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Gentex Features New HGU-56/P With Ops-Core Rails And Other Advances In Rotary Wing Helmet Systems At SAFE Symposium

October 29th, 2015

Gentex Features New HGU-56/P with Ops-Core Rails and other Advances in Rotary Wing Helmet Systems at SAFE Symposium

Leveraging Gentex Corporation Brands to Deliver Innovative Technology for Unprecedented Safety and Protection for Aircrew

Carbondale, PA, October 29, 2015. Gentex Corporation, a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces will demonstrate their industry leading lines of Gentex, ALPHA, and Ops-Core helmet systems for air applications at the SAFE Symposium, November 2 – 4, Orlando, Florida. Featured among them will be their latest innovations, the Gentex HGU-56/P Rotary Wing Helmet System with Ops-Core Accessory Rail Connectors (ARC), and the ALPHA 900 Search and Rescue (SAR) Helmet System, part of the ALPHA 900 Cross-Platform Helmet System line.

Gentex has integrated the Ops-Core ARCs into the designs for the standard and improved HGU-56/P Helmet Systems. This pairing allows aircrew users to easily add mission-enhancing components such as cameras and illuminators, without compromising the helmet system’s industry leading protection.

Combining the open architecture of the Ops-Core ARCs with the Gentex HGU-56/P Helmet System creates a platform for access to a broadest of capability upgrades to support both current and future operations. The ALPHA 900 SAR Helmet System is water resistant and optimized for air-to-sea search and rescue operations, and is compatible with all major aircraft ICS systems and portable radios.

“The Gentex HGU-56/P with Ops-Core ARCs and the ALPHA 900 SAR Helmet System exemplify Gentex Corporation’s continued effort to expand our product line, allowing us to offer a full range of innovative solutions to the customer” said Robert McCay, vice president, Aircrew Systems, Gentex Corporation. “Gentex is dedicated to providing the most comprehensive portfolio of aircrew headborne systems and services to meet the needs of global aircrew personnel.”

Adding to the depth of Gentex Corporation’s comprehensive product line featured at SAFE, is their newly acquired line of hearing and communications products, which will be on display in booth #302. The recent acquisition of Aegisound, an established provider of products that significantly improve hearing protection, safety and communications in high noise environments, expands Gentex’s hearing and communications product offering to global defense and industrial personnel, as well as the F-35 program portfolio. In addition to hearing and communication products, Gentex will supply eye protection, the helmet system platform, and respiratory protection system to the elite aircrew entrusted to command the F-35 Lightning II.

Subject matter experts from the Gentex team have also been invited to give a presentation on the evolution of the aircrew industry’s needs over the last six decades, and how these needs drive the development of aircrew helmet systems and capability upgrades. The presentation which is titled, Past,

Present and Future of Aircrew Helmets, will be held on Tuesday, November 3rd from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM in Bonaire 1-2-3. Visit the Gentex Corporation booth #307 to see the tactical optics line; dazzle laser defense eyewear, a line of laser protective flight-helmet mounted visors and spectacles that help pilots combat emerging laser threats, as well as our line of respiratory and CBRN protection products. Two Helmet System briefings focusing on the design capabilities of helmets, oxygen masks, visors, microphones and laser eye protection will also be held during the symposium.

www.gentexcorp.com

Tags: Gentex
Posted in Helmets, Press Release | 2 Comments »

SSD Visits The PRO Tapes Manufacturing Facility

October 29th, 2015

PRO Tapes, located in North Brunswick Township, New Jersey, is a manufacturer of pressure sensitive tapes and other specialty materials. They provide products services to a variety of industries, including entertainment, medical, and defense, as well as functioning as an OEM for many recognized brands. The main intent of our visit was to observe the manufacture of the MultiCam Cloth Repair Patch Kit, although we were also given a tour of their entire facility, which consists of 150,000 sq ft of manufacturing and storage/shipping capability.

The first stop in our tour was to check out this Rotary Die Printing Press, which is used to manufacture the MultiCam Cloth Repair Patch Kits. The adhesive-treated MultiCam fabric is pressed by the machine onto the backing paper. This combination is then fed through the die, which cuts the specific shapes for the patches, which are retained on the backing paper. The waste material feeds through the top and is collected on a separate spool. Using this machine, PRO Tapes is capable of producing around 5000 units a day.

The main factory floor featured a wide variety of state-of-the-art equipment, capable of custom slitting, laminating, die-cutting, and printing. To give you somewhat of an idea of their manufacturing capability, they can make slit widths from 6mm to 300mm (.24 in to 11.8 in); core sizes for tape from 1″, 1.5″, and 3″, up to 14″; sheeting up to 300mm x 914mm; and much more. Their machinery is incredibly precise, and some machines are capable of handling the entire process from manufacture to packing of completed products.

This equipment represents an investment on the part of PRO Tapes exceeding $10 million, with their capabilities growing annually.

The PRO Tapes facility also houses an impressive storage warehouse. Rack upon rack fills the warehouse area, along with material components which will eventually be used to manufacture more product. A fair number of products are made to order by PRO Tapes, although they do also house packaged products to meet the demand of their retail and OEM partners.

As an aside, we were told that when PRO Tapes receives MultiCam fabric material, it comes in rolls of this size, showing the volume of material they’ll work with when manufacturing cloth tape and repair patches.

We also had a chance to observe the outbound orders section of the warehouse. The entire section is filled to capacity with product multiple times a day, which is shipped with the same regularity.

In addition to their extensive product offerings for various industries, PRO Tapes produces many products intended for used in the Military/Tactical industry. PRO Tapes is the largest manufacturer source of “100MPH Tape” in the USA, and also offers a range of PRO Cloth Concealment Tape, which is the same as MultiCam Cloth Concealment tape but is offered in 14 base colors and 5 fluorescent colors. PRO Tapes also manufactures PRO non-adhesive Self Fusing Silicone tape, PRO 15 Heavy Duty Grit Tape, PRO 120 High Performance Duct Tape, and PRO Plus Electrical Tape. We also briefly discussed an upcoming product, PRO X-PLO Tape, a double coated demolition tape which is designed specifically for use by Breachers. We’ll have more info on this product as it becomes available.

Chris Falletta – ‘National Director of Sales – Military, Tactical and Outdoor Division’ for PRO Tapes had this to say about their involvement in the Defense and Tactical industries:

Although PRO Tapes has worked on Government and Aerospace contracts directly in the past, in addition to working with many present vendors who sell into the Military, Tactical, and Outdoor markets, over the past two years we have made a concentrated effort to expand our footprint into these markets on a much larger basis. This effort has manifested into our arrangement with Kryptek Outdoor Group, and our recent exclusive agreement with MultiCam brand, to manufacture product with their proprietary patterns, which has brought us to the forefront of this market.

PRO Tapes manufacturing capability is impressive, as is the sheer variety of products they are capable of making. It’s always a treat to see exactly how everyday products are made, especially when it involves mainstays in the Tactical industry, such as 100MPH Tape and Cloth Camouflage Tape. Look forward to future developments from PRO Tapes to be featured here on SSD.

If you’re in the tactical or defense industry, and are interested in utilizing PRO Tapes’ OEM capabilities for your products, you may contact Bob Bullion – Global Sales Manager of Tactical & Outdoor Products Division at bbullion@protapes.com.

www.protapes.com

Tags: Pro Tapes
Posted in Industry | 8 Comments »

New A-TACS iX Camo Fabric Now Available For Manufacturers

October 29th, 2015

Digital Concealment Systems and Schott Performance Fabrics are proud to announce that a full range of fabric options are now available in the new highly anticipated A-TACS iX (Intermediate Xtreme) Camo Pattern.

New A-TACS iX Camo is designed for transitional environments with an even mix of transitional green and brown tones and is designed utilizing the color palettes from their popular AU and FG patterns allowing the end user to “mix and match” to any area of operation.

Currently available Berry Compliant fabric options include, 50/50 NyCo, 65-35 Poly Cotton Ripstop, 1,000D, 500D and 330D Nylon, Cotton Jersey, Heavy Mesh and Water Resistant Bug Mesh with additional options coming soon.

Matching nylon webbing, Kydex, Hydrographic Films and Vinyl for vehicle wraps will be available soon. Look for future announcements for specific availability dates on these items.

To order fabric in New A-TACS iX Camo or for more information, contact Schott Fabrics at 1-877-720-4545.

www.a-tacs.com

You’ve been asking for it; here it is!

Tags: A-TACS
Posted in Camo, Materials, Press Release | 15 Comments »

Raven Concealment Systems Debuts Vickers Signature Series

October 29th, 2015

This is big news from two great great brands. LAV has been using Raven holsters for years, so it was a natural fit. I’m looking forward to checking out what they’ve come up with.

North Ridgeville, Ohio — Thursday, 29 October 2015

Raven Concealment Systems announced today the release of their Vickers Signature Series of holsters and magazine carriers.

The Vickers Signature Series is a collaboration between Raven Concealment Systems and Larry Vickers of Vickers Tactical.

The Vickers Signature Series is the first in a new family of products Raven Concealment Systems will be bringing to market over the next several months. Signature Series products are limited-run production batches of gear designed to the personal specifications of some of the most respected gunfighters and shooting instructors of our time. These Signature Series items promise to be both highly functional and visually striking.

“As one of the first adopters of the Raven Concealment Systems Phantom holster, I’ve always been a believer in the design’s exceptional comfort, concealability, and speed of draw. Over the past decade, I’ve seen and experienced the unparalleled durability, quality, and consistency of Raven’s products,” said Larry Vickers. “It was a pleasure to work with Raven’s professional design team on this project. We tailored the Signature products to reflect the functional and aesthetic attributes I was seeking in a holster and magazine carrier optimized for outside-the-waistband concealed-carry.”

The Vickers Signature Series is only available in one of four “shooter’s pack” configurations. These shooter packs are only produced for the pistols which LAV views as his “go-to” handguns: The Glock 17, Glock 19, Heckler and Koch VP9, Beretta M-9, and of course, the M1911 A1 pistols. Every item is tastefully emblazoned with the Vickers Tactical logo, and is produced to the same exacting standards of fit and finish that customers have come to expect from both RCS and Larry Vickers.

“As an organization, Raven Concealment Systems could not be more proud that Larry collaborated with us to design and manufacture the inceptive products in our Signature Series.” said John Chapman, CEO of Raven Concealment Systems. “Working with Larry is predictably pleasant due to his professionalism and clear vision of the excellence required to fulfill the needs of expert end users.”

The Vickers Signature Series is available exclusively through the Raven Concealment Systems website and a limited number of dealers specially selected by Vickers Tactical.

rcsgear.com

vickerstactical.com

Tags: Larry Vickers, Raven Concealment Systems, Vickers Tactical
Posted in Holsters, Load Carrying | 15 Comments »

Field Gourmet – Operational Rations of the Department of Defense

October 29th, 2015

Everything you wanted to know about DoD’s operational ration program, including menus, is available in this manual produced by Natick.

(Click cover to open PDF)

Tags: Natick
Posted in Field Gourmet | 4 Comments »

Chase Tactical – Warrior Wednesday – Warrior Assault Systems Gladiator Chest Rig

October 29th, 2015

The newly released Warrior Assault Systems Elite Ops Gladiator Chest Rig is a versatile and multi-use platform that allows use with hard armor plates. This newly designed chest rig system allows you to adjust the height of the plate to where you require the much needed protection. The Gladiator Chest Rig is a fully adjustable system, allowing adjustments to be made on your shoulders and abdomen area. With the use of pull straps and ITW buckles/clips, the Gladiator Chest Rig can be easily adjusted to suit the needs of the user.

The Gladiator Chest Rig comes with a 3D spacer mesh lined interior to allow passage of cool air and comfort. The upper section can be folded away to allow access to uniform pockets. This folding section gives you 4 vertical & 4 horizontal strips of MOLLE to allow the attachment of additional pouches such as a Large Admin pouch or Forward Opening Admin pouch. Elastic loops on the shoulder straps are designed to secure comm’s equipment or hydration tubes.

The Gladiator Chest Rig has 4 fixed, closed top magazine pouches, which allows you to carry up to 8 magazines. These magazine pouches are adjustable using the removable Velcro straps. This modification allows the usage of both standard and non-standard 5.56mm/7.62mm (M4 and AK variant weapon systems). If required the ammunition pouches can be doubled up as a comms/radio pouch capable of fitting a PRC 145/152. The magazine compartment also has drainage holes to allow the release of water should the rig be submerged in water. This rig also offers you two modular panels either side of the magazine pouches; both modular panels give you 3 vertical and 3 horizontal rows of MOLLE allowing you to attach additional pouches if needed.

The Gladiator Chest Rig is not compatible with the Warrior Assault Systems Back Panel and is currently available in MultiCam, Coyote, and A-TACS-FG.

All Warrior Assault Systems products are made from genuine U.S. Mil Spec materials and hardware. Warrior Assault Systems is a UK based company.

Interested in carrying the Warrior Assault Systems product line? Click on the following link www.chasetactical.com/become-a-dealer or email Support@ChaseTactical.com

Tags: Chase Tactical, Warrior Assault Systems
Posted in Load Carrying | Comments Off on Chase Tactical – Warrior Wednesday – Warrior Assault Systems Gladiator Chest Rig

TrackingPoint & Taya Kyle Unite For First-Ever $1M American Sniper Shootout

October 29th, 2015

Wife of American Sniper Takes on World-Renowned Shooting Champion for $1 Million to Benefit Chris Kyle Frog Foundation

Mason, Texas (October 27, 2015) – Billed as the shootout of the century, Taya Kyle will use TrackingPoint’s Precision-Guided Firearms to take on a world-renowned champion shooter in the inaugural American Sniper Shootout. If the champ wins against Taya and the TrackingPoint system, he will take home the $ 1 million prize.

The landmark event is set for Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015 in Mason, Texas, with proceeds benefiting the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation. Sponsors are already planning to make the American Sniper Shootout an annual event.

The American Sniper Shootout is the first of its kind to pit a novice shooter armed with the TrackingPoint system against the best in the world in a head-to-head competition featuring the types of shots routinely encountered by soldiers in battle. TrackingPoint’s Precision-Guided Firearms instantly transform inexperienced shooters into world-class marksmen, and the competition will validate the claim, staking $1 million on Taya out-shooting the champion.

“I am a novice shooter,” said Taya Kyle, wife of Chris Kyle, the most prolific sniper in American history. “When I shoot TrackingPoint guns, I feel Chris’s spirit in my hands. Chris would be proud to know that every soldier now has the power to dominate any adversary, and it’s even better that this event benefits military service men and women, veterans, first responders and their families through the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation.”

Chris Kyle had an early influence on the development of TrackingPoint guns. In a chance encounter with the American Sniper in 2009, TrackingPoint Founder and CEO John McHale and Kyle explored the nuances of precision shooting and the possibility of building a gun that would change the face of war.

“Chris and I went back-and-forth on how to make everyone an extraordinary shot,” said McHale. “We were both excited, realizing it was entirely possible to give our troops insurmountable squad-overmatch capability. We knew we were on to a world-changing idea. That was the day TrackingPoint was born.”

“We want people to know that TrackingPoint Precision-Guided firearms can save our soldiers’ lives and protect our nation,” said McHale. “And, this event is also designed to let our enemies know what’s in store for them when they come up against American forces.”

McHale expects a fierce battle. “The TrackingPoint system enables even inexperienced shooters to make incredible shots that most would think impossible, rivaling the best marksmen in the world,” he said. “The champion who steps up to take this challenge may have met their match this time. Taya and TrackingPoint are a powerful combination.”

The American Sniper Shootout is comprised of a series of shots at unknown distances on static and moving targets. Shooting positions include prone, off-hand and blind shots in which the shooter is completely hidden and unable to directly see targets. Scoring is weighted based on degree of difficulty.

The day-long event in Mason is open to the public and includes a music festival featuring the Scooter Brown Band and their hard-driving country from warriors who served our country; and Donica Knight, a rising country star with pure southern style.

To purchase tickets, go to www.americansnipershootout.events.

Tags: TrackingPoint
Posted in Press Release, weapons | 18 Comments »

U.S. Small Business Administration Veterans’ Small Business Week Event

October 28th, 2015

Vets Corps brings together the SBA and AUSA to host a Veterans Small Business Conference. Vets Corps founder and S.O.Tech President Jim Cragg saw an opportunity to give back to the Veteran community in organizing this event. Most of these events are bland discussions about how to seek funding and register for set asides. So I set out to bring the Association of the US Army to bring a military-speak aspect to the presentation of good information. Brigadier General (ret) Jim Combs will be the keynote speaker and panel speakers will cover everything from mentoring for small business start-ups to how Veteran businesses should engage aerospace and defense industry opportunities. Veterans are twice as likely as their civilian counterparts to start a small business. Vets Corps believes that we need to support our servicemen and women who wish to continue their tradition of leading by becoming business leaders.

The Veterans Small Business Conference will be held November 2 at the Bob Hope Patriotic Hall in Los Angeles, California. All Veterans are welcome to this free event, whether you are thinking about starting a business or looking to expand your existing business.

www.eventbrite.com/e/sba-national-veterans-small-business-week-tickets

Tags: S.O.Tech
Posted in Industry, Press Release | 6 Comments »