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DEVCOM Soldier Center Designs Protective Jumpsuit for Elite Firefighters

May 26th, 2022

NATICK, Mass. — Some heroes wear capes, and some wear jumpsuits designed by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center, or DEVCOM SC.

America’s smokejumpers literally dive into danger. They are an elite group of firefighters who parachute into remote areas to put out wildfires. They need and deserve the very best equipment to do their jobs effectively and safely. DEVCOM SC’s Design, Pattern & Prototype Team in the Soldier Protection Directorate took on the task of updating the jumpsuits that smokejumpers wear when they take the leap to put out wildfires.

“The rough terrain jumpsuit is worn by smokejumpers working for the United States Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and the Department of Interior’s Bureau of Land Management,” said Patti Bigrig, a clothing designer on the Design, Pattern & Prototype Team, or DPPT. “There are about 400 to 500 smokejumpers within the United States. Their mission is to parachute into remote areas, where vehicles have no access, to extinguish forest fires.”

Zach Glover, one of the smokejumpers who aided DEVCOM SC in a fit and integration check for the new and improved rough terrain jumpsuit, explained that the jumpsuit is used to protect smokejumpers from any kind of impalement from tree limbs and has a built-in letdown system if they get caught in a tree. The jumpsuit adds some fire protection as well.

Glover values the opportunity for smokejumpers to provide input into the new prototype. “The new suit will improve mobility, be lighter weight, and allow for better protection, range of motion, and freedom of movement,” said Glover.

The effort is a perfect fit for DEVCOM SC’s expertise. “DEVCOM SC’s long-term expertise in developing clothing to meet Warfighter needs benefits this project in all aspects,” said Annette LaFleur, DPPT’s team leader.

“We not only look at the musculoskeletal structure and movement of the human body within the framework of a clothing item but how the necessary equipment works cohesively with the garment to enhance performance and mission success,” said Bigrig. “We listen to the user to find out what isn’t working and devise a solution.”

DPPT is adept at designing for function and specific occupational specialties — whether it be a protective ensemble for a fuel handler or bomb suit for an explosive ordnance disposal operator or a new rough terrain jumpsuit for smokejumpers. On a daily basis, the team works to meet the needs of Warfighters and other users by translating user requirements into tangible prototypes. The prototypes incorporate materials and features to meet the specific needs of the user. For the rough terrain jumpsuit, the prototype includes padding with the proper impact protection, as well as flame-retardant base materials.

“The team starts by sketching design options, discussing ideas with the user before drafting patterns and sewing the first prototype,” said LaFleur. “We design, test and validate, ensuring the item is user tested and approved. We don’t want the user to have to think about or be burdened by their clothing or gear. If they are solely focused on their mission, then we know we have done our job well.”

The rough terrain jumpsuit prototype includes improvements to features and materials.

“Due to the natural rough terrain in which these parachutists are entering, the current jumpsuit has a short field life,” said Bigrig. “The current jumpsuit is made from Kevlar, which has great puncture resistance but very low abrasion resistance. It quite frequently requires repair or replacement. Kevlar is sensitive to, and weakened by, exposure to sunlight, and this factor also plays into a shorter use expectancy. The goal of this new jumpsuit is to increase the durability, protection and extend the life of its use.”

Melynda Perry, a textile chemist on DEVCOM SC’s Textile Material Evaluation Team, ran tests on the current jumpsuit material and suggested some materials to be integrated into the new suit. The new suit includes two layers — a base layer and a higher abrasion resistant layer. The goal is to identify lighter weight materials with improved abrasion resistance that have lower amounts of aramid fibers to offer higher protection against UV exposure, extending the life of the jumpsuit.

The new jumpsuit prototype also features an improved collar and integrated impact resistant foam. It also includes an adjustable side pocket at the bottom of the jumpsuit trousers. The pocket is used to hold rope and other gear.

Bigrig conceived the idea for the adjustable pocket, and Chong Whitfield, a DPPT production designer, refined the idea. Being able to adjust pockets helps improve safety.

“It’s the Goldilocks pocket,” said Bigrig. “You can adjust it so that it is just right.”

User input, which plays a key role in all of DEVCOM SC’s product development, is driving the design of the new jumpsuit.

“We had a lot of conversations with the smokejumpers and gleaned great information on how we could make this jumpsuit into something that would greatly improve on what they currently had,” said Bigrig. “It is a wonderful relationship because we adapted the design to the feedback we received.”

Prior to working with the DPPT, the smokejumpers already had a good working relationship with DEVCOM SC’s Air Drop Team, part of the Soldier Sustainment Directorate. This relationship led to the smokejumpers seeking out DPPT.

“We viewed videos of their donning and doffing process, deployment from the plane along with the five-point landing procedure,” said Bigrig. “We had a lot of conversations with the smokejumpers and gleaned great information on how we could make this jumpsuit into something that would greatly improve on what they currently had.”

Other DEVCOM SC teams were also involved in the effort. Bigrig explained that the DPPT has been leveraging the expertise of DEVCOM SC’s Ballistic and Blast Team’s Chuck Hewitt to test impact resistant materials to integrate into the suit. Perry has also been instrumental in testing and providing recommendations for best materials for the new jumpsuit.

“There are people here who are experts in their fields,” said Glover. “They are experts in design, textiles, blunt impact ballistics and parachutes. We are firefighters and smokejumpers first and working with these experts is really beneficial for us.”

Bigrig is proud to work with the smokejumpers on the new Rough Terrain Jumpsuit.

“The users are firefighters with a high degree of ingenuity, and we are honored to help them take the jumpsuit to the next level,” said Bigrig.

By Jane Benson, DEVCOM Soldier Center Public Affairs

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Parachuting | Comments Off on DEVCOM Soldier Center Designs Protective Jumpsuit for Elite Firefighters

Rheinmetall Supplies Light Artillery Cannon to U.S. Army – Contract Worth over Two Million US Dollars

May 25th, 2022

Rheinmetall makes a decisive contribution to the U.S. Army’s light artillery cannon project. Rheinmetall’s subsidiary American Rheinmetall Munition (Stafford, VA) has been awarded a $2.5M contract from the U.S. Army for the delivery of a shorter and lighter artillery weapon system in support of the National Defense Strategy.

A lightweight artillery cannon would enhance the mobility, maneuverability and lethality of Army artillery systems and provide the long-range firing performance capability the Army is seeking for its entire howitzer fleet. It will further inform the Army’s ongoing capability assessment for a next-generation armament.

COL Lance Green, the Military Deputy of the Combat Capabilities Development Command-Armament Center (DEVCOM AC) stated, “This DEVCOM AC project alongside numerous other active Science and Technology efforts could provide our warfighters a distinct advantage in this increasingly complex security environment.”

“We are proud to have the opportunity to support the Army in its efforts to develop next-generation long-range precision fires technologies and particularly to prototype what could be game-changing advanced, lightweight howitzer technologies,” said American Rheinmetall Munition CEO John Somich. “Rheinmetall is a global leader in artillery technologies including munitions, propellant and cannons and we will bring to bear our tremendous expertise, technology and full commitment to the Army in this effort.”

American Rheinmetall Munition is currently expanding its role as a major supplier of innovative, next-generation weapons and ammunition in the U.S., drawing on a global portfolio of world class munitions and armaments offered by Rheinmetall and its affiliates. The company has been producing and supplying high-performance practice and direct fire service ammunition for American military and law enforcement customers for several decades. This new prototype artillery solution contract represents another opportunity to demonstrate American Rheinmetall Munition’s commitment to serve as a vital partner to the Army and to deliver next-generation technology.

American Rheinmetall Munition is part of the American Rheinmetall family of U.S. defense companies which include American Rheinmetall Systems in Biddeford, ME, American Rheinmetall Vehicles in Sterling Heights, MI, and U.S. corporate parent American Rheinmetall Defense in Reston, VA.

www.rheinmetall.com/arm

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, weapons | Comments Off on Rheinmetall Supplies Light Artillery Cannon to U.S. Army – Contract Worth over Two Million US Dollars

Rosco Manufacturing Releases the Sage Dynamics 12.5” K9 barrel

May 25th, 2022

May 20th, 2022: Rosco Manufacturing, an American manufacturer of high-quality gun barrels & accessories, is proud to announce the launch of their highly anticipated Sage Dynamics K9 12.5” barrel. Two years of R&D to produce the best 12.5” barrel on the market.

The K9 12.5 offers a proprietary patrol length gas system that is smoother than carbine length and more reliable than mid-length. Features an optimized gas port to run reliably suppressed and/or unsuppressed. The K9 continuous taper is the most effective profile to dissipate heat from hard use. With weight shifted to the back of the barrel, modern attachments on the front of the rifle create a perfectly balanced and better handling rifle.

Made in the USA, the Rosco way!

Effective immediately, the Sage Dynamics K9 barrel is live and for sale:

• 12.5” Sage Dynamics barrel MSRP: $170

Contact:
Rosco Sales and Marketing
sales@roscomanufacturing.com

Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Rosco Manufacturing Releases the Sage Dynamics 12.5” K9 barrel

MATBOCK – Davinci Helicopter T-Shirt

May 25th, 2022

MATBOCK launched their new Davinci Helicopter T-Shirt during last week’s SOFIC as the latest in the Freedom By Design line. The image features Leonardo Davinci’s design for what we would now consider a helo and a medic guiding a tether as a patient is lifted up to the craft nestled in a Cobra Sled.

Offered in Small – 2XLarge. Get yours here.

Posted in Advertiser, Morale | 2 Comments »

Six Industries Takes it to the Next Level with Tertia Optio

May 25th, 2022

Scotsdale, AZ May 23, 2022 The Tertia Optio, Hyper-awareness Enabled Battlespace, Advanced Digital Management and Networking System (HEBADMAN System) is a Mosaic Warfighter Network military infrastructure system including hardware support, software support and layered encryption in order to provide the warfighter, on all levels, with common operational cross-domain secure battlefield data enabling new levels of dynamic combat agility. It is a software networking suite designed for cell phone, internet of things (IoT) and desktop integration of military Command, Control, Computers, Communication, Cyber, Intelligences, Surveillance, Reconnaissance Networking (C5ISRNET) to provide a Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solution enabling tactical and strategic information advantage, battlefield dominance, speed of command and maximizing mission effectiveness in the Mosaic Battlefield Environment.

It does this by leveraging the latest in cellular phone hardware technologies advancements to integrate them with the latest cutting-edge redundant encryption algorithms, advancements in geo-spatial technologies, and cloud computing capabilities couching them all in a server-side mission adaptable, user-managed, user interface, and customizable to mission requirements in dynamic combat environments.

The goal of this technology is to enable the warfighter and Commanders access to immediate actionable intelligence and capabilities to fight and win in increasing electronics dominated battlefields, while simultaneously eliminating digital information vulnerabilities inherent to use of private or unsecured mobile communications within a widely interoperable common information operating environment.

The system is nominally secured by end-to-end AES256 encryption, with cloud storage of encrypted signals until the target receiving device is available for download. This non-linear, elliptical curve encryption technology is considered secure by the US military for transmission of Top-Secret level signals. The data is then couched with-in a permissioned blockchain network, this decentralizes the network storage, maintains a permanent ledger and secures the already encrypted data. Then, and only then, is the data transmitted via Virtual Private Network (VPN) to the receiving nodes.

Features Included:

• Custom group building and tiering (operations): Enables units to be digitally structured in the system. A Battalion Commander could send directions to his whole Battalion simultaneously or pass down via the Chain of Command to all or a portion of his command, or in extreme cases could reach out directly to an individual Soldier via text or voice.

• Facial and fingerprint secure up-load (reporting): Using the High Value Identification (HVID) Module and a photo-capable, tactile capable phone, field sampling and upload of facial recognition features along with fingerprint scanning data to headquarters is completed in seconds for field identification of human high-value targets.

• HUMINT Contact Module (Reporting): Using elements from the HVID Module and the SPOTReporting modules, users are able to snap a photo of the individual(s) and their ID cards, fill out text space regarding said interaction and record the interaction which is then sent up the chain of command to be reviewed and filed.

• Contact reporting (reporting): Using the Contact Report Module, units in contact with the enemy can describe the enemy, their number and armaments, with accurate error-free location information instantly and silently. This module uses standard reporting formats such as; SALUTE, SALT and SPOT or user defined formats. Attached photos or video give Command an immediate visual snapshot of the contact situation.

• Medical Evacuation (support): The MEDEVAC Module allows service members on the ground to quickly and accurately, via dropdown menu, request Emergency Medical Evacuation, with no location transcription errors, silently. Using the touch-to-target function, this module also allows service member to select a requested pick-up zone away from their current location if they are moving rapidly in dynamic combat situations.

• Air support (support): The Close Air Support (CAS) Module allows service members to request CAS, select from a customizable menu the type of available CAS and using tap-to-target on the map request a specific target zone and approach vectors, additionally the target data could be sent and displayed on the aircrafts HUD for precise targeting or gun runs.

• Call for Fire Module (support): Similar to both the MEDEVAC and CAS functions, the Call for Fire uses a drop-down menu of the standardized Call for Fire request and tap-to-target functionality to request artillery support via their Tactical Operations Center (TOC). This streamlines the current multiple relay process where the request must be sent by radio after determining target’s location on a map the requestor radios their TOC, the TOC radio relays to the supporting Fire Direction Center (FDC), the FDC radio relays to the actual artillery squad who will aim and fire the gun. There are numerous opportunities for transcription errors in this system and it takes time. The Tertia Optio Call for Fire Module uniquely eliminates this problem by allowing the data to be sent through the system from the requestor to the gun crew in seconds, accurately and silently.

Six Industries also has just released for sale Emergency Management & Response (EMAR) to the Law Enforcement market as their Emergency Management System solution along the same vein as Tertia Optio. Contact Six Industries sales team at sales@six-industries.com to find out more information. Available in both Android and iOS today!

Posted in Press Release, Tac Apps | 2 Comments »

FN Unveils MultiCam FN SCAR Rifles at the 151st NRA Annual Meeting in Houston, Texas

May 25th, 2022

McLean, VA – May 25, 2022) FN America, LLC is set to unveil custom MultiCam® patterned FN SCAR® NRCH rifles at the 151st NRA Annual Meeting held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas, May 26 – 29, 2022. The pattern, Crye Precision’s original MultiCam®, has been applied hydrographically to the receiver and trigger module frame of the SCAR 16S, 17S and 20S commercial SCAR variants.

The legendary FN SCAR® series, having roots in its battle-proven lineage, now features dual, non-reciprocating charging handles that enable users to shoot from any position or use any grip style. The benchmark of reliability and versatility with its three variants, the FN SCAR rifles are capable of consistent accuracy from their cold hammer-forged and chrome-lined barrels and one-piece forged aluminum receiver. They deliver precision fire with aid from their fully adjustable buttstock, low-flash gas regulator and fast-handling characteristics uncommon in similar rifle platforms.

The MultiCam® pattern is arguably one of the most popular camouflage patterns currently used by conventional and special operations forces worldwide. According to Crye Precision, the MultiCam® pattern was developed to effectively limit the visual and near-IR signature of a person operating across a very wide range of physical environments and seasons. After many successful evaluations, after being proven in combat, and after becoming the officially issued pattern of the U.S. Army for all Afghanistan operations in 2010, MultiCam® is the proven multi-environment concealment solution.

To learn more about the MultiCam SCARs or other FN SCAR rifles, please visit www.fnamerica.com or the FN Booth (2923) at the 151st NRA Annual Meeting.

Posted in Advertiser, Camo, NRA, Press Release, weapons | 4 Comments »

Beez Combat Systems Predator Ghillie GAT Wrap

May 25th, 2022

The Beez Combat Systems Predator Ghillie™ GAT Wrap effectively reduces the visual signature of any make and model rifle. This includes additional accessories attached to the rifle such as optics, lights, grip attachments and protected suppressors.

The Predator Ghillie™ GAT Wrap can be easily assembled and allows the user complete customization over every portion of their firearm. Individual predator ghillie dreads can be repositioned in order to increase visual signature breakup and to better blend in with the surrounding environment.

The Predator Ghillie™ GAT Wrap is made using advanced laser cut methods, is available in a wide variety of camouflage patterns and can be easily stored in a small utility pouch while not in use.

www.beezcombatsystems.com

Posted in Camo, Press Release | 3 Comments »

US Space Force Issues Dress and Appearance Guidance

May 25th, 2022

Although they are still a long way from their own version of AFI 36-2903, the US Space Force has issued a memorandum establishing their own dress and appearance standards.

It covers Operational Camouflage Pattern Uniform as well as Service Dress, Maternity, and Mess Dress uniforms wear along with physical fitness uniforms.

This includes several new accoutrements.