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PDW Beast Hoodie

October 27th, 2019

Rugged, Technical, Alpine Mid-Layer Jacket, Built in the USA with Polartec Fleece

Prometheus Design Werx releases their updated Beast Hoodie this Fall-Winter 2019. Made with Polartec® doubled faced Shearling ThermalPro® Retro Pile fleece, this technical material is a direct, modern descendant of the first pile fleece jackets used by alpinists. This year’s Beast Hoodie is denser, has a tighter fabric knap, and more stability and body. Features include PDW’s signature details of 4 zippered exterior pockets, 4 dummy cord anchor points, ports for media cables, 2 interior stash pockets, double reinforced elbows in 4-way All Terrain Cloth, structured draft resistant thumbhole cuffs, and M.L. hood with A.C. bill. The PDW Beast Hoodie is a distinct, durable, versatile, high performance mid-layer with a direct mountaineering lineage. Built in USA.

The Design and R&D Team at PDW states:

“We updated this highly popular mid-layer style with Polartec’s Shearling ThermalPro Retro Pile fleece this year. This type of pile fleece is a direct, modern descendant of the original pile fleece jackets made for alpinists and mountaineers at the dawn of modern outdoor apparel age where synthetic textiles were introduced into the market. Similar to the High Loft Polartec fleece we used last year, the Shearling Retro Pile type also traps warm air like animal fur to insulate. However, some notable differences in this year’s fleeces are, they are denser, a tighter knap, and have more stability and body. Or in other words, more rugged and burly as these fleeces go. All the signature PDW details and features remain with the 4-way stretch All Terrain Cloth reinforcements, ample pockets with dummy cord anchors, our M.L Hood design and more. Our Beast Hoodie is still characterized by its unique appearance, technical backcountry performance, and is a standout for modern day alpinists, adventurists, wilderness explorers, and the active and discriminating outdoorsman. These jackets are expertly made in our home state of California, USA with genuine Polartec materials.”

The Beast Hoodie is a part of their Made in USA CORE-Line of products by Prometheus Design Werx. Available in Universal Field Gray, Wilderness Green, and Fox Gray.

The Beast Hoodie will be available in all three colors for purchase on Wednesday, October 30th, 2019 at 12:00pm PT via their website, prometheusdesignwerx.com. As a thank you to their customers this year, a free, bonus, exclusive edition, morale patch will be included with each Beast Hoodie purchase.

Posted in Clothing, Press Release | 5 Comments »

SCUBAPRO Sunday – Adding Pockets

October 27th, 2019

Typically when you are diving, you want to stay as streamlined as possible. It will help keep you on time and help you use less air. But sometimes you have more things to carry so you might need to add more storage. The major problem with pockets on your thighs or hips is the drag it will create. When these pockets are full, they add about two to four inches to your profile. You can wear your BDU’s, and that will add pockets to your legs and arms. If you chose to wear a uniform, I would recommend the Patagonia Jungle uniform. It is super light and dries fast. You can also add pouches onto your gear belt, or you can put one or two onto your rebreather straps. An old school M16 pouch is great for a spare mask or extra fin straps. You can cut the grenade pouches off of the sides to reduce the drag. Here are a few after-market pockets options that can help you streamline your profile without sacrificing your gear needs or altering your existing gear in any way.

SCUBAPRO HYBRID CARGO SHORTS form-fit to your body like you were born wearing a pair. On the underside of the nylon panels, a micro-plush interior makes the shorts warm and cozy. This fleece fabric absorbs less water, which keeps heat against the body, increasing overall warmth. They also dry quickly. They can be worn by themselves, over a wetsuit, or if you need a little more warmth, they are great for over dive skins in warm water. They are also useful for items that need to be at the ready or if you need to tuck something away while diving.

The SCUBAPRO Hydro’s Pro Cargo Thigh Pocket (full pocket with clips and straps) can provide the same storage as the Cargo shorts that capacity. Ideal for storing swimmer slates, lights, marker buoys, spare masks, compact cameras. Quick attachment via clips & thigh strap. The pocket has a large flap with a squeeze-style” side-release buckle closure. Bellow pocket design and large flap make access to stowed items easy and secure. The most significant feature is if you don’t need additional storage capacity, you can just remove the pocket for a more streamlined profile.

The SCUBAPRO Hydros Pro BCD Ninja Pocket is ideal for storing swimmer slates, lights, marker buoys, spare masks, compact cameras. Quick deploy when needed, roll-up when not. Pocket has a large flap with squeeze-style” side-release buckle closure. Bellow pocket design and large flap make access to stowed items easy and secure. All of the SCUBAPRO pockets are made from durable nylon fabric for strength and durability.

Another option is to glue pockets onto your wetsuit/ drysuit. This is way more permit, so make sure you get it right. You can do it yourself, but unless you have done things like this before, I would recommend having someone that has done it before showing you how to do it or have them do it. There are a lot of YouTube videos out there and articles about how to do this. There are pockets you can buy just for this purpose.

www.google.com

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Maritime | 3 Comments »

Kitanica Mk VI – Now With Side Zips

October 27th, 2019

We’ve been writing about Kitanica for over 10 years and we still live their dedication to innovation and American manufacturing. So when Chris Cronin told us they had added side zips to their Mk VI jacket, we told him we were going to pass the word.

Yep, it’s expensive, but you’re buying American craftsmanship.

www.kitanica.net/Mark-VI-p

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, Made In USA! | 3 Comments »

Rheinmetall Signs Risk Mitigation Activity Contract for testing of Lynx KF41 for Australia’s Land 400 Phase 3 Program

October 27th, 2019

Rheinmetall is pleased to confirm it has signed the Risk Mitigation Activity (RMA) contract with the Commonwealth of Australia for participation in the RMA, including the delivery of three Lynx KF41 Infantry Fighting Vehicles to compete in trials for the AUD 15 billion (EUR 9.5 billion) LAND 400 Phase 3 program. The RMA contract now signed has a value of AUD 50 million (about EUR 30 million).

Lynx KF41 is a next generation tracked, networked and highly protected IFV which meets the stringent military requirements of LAND 400 Phase 3, and offers a platform with significant growth potential. The Australian Army needs a networked, protected and enabled IFV for close combat – to close in and defeat an enemy in the most dangerous and lethal environments for Australian soldiers.

Under the LAND 400 Phase 3 RMA contract, the Commonwealth will undertake an extensive technical and programmatic assessment of the two bidders over a period of 24 months. The vehicles will be operated by Australian Army personnel and tested in Australian terrain under extreme conditions, undertaking lethality, transportability, mobility, troop assessments, blast and ballistic testing. In parallel, the Commonwealth will work with the two bidders in a structured assessment phase in order to optimise technical capability, growth, value for money and national prosperity.

Rheinmetall is currently delivering 211 Boxer 8×8 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRV) to the Australian Army after the vehicle was selected by the Australian Government following 12 months of RMA trials in 2016-2017. These RMA trials were recognised globally as an exhaustive assessment of the vehicle’s capability and have equipped Rheinmetall with the experience and expertise to deliver the best outcome for LAND 400 Phase 3.

Rheinmetall Defence Australia Managing Director Gary Stewart said the three vehicles designated for RMA trials in Australia would incorporate significant Australian Industry Capability.

“Development, integration and test of the Lynx KF41 vehicles will also take place during RMA at Rheinmetall’s new Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) in Australia from next year in support of the RMA trials,” Mr Stewart said.

Key vehicle elements of the Lynx KF41 are also being developed and manufactured in Australia by local companies including the alternator (Milspec in Albury), running gear (Supashock in Adelaide) and cables (Cablex in Melbourne).

The modular Lynx KF41 vehicle includes the digital Lance turret with electronic architecture common with the Boxer 8×8 CRV. This will enable the Australian crew to access sensor systems, advanced automatic tracking & targeting capabilities and weapon-integrated battle management all in one connected and enabled platform.

“Should Rheinmetall secure a contract to deliver LAND 400 Phase 3, the Lynx KF41 fleet will be manufactured at the MILVEHCOE, located at Redbank and south west of Brisbane,” Mr Stewart said.

Rheinmetall is already delivering an Australian Industry Network for LAND 400 that builds an industrial capability in Australia. This includes creating high technology enduring jobs for hundreds of Australians by localising design and manufacturing expertise in electro-optics, weapon systems, fire control and sensor systems, turret manufacturing, variant design and manufacture, integration, armour systems, simulation, training and fleet sustainment.

– For more information about Rheinmetall Defence visit: www.rheinmetall-defence.com

– For more information about Lynx KF41 for Land 400 Phase 3 visit: www.lynxifv.com.au

– To follow Rheinmetall Defence Australia visit: @RheinmetallAus

– To follow Lynx KF41 on twitter visit: @lynxifv

Posted in International, Mobility, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on Rheinmetall Signs Risk Mitigation Activity Contract for testing of Lynx KF41 for Australia’s Land 400 Phase 3 Program

Danner Light – 40th Anniversary Edition

October 26th, 2019

Forty years ago, Danner introduced the first boot with a Gore-Tex liner, the Danner Light. This 6″ boot combines the latest Gore-Tex liner with a full grain leather and 1000D Cordura upper for durability in Black and Timber colors.

The classic Danner stitch down construction incorporates a Vibram Kletterlift outsole. Inside, there’s a removable Ortholite footbed for comfort.

Be prepared, these boots are bomber so the 61 oz per pair weight shouldn’t surprise you.

Made in USA.

www.danner.com/danner-light-40th-black-timber

Posted in Boots, Made In USA! | 2 Comments »

US Army Army Issues Over 10,000 Modern Simple Key Loaders to Units

October 26th, 2019

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Maryland — In an ongoing effort to modernize the Army’s network capabilities, Program Executive Office Command, Control and Communications-Tactical’s (PEO C3T) Project Lead Network Enablers (PL Net E) is conducting a Simple Key Loader (SKL) Turn-In and Exchange Program for units all over the world.

The SKL is a hand-held device that Soldiers use to load cryptographic keys onto their equipment; thereby, enabling secure communication. The legacy SKL V1 and V2 are now obsolete, due to their limited capabilities, and are being removed from the field — primarily through the Turn-In and Exchange Program managed by PL Net E’s Product Lead Communications Security (PdL COMSEC) whose responsibility is to develop, procure, test, field and sustain COMSEC solutions to protect the tactical network.

The main objective of the program is to collect legacy devices still in the field, which will reduce vulnerabilities associated with using older equipment, and replacing them with the new SKL V3.1. PL Net E coordinates the shipment of the collected devices back to the Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD), who then marks them for demilitarization and disposal. The issuing of the newer equipment continues to push the Army forward by deploying modern capabilities that are easy to use, resilient and hardened to protect against adversarial cyber threats. To date, the team has issued over 10,000 SKL V3.1s.

The Turn-In and Exchange Program is a coordinated effort with the U.S. Army Forces Command, National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve, Communications Security Logistics Activity (CSLA) and TYAD. “The SKL V3.1 Exchange Program schedule is developed in accordance with the Department of the Army Master Priority List, with the focus on deploying units and high priority missions. However, this doesn’t account for units that are not on the priority list that need modern or replacement SKLs,” said Mr. Scott Lambert, PdL COMSEC SKL Assistant Product Manager.

PdL COMSEC and CSLA came together and developed a strategy to address the backlog of units requiring upgraded devices who are not on the priority list. As a resolution, CSLA contributed 2,500 reconditioned V2.1 and V3.0 SKLs from depot stock to the Exchange Program. PL Net E is now collaborating with CSLA to issue the reconditioned V2.1s and V3.0s, as well as new V3.1s to units, depending on the circumstance. The partnership with CSLA frees up V3.1 assets that can fill the requirement of units not on the priority list, but in need of SKLs. “As a result of the collaboration, PdL COMSEC will avoid having to procure those 2,500 assets to meet demands,” said Mr. Lambert.

By Robin Schumacher, PL Network Enablers/PEO C3T Public Affairs

Posted in Comms, Guest Post | 7 Comments »

Blackhawk Issues Recall For T-Series LC2 Holster When Used With Modular Handgun System

October 26th, 2019

In typical media fashion, word went out from the Consumer Products Safety Commission that Blackhawk had issued a recall for the new T-series holster. Crazy stuff was said, making consumers concerned it would make the a pistol on its own. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The issue is simple, but the explanation somewhat complicated.

If you’re using a Modular Handgun System pistol (M-17/18 variant of the SIG SAUER P320), don’t carry it in a T-Series L2C holster.

This affects a very small number of people.

First off, there aren’t that many M17/18 in private hands. These aren’t carry guns; it’s mostly collectors. Because of this, collectors want the holster that is issued with the MHS, which is from Safariland.

Second, unlike the commercial P320, MHS has an external safety. The first run of the LC2 holster has a model for the P320. Holster literature templated that to extend to the M17/M18. Due to a tight cavity, intended for the commercial P320, the first run holsters would move the external safety on MHS models from the safe position. The pistol wouldn’t fire on its own, but the safety may not be in the safe position when the pistol is drawn.

Blackhawk has already made changes to the LC2 holster to accommodate the external safety.

This was never an issue with either the L3D and L2D versions of the T-series holsters.

Below is Blackhawk’s official statement on the subject.

Official Message Regarding T-Series L2C for Sig P320-M17/M18 Variant

In an effort to clarify misinformation reported by some media outlets, we would like to take this opportunity to further explain the recent recall of the T-Series L2C that specifically affected the Sig Sauer P320-M17/M18 variants.

To showcase the limited scope of this recall, we’ll outline the levels of specificity you have to go through before someone would be affected in this situation. First, we have the overall family of T-Series holsters, which includes the L3D, L2D, and L2C variants. Next, we’ll drill down a layer further to only the L2C variant of the T-Series. Another narrowing of the focus takes you to the specific L2C Sig P320/P250 fit. One more step, and we arrive at the M17/M18 variant of the Sig P320. If you are one of the few people who owns a Sig P320-M17/M18 and you specifically purchased the L2C version of the T-Series, only then does this recall apply to you.

Thanks to the new nature of this holster as well as the relatively new nature of that handgun being made available to the public, the great likelihood is that there are very few people out there who would meet both criteria of owning a T-Series L2C as well as the M17/M18 variants of the Sig P320.

This recall only affects the T-Series L2C model for the Sig P320/P250-M17/M18, and affects no other models of the T-Series family of holsters. If you are using an M17/M18 variant, the concern is that the added safety mechanism of the firearm could potentially be disengaged during the holstering of the firearm. The holster will in no way actually cause the firearm to discharge.

This issue has since been rectified, so all new T-Series L2C Sig P320/P250 fits will now also work with the M17/M18 variants. Curious to know if you have the “new” or “old” version? Look at the part number on the back of your holster – if it’s stamped with an “A”, then that is the old version. If it is stamped with a “B”, that is the updated version. To return your holster for a refund or if you have any questions, please contact us here: blackhawk.com/contact-us

Thanks for your time and patronage. If you should have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us.

Posted in Holsters, Industry | 9 Comments »

Remote Sensing Network Will Advance Safety and Security Applications in the Arctic

October 25th, 2019

Copenhagen, Denmark, October 22, 2019 – A new consortium of international companies, called IRSA Development Group (IDG), was announced October 1, 2019, at DEFSEC Atlantic in Halifax, Canada. IDG consists of international companies with expertise in selected technology domains to bring the world an advanced remote sensing network.

Integrated Remote Sensing for the Arctic (IRSA) is a scalable, civilian, all-domain system-of- systems remote sensing solution designed to provide more persistent monitoring of the Arctic. The network comprises satellites, high altitude long endurance (HALE) drones, medium altitude long endurance (MALE) drones, small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), sea-surface and sub-sea platforms, and ground stations. Technology development for each segment, and their integration, is underway. Initial IRSA services are expected to be available to clients in early 2020.

“We are excited to be part of the IDG collaboration and the development of IRSA. The potential benefits of the IRSA system range from enhancing safety and security applications to supporting Northerners in their response to climate change. The agile team is made up of international leaders in their respective technology areas,” says Paul Adlakha, Managing Director of LOOKNorth at C-CORE.

Recognizing the need for more persistent remote sensing, robust communication and data connectivity in the Arctic, Boeing Defense, Space, and Security (BDS) began an intensive study in 2015, mapping the challenges and identifying gaps in designing and creating a solution to address them. Since then, Boeing has invested in establishing an international consortium to develop the technologies, products and services that can provide that solution through the IRSA program.

“This project is another testament to the reputation of Boeing’s industrial programs and the path for future growth it can provide our partners,” says Maria Laine, Vice President, Boeing International Strategic Partnerships. “Projects like this underscore our commitment to provide opportunities for innovation and technology collaboration around the globe to develop advanced capabilities.”

www.idg.network/tour

Posted in ISR, Press Release | Comments Off on Remote Sensing Network Will Advance Safety and Security Applications in the Arctic