Handl Defense specializes in accessories and upgrades for the FN SCAR. They’ve expanded its capability to six calibers: .308, .260, .300 Blackout, 5.56, .7.62×39 and 5.45×39. The conversions include bolt, barrel, handguard and lower receiver. You provide your own magazines. They also offer a universal bolt carrier group which works with all of the different bolts. Additionally, the current handguard is carbon fiber, but Handl will be introducing an extruded aluminum version soon.
The ASAD from Platatac is a different take on the dump pouch.
First off, it’s front mounted. Additionally, you can mount PALS pouches inside and it will accept an armor plate. There are also mesh panels at the bottom for drainage of sand as well as water.
By the way, ASAD stands for All Singing All Dancing which means it does everything.
Known in Europe as Taiga, the Swedish brand uses the name Torraka in North America. As you’d imagine, they’ve got some interesting cold weather clothing, although it’s a little different than what we are used to.
Designed for conditions between 5 deg and -45 deg Celsius, the Torraka system starts with fishnet top and boxer base layer as well a level two long underwear.
When you need more insulation, they offer a fleece jacket and knicker length pant which can be donned and doffed even while wearing boots.
This is their cold weather combat uniform which constructed with a Gore-Tex membrane rather than offering an additional Gore-Tex outer layer.
For even colder condistions, they offer a reversible (Torraka Multi Terrain Pattern to Torraka Snow UV Pattern) insulation level which can be quickly dried. You may also notice that the trousers are boot height rather than full length. With the addition of this level, you can go down to -45 Degrees Celsius.
Torraka also offers a variety of head, hand and footwear to help you deal with these extreme conditions. The loft insulation throughout was referred to as Thermalight.
This is the long anticipated Dual Switch (DS-07) from SureFire. It works with any Scout light and was designed specififcally for an Army requirement. It incorprates both remote tape switch as well as integrated button. Thanks to the Vampire family of lights, it offers both white and IR light without the use of a filter. In this case, it’s a M350V. This configuration offers weight savings over redundant lights or use of a filter.
The new IWB with Light Holster from HTC accommodates pistols with both Lights and Red Dot Sights. As you can see, there’s a guard toward the body and you can adjust cant and tension.
Wilcox Industries has made a major announcement. They’ve teamed with Aviation Specialties Unlimited of Boise, Idaho to develop and offer a completely new mount and battery pack for aviation helmets. For decades, the aviation community has used the same ANVIS mount and battery pack which are prone to damage and cannot be reliably repaired. The plan is to rectify that situation.
The mount will be modular and can not only be used with standard aviation helmets, but also with other Wilcox ground helmet shrouds. The mount will also be molded from advanced polymer materials. Between the mount and battery pack, they’ve successes in lowering the weight by 20 grams. Field maintainable, the items can also be evac’d to ASU for repair.
The power cord connector follows the contour of the helmet. Also, rather than a neck cord, aircrew will now have access to the Wilcox retractable lanyard like on ground applications.
Wilcox loves their dovetail mounts and they’ve integrated into the rear of the battery pack. An adapter plate is available that can velcroed unto the helmet for mounting. They’ve also eliminated the battery cartridges. ust put the batteries in, positive side up and users can swap between primary and auxiliary power.
ASU will be the exclusive distribution and maintenance channel as well the Parts Manufacture Authority for this new product, still under development with Wilcox. Their PMA certification is maintained through the FAA for safe to fly items. They expect full rate production by October, once EMI and environmental (Mil-Spec and DEFSTAN) testing are complete.
This is the new MCX 7.62×39 from SIG SAUER. Like the MCX itself, this variant was developed for a government customer. Although they are evaluating it now, you’ll be able to get yours commercially beginning Mid-2017 as a full rifle, upper receiver group or as a barrel, bolt and magazine package. As a matter of fact, those are three components you need (besides ammo) to swap out calibers on the MCX. In case you were wondering, that is a C-products 28 round magazine, although when finally available commercially, a different magazine may be included.
Ever since I was first introduced to WL Gore’s FR Pyrad self extinguishing fabric technology, I’ve been intrigued about applying it to a combat uniform. The beauty of Pyrad is that it is a treatment process applied to existing fabrics rather an entirely new one. This means that the base fabric retains its inherent properties. That includes strength and comfort. It’s a laminate rather than a simple topical spray, so the Pyrad isn’t going to wash out. In fact, testing shows that Pyrad fabric is more tear and abrasion resistant as well as colorfast than other fabrics, even after washing.
This garment, manufactured by The Italian brand Montura is made from a Pyrad fabric. In Europe, other garments are popping up as well such as this German uniform in Flektarn from Lindnerhof Taktik I saw during IWA.
Hopefully, we’ll see them here soon as well.
