Apparently, ’tis the season to upgrade websites. Fortunately, all of the ones we have seen are very well done and the new site from Excalibur Products is no exception. We have mentioned their packs in the past and they also offer a couple of sleep system options but according to the main graphic on the new site, they have quite a bit on their plate and we are looking forward to seeing some more of their products.
www.excaliburproductsgroup.com
The new Mk 4 Osprey body armor is a huge evolutionary step for the British Soldier and will make its combat debut this Fall in Afghanistan on the backs of the 16th Air Assault Brigade.
In addition to better protection, some of the improvements over the current version include non-skid shoulders, the plate is now carried in a pocket inside the vest making it less bulky, and has a new ribbed material lining to improve breathability.
The Osprey Mk 4 also integrates even more PALS webbing than its predecessor and will be issued with 23 pouches which include:
* 3 x SA80 single magazine
* 4 x SA80 double magazine
* 3 x single SA80 magazine with elastic pull-cord
* 2 x smoke grenade
* 2 x anti-personnel grenade
* sharpshooter magazine
* utility
* water bottle
* light machine gun magazine – 100 round
* first aid kit
* 2 x 9mm pistol magazine
* underslung grenade launcher – 8 round
* commander’s pouch
The photo is a great comparison shot from the Osprey Mk 3 and desert DPM to the new Mk 4 and Crye Precision developed Multi Terrain Pattern combat uniform. Armor that is actually fielded will also be in MTP.
Bulldog Equipment is poised to launch a sister company; Venom Industries, LLC. Their first group of products will be called the Cobra series and they recently gave Soldier Systems Daily a sneak peek. Their debut is the Cobra Concealment Pouch which will soon be joined by a Bag as well as a Pack. The Cobra Concealment Pouch is ambidextrous and will conceal a full sized pistol or other items attached to the interior of the front flap on a Velcro grid. Additionally, there is a GP pocket behind the main flap. The pouch is designed to connect to a PALS grid via MALICE clips or similar attachment media. Available soon.
I am very excited about this for a couple of reasons. For one thing, they will be introducing several new products into the market but they also are going to use Venom as a vehicle to offer Bulldog Equipment to civilians. As always their web address remains www.bulldogequipment.us. Look for a new web site soon for Venom Industries.
Somehow this baby slipped below our RADAR but it is definitely worth taking a look at if you are fortunate enough to be issued the Harris AN/PRC-117G but are saddled with the issue bag. It is designed to be worn with the removable shoulder straps or attached directly to the back of armor or load bearing vest with the integrated PALS compatible attachment system. Additionally, the body features PALS webbing so that radio accessories can be attached to the bag.
The PRC-117G Assault Bag is available in Black, Coyote, Ranger Green, UCP, and MultiCam from Mayflower.
Bulldog Equipment offers an entire line of Berry Compliant tactical nylon. One of their latest products is a pouch for the AN/PRC-148 Multiband Inter/Intra Team Radio (MBITR).
What makes Bulldog’s offering unique is that it is designed to have the radio pulled away from the body to facilitate manipulation of the controls. The radio is pulled forward so all you do is look down and you can see the face. Additionally, the retention system keeps the radio attached even if the top buckle is undone. The pouch is PALS compatible but can also be belt mounted.
To order visit www.bulldogequipment.us.
The Tactical Tailor is revamping much of their line in addition to launching new items. The Low Profile Armor Carrier (L.P.A.C.) is just such a product. The slim and lightweight design of the LPAC was envisioned for those needing to don and remove their vest quickly or those needing the option of soft ballistic armor and hard plates without the extra weight of a larger tactical vest. The LPAC features Tactical Tailor’s safety features such as side entry system which ensures proper vest positioning for maximum protection as well as providing for quick vest removal in emergency situations.
Constructed from 1000D Cordura, the LPAC features padded shoulder straps with integrated microphone epaulets and a heavy duty drag handle. Internal pockets accommodate standard size plates as well as soft armor from most ballistic vests up to 17″ x 24″ front and 18″ x 22″ rear for Large/X-Large and 14†x 21†front and 16†x 20†rear for Small/Medium. Modular webbing on all sides allows for nearly unlimited options for attachment of MOLLE/PALS style equipment to meet almost any mission requirement. What’s more, the LPAC weighs in at an astounding 1.25 pounds empty.
Berry Compliant and available in Available in Black, Coyote Brown, Olive Drab and MultiCam from Tactical Tailor and their network of dealers.
215 Gear has just released new Horizontal and Vertical Shotgun Shell Holders. They provide a low-profile option to carry shotgun shells at the ready on any PALS equipped platform. Mil-spec elastic holds six shells on the Horizontal panel and five on the Vertical.
Both are available in Coyote and Black and Berry Compliant (of course). Coming soon from 215 Gear or Grey Group Training.
