32 North has introduced new versions of their popular STABILicers that fit Vapor Barrier (VB or Bunny) Boots, Mukluks and issue combat boots, including cold weather models. These are critical for areas with ice, helping you stay on your feet.
These new models are available for unit and agency purchase exclusively through ADS.
In this video, Giovani from Local Motors gave an update on the company’s enhancements to the Kawasaki Teryx 750cc for the purpose of the Army CoCreate Make-a-Thon. CoCreate is a Rapid Equipping Force-sponsored crowd sourcing effort that nominates operational challenges and works to fulfill those shortfalls with a material solution.
The goal of the Make-a-Thon was to develop a Mobile Command Post that supports dismounted soldier operations. Two Make-a-Thons were held for the MCP: the first, held December 9th-13th of last year, was for design concepts and first iteration prototyping. The second, which took place January 13th-16th, was held to further refine the community-developed design of the MCP.
Army CoCreate is an online community developed by Local Motors and the Army Rapid Equipping Force (REF).
BTW, nice shirt Giovanni.
For kids, the dark was always been thought of as scary and symbolized the unknown. The “Night Stalker” is an incredibly new concept Jeep created by Starwood Motors of Dallas, Texas. Starwood Motors has made a name for it’s self with creating jaw-dropping custom Jeeps that are recognized all over the world and now they’ve partnered with US Night Vision & Kryptek Outdoor to create one of the most outstanding Jeep projects to ever see the light of day…or the darkness of night. Night Stalker will be debuted at SHOT Show 2014 in US Night Vision Booth 20105.
The Sportsman WV850 H.O. from Polaris is based on their MV850 which has been a military-only ATV. It is the first commercially available offering of the TerrainArmor™ non-pneumatic tires. It also incorporates an upgraded shock package and 600-lbs capacity steel racks. The Sportsman also incorporates Electronic Power Steering and a 11.75 gal. fuel capacity. The liquid cooled, 850cc 4-Stroke SOHC Twin Cylinder features electric fuel injection. It’s even offered in Avalanche Grey!
www.polaris.com/en-us/atv-quad/atvs/sportsman-wv850-ho-avalanche-gray/features
One of the unsung heroes of the recent AUSA expo in Washington, DC was Boeing’s Phantom Badger Internally Transportable Vehicle. This high performance combat support vehicle features interchangeable mission modules and was specifically designed to fit in the Bell-Boeing V-22 and other aircraft.
The first thing that impressed me about Phantom Badger is that it can be configured for a wide range of Special Operations missions not possible with existing vehicles. Its rear section is modular and specialized payloads can be changed quickly with simple tools to support a wide range of missions including special reconnaissance, casualty transport, direct action and combat search and rescue.
Boeing partnered with MSI Defense Solutions, a North Carolina-based company with significant experience in the automotive industry and a rich history with NASCAR to develop the Phantom Badger’s shocks and suspension. Those hydraulic and suspension systems are essential to protecting the crew. One of the drawbacks to many existing combat vehicles is that the ride can cause passengers to experience physical exhaustion, a condition often referred to as “battle rattle.”
One of the coolest features of this vehicle is its four-wheel steering. With the flip of a switch both front and rear wheels can be steered in order to really tighten the turn radius. Phantom Badger is also all-wheel drive and can traverse 60 percent inclines and ford through nearly three feet of water. This climbing capability is critical to rapidly enter and exit a V-22 Osprey with its challenging break over angle that keeps other vehicles from driving right in. Naturally, it can also easily fit in other aircraft with larger cabins, such as the CH-47, C-130 and C-17.
To test its capabilities, engineers took it four-wheeling in North Carolina, and off-roading at the punishing test ranges of the Nevada Automotive Test Center southeast of Reno. NATC has access to in house facilities as well as access to nearby lands that replicate virtually any driving environment on earth.
“There is a distinct need for a reliable combat vehicle that can be deployed from the V-22, and Phantom Badger exceeds that need,” said John Chicoli, Boeing program manager for the V-22 Internally Transportable Vehicle (ITV) program. “We listened very closely to the customer, and every element on the vehicle was integrated with the warfighter’s specific input.”
While the vehicle’s performance is impressive, I think that the cooperative development that took place here between industry and Government customer is what really struck me. It’s just something that is uncommon these days, particularly with large defense contractors. The level of interaction with the end user is commendable and I’d say that the user community was a real partner in the Phantom Badger’s development.
To view a video of the Phantom Badger visit www.boeing.com
General Characteristics:
Top Speed: Approximately 80 mph (paved surface)
Mobility: 35” BF Goodrich all terrain mud tires, all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering
Engine: Commercial, multi-fuel, 240 HP
Range: Approximately 450 miles
Turning radius: 25 feet
Fording: Able to cross water nearly 3 feet deep
Payload: More than 3,000 pounds
Modularity: Phantom Badger features customizable rear sections that can support a wide range of critical mission profiles such as reconnaissance, explosive ordnance disposal, mounted weaponry, combat search and rescue, and even casualty transport for several critically injured warfighters.
Common Parts: Many key items like tires, hydraulic pumps, bolts, winches are already in the motor pool supply system for easy and affordable maintenance
Transportability: Internally Transportable Vehicle in the V-22 Osprey and other aircraft
Boeing also featured a great background story in a recent issue of “Frontiers.”
Granted, it was a contender for SOCOM’s CV-22 Internally Transportable Vehicle and was not selected. But it wasn’t built specifically for that requirement. In fact, the Phantom Badger has already seen service with select DoD users. The bottom line is that Boeing has an off-the-shelf, combat proven, modular, Internally Transportable Vehicle for the V22 and CH47 aircraft. It is unlike anything else on the market.
For more information about Phantom Badger, please contact: John Chicoli at John.A.Chicoli@boeing.com.
We stopped by Revision and they showed us a couple of technologies that they are adapting for use in USSOCOM’s TALOS (Tactical Assault Lightweight Operator Suit) program. The Prowler was developed with Canadian firm B-tema and serves as a lower extremity enhancement exoskeleton. Revision is also working to offer armor panels for the Prowler that will protect the legs and in particular the femoral artery from threats.
“Revision is committed to developing next generation Soldier protection. Two key technology programs that were launched at AUSA this year are the ‘Advanced Head Protection System (AHPS),’ and the ‘Prowler Human Augmentation,’ system.
The AHPS is a rifle round stopping helmet, with full maxillo facial protection, integrated electronics, integrated heads up display to Android, and pneumatic liner system that meets the new 14.1 fps impact requirement. The AHPS was developed in concert with the US Army Labs Natick.
The Prowler, is Revision’s Human Augmentation device. It increases a soldiers metabolic reserve while preventing short and long term injuries. The Prowler allows our soldiers to be more lethal on the objective while increasing deployability through reduced injury. The Prowler, has been tested by SOCOM and CANSOFCOM, and is under contract with the US Army Labs Natick. Shown to provide a 33% mechanical advantage, the Prowler proves to be the next human augmentation system.
Both systems are continuing to be innovated in support of several DoD and international programs as well as SOCOM’s TALOS program.”
Revision also showed us their .30 protective helmet solution that was originally developed for the US Army but is being adapted to the TALOS requirement. The Advanced Head Protection System will incorporate a .30 protective mandible and visor as well as the pneumatic, adjustable padding system and dual ratchet-style adjustment already available from Revision.
