TYR Tactical

Archive for the ‘Recce’ Category

N-Vision Optics Releases NVAT at SHOT

Wednesday, January 14th, 2009

N-vision Optics NVAT

At Shot Show 2009 N-Vision Optics will introduce a back-up iron sight compatible NVAT (Night Vision Adapter for TwistMount) which is an adapter that enables the rifleman to easily switch between his Aimpoint® 3 x Mag or Concealed Engagement Unit (CEU) and the AN/PVS-14 night vision monocular. NVAT Adapters allow for the AN/PVS-14 night vision monocular (or compatible) to snap on directly to the Aimpoint® TwistMountâ„¢ Base in place of the 3XMag or CEU. N-Vision is offering two models: the NVAT, compatible with all back-up iron sights, and the super light weight low profile NVAT-LT. Mounts are made in the USA out of aircraft grade 6061-T6 aluminum and Mil-Spec hard coated (Type 3, Black). They will be conducting live demonstrations at N-Vision Optics’ Booth number 9542. For those of you who can’t attend, check out the video at: www.nvisionoptics.com/twistmountvideo/.

Photo from N-Vision Optics LLC.

Bushnell Backtrack GPS Receiver

Friday, November 28th, 2008

New from Bushnell Outdoors comes the Backtrack, a new take on GPS receivers. Intended as a low cost alternative to more complicated GPS systems, simplicity was key in it’s design. The Backtrack stores up to three locations and uses an onboard digital compass to guide you back to one of the stored points. The device has only two buttons. Simply turn it on and then mark a point such as your truck on a hunting trip. In the event you need to return to a stored point, the Backtrack will give you a direction and distance to the waypoint. Our only concern for military use with this device is that there is no simple way to zeroize it on the event of capture. However, it is a simple and inexpensive GPS receiver for many applications and would not only be a good choice for personnel who would not normally have access to a GPS receiver but also for use off-duty or for family members when away from home.

Bushnell Backtrack GPS Reciever

The Backtrack uses two AAA batteries and contains a SiRF Star III GPS receiver chip. It can be dummy corded utilizing the integral lanyard loop and comes in Yellow, Green, Woodland, Grey, and Pink.

To order visit Bushnell.

Photo from Bushnell.

BattleLab Optics Bags with or without Laptop Insert

Sunday, September 28th, 2008

Over the past few months we have published articles on equipment designed for reconnaissance and surveillance operations. This type of work generally requires quite a bit of communications and electronics that can be vulnerable to environmental conditions if not stored properly. Diamondback Tactical’s BattleLab division has a couple of pack inserts designed specifically for this mission set called the Optics Bag and it comes with or without a laptop insert. One is for optics only, the second for optics with the addition of a padded computer sleeve.

DBT BattleLab Optics Bag

The Optics Bags are padded bags and constructed of 1000D nylon with YKK brand zippers. Modular in design, the user can configure the bag to fit his specific equipment such as laptops, night vision systems, telephoto lenses and cameras or optical recording devices. The lid features four zippered pockets including a utility pocket, a large mesh pocket for storing small objects and two clear plastic pouches for storing items that need extra protection. The Optics Bag is also available with an external padded computer sleeve on the lid.

Each insert is specifically designed to fit into a BattleLab SOF Assault Pack or the BattleLab Jumpable Backpack but can also be used as a stand alone bag. The insert features a grab handle to facilitate movement.

To order go to Diamondback Tactical.

Photo courtesy of Diamondback Tactical.

Cadex Inc. – Surveillance Tools

Friday, September 12th, 2008

Cadex Defence

You might think Cadex stands for Canadian Excellence once you get your hands on some of their kit. They have been building specialized equipment for some of the most exclusive customers in North America for some time and now they want to offer their products to a wider audience.

Of particular interest are the Modular Surveillance Rail and Spotting Scope Inverter. There seems to be quite a few companies coming out with similar products, but there are the real deal. They are actively in use by various organizations.

MODULAR SURVEILLANCE RAIL

Cadex Surveillance Rail - Complete

It has been in production for around 2 years and was developed so a surveillance or sniper team could decrease the amount of gear they needed to carry by integrating a team’s organic equipment such as the same night vision (UNS) that you would mount on your rifle as well as using your spotting scope instead of purchasing (and carrying) specialized camera lenses.

Cadex Surveillance Rail - Day

Cadex is an interesting fusion of engineers, master machinists, and BTDTs. This team made sure all release buttons are easily manipulated in extreme environments such as cold weather and darkness and that every knob or adjustment wheel is pinned in place so you do not lose it by accident. The mount is CNCed from a billet of aluminum.

What’s really cool is that it mounts an M-4 rifle butt for added control in the prone. This also means it will mount to standard tripods or can be used with a front bipod and the quick detach M-4 butt.

Cadex Surveillance Rail - with stock attached

Everything is designed to be modular and you can quickly remove any component say for instance, if you need only the day optic or spotting scope, camera, etc.

Cadex also manufactures interface adapters for the camera and spotting scope/night sight so there are no light issues.

Cadex Surveillance Rail - Complete

Seen above is the Gen 1 model. Cadex is coming out with a GEN 2 that will have a universal camera mount in order to accommodate a wider range of cameras and night vision systems. They are also adding a Mil Std 1913 side rail for lasers, etc. The Gen 2 will be ready this fall.

SPOTTING SCOPE INVERTER

The spotting scope inverter has been in production for about 4 years and was designed to give the sniper a lower head position. Mil Std 1913 side rails were added to accommodate IR lasers for identifying targets. The trick to the inverter was was to make one unit that fit the three different models (seen below) that Leupold made over the last couple of years.

Leupold Spotting Scopes

They also designed a bow in the rails to prevent any loosening or shaking.

Cadex Spotting Scope Inverter

Cadex is constantly improving their products based on feedback from their customers and will be releasing a new inverter in a couple of weeks that mounts an UNS in front of the scope.

Go to Cadex Defence to check out their line of products. They are constantly updating their product line so if you have specific requirements contact them directly.