertainment, a silent auction, and a raffle prior to the awards ceremony. This event benefits the Global SOF Foundation and the Green Beret Foundation.

For more information, visit: operatorinc.com/events/5/2014-operator-challenge

Haley Strategic Partners Announces Partnership With UK Distributor Tactical Kit

Wednesday, March 19th, 2014

Announce_TacticalKit

March 19, 2014 – Haley Strategic Partners is very pleased to announce a partnership with our new exclusive UK distributor, Tactical Kit. Tactical Kit now offers the entire HSP product line to customers in the UK and throughout the rest of Europe. Like HSP’s other exclusive distribution partners, Tactical Kit will have new product releases in-stock and on-hand for day of release purchases.

Travis Haley, President and Founder of Haley Strategic Partners, spoke to the new partnership saying, “Tactical Kit is the UK’s leading retailer and distributor in high end tactical gear. Operating since 2008, they supply the highest quality equipment with a very high level of customer service. It’s great to start building our family in Europe with such an exceptional partner.”

Ian Hillson, Managing Director at Tactical Kit had this to say, “As Tactical Kit grows we are continually looking for new and exceptional brands to extend our range. We aim to provide the best for our customers. With that in mind, Haley Strategic is a perfect fit. The respected name combined with tried and tested gear, makes for the pinnacle in equipment and training. We are stoked to have Haley Strategic Partners on board, and we know the UK will quickly recognise one of the world’s leading brands.”

www.tactical-kit.co.uk/haley-strategic-256-c