XC3 Weaponlight

Archive for the ‘Materials’ Category

Threads

Saturday, October 1st, 2011

“Threads” is a clothing and equipment newsletter published by the Australian Department of Defence for industry. It is a great resource for keeping up with the latest in Australian initiatives. One interesting article confirms that the Australians are going to domestically manufacture their recently adopted Operational Combat Uniforms consisting of consists of four different garments: Field Shirt, Field Pants, Combat Shirt and Combat Pants designed by Crye Precision. The article also verifies that these will be printed in a new Australian variant of the MultiCam pattern. Hopefully, these will be manufactured from the latest version of TenCate’s FR Defender-M fabric rather than going back to the non-FR twill that some in Australia’s opposition political party have called for after some durability issues were noted with an older version of Defender-M. This new fabric adopted last year by the USMC and recently by the US Army features twice the tear strength of the version used in the last round of OCUs.

Threads No19

For the access to full library visit www.defence.gov.au/dmo/news/threads/.

MDM – TenCate (MARPAT-Woodland FROG)

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

We’ve mentioned it exists and here’s a shot of the new MARPAT-Woodland variant of FROG.

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It’s made from TenCate’s latest Defender-M twill fabric that offers twice the tear strength of the material used just 14 months ago.

TacHacker – National Molding New Products

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

National Molding 2011 New Products

National Molding has added several new buckles to their Duraflex line. Additionally, they have added a feature on their website to allow individuals to purchase the Duraflex line.

www.nationalmolding.com

MDM – WL Gore

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

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Reversible camouflage has been done in the past but not utilizing waterproof breathable membranes like GORE-TEX. WL Gore has developed a proof of concept that takes the current APECS garments to the next level. Retaining the 3-layer membrane construction, Gore replaced the tricot liner material with another DWR coated face fabric. Additionally, the actual membrane is a new version designed specifically to provide symmetrical performance no matter which way the clothing is worn. What’s more, by combining a couple of garment design tricks to ensure pockets are accessible no matter which pattern side is showing along with printed lightweight seam tape, they have been able to cut the weight of the garment itself.

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Additionally, by combining two different garments into one, one set becomes redundant and can be cut from the clothing bag. Not only does this make the gear more versatile, but it will save money on several levels. Not only are there fewer garments to purchase overall but there are other intangible savings such as lower contracting requirements, warehousing, and transportation costs across the supply chain as well as once issued.

New garments for use featuring not only MARPAT Woodland and Desert patterns, but also the Navy’s recently adopted NWU Type II and III would help save dollars as we move into a more resource constrained environment.

goremilitary.com

TacHacker – MultiCam Velcro Now in Stock at Supply Captain

Thursday, September 22nd, 2011

You’ve already seen MultiCam Velcro Loop on a variety of new products. Now, Supply Captain is stocking it in 1″, 2″, and 4″ widths. They are also stocking Tan 499 Velcro which is still the Mil-Spec for use with OCP. Get yours, and show us what you made with it.

www.supplycaptain.com

NTOA – Mayflower Research & Consulting

Monday, September 19th, 2011

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At NTOA’s annual meeting in Richmond, VA Mayflower Research & Consulting, LLC gave us a sneak peek of a version of their GEN IV UW Chest Rig manufactured from LiteLok, a material created by Glen Raven Technical Fabrics and offered in MultiCam by DURO Industries. Weighing 30% less than traditional 500D nylon, LiteLok offers outstanding abrasion resistance and is often seen in soft armor carriers.

The GEN IV carries 4 ea 5.56mm magazines, 2 pistol magazines, up to 2 small radios (PRC-152/MBITR) and also features 2 GP pockets.

http://www.mayflower-rc.org

TacHacker – Duro Overruns

Sunday, September 18th, 2011

Occasionally, we get inquiries from those looking for a few yards of this or that so that they can take on a do-it-yourself project. There are plenty of places to source fabric, but one that everyone who manufactures soft goods should check is Duro Textiles, LLC. They hold the license for MultiCam and print a wide variety of patterns on even more fabrics. Check this link for overrun offerings.

CamoScience App Makes Custom Precision Camo Design a Reality

Tuesday, September 13th, 2011

Soldier Systems Daily unveils exclusive photo evidence.

We have mentioned Special Operations Apps and their CamoScience app in the past. CamoScience is an App for Smart Devices like the iPhone 4/5 and IPad 2.

Interestingly, SOA contacted us after reading the recent article published last week here on SSD concerning NECC’s (Naval Expeditionary Combat Command) lack of an issue combat uniform and a version of what appears to be unique Navy DIY Camo. They provided these pictures as photo-evidence of a new solution for the unique requirements of expeditionary units like the NECC and SOF.

As you can see, MW R&D and Special Operations Apps have moved past the proof of concept phase by showing these first public photos of CamoScience App Designs being printed digitally-direct to fabric and using MW R&D’s proprietary processes.

This is a custom camouflage design made real by combining elements from:
-Smart Device
-Reliable Intel (GEOINT)
-Digitally Printing Direct-To-Fabric
-Just-In-Time Custom Manufacturing

According to the company’s President, K. Dominic Cincotti, MW R&D and SOA are in talks now with leading Tactical and Hunting/Outdoor Companies to utilize this new proprietary process. Cincotti is the inventor of Photographic/Camera derived Camouflage.

“The truly great thing about using our process and this App is that it would allow for SOF to make their own CAMO designs”, Cincotti said.

“Operators could use the latest technology, without having to rely on ‘CAMO Artists’, with little knowledge of SOF operational or tactical concerns. The App even converts photos to MilSpec colors if that need exists.”

In 2007 Photo-Realâ„¢ and Photo-Stealthâ„¢ camo debuted. They were printed onto special adhesive vinyls and applied to SOF hardware and equipment. In 2009 a unique grip was added to these technologies and was applied to weapons.

Today, Soldier Systems Daily received these first photos of this new type of camo, produced using completely digital means on textiles. According to the company, a wide range of textiles and fabrics can now be utilized. The printer applies the pattern directly to your grey goods.

SOA in association with MW R&D are now in beta-testing with new Apps for release this winter.

specialoperationsapps.com