No matter the trade show, I’m always asked what the coolest thing I saw was. Sure, there were cool lasers and jackets and UAVs, but the most innovative thing I saw was Wizard Wall, probably because it’s the most practical.
We all used butcher block paper in the service and most of us dealt with map overlays. While they are great ways to share information, the issue with both of them is how to hang them. Wizard Wall makes it a cinch.
Available in clear and white, it uses static cling to stay in place. Wizard Wall is dry erasable.
The Tracer Pack from Blue Force Gear’s DAP line promises to be their best ever.
The Tracer is slightly larger than BFG’s Jedburgh Pack and also features the PALS compatible panel at the front, mounted to a zippered external pocket.
There are also two side mounted water bottle pockets made from 4-way stretch Tweave material. you’ll also notice a padded interior sleeve for water reservoirs or laptops.
The Tracer is dapper organization system compatible with loop material on the inside of the pack to accept accessories.
The Tracer is currently available in Black and Wolf Grey.
Yesterday, the US Marine Corps awarded Vertical Protective Apparel, LLC, of Shrewsbury, New Jersey, a $62,612,464 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to produce and deliver the PC Gen IIIs. A maximum quantity of 225,886 will be delivered, and the work will be completed by September 2023.
“The legacy carrier fit the span of the Marine Corps, but this new system is more tailorable to fit Marines of various sizes with three new smaller-stature options,” said Flora “Mackie” Jordan, body armor engineer for the Infantry Combat Equipment Team at MCSC. “We wanted to give as much mobility back to Marines as possible by reducing the weight and bulk of the vest without decreasing ballistic protection. We were able to reduce the weight of the vest by 25 percent.”
The goal was to lighten the load Marines carry to reduce fatigue and improve their operational capability in the field. A few new features of the PC Gen III contributed to the weight reduction.
Excess material was removed from the shoulders and about an inch-and-a-half was taken from the bottom, which provides better integration with the USMC Pack. The team also chose a laminated laser cut material that only absorbs seven percent of water compared to 70 percent with the legacy system.
“We made sure to get the best system for our Marines, which included choosing the best lightweight soft armor and the best quality when it comes to the cut and sew of the carrier,” said Mackie.
While conducting research, MCSC discovered Marines are eight percent faster when the PC Gen III systems were combined with prototype lightweight plates, compared to the Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts. They also found Marines could remove and reassemble the vest in less than three seconds.
“With the old system, it took about seven seconds to take it off, and 10 minutes to reassemble,” said project officer Capt. Frank Coppola, Infantry Weapons at MCSC who helped test the vests. “The new quick release works a hundred times better. It has a vastly improved quick detach system for Marines to act fast while on missions.”
The PC Gen III is less bulky and easier for Marines to move in, especially when working in tight spaces. An inner vest was also added to increase modularity of the system. Marines can adjust it to meet the requirements and environment of their particular mission.
“Our vests have come a long way over the past 15 years, and the reduced weight and increased mobility is huge,” Coppola said. “The fact that we can decrease the size of the vest and still be protected is the key.”
Infantry, school house, and Reconnaissance Marines, along with vehicle crewmen and combat engineers will receive the vests when fielding begins in the third quarter of fiscal year 2019.
Information provided by the MARCORSYSCOM PAO contributed significantly to this report, particularly the quotes from PM-ICE.
If you’re at MDM, be sure to check out the PTX range of power management solutions from Protonex – they can be found on the Protonex booth , number 1110. The SPM-622 in-field charging solution for the FirstLook® lightweight, throwable UGV can be found on Endeavor Robotics booth, number 1017.
For further background on the SPM-622 Squad Power Manager and its full range of capabilities, check out this online article from MILITARY TECHNOLOGY magazine.
Tags: Protonex Posted in Advertiser, MDM, Power | Comments Off on See Protonex at Modern Day Marine 2018 – Power Anything, Anywhere, from Any Source
Henderson, NV – Reptilia, an American design and manufacturing company creating innovative, premium grade products, has announced it has been has been issued a National Stocking Number (NSN) from the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA).
NSN’s are used by U.S. military services, Department of Defense (DoD), disposition services, federal agencies (such as GSA, FAA, DHS, etc.), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and many various governments around the world. When added to a product label, the NSN indicates a review and approval for use within the military’s logistics supply chain.
Eric Burt, Reptilia’s President and Head of Design stated, “We strive to maintain an unwavering level of perfection with every product that goes out the door; the issuing of NSN for each of our products will further demonstrate our ongoing commitment to provide alternative premium solutions for customers who expect, demand and rely on quality.”
Reptilia’s catalog of products can be found through their website reptiliacorp.com; which also includes an option for visitors to sign up for latest news.
Lakewood, WA – Grey Ghost Precision, leading manufacturers of accurate, reliable, and attainable weapon systems, is excited to announce it has expanded its North American sales distribution to OpticsPlanet, Inc., the leading online destination for technical and high-performance gear and equipment.
OpticsPlanet, Inc.’s selection of gun parts, shooting accessories and outdoor/survival gear, combined with competitive prices, unparalleled customer service and a highly educated team of specialists has helped the company to grow into one of the largest online retailers in the world.
“We are so proud to partner with such an enormous entity as OpticsPlanet,” Grey Ghost CEO, Casey Ingels, states. “It’s a truly rewarding experience to be recognized as a premiere brand within one of the largest online retail destinations for technical and high-performance gear. We’ve always been about the end user. It started that way, and it will continue that way. The relationship with Optics Planet will ensure that we are putting the best aftermarket firearms components in the hands of those who need it most.”
Delray Beach, Fla. –– In response to numerous consumer inquiries, Century Arms, North America’s premier AK manufacturer, confirms it has filed a lawsuit in West Palm Beach, Florida, asking the federal court to stop Arizona-based XTech Tactical from selling AK-47 magazines that are confusingly similar to the well-known US Palm magazine configuration. Century Arms recently acquired US Palm and is continuing the US Palm brand, including its iconic AK-47 magazine.
Century Arms alleges that consumers recognize the “waffle and tread pattern” on the US Palm magazine as a trademark indicating the magazine is a genuine US Palm product. XTech Tactical recently began selling an AK-47 magazine having a strikingly similar waffle and tread pattern that, according to the complaint, will confuse customers into thinking they are buying the US Palm magazine. US Palm has established a favorable position among consumers for AK-47 magazines and welcomes fair competition in the marketplace. By mimicking the appearance of the US Palm magazine, Century Arms alleges XTech Tactical has sought to bypass fair practices and intentionally mislead consumers.
Century Arms is asking the federal court to enjoin XTech Tactical from selling the accused AK-47 magazine, and to award damages, attorney fees and costs to Century Arms. Should XTech offer additional products that may cause confusion with US Palm products, Century Arms will vigorously enforce its rights in order to put a halt to XTech illegal activities.
To learn more about Century Arms and their products, visit www.centuryarms.com
First off, there are still lots of High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles in Service. In fact, OshKosh Defense was just awarded a contract for repair parts.
The US Army’s PS magazine wants you to know you can “Pimp your ride” by changing your HMMWV driver’s and commander’s seats to comfy high backs. Order the green seat kit with NSN 2540-01-393-3796 or the tan seat kit with NSN 2540-01-408-7049.
The kits are limited, however, because the contract wasn’t renewed due to testing requirements. When they’re gone, you’ll have to order the individual parts in TACOM drawings 57K0290 (green) and 57K0291 (tan).
Email them for a copy:
usarmy.redstone.logsa.mbx.psmag@mail.mil (this is for Army units)
