SureFire

Archive for the ‘Mobility’ Category

You Need A Halftrack In Your Life

Wednesday, February 27th, 2019

Are you planning for the Armageddon, the impending Second Civil War of Blue vs. Red, and/or World War III: The Final Battle against the Soviet Machine? YES!

Do you need something that is not susceptible to EMP interference? YES!

Does it need to be Armored, tracked, and capable of mounting weapons? YES!

Does it need to be available now? YES YES YES! You cannot plan too early.

THESE M3 HALF TRACKS HAVE EVERYTHING YOU ARE LOOKING FOR. GET THOSE TAX RETURN CHECKS READY!

controlleddynamicsgroup.com

Mack Defense Enters Production Vehicle Testing Phase of Heavy Dump Truck Contract

Friday, February 22nd, 2019

ALLENTOWN, PA (Feb. 18, 2019) – Mack Defense recently started production of five Mack® Granite®-based M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks (HDT) as part of the Production Vehicle Testing (PVT) phase of its $296 million contract with the U.S. Army for armored and armor-capable HDTs. Once completed, the trucks will enter 40 weeks of rigorous durability testing at the U.S. Army’s Aberdeen Test Center this summer.

“Our production team and suppliers are excited to begin building these next generation HDTs for the U.S. Army,” said David Hartzell, president of Mack Defense. “We’re confident the M917A3 will provide the Army the legendary durability and toughness Mack customers have come to depend on.”

Seeking the next generation of M917 vehicles to offer increased protection levels, higher payload and improved mobility, the U.S. Army solicited bids for new HDTs in June 2017. The contract, awarded to Mack Defense in May 2018, allows for Mack Defense to produce armor-capable or armored HDTs with deliveries through May 2025. The trucks will increase operational effectiveness and readiness, and will support mobility, counter mobility, survivability and sustainment operations for the Joint Forces in areas of the world with austere infrastructures and little or no host nation support.

“We have had regular meetings with our U.S. Army partners in preparation for the PVT phase of the contract, and we look forward to providing a tough, dependable truck that will meet their requirements,” said Jack Terefinko, HDT program manager for Mack Defense.

Based on the civilian Mack Granite model, Mack Defense engineers optimized the M917A3 HDT to meet the current needs of the U.S. Army, while allowing for evolving requirements and future growth. With heavier-duty rear axles, all-wheel drive and increased suspension ride height, the M917A3 is capable of meeting the demanding payload and mobility requirements set by the U.S. Army HDT program.

www.mackdefense.com

Brigantes Presents – High Angles Solutions – Black Crows Orb Freebird Militairi Review: (with a Touring binding set up)

Wednesday, February 20th, 2019

The Militairi ski is a great Intermediate/advanced touring ski. Within the Touring category it is an ‘all-rounder’; at 91mm underfoot it is light and manoeuvrable both up and downhill and the surface area gives enough float in soft snow. At 179cm long it is a good compromise of manoeuvrability and speed. With a turn radius of 18m it is turns quicker than your average stiffer ski.

The main differences (other than the colour) between the Militairi and standard Orb Freebird is the full titanial plate and thicker edges. The full-length plate makes the ski 5% stiffer which gives it more strength and helps military users who are carrying more weight on their backs; it should prevent bindings being ripped out of the ski. It also helps the ski punch through in changeable snow conditions. The thicker edges make the ski tougher preventing less edges being popped and gives the ski more edge tuning and longevity. 

When skied the Militairi ski has slightly more grunt than the civilian Orb Freebird, it needs to be pushed to get the most out of it; passenger skiers should treat with care.

The stiffer titanial plate on the Militairi gives it more torsional rigidity which allows it to perform well when carved on piste and gives it more pop in fresh snow. The stiffer tails should be respected, back seated skiers may find that the ski propels them forward, which can be a positive for advanced skiers but not so much for nervous beginners. The stiffer plate does make the ski more responsive on short terms and there is no chatter at high speeds like on the standard Orb Freebird. 

In summary, a ski that will please a lot of people as it punches well above its weight category in terms of downhill performance and yet is light and nimble on the uphill.

Reviewed by Ben Shephard – BASI ski instructor and ex Army Alpine Ski Racer.

Jankel achieves ‘production ready’ status from its Middle Eastern production facility of their latest generation HUNTER Tactical Intervention Vehicle (TIV)

Thursday, February 14th, 2019

World-class specialist in design and production of high-specification armoured vehicles and survivability systems, Jankel, has announced the achievement of ‘production ready’ status for their latest generation HUNTER Tactical Intervention Vehicle (TIV) in preparation for the imminent manufacture of another major order from an undisclosed customer in the Asia Pacific region. The vehicles will be built at JLVM, Jankel’s Jordanian facility, a Joint Venture with KADDB. This announcement coincides with IDEX 2019 taking place 17-21 February at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), where Jankel is exhibiting on stand number 05-C09.  

Jankel’s focus for IDEX will be further sales of their Counter Terror and Special Forces vehicles to complement their numerous vehicle fleets already in service in the Middle East. Jankel will also be promoting their survivability systems, including their range of BLASTech mitigation seats.

This latest order for the HUNTER TIV has been re-engineered to have increased internal and stowage capacity. The vehicle has also received automotive improvements to meet the exact specifications demanded by the customer, delivering versatility, maneuverability and protection for Internal Security missions.

 

Jankel has enjoyed considerable success in the Middle and Far Eastern regions in recent years. The establishment of the JLVM Joint Venture in Jordan has enabled regional manufacture of vehicles to meet the demanding environmental and capability requirements of this wider geographical area. To date, Jankel has over 350 vehicles in service across 11 countries in the Middle East and neighbouring regions, as well as an established and comprehensive support services network that expands across 14 different regional sites, ensuring the customer can always maximise the capability on offer.  

 

Dan Crosby, Commercial Director at Jankel said: “The Middle and Far Eastern regions continue to be strategically important markets for Jankel and we are glad to announce that we’re ready to put the latest generation HUNTER TIV into volume production for the first time. We’re proud of the fact that we can build vehicles in the region using our Jordanian facility and sell to surrounding countries and the wider-reaching markets beyond”.  He added: “IDEX is an important show for us that will provide Jankel with an excellent opportunity to network further and showcase our products to countries that would not normally be so easy to reach.”

www.jankel.com

Jankel Announces Another Contract Award to Supply Blast Attenuation Seats to US MRAP Manufacturer

Monday, February 11th, 2019

World-class specialist in design and production of high-specification armored vehicles and survivability systems, US-based Jankel Tactical Systems, has been awarded 3 contracts to supply their BLASTech mitigation seats to a US based MRAP provider. The contracts have a multi-million dollar combined value. This announcement coincides with the Tactical Wheeled Vehicle Conference (TWVC), taking place in Monterey, California, 03-05 February 2019.

Jankel Tactical Systems is the market’s most well-established Blast Attenuating Seat leader in North America. Under these contracts, Jankel will be delivering MK 2.5 BLASTech X900194 commander seats and X900003 troop seats in support of MRAP based programs. Jankel is pleased to continue to support the survivability upgrade on these tactical wheeled vehicles that have now had Jankel’s MK 2.5 seats fitted for almost a decade. These latest orders will be delivered by the middle of the 2019 calendar year.

Jankel will be attending the TWVC in preparation for the release of its latest and most advanced MK 4.0 BLASTech blast mitigating seating line.  The MK 4.0 will feature the same battle-proven mitigation technology that has made Jankel the market leader in blast mitigation seating.  The new seats have been developed to be lighter in weight making them more suitable for the current evolving tactical wheeled vehicle market.  Jankel also expect the new MK 4.0 seat to be more competitive in terms of price than the existing MK 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5 designs, while delivering increased capability. 

Cody Baker, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Jankel Tactical Systems said: “The USA continues to be a strategically important market for Jankel and we are glad to announce these new contracts with a long-standing customer, further developing an already strong supplier relationship with one of the biggest defense vehicle manufacturers in the USA.”  He added: “The TWVC event will provide Jankel with an excellent opportunity to network further with other global OEMs operating in the sector as we work towards the launch of our new MK 4.0 seat.”

www.jankel.com

The Armored Group, LLC Introduces its Newest Vehicle, the Terrier Armored Personnel Carrier

Thursday, January 31st, 2019

New Terrier APC features the highest level of personnel protection and unparalleled mobility in any climate or setting

(Phoenix, AZ – (January 28, 2019) The Armored Group, LLC (TAG), a leading worldwide provider of armored vehicles, has just introduced its newest law enforcement vehicle, the Terrier APC. The Terrier APC developed by the TAG Research and Development Team, offers a large payload capacity for its size as well as the highest level of protection for a vehicle in its class and price range with STANAG II applique option. The vehicle will be used by military, police, SWAT, regional response teams and non-governmental organizations.

The Terrier APC holds up to eight officers (2+6 in individual MIL-STD seats); the optional bench seat can accommodate up to ten officers (2+8) depending on the size of operators and amount of gear. The vehicle was designed with the end-users in mind; to protect those who are in dangerous operational environments.

Terrier APC Features:

Some of the key features of the Terrier APC model include:
• Full Protection against Kinetic Energy Weapons conforming to STANAG 4569 Level 1
• Heavy Duty Suspension & Axles
• Upgraded Tires & Brakes (for better off-road capability)
• Category-Leading Ground Clearance
• UK Military Grade Locks & Heavy-Duty Hinges
• Conveniently Placed High Visibility Gun Ports
• 3 Doors and Roof Escape Hatch
• Crew Cab or 5 Door Option
• 5100kg Curb Weight (Standard Protection); 1000kg Payload; 6100kg Combat Weight
• Modern LED Headlights & Standard Military Convoy Lights
• 5-Speed Manual Transmission
• Diesel 195 HP High Sulfur 1VD-FTV Toyota 4.5L V8
• NATO Standard Slave Starting System
• TAG Exclusive Flip Forward Armored Front Clip System
• Hydraulically Assisted Recirculating Ball Steering
• Rear HVAC System as standard
• Auxiliary service battery with smart isolator switch and battery monitor

Optional Equipment Includes:
• Additional parking AC powered by external 120 / 220VAC while the engine is off
• Public address system
• Acoustic deterring LRAD system
• Intercom
• Alternator upgrade
• Blast attenuating seats
• Interior weapon mounts
• VHF/UHF communication system; MF/HF communications system
• GPS
• DVR
• GSM-based live video monitoring system
• Tracking system (depends on deployment region)
• Smoke grenade launchers
• Multiple launch systems for smoke grenades
• Roof turret with a ring bearing and split hatch
• Remote controlled weapon station
• Gunshot detection system
• Remote controlled searchlights
• Forward-looking thermal camera
• Reverse day/night camera
• Perimeter day/night cameras
• Outboard telescopic mast
• IR driving and convoy lights
• Overpressure air filtration system
• Semi-automatic tire inflation system
• Ballistic protection upgrade to STANAG 4569 Level 2
• Fire suppression systems
• Power inverters
• Winch
• Ballistic skip round shields
• Emergency lighting systems
• Interior compartment additional cooling fans
• Computer workstations
• Rescue medic/trauma pack with backboard/litter

Terrier APC:

The Terrier APC is built using a reinforced/militarized Toyota VDJ79 truck chassis, and COTS components. The vehicle can be built to B6, NIJ-III or STANAG 4569 Level 1 ballistic protection standards and is powered by a 195 HP high sulfur 1VD-FTV Toyota 4.5L V8 diesel and readily available in LHD and RHD configurations. Using upgraded axles, clutch and a reinforced frame as well as oversized super single wheels, the vehicle offers excellent mobility and a high payload capacity making it a superior choice in a variety of dangerous scenarios.

“The new Terrier APC offers the highest level of protection in combat and fire support situations and in mission-specific transport and logistics roles.  The Terrier APC is an extremely versatile vehicle with numerous optional upgrades, so agencies requiring the vehicle can customize it to truly meet their individual needs,” said Robert Pazderka, President and Founder of TAG. “Because of its availability and price, it is a smart, effective option for agencies that need to keep their teams safe and secure in dangerous situations.”

For more information, please visit www.armoredcars.com.

SHOT Show 19 – ADS Inc Exhibits Mistral’s DS Raider

Tuesday, January 29th, 2019

Designed to enhance mobility over rough terrain’ Mistral’s DS Raider is an electric four-wheeled scooter.

The DS Raider weighs 154 lbs with a deck 26 in wide. It will carry up to two fully equipped passengers (463 lbs) and features high torque electric motors and patented suspension system for off-road use. An optional motorized trailer will accommodate an additional 1,000 lbs of cargo. The top speed is 43 mph, with a range of 43 miles.

The Mistral DS Raider is available for unit and agency orders from www.adsinc.com.

Army Begins Fielding Joint Light Tactical Vehicle

Friday, December 28th, 2018

In 2008, I worked on a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle proposal. Over a decade later, the Army will begin fielding this vehicle which took lessons learned from the Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) systems fielded beginning in 2007, and applied them to a replacement for the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV).

Based on a recent Army Systems Acquisition Review Council decision, the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division will Ve the first unit equipped and should receive it’s full complement of about 500 new JLTVs by the end of March 2019.

In a recent Army press release, COL Mike Adams, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team commander said, “We are very excited to get these trucks into the hands of our Soldiers. It’s an honor to be chosen as the first unit to receive such an improved capability, and I look forward to getting it into our formations.”

Overall, the Army plans to field 49,099 vehicles across its Active, Reserve, and National Guard components, and the Marine Corps more than 9,000. The Air Force will also field the JLTV.

The JLTV will be fielded in two variants and four mission package configurations: General Purpose, Close Combat Weapons Carrier, Heavy Guns Carrier, and a Utility vehicle.