Alligator Engineering is exhibiting with Wing Inflatable Solutions and showing their KDUCK – (FMP) Mod 2 fixture which offers a single point of attachment, suspension, and release of an unmodified P4.7 inflatable boat configured with full mission equipment to an H-60 series helicopter for Kangaroo Duck operations.
It is installed in minutes and ensures negligible aerodynamic effects to the helo throughout the flight profile.
Contact Alligator Engineering at scienceninja@md.metrocast.net
Finning is the process of generating propulsion. In that sense, it is probably the most basic of all the diving skills, and one that most of us are already able to do when we first start diving.
In particular, a better finning technique, choosing the right technique for the right circumstances, can increase your dive’s efficiency.
This will decrease your air consumption, reduce physical fatigue, and extending your dives. Picking the right finning technique will also decrease the amount of silt you turn up. I am going to talk about four types of SCUBAPRO fins. The Jet fin, the Seawing Nova Gorilla, The Seawing Nova, and the Go Sport fins. The Jet Fin is the most wildly used fin in the world by profession divers, the SeaWing Nova, the SeaWing Nova Gorillas (a stiffer version of the Seawing Nova that is great for people that who are strong kickers). The Go Sport fin is new to our line and is a tremendous all-around fin for diving, surface swimming like OTB and River and Stream crossing. Lastly are the Twin Jet fins, again a SCUBAPRO iconic fin; it is used by strong kickers that like to use a flutter kick type stroke.
There are three main fin kicks that any diver should know. These are flutter kicks, frog kicks, and bent-knee cave diver kicks.
Flutter kicks
The flutter kick is the basic finning technique that most divers use. This technique is similar to the leg part of freestyle swimming.
Watch 90 percent of all divers, and you’ll see them use flutter kicks. In the early days of diving, it was the only technique taught. The reason for its popularity is quite simply that it is the strongest of all the kicking techniques, and it generates a lot of propulsion. Back in the early days of diving, before the invention of the BCD, speed was the primary way of maintaining buoyancy. The advantage of this kick is the forcefulness of it. It is excellent for moving at high speed or when fighting a current. The legs’ vertical up-down movement also means it is beneficial for wall diving, mainly when diving by a wall covered in corals. There’s less risk of kicking something on the side of you like your dive buddy, coral or the finning’s backwash, stirring up sediment. The disadvantages of this kick are related to the advantages. The forcefulness of the kick means that it is relatively strenuous and increases air consumption because of it. The vertical movement can steer up a lot of silt; this is bad for many reasons. If you are on a combat swimmer operation, the trail of silt can give you away. Second, it will make it hard for anyone following you to see their gauges and find the target. (unless you are using the SCUBAPRO HUD dive computer) (shameless plug, but it is excellent for low visibility). In confined spaces like close to the target around the piers or in a cave, it can cause a blackout and make it very hard to see what you are doing.
A fast, powerful technique is useful when fighting a current, for short bursts of speed. The best fins for this are the SCUBAPRO SeaWing Nova Gorillas, The Go Sports, and the Jet fans.
Frog kick
The frog kick looks very similar to the leg portion of the breaststroke from swimming. A large and wide kick that utilizes the leg’s full strength is a good, general technique for open-water diving, either in the water column or close to the bottom. Because the movement and propulsion aren’t continuous, good buoyancy technique is required, though.
The movement here is horizontal, or close to it, meaning that there is minimal disturbance of the bottom when swimming close to the bottom, which will maintain the visibility for any divers that come after you. However, the kick’s width means that the kick isn’t recommended for caves or when diving close to a wall.
This kick, combined with good buoyancy, will quickly become your go-to technique once you get used to it, and will likely decrease your air consumption significantly. The more adequately trimmed your position in the water, and the more you take advantage of the gliding phase before initiating the next kick, the more you’ll reduce your energy (and air) consumption.
The powerful kick that can be extremely efficient, especially if you master the kick-and-glide aspect. Suitable for open-water diving in mild currents, in the water column, or close to the bottom. Not advisable in stronger currents or close to walls.
The best fins for this are the Jet fins.
Bent-Knee Cave Diver Kick
With the complicated name, this technique is the go-to technique for technical divers and is the one that causes the least disturbance of the environment. The bent knees mean that the movement is minimal, with the entire kick coming only from a small movement in the hips, combined with a kick of the ankles. This means that propulsion is limited, compared to the two kicks above, but it also decreases strain and air consumption.
The small movement means that it works well in cramped areas, such as inside wrecks and caves, and, when executed correctly, can minimize the amount of silt kicked up to almost nothing. For this reason, it is also the recommended technique for diving close a very silty bottom, like in a confined space, close to piers or around ships.
The slow movement also means that this technique helps you slow down, making it useful for muck dives or other nature dives where you’ll be looking for small animal life. Because it is a very low-propulsion kick, this technique has its limitation when swimming against a current, though. This is a minimal-impact kick that is ideal for cramped environments and close to very silty bottoms, as well as helping you slow down during your dives and maximize your available air. The Jet Fin is the best fin for this, and with some practice, the Go Sport is good also.
Lastly, the SeaWing Nova Gorillas come in OD Green or Orange, but they can be special ordered in all black. You can also order the SeaWing Nova in all black. Special orders require a minimum of 24 per size, but we can work to get you want you need.
Contact ecrazz@clannfive.com for more information.
Developed from over 30+ years experience in the design and development of tactical flotation systems for maritime special operations forces and tactical law enforcement agencies.
• Streamlined low profile shooter’s cut allows unimpeded weapons handling, climbing, rappelling, fast roping, and confined space movement.
• Lightweight and highly compact, yet durable; built to withstand the rigors of tactical training and operational environment use.
• Provides 40+ lbs of self-righting buoyancy.
• Easily attaches and integrates with most MOLLE/PALS tactical armor systems.
• Re-arm and re-pack in less than 5 minutes under operational conditions with no tools required.
To schedule a product capability brief, please contact military@tulmar.com.
The IG-Interceptor RIB Extreme Purpose Intereiction Craft is an interesting mobility solution that combines a rigid inflatable boat with tracked “landing gear” to self-deploy the boat into the water.
Featuring a carbon fiber hull it can reach surface speeds of 50 knots once in the water.
Finning is the process of generating propulsion. In that sense, it is probably the most basic of all the diving skills, and one that most of us are already able to do when we first start diving.
In particular, a better finning technique, choosing the right technique for the right circumstances, can increase your dive’s efficiency.
This will decrease your air consumption, reduce physical fatigue, and extending your dives. Picking the right finning technique will also decrease the amount of silt you turn up. I am going to talk about four types of SCUBAPRO fins. The Jet fin, the Seawing Nova Gorilla, The Seawing Nova, and the Go Sport fins. The Jet Fin is the most wildly used fin in the world by profession divers, the SeaWing Nova, the SeaWing Nova Gorillas (a stiffer version of the Seawing Nova that is great for people that who are strong kickers). The Go Sport fin is new to our line and is a tremendous all-around fin for diving, surface swimming like OTB and River and Stream crossing. Lastly are the Twin Jet fins, again a SCUBAPRO iconic fin; it is used by strong kickers that like to use a flutter kick type stroke.
There are three main fin kicks that any diver should know. These are flutter kicks, frog kicks, and bent-knee cave diver kicks.
Flutter kicks
The flutter kick is the basic finning technique that most divers use. This technique is similar to the leg part of freestyle swimming.
Watch 90 percent of all divers, and you’ll see them use flutter kicks. In the early days of diving, it was the only technique taught. The reason for its popularity is quite simply that it is the strongest of all the kicking techniques, and it generates a lot of propulsion. Back in the early days of diving, before the invention of the BCD, speed was the primary way of maintaining buoyancy. The advantage of this kick is the forcefulness of it. It is excellent for moving at high speed or when fighting a current. The legs’ vertical up-down movement also means it is beneficial for wall diving, mainly when diving by a wall covered in corals. There’s less risk of kicking something on the side of you like your dive buddy, coral or the finning’s backwash, stirring up sediment. The disadvantages of this kick are related to the advantages. The forcefulness of the kick means that it is relatively strenuous and increases air consumption because of it. The vertical movement can steer up a lot of silt; this is bad for many reasons. If you are on a combat swimmer operation, the trail of silt can give you away. Second, it will make it hard for anyone following you to see their gauges and find the target. (unless you are using the SCUBAPRO HUD dive computer) (shameless plug, but it is excellent for low visibility). In confined spaces like close to the target around the piers or in a cave, it can cause a blackout and make it very hard to see what you are doing.
A fast, powerful technique is useful when fighting a current, for short bursts of speed. The best fins for this are the SCUBAPRO SeaWing Nova Gorillas, The Go Sports, and the Jet fans.
Frog kick
The frog kick looks very similar to the leg portion of the breaststroke from swimming. A large and wide kick that utilizes the leg’s full strength is a good, general technique for open-water diving, either in the water column or close to the bottom. Because the movement and propulsion aren’t continuous, good buoyancy technique is required, though.
The movement here is horizontal, or close to it, meaning that there is minimal disturbance of the bottom when swimming close to the bottom, which will maintain the visibility for any divers that come after you. However, the kick’s width means that the kick isn’t recommended for caves or when diving close to a wall.
This kick, combined with good buoyancy, will quickly become your go-to technique once you get used to it, and will likely decrease your air consumption significantly. The more adequately trimmed your position in the water, and the more you take advantage of the gliding phase before initiating the next kick, the more you’ll reduce your energy (and air) consumption.
The powerful kick that can be extremely efficient, especially if you master the kick-and-glide aspect. Suitable for open-water diving in mild currents, in the water column, or close to the bottom. Not advisable in stronger currents or close to walls.
The best fins for this are the Jet fins.
Bent-Knee Cave Diver Kick
With the complicated name, this technique is the go-to technique for technical divers and is the one that causes the least disturbance of the environment. The bent knees mean that the movement is minimal, with the entire kick coming only from a small movement in the hips, combined with a kick of the ankles. This means that propulsion is limited, compared to the two kicks above, but it also decreases strain and air consumption.
The small movement means that it works well in cramped areas, such as inside wrecks and caves, and, when executed correctly, can minimize the amount of silt kicked up to almost nothing. For this reason, it is also the recommended technique for diving close a very silty bottom, like in a confined space, close to piers or around ships.
The slow movement also means that this technique helps you slow down, making it useful for muck dives or other nature dives where you’ll be looking for small animal life. Because it is a very low-propulsion kick, this technique has its limitation when swimming against a current, though. This is a minimal-impact kick that is ideal for cramped environments and close to very silty bottoms, as well as helping you slow down during your dives and maximize your available air. The Jet Fin is the best fin this, and with some practice, the Go Sport is good also.
Lastly, the SeaWing Nova Gorillas come in OD Green or Orange, but they can be special ordered in all black. You can also order the SeaWing Nova in all black. Special orders require a minimum of 24 per size, but we can work to get you want you need.
Contact ecrazz@clannfive.com for more information.
S&S Precision teamed with Watershed to introduce their Dry Bags which feature welded seams and YKK Aquaseal zippers.
They feature PALS compatibility at the front and can accept an internal 3 Mag Insert. Additionally, they’ve integrated an oral inflate/deflate valve with cover.
There are two versions, one with PALS attachment and the other compatible with the PlateFrame. Other choices are size (6″x7″ or 8″x10″) and Black or MultiCam color.
www.sandsprecision.com/modular-flotation/dry-bag
The Department of Defense made the following announcement:
Patriot3 Inc., Fredericksburg, Virginia (H92240-22-D-0008), was awarded a $10,000,000 maximum ceiling value, single award, firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with an ordering period of up to five years for the acquisition of Patriot3 Inc. Jet Boots Dive Propulsion System(s) (JBDPS), JBDPS parts, and JBDPS repair/maintenance and training. Fiscal 2022 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $110,000 are being obligated at the time of award. The majority of the work will be performed in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by fiscal 2027. This is a sole source contract under the authority of Federal Acquisition Regulation 6-302-1. U.S. Special Operations Command, Tampa, Florida, is the contracting activity.
The system uses low noise brushless motors and Lithium-Ion Batteries to achieve powerful propulsion at very low total system weight.
The Colorado-based manufacturer of lightweight and packable inflatable packrafts, Kokopelli, has returned its full Kevlar X-Series Packrafts. Available again with a re-launch of the Nirvana Self-Bailing X and Rogue-Lite X.
Designed as packrafts, the X-Series boats offer the best of both worlds, being stronger than their TPU constructed packrafts and lighter than the PVC ones while adding the DuPont Kevlar used for the flooring into the sidewalls for increased durability, rigidity and strength.
Kokopelli has also included Leafield D7 valves, used on most commercial whitewater rafts, and an automatic pressure relief valve to ensure proper PSI remains ideal regardless of the water conditions.
Consumers can add TiZip storage, allowing inner pontoon access to keep essential gear dry for multi-day trips. The Rogue-Lite X compresses down to the size of a paper towel roll, while the Nirvana Self-Bailing X can roll into the size of a sleeping bag with a class I-IV rating on rivers.
“The X-series boats truly elevate packrafts to a whole new level. Never before has there been such a perfect mix of durability, packability and performance in a lightweight package,” said Kokopelli General
Manager Jeff Popp. With these boats, you get similar durability to a hard-shell kayak at a fraction of the weight. The added ability to pack it and take it places you’d never be able to take a kayak is icing on the cake.”
The D7 valves on these boats also include a lifetime warranty, while the TiZip zipper includes a one-year warranty.
“As a whitewater kayaker, this is the closest performance to a traditional hard shell I’ve ever experienced, and I can put it in my backpack,” said Zach Patterson of Kokopelli.
For more product information, go here.
