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AUSA – Family of Tactical Headborne Systems from Revision Military

Tuesday, October 4th, 2016

At AUSA, Revision Military unveiled their new Family of Tactical Headborne Systems which they submitted in response to USSOCOM’s requirement for a Next-Generation Helmet Program. Seen below on a mannequin set up as a 21st Century SWCC Operator, the helmet is impressive.

The core of the system is a bump helmet which can be upgraded with an appliqué offering ACH-level 9mm ballistic performance. Below, you can see the system as it will most commonly be used.

Revision’s ballistic shell has approximately .5 lbs reduction in weight from the current helmet. The helmet is also upgradable to 7.62 rifle protection with a two piece appliqué. These photos depict how the appliqué attaches to the bump helmet.

In addition to the ballistic upgrades, Revision has instituted a five size approach versus the existing four currently available sizes. This results in a better fitting helmet.

Above, you can see the rear of the helmet.

In addition to the actual helmet, Revision has introduced several accessories which include:

Comfort ready liner with removable dial fit band

The removable dial fit band has been asked for by numerous users. The liner can be worn with integral over the head communications by removing the center set of pads as seen above, or the helmet’s rail can be fitted with rail adaptor Peltors.

Daytime visor (smoke/clear)

The visor mounts to the Night Vision Shroud.

Laser Enabled NVG Splash Shield

The Splash Shields attach to the NVGs and protect the eyes from debris and sea spray in a maritime environment. Revision also offers laser protective versions of the Splash Shield.

Bump and ballistic swing away mandible guard

The madible’s buckle is located at the rail. When disconnected, it swings out of the way.

Skeletonized rails for weight reduction

Notice the bungee for cable management.

www.revisionmilitary.com

Tags: Revision Military
Posted in AUSA, Helmets, PM-SOF, SOF | 14 Comments »

Remember Task Force Ranger And The Battle Of Mogadishu

Monday, October 3rd, 2016

Today actually marks two major anniversaries in the history of US Special Operations. First, is the creation of the 75th Ranger Regiment through the activation of its 3rd Battalion. It’s also the date of 1993’s Battle of Mogadishu during which, elements of TF Ranger which was deployed to Mogadishu, Somalia, conducted an operation on that city’s Olympic Hotel in order to capture key leaders of the Aidid Militia.

Unfortunately, during the exfil portion of the raid a battle ensued that claimed the lives of 18 Americans and wounded another 73. Additionally, CW3 Michael Durant was captured by the militia. Fortunately, Durant was later repatriated and went on to retire from the 160th. Of the men killed that day, two would be awarded the Medal of Honor, Delta Operators Gary Gordon and Randy Shughart for their selfless efforts to protect Durant after his aircraft, callsign Super 64 was shot down.

For those of you unfamiliar, one of the best accounts of the battle is contained in the book, “Blackhawk Down” by author Mark Bowden. Much of the information was serialized prior to the book’s publication in the Philadelphia Enquirer. Later this was made into a movie bearing the same name.

If you want to here more from a man that was there in the thick of it, check out Panteao Productions‘s “Battle of the Black Sea” featuring MSG Paul Howe (USA, Ret).

Please take a moment to remember these men and their sacrifice.

Posted in History, SOF | 12 Comments »

Revision Military Unveils Submission For SOCOM Next–Generation Helmet Program

Sunday, October 2nd, 2016

Tomorrow Revision Military will officially unveil its submission for USSOCOM’s Next–Generation Helmet Program, but you get a sneak peek here at SSD. If you’re attending AUSA be sure to stop by their booth and check it out.

Essex Junction, Vermont (October 3, 2016) – In July of this year, Revision Military, a world leader in head protection solutions, was awarded a development contract (H92222-16-R-0017) by the Department of Defense for their next-generation helmet platform program. Tomorrow, Revision will unveil its submission for this contract—Revision’s Family of Tactical Headborne Systems (FTHS). In fulfillment of the development contract, Revision has delivered several-hundred samples for testing.

Revision’s unique multipurpose helmet suite consists of Coastal Marine, Riverine, Ground Ballistic, and Ground Bump systems. Revision has also developed a new set of accessories that will be provided with the FTHS suite kits. These specially-designed accessories enhance the multiuse helmet systems for Boat, Vehicle, and HALO/HAHO, as well as mountain, river, and direct action operations.

The bump helmet Revision developed for the FTHS is the first bump helmet in the industry that can be can be ballistically-enabled with add-on armor, for blunt force and ballistic protection during specialty operations. This novel operational approach also reduces the neck load burden during highly dynamic operations while still providing the protection required to accomplish the mission. This, coupled with the skeletonization of all system components, has significantly reduced the overall weight compared to helmets on the market today.

“We can’t wait for the warfighter to get their hands on these helmets,” said Eric Hounchell, Vice President, Armor and Global Operations, Revision Military. “This is a very exciting opportunity for Revision, and this project continues to drive innovation within our Armor Business Unit. It’s a very aggressive program and I believe Revision has proven itself more than up to the challenge, building a full-suite, custom solution from the ground up. All of the significant resources at the company’s disposal were called upon to produce this cutting-edge helmet, resulting in a product that will give some of our country’s most elite forces the protection, versatility, and maneuverability they require for demanding operations. We firmly believe the solutions we’ve created here advance helmet technology as we know it.”

Revision was one of only three companies awarded a development contract. Revision will also be delivering several hundred systems to a third-party test lab to support witness testing. Overall, Revision’s FTHS also includes a headborne signature PSM (Personal Signature Management) package, blunt/ballistic mandibles, daytime visors, a NVG splash shield, and Revision’s new multilayer liner comfort system with a removable fit band and a concave shell design to support NVG use. Revision’s FTHS suite of products and accessories will be available commercially in 2017.

www.revisionmilitary.com

Tags: Revision
Posted in AUSA, Helmets, Press Release, SOF | 2 Comments »

REVISION Will Unveil Submission For SOCOM Next-Generation Helmet Program At AUSA

Wednesday, September 28th, 2016

Next week at AUSA, Revision will reveal their submission for the DoD FTHS (Family Tactical Headborne Systems) Program, including the 1st ballistically enabled bump shell intended for dynamic load threat environments such as NSW SWCC (Fast Boats), USASOC Mountaineering Operations, HAHO/HALO, and SOF ground vehicles. On ingress, remove applique to lighten & reduce neck load down to bump shell weight; add applique prior to the objective. Just one of 4 systems revealed as part of the FTHS program. Come see us AUSA booth 732 to see the full suite of systems.

Tags: Revision
Posted in Helmets, SOF | 1 Comment »

SOF PEO C4 Industry Collaboration Event – Non-RF Comms

Tuesday, September 20th, 2016

USSOCOM’s AT&L Program Executive Office-Command, Control, Computers and Communications (PEO-C4) / has announced and industry collaboration event focused on non-RF Communications to be held 7 and 8 December, 2016 at SOFWERX in Tampa, Florida.

They wish to meet with selected experts from industry to facilitate technical discussions on active and passive non-RF communications.

The discussions will focus on the following areas of interest:
• System scalability on various sized platforms
• Data rates and power levels
• Transmission ranges
• Non-RF equipment solution sets
• Low Probability of Intercept/Low Probability of Deception/Low Probability of Exploitation
• Non-RF communication in a wide variety of environments
• Near and far field capabilities

Interested parties need to respond by Oct 14, 2016 at 12:00 pm Eastern. Visit www.FBO.gov for full details.

Posted in Comms, SOF | Comments Off on SOF PEO C4 Industry Collaboration Event – Non-RF Comms

Force Multiplier As F<@K

Wednesday, September 14th, 2016

There was a time when Green Berets were well known for being Force Multipliers. Back then, an “Operator” was a character named Ernestine on “Laugh In”.

This photo depicts several SF NCOs outside of Camp Charles E Hosking at Bien Hoa, Vietnam, when they were proud to be Force Multipliers.

Posted in History, SOF | 19 Comments »

Flash-Bang Magazine Funding “Special Operations” Coffee Table Book Via Kickstarter

Tuesday, September 13th, 2016

Flash-Bang creatr Dom Andre is partnering with French publisher “Nimrod” to produce a “coffee-table” art book focusing on special units and their members. Combining about 500 of Dom’s best photos in a large format with the operator’s very own words, it will be available in English and French versions.

Thencollection of exclusive photograohs was collected over the past eight years from visits with 28 elite units around the world. The book will be 640 pages and weigh in at a whopping 5 kg.

The book will cover the following units and countries:

PI2G (France), DPR (Switzerland), GIGG (Switzerland), RAID (France), GPI Guadeloupe (France), GIPN (France), Commando Hubert (France), STAR (Singapore), DSU (Belgium), Las Vegas Metro PD SWAT (USA), Las Vegas Metro PD Search & Rescue (USA), CORE (Brazil), Col Moschin (Italy), Vancouver ERT (Canada), TEK (Hungary), LASD SEB (USA), BSIJ (Romania), GRUMEC (Brazil), Monte Cervino (Italy), ZJ (Czech Republic), US Marshals SOG (USA), SFG (Belgium), COBRA (Austria), BORTAC (USA), ATF SRT (USA), NOCS (Italy), RCMP ERT (Canada), EULEX IG (European Union).

web:
www.flashbang-mag.com
facebook:
www.facebook.com/flashbangmag
instagram:
www.instagram.com/flashbang_magazine

Order yours at www.kickstarter.com/projects/1847299109/special-units-unites-speciales-coffee-table-book.

Tags: Flash-Bang, Kickstarter, Nimrod
Posted in Fundraising, Media, SOF | 14 Comments »

NSW Seeks Rugged/Civilian Clothing

Monday, September 12th, 2016

Naval Special Warfare Command (NSW) recently released a Request for Information (RFI) to industry. They are conducting market research to identify, as potential sources, companies who may possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to explore industry’s ability to provide NSW with civilian/rugged clothing. They are particularly interested in small businesses providing feedback.

This RFI is interesting for several reasons. First off, we are seeing a formal inquiry from a SOF component for civilian outdoor clothing. Personnel have been wearing such items operationally for quite awhile, but this indicates making them an issue item. In many instances, civilian clothing is procured by the individual, either with personal funds or with a civilian clothing allowance, when authorized. Although some civilian clothing has been directly issued by units in the past, due to the restrictions of the Berry Act, it is quite difficult to do legally. However, one way is for a unit to buy the non-Berry items while deployed overseas and for the expressed use of overseas only.

The Berry Act may well be an issue for this potential program. As you can see, all of the example types of clothing they are seeking, are foreign sourced. Unless the program remains extremely small, and below Berry’s low threshold, it will be the driving factor for cost as well as performance. But the planning numbers belie such an argument. Conversely, the numbers aren’t very high either, at least from standpoint of the brands they call out. So making the business case is likely difficult for many brands to stand up US manufacturing. Granted, there is clothing made here in the US, but they differ from those in the chart below.