No it’s not a new weapon accessory, or maybe you could call it the ultimate accessory for the armed man. Either way, the MBus from Magpul is cool.
Magpul will have the MBus in Vegas for SHOT Show and you may see it cruising around town. It is a working field support truck built from a Unimog. Magpul is in booth #14073.
Those guys always have the coolest toys.
Source One Distributors is hosting Band of Brothers member Ed “Doc” Pepping in their booth at SHOT Show. Stop by for an autograph from this member of the “greatest generation.”
Also on hand in SOD’s booth will be the premier of a select few pieces from 782 Gear‘s upcoming line. Additionally, ArchAngel Armor will be on hand to display their latest gear.
Source One Distributors is located in booth #8203.
There were three major shockers this year and all happened over the last few months.
1. Blackhawk’s Serpa is New SOCOM Holster – After a Natick sponsored shoot off at the US Training Center in Moyock, NC, the Blackhawk Serpa was chosen as the new holster component for SOCOM’s series of Load Carrying System (LCS) Kits.
2. Army Adopts KDH Plate Carrier – In fact, KDH wins every major armor contract in the latter half of 2009. After a GSA-based solicitation KDH was chosen to provide the US Army with 57000 Soldier Plate Carriers the first of which are to be fielded in January for use in Afghanistan.
3. UK Releases Multi Terrain Pattern – With a little help from Crye Precision the MoD adopted a new pattern blending the color scheme of MultiCam with the feel of DPM.
Natick has issued a Sources Sought Notice for a Large Airborne Assault Pack. Oddly enough, the actual title of the notice is, “Tactical Load Carriage Equipment capable of being used in a combat environment that are additionally suited for Army Airborne Operations that are based in the United States or U.S. Possessions.” What a mouthful, and what the heck does that even mean? How about just shortening the title to, “Large Airborne Assault Pack?” Then you can get into that it will be used for both combat and training operations in the narrative.
Specific requirements include, “internal storage capacity of 2900 cubic inches. The large assault pack will be made of the same unique fabrics, finishings and findings available in the current Modular Lightweight Load Carriage (MOLLE) Large Ruck-Sack. Additionally the large assault pack must have an integrated single point release system and hook-pile-tape lowering line that is either permanently attached, or is part of the overall design of the assault pack, that is capable of meeting the stringent requirements of rotary and fixed wing personnel airborne operations. The large assault pack must have a storage pocket for the hook-pile-tape lowering line, 18 personnel attaching straps and the single point release handle when the large assault pack is not rigged for airborne operations.”
Please note that this is an assault pack. This means no frame required. On another note, I am personally no fan of permanently attaching air items to a pack that a guy has to schlep around all day, particularly a single point release. Additionally, carting your lowering line around only adds insult to injury.
Interested vendors have until 30 December to answer but have to include a jump ready pack in their answer. It is important to note that whether or not you answer the Sources Sought you may still answer a formal Request For Proposals if one issued, but it is important to the Government that you do answer this current request as the information gathered will help shape any further procurement decisions. They need to know what the state of the art consists of.
A similar project was undertaken in late Summer to support a requirement out of the 82d Airborne Division. Several commercial packs were assessed under conditions which included airborne operations overseen by the Airborne Special Operations Test Directorate (ACE Board) and the Advanced Airborne School. I received information during AUSA that a winner had been chosen and when I spoke to that company they were surprised to hear it. Even now, I have seen no formal award nor announcement on the project by the Army so perhaps this new project has supplanted the earlier work.
Tactical Tailor now offers the Energizer Hardcase tactical flashlight and helmet light.
The Tactical Flashlight features a 70 lumen main white LED, red, green and blue LEDs, IR strobe and swivel head while the helmet light features a white main LED, blue and IR LEDs, IR IFF Strobe and 360 degree swivel for ambidextrous operation. The helmet light also includes both helmet and vest mounts.
Visit www.tacticaltailor.com to order.
The ZT-9 brings the highly sought after custom bayonets designed by Strider Knives’ Duane Dwyer within reach of the masses. With a blade 7-1/2″ long and 1/4″ thick combined with a full-tang for an overall length of over 12″, this blade is tough. Manufactured from S30V steel, the ZT-9 also features a Ranger Green textured G-10 handle. The bayonet is designed to fit the M16A1, M16A2, M16A4, most AR15-style weapons, Galil ARM, as well as the Mossberg 590.
The initial 200 production models flew out the door and to meet demand, a further 500 are in production. These will see some slight sheath mods from the first batch. Available soon from www.zerotolerance.com
Triple Aught Designs, makes of such tacti-cool items as the Ti Skeleton Key and the Nylon Combat Swimmers Dive Strap have introduced the Be Ready Always Titanium Tool (B.R.A.T.T.).
Crafted from 6AL-4V titanium, it is .25″ thick and features a flathead screwdriver, pry tip with nail puller, 1″ diameter round type aperture bottle cap lifter, a spanner wrench tip fit all regular sized Strider folders as well as three lanyard hole eyes.
Additionally, the B.R.A.T.T. has some unconventional uses as well.
The B.R.A.T.T is a limited run of 100 pieces. To purchase, visit TAD Gear.
Down East unveiled its newest generation three FASTmag at SHOT Show ’09.
As with eariler generations, the new FASTmag is being produced by ITW, but this newest iteration is being offered in two variants. One version is designed specifically to be used with MOLLE, and the other features a slider bar to allow belt attachment. Additionally, a new attachment system has been incorporated into the design and allowances made to stack FASTmags on one another or with MOLLE attachments including MALICE clips. They are currently in production by ITW and available for order. Look for more in-depth coverage later this week.
