Kit Badger produced a video and a write up on the KTAK Reactive Steel Target.
Read the full post here.
Kit Badger – KTAK Target System
April 22nd, 2018US Army MOLLE 4000 – Your New Airborne Ruck
April 22nd, 2018When the 82nd called in a request, Natick delivered. The response: the latest iteration of the Army’s airborne rucksack, the Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment (MOLLE) 4000. Formatted to address the needs of the 82nd Airborne Division, the mid-sized rucksack has been designed, tested, and is now slated for limited distribution. Fabricated with both sewn-on and removable pouches, the MOLLE 4000 should be versatile enough for Army-wide utilization of the system.
Operations Sergeant, Human Resources Development Division (HRDD), Staff Sgt. Anthony Sandoval, demonstrates the redesigned Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment (MOLLE) 4000. Developed by Load Carriage Systems, Product Manager, Solider Clothing and Individual Equipment at Natick, Soldier Systems Center, the mid-size ruck has a larger top flap and more spacious leg storage pockets than previous versions of MOLLE. Additionally, the MOLLE 4000 has an internal radio/equipment pocket and a lengthened back pad for increased comfort. (Photo Credit: Mr. David Kamm (RDECOM))
“The beauty is, we designed a rucksack specifically for the airborne community, however, non-airborne units can use this rucksack just as effectively by just not being issued the airborne harness components, ” said Rich Landry, Individual Equipment Designer with Load Carriage Systems, Product Manager, Solider Clothing and Individual Equipment.
A former Pathfinder with the 82nd, Landry understands the needs of the Airborne community. Through communication with the 82nd, and other Army units, Landry obtained the feedback necessary to improve the rucksack, a critical tool for deployed Soldiers. This final design borrows elements from the old ALICE pack, and earlier versions of MOLLE. After listening to critiques of previous equipment, Landry determined adjusting weight distribution was key.
“One of the critical design issues is, you must distribute the weight onto the hips, the ideal load carrying surface on the body. The original ALICE pack only distributed the weight onto the shoulders and lower back — which was a real problem. Then we started talking about the science of load carriage. And that’s what MOLLE is all about. Getting the weight off the shoulders and onto the hips — a modular approach to the design of the rucksack.”
Members of the 82nd had even more specific requests. “One of the requirements that the 82nd had was that the harness that attaches the rucksack to the parachutist be sewn directly to the pack — because they didn’t want to lose any of the parts of it. This was the one requirement we didn’t agree with. We decided it would be better and more practical if the harness that supports the pack to the parachutists harness is removable but can be set up in a configuration that is seamless in how it attaches, and therefore, doesn’t require a long rigging process. Normally rigging a rucksack up to this type of harness can be a 5 min or longer process, depending on the Soldier. With this, it’s about a 1 min. process. But, it’s still completely removable when need be,” said Landry.
With a durable, yet light-weight frame, sewn-in pouches for organization of equipment, a pouch for airborne components (harness and lowering line), and MOLLE-webbing for attaching additional pouches, Landry believes the versatile MOLLE 4000 is both balanced and adaptable.
The MOLLE 4000 will begin fielding later this year. Around 6,000 packs are expected to be distributed to members of the 82nd Airborne Division. A large contingent of the conventional deployed force is also expected to receive a full-scale fielding of the rucksack in the near future.
By K. Houston Waters, US Army
You Never Know Where They’ll Show Up
April 22nd, 2018
Matt Meyers sent us this image he took during a recent visit to the Space Coast.
Crap photo, but from the Kennedy Space Center looking at the Pad 40 launch site with SpaceX Falcon 9 prepping for launch in the back.
M27 Accessories Evaluated
April 21st, 2018I’ve been sitting on this photo for awhile, but now that it has made it out into the wild, I figure it’s ok to share.
I’m told it was taken at Quantico Marine Corps Base at Weapons Training Bn, and I’ve had a copy of the photo for several months.
The three weapons were under evaluation, pursuant to the impending M27 fielding. You’ll also note a few BE Meyers’ MAWLs and Geissele accessories such as the Upper Receiver Group – Improved and High Speed Selector Switch as well as B5 Systems stocks. That’s not to mention the optics. The URG-I was looked at as an alternative to fielding additional M27s, but quickly dropped as the Marine Corps has laid a solid path forward.
However, let me be very clear about this. A lot of things have been looked at, but the M27 fielding is under such close scrutiny that no changes will be made to the additional weapons, expected to be fielded later this year. Any changes will come down the road.
Redback One – Active Shooter Awareness Seminar
April 21st, 2018
Redback One Active Shooter Awareness Seminar
Presented by Jason Falla
When: April 28, 2018
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Colonial Shooting Academy, VA Beach, VA
Cost: $49.99
Registration: www.redbackone.com or email info@redbackone.com
Warrior West 18 – LBT Riot Helmet
April 21st, 2018
LBT was tasked with integrating a protective mask with their LBX ADAPTIV helmet to pair with the riot suit unveiled at this years SHOT Show.
The end user wanted the ability to train like the fight using realistic scenarios and the custom riot helmet allows just for that.
Knight Vision, LLC Acquires Rights To RQE
April 20th, 2018Knight Vision, LLC., a wholly owned subsidiary of Knight’s Enterprises has acquired the exclusive rights of RQE precision mounting and adaptation devices.
Along with the various IP and design concepts acquired, adding to the Knight’s family is the owner and lead designer of RQE as an integrated business and design entity.
Learn more at www.knightarmco.com/15291/shop/uncategorized/rqe-slick-sheets.
Gore Showcasing Proven-Over-Time Cables, Materials, and Fabrics For Military and Defense Applications
April 20th, 2018ELKTON, MD, APRIL 19, 2018 — W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. (Gore) will be exhibiting products from GORE® Cables and Materials and GORE® Military Fabrics at the 2018 Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit in Nashville, TN, April 25-27, Booth 2119. For more than 30 years, Gore has provided advanced technical solutions proven to meet the U.S. Military’s complex global challenges, ensuring operational readiness and success every time.
High-Performance Cables & Materials
Gore will be highlighting its full collection of GORE® Cables and Materials for military land systems and aircraft applications. Thoroughly tested and qualified to the most stringent military specifications, they are proven to perform without failure in the harshest conditions for lifetime performance. All of Gore’s rugged solutions are available in a variety of compact, highly flexible and routable designs. Products that will be on display include high data rate cables, high power/signal delivery cables, high-frequency microwave/RF assemblies, and excellent EMI shielding materials.
Also on display will be durable GORE SKYFLEX Aerospace Materials that have been proven to solve many aircraft sealing and surface protection challenges. These lightweight, non-curing tapes and gaskets simplify aircraft assembly, increase throughput, and reduce life-cycle costs.
Next-Gen Fabrics for Ultimate Comfort & Protection
Gore will be featuring best-in-class protective clothing for all branches of the U.S. Military. Fire-resistant innovations include GORE® PYRAD® Fabric Technology which offers enhanced protection by balancing flame resistance, thermal insulation, and thermal stability with comfort. This unique technology self-extinguishes flames so that the fabric does not continue to burn.
Also on display will be Gore’s lightweight Fire-Resistant Environmental Ensemble (FREE) engineered with specialized flame-retardant and antistatic properties that withstand heat and flame threats encountered during combat. FREE EWOL (Extreme Weather Outer Layer) is designed with a Nomex® outer layer; a durably waterproof, windproof and breathable GORE-TEX® membrane; and a Nomex® liner.
For more information about GORE® Cables and Materials and GORE® Military Fabrics, visit Gore at the 2018 Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit in Nashville, TN, April, 25-27, in Booth 2119. Additional details can be found at gore.com/AAAA2018.
