GORE-TEX Professional

Elbit Systems Unveils SmarTrack: a Situational Awareness System for Dismounted Forces in GPS Denied Environments

September 8th, 2017

SmarTrack enables dismounted soldiers, special-forces and first responders to immediately locate, reliably track and monitor up to 100 members of a network

Forces operating in urban, indoor or underground operations face real challenges to effective command & control and situational awareness (SA) due to three-dimensional positioning of forces, limited line of sight and physical partitions. Loss of satellite signal and disrupted communications compound those challenges, significantly increasing risks of blue-on-blue fire, abandonment or loss.

Having accumulated operational experience with its C4I and modern soldier systems suites, Elbit Systems debuts SmarTrack: an innovative system that enables dismounted forces to maintain situational awareness in GPS Denied environments, providing the fighting or response forces with continual friendly forces tracking capability.

Using Radio Frequency (RF) ranging patented technology, SmartTrack provides force commanders operating in urban areas, inside buildings or when GPS signal is jammed, with three-dimensional location of force members and a data link to transmit C2 data between users, thereby enabling continued operational level command & control and effective SA. SmartTrack weigh less than 150gr per unit and its SA output can be transmitted and read on any end user device held by either the individual operator or the commander. SmarTrack is a natural addition to the Elbit Systems DOMINATOR™ infantry modern soldier suite, further enhancing safety and operational effectiveness of dismounted units.

SmarTrack will be presented at Elbit Systems booth (S2-320) at the DSEI 2017 Exhibition.

www.elbitsystems.com

See Gentex At DSEI

September 8th, 2017

www.gentex.com

Morgan Advanced Materials to Unveil Lightest Ballistic Helmet Models to Date at DSEI

September 8th, 2017

Visitors to this year’s DSEI exhibition can experience first-hand two new ultra-lightweight ballistic helmets, being launched by the Composite and Defence business of Morgan Advanced Materials.

The AC912 and AC913 are new additions to Morgan’s acclaimed Lightweight Armoured Soldier Architecture (LASA) range, and the result of Morgan’s world-leading expertise in advanced ballistic composite technology. While both models have been specially designed to be lighter than their AC914 and AC915 counterparts, they retain impressive ballistic, fragmentation, flammability and blunt trauma characteristics, ensuring maximum manoeuvrability without compromising on protection. The helmets are highly suitable for elite and regular military, defence, security and law enforcement personnel operating in protracted combat scenarios. The AC912 and AC913 helmets come with D3O TRUST® padding and Team Wendy’s CAM-FIT™ retention systems as standard, delivering maximum comfort and stability to the wearer.

Designed as a standard issue solution for combat operations, the AC912, weighing just 1.18kg (medium helmet) is a full cut helmet that covers the ears for greater protection. By contrast, the AC913, weighing just 1.05kg (medium helmet) features a high-cut design to ensure enhanced situational awareness for end-users, allowing elite police and special forces to remain fully alert to potential threats and dangerous situations. Both helmets can be upgraded to include lightweight open architecture slide rails, bungees and a shroud for mounting tactical accessories, helping users to gain the upper hand in combat.

James Kempston, Director of Business Development – Composites and Defence Systems, explains: “For decades, advanced composite technology from Morgan has played a vital part in ensuring that military and law enforcement personnel are fully protected in the line of fire. Our new helmets continue to provide high levels of protection, combined with extraordinary low weight properties. The AC912 and AC913 have been developed to enable defence and security personnel to remain safe against a diverse range of threats.”

For further information on the AC912 and AC913 helmets, please visit: www.morgandefencesystems.com/AC912 and www.morgandefencesystems.com/AC913.

Alternatively, please visit DSEI 2017 stand S5-265, where the helmets will be on display.

Keep ‘Em Flying – PTX and ‘SkyRanger’ at DSEI

September 8th, 2017

FirstSpear Friday Focus – Non Stocking Non Standard – Tubes Split Front Modular Chest Rig

September 8th, 2017

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Originally developed for a FS professional user the Modular Split Front Chest Rig is an ultra light load bearing harness featuring a 4” Tube quick release on the front and H style adjustable back. Industry leading 6/12™ attachment fields on either side of the Tube allows complete customization with your 6/12, 6/9, or MOLLE style pockets. One size fits all with a wide range of adjustment in the shoulders and waist.

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Now available in the Non-stocking Non-Standard section of first-spear.com. Extremely limited quantities of Multicam only remain and no back orders will be filled.

www.first-spear.com

New Modular Handgun System, Sig Sauer P320, in Testing at Army Sites Across the Country

September 8th, 2017

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — Various service members will be at Fort Bragg over the next few weeks for testing of the new modular handgun system, the Sig Sauer P320, for the U.S. Army Operational Test Command based at Fort Hood, Texas.


If fielded, according to officials, the new modular handgun system, also known as MHS, will offer improved durability and adjustability over the current M9, as well as performance improvements.

Most Soldiers who tested the MHS at Fort Bragg’s Range 29 on Sunday were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, said OTC’s Col. Brian McHugh. Testing will also be conducted by Sailors, Airmen and Marines.


Capt. Christina Smith, program manager, Individual Weapons, has traveled to different testing sites to ensure the system’s quality. “It’s worth it to make sure you get the right product to the right Soldiers,” she said.

Testers were pulled from across the military, including Soldiers of the Special Operations Aviation Regiment, based in Kentucky, and of the 3rd Infantry Division, based in Georgia. Some of the military occupational specialties involved include police, pilots, infantry and crew chiefs.

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“We wanted to make sure that we have a huge sample to make sure that we’ve got this right — that the Army has it right,” said McHugh.

“These are the Soldiers who would be using the weapon every day, so getting their feedback on the pistol is really what is important for operational testing,” explained Maj. Mindy Brown, test officer, OTC.

It was important to bring the test to Fort Bragg because the installation has the ranges to support realistic conditions.

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“You are using real Soldiers in a realistic environment,” Brown said.

Soldiers provided feedback on the interchangeability of the weapon with the M4, as well as its functionality while wearing cold weather gear.

Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Custer, of 160th SOAR, appreciated being able to participate in MHS testing. “It’s good. We don’t really get the opportunity to test the equipment in the unit we’re in,” he said.

Sgt. Emily Todd, 16th Military Police Brigade, also testing is ideal. “It’s a great opportunity for Soldiers to get to shoot more rounds . . . it’s nice to have a forward look into what the Army might use some day,” she added.

Story By Tina Ray, “The Paraglide” Focus Editor & Staff Writer, Fort Bragg, N.C.September 7, 2017

Photo Credit: U.S. Army photos by Lewis Perkins

Best Military Charities for Hurricane Harvey Disaster

September 8th, 2017

The last few weeks have been difficult for people living in Texas. First, they had to survive the wrath of Nature that came as Hurricane Harvey and second, they now have to deal with the aftermath of the said hurricane (floods, landfalls, and more).

Hurricane Flood

The unprecedented rain and floods left behind a lot of damage so, if you want to help, it will be most welcomed. If you’re not close to the disaster area, and you can’t participate in the rescue missions, you can offer help by donating money to charities involved.

Still, it’s not recommended to write checks with your eyes closed – even in the darkest times, some people still try to profit. To make sure your money will reach people in need take a look at the list of trusted military charities below.

#1: Army Emergency Relief Fund

Donation page: Click here
Their main focus is on helping soldiers (active and retired) and their families. However, they also get involved in major disasters (such as the events in Texas right now). Right now, the AER offers assistance for anyone in need of an evacuation or any other needs associated with the impact of the storm.

The AER is one of the most credible military charities in the USA and they are active through 75 sections located all over the world on Army installations. They are also working with the American Red Cross so you can get easier in touch.

#2: Operation Supply Drop (OSD)

Donation page: Click here

The OSD was founded in 2010 but, as they grew, they shifted focus to military veterans and their families. Nowadays, they work on helping veterans re-integrate into society by collaborating with various local experts such as GoogGun, and offering people a new view on life as a retired soldier.

Nowadays, the charity has both veterans and civilians who help local military populations. They have 37 locations in the country and the team of volunteers is strong and reliable.

#3: Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society

Donation page: Click here

Their main mission is to provide active and retired Sailors and Marines and their families with financial, educations, and other types of support.

Right now, they offer assistance to service members and their families if they were impacted by the Harvey Tropical Storm. The charity has a good reputation and the members of the NMCRS are always reliable so you don’t have to worry about funds being diverted another way.

#4: Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA)

Donation page: Click here

As the name says, this military aid society focuses on helping the men and women of the United States Coast Guard. The CGMA is the official relief society for these people and they function as an individual organization.

Right now, the CGMA is prepared to help coast guard families and active or retired members who need to be evacuated due to the hurricane. They have locations all over the US but, in case people can’t reach a local representative, they can be reached via the American Red Cross as well.

They are active in major disasters and their main purpose is to provide emergency assistance to anyone who gets in touch. So, if you want to support their actions, your help is welcomed.

A Few Final words…

In the end, you should know that civilian charities cover the Hurricane Harvey situation as well, in a try to reduce the number of victims and to help people get over this natural disaster. It will take a long time before Texans will rebuild their homes and lives, which is why your help is paramount right now.

– Michael N
Michael is a passionate gun supporter and writer.

PPSS Group – New Emergency Body Armour Will Help Protect Civilians

September 7th, 2017

Designed for individual protection, a new rapidly deployable ‘Emergency Body Armour™’ is offering the latest in globally respected and field-tested body armour technology, displaying truly outstanding protection from edged weapon, such as machetes and knives.

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Following a number of well documented knife attacks on civilians in recent years, PPSS Group started a comprehensive R&D project with the aim to design a ultra-lightweight body armour that can be strategically located in public places and deployed within a very few seconds, in case of emergency.

The UK firm is now making this new ‘Emergency Body Armour’ available to airports, train stations, hospitals, city centre hotels, and other key locations civilians may flee to and seek shelter when faced by a suddenly occurring threat.

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According to the company behind this concept, this latest ‘Emergency Body Armour’ also offers unmatched protection from blunt force trauma injuries, usually suffered following an assault by a blunt object.

A top healthcare security specialist in Britain wished to remain anonymous, but commented: “To have something small, compact and lightweight stashed away or strategically placed that you could pull out and throw on, would make a huge difference between a potential life and death situation.”

Robert Kaiser, CEO of PPSS Group strongly agrees with this statement. Presenting at yesterday’s global product launch at London’s Hilton Canary Wharf Hotel he said: “An Emergency Body Armour makes sense, and it will help to protect human lives and reduce the number of casualties when a serious threat occurs.”

Following the issuing of body armour to all Police Forces in the UK in the 90s, many hospital and university security teams have now equipped their teams with stab resistant vests since. The same can be said for several public sector enforcement teams, such as Trading Standards, Licensing, Community Safety, Environmental Health and Car Parking Enforcement.

www.ppss-group.com