Natick has awarded BAE a contract for a unspecified number of Large Airborne MOLLE rucks. The packs which will be delivered in Coyote, will undergo testing by the US Marine Corps. The airborne pack is a modified version of the Large MOLLE intended for use by parachutists While no quantity of packs was specified in the award the number will be low as they are being used for testing and not fielding.
Details of the award can be found here.
Tactical Tailor introduces their new Elite Operator Series packs. These four new packs have been designed from the ground up combining new materials and features to give the user unsurpassed comfort and function. Best of all, these new packs come with a price tag that won’t break the bank, costing as little as half the price of similar packs.
Extended Range Operator
The Extended Range Operator pack’s large size and extensive list of features make it ideal for long missions or extended stays outdoors.
Modular Operator
The Modular Operator pack is comparable in size to a standard three day assault pack but with additional features that put it in a class of its own.
Urban Operator
The Urban Operator pack is the Tactical Tailor version of a standard day pack, but it is anything but standard. Built for comfort and durability, the pack will carry all your daily essentials.
Removable Operator
Designed as a ‘quick attach assault pack’, the Removable Operator pack is designed to attach to modular vests or larger packs, but also features hidden straps so it can be used on its own.
Tactical Tailor has been dropping not-so-subtle hints about their new Elite Operator series packs and they are finally here in their new catalog issued today. Also be sure to take a look at the Law Enforcement line which joins their full line of tactical products including armor systems. It’s a great catalog that becomes more of a resource than an ad. Not only does it feature a full NSN list of their products cross referenced to catalog page but TT has also included a guide for use of their patented MALICE Clip.
2010 Military & Law Enforcement Equipment Catalog
Last year we introduced readers to WL Gore’s proprietary camouflage pattern OPTIFADE Open Country pattern. This year they have introduced a new pattern; Forest which is specifically designed for tree stand hunting in wooded environments. Like the Big Game/Open Country pattern, the new Big Game/Forest pattern is based on how deer see, both spatially and colorimetrically. Incorporating both micro and macro patterns, the unique micro-pattern considers the way a deer or other ungulate perceives color, the ratio of positive to negative space and other visual elements to create an effect that allows the hunter to blend with the animal’s perception of the environment. Whereas, the macro-pattern breaks up the symmetry of the human body so that if a hunter is detected, the animal will not be able to identify the hunter as a predator.
As a bit of a side note, while WL Gore has shown the patterns at military trade shows to gauge interest they have been quite adamant that they are not for use by military forces and furthermore that they are not at work developing a military pattern. Interestingly, their partners in development of both of these patterns have been Guy Cramer and Lt Col Tim O’Neil both well known for the introduction of numerous military patterns into the market. Regardless, the science behind OPTIFADE is solid and now there are two options available for outdoorsmen depending on environment.
OPTIFADE clothing in both patterns is available from Sitka which was recently purchased by WL Gore. Packs in OPTIFADE can also be purchased from Mystery Ranch.
Go anywhere in the developing world and you are going to run across the RPG-7 or one of its clones. Up until now, if you needed to schlep its rockets around you were stuck with a rather spartan and often poorly made backpack. Notice I said, “Up until now” because Blackheart International has just released three new backpacks designed specifically for RPG ammo. These days, when I think about Soviet bloc weapons I think about Blackheart. They have really gone all out to develop effective training materials as well as identify accessories for small arms. Now that they have turned their attention to the RPG-7 you can carry it with ease. The packs all take their basic design from the issue items but let’s face it. The launchers themselves aren’t the paragon of manufacturing excellence and the backpacks were almost an afterthought. On the other hand, the new BHI packs will stay secured and not soak up water like a sponge as the older “issue” packs are known to do. You can see the three models in the photo below.
RPG Rocket Quiver This pack will hold two fully assembled rockets complete with attached boosters and the flap secured!
RPG Gunner Backpack This pack has four compartments that will hold two rocket main bodies and two separate boosters.
RPG Assistant Gunner Backpack This version holds three rocket main bodies and three boosters.
Internal configurations vary but regardless of pack model rockets and boosters are secure via a tri-fold flap system and the outer closure relies on the dependable, yet simple staple fastener closure used by the Spanish Army for for over twenty years. A modernized version of the non-mechanical closure used on the US M1956 ammo pouch, you simply pull the tab and it comes open. Additionally, an oil bottle/spare parts pouch is found inside the top flap. In addition to padded shoulder straps the packs all feature sternum and waist belts to help stabilize the load while moving rapidly under fire. They are available in Black, OD Green, Coyote and UCP.
To order visit www.BHIgear.com.
It was great to see Kifaru Tactical exhibiting at SHOT Show. In addition to their currently offered products, Kifaru was quite bold about showing off their prototype Outside The Wire bag. Mel had told me about the concept over the phone a few months ago and I immediately thought of an old school doctor’s bag. Sure enough, when I saw it in person visions of Doc Adams from TV’s “Gunsmoke” immediately came to mind.
The advantages are obvious. It’s dimensions are perfect and a lot of work went into getting them right. It will also stand on its own without fall over whether empty or full. Additionally, the stiffened flaps open and close with ease and features dual, stowable handles. Finally, it is large enough so that you can see into it to find what you are looking for.
