Unfortunately, we can’t give too many details (yet), but SOFREP Editor Brandon Webb is working with an unidentified company on a new hunting camouflage. They are telling me that this will be next breakthrough pattern in the outdoor industry because they are working to conceal the hunter in more than just the visual spectrum. The idea is great camo with signature management properties at an affordable price.
Here are a couple of shots to give you an idea of what he is up to.
S.O.TECH has a long history or working with law enforcement to push the envelope in tactical gear design. This time they’ve worked with LAPD, LASD, and Orange County Sheriffs Dept (CA) to create the MACTAC (Multi-Assault Counter-Terrorism Action Capabilities) as a way to respond to multiple violent assaults and/or terrorist acts. MACTAC was inspired by the tactical dilemmas posed by the Mumbai assault and active shooter incidents like Columbine.
“LAPD is in the process of developing supplemental courses to help supervisors and team leaders apply the MACTAC concept during critical field incidents.” – LAPD Official website
The kit includes the Mission Pack Micro, the Helmet Mesh Adapter, and the Rapid Response Bandolier with add-on items also available. The concept is, everything you need for any engagement in a single package, with hard plate coverage, helmet, ID patches, and an extra 120 rounds of ammunition. The pack also offers additional room for food and water, extra weapons/ammunition/holsters, an IFAK med kit and other mission-specific gear.
MACTAC training is rapidly becoming a top priority for a variety of agencies nationwide in 2012 and this new kit from S.O.TECH will support your requirements.
Natick Soldier Systems Center employee Rich Landry talks about the proposed replacement for the Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) we wrote about last month.
Medal of Honor has announced LBT as the first of their partner companies that have been consulted to give MOH Warfighter a true air of authenticity. Also, while you’re checking it out, get your MOH patches from LBX. 100% of the proceeds go to the Navy SEAL Foundation, Tommy V Challenge and Special Operations Warrior Foundation.
OTTE Gear has introduced another water bottle with Liberty Bottle Works and Bawidamann. This time they used Bawidamann’s popular “Dive Girl” pinup. Made in USA!, BPA free, food grade liner good for water, wine, beer, (carbonation not a problem) whisky up to 80 proof. This one is slightly smaller at 24 oz. The cost is $16 or are free with a $350 purchase.
Sitka introduced the new Fanatic Vest at this year’s SHOT Show. Based on the Fanatic Jacket it features the same, main diagonal zipper design. This leaves a clean front for a kangaroo-style handwarmer pocket. It also offsets the zipper so there aren’t a bunch of zippers piled up on the chin. Manufactured from 133g/m2 Primaloft Sport insulation and WINDSTOPPER fabric in Forest Concealment sizes Med – 3XLge.
Remember, Sitka products are intended for hunting but the features of this vest might do well for certain tactical applications.
OffHand Gear is a concept for women’s tactical design. Having already developed graphics including those shown below, OffHand Gear is looking for a little help raising funds to launch a website and complete a first run of shirts and sweatshirts. Considering how little there is out there for the ladies, we think they are going to be a big hit.
Help OffHand Gear get off the ground via Kickstarter.
Used by every branch of the US military, the IZLID family of IR laser pointers and illuminators produced by BE Meyers. You’re probably quite familiar with their use by Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) but these IR lasers provide a single solution for weapons aiming, target illumination, and communicating intent with other fire elements on the ground as well as in the air. The video above showcases footage from Iraq along with training ranges in the Southwestern US to highlight the IZLID 200P and the IZLID Ultra and how they enhance accuracy at longer ranges for crew served weapons in low light and night conditions. It also demonstrates the use of the IZLID family of products on helicopters for both door guns and installed weapons, and how the lasers can be used to communicate and coordinate Air Ground Integration.
Standard equipment for SOF elements and all JTACs, the IZLID line of IR lasers provides a critical tool to support long range weapon aiming, delivers unparalleled illumination for night time reconnaissance and surveillance, and is the standard tool for coordinating close air support.
Many JTACs carry two different IZLID products, the 195 mW IZLID 200P for immediate coordination with helicopters, and the 1,000 mW IZLID Ultra or IZLID 1000 for communication and directing aviation assets at greater distances.
Rugged enough to be used for weapon aiming on the M2 .50 Cal Machine Gun and mini guns, but light enough to be mounted on individual weapons or used by hand, the IZLID 200P and IZLID Ultra are versatile, dependable, and powerful IR lasers “battle field proven and ready to deliver a tactical advantage today.”
IZLIDs are also being used by both military and law enforcement Reconnaissance and Surveillance elements to illuminate targets of interest. The beam can be opened up to a flood and used to paint and illuminate an item for an IR camera system ground based or airborne.