Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Silynx Goes MultiCam

July 13th, 2010

Silynx recently started offering the C4OPS headset system with MultiCam bags, Compact Control Units, and wireless Push-to-talk modules. While the new color scheme is the most obvious enhancement to the popular C4OPS headset system, it is hardly the only improvement. Silynx maintains continuous contact with their customer base to solicit feedback based on real world use. Software updates such as those below are constantly pushed out to the field.

The enhanced PC programming software makes setting system parameters a snap. The system is now GPS enabled giving the MBITR on board Blue Force Tracking. However, unlike traditional BFT systems, C4OPS does not send automatic GPS locations but rather can be set to send them along with transmissions as well as by time or distance settings. The GPS information can also be provided to the operator on demand through the headphones via a selectable synthetic voice. Additionally, the C4OPS systems can be configured to transmit pre-set text messages through the radio.

Not only have the ear buds been improved with the ability to accept a custom ear mold, but they also now come with a storage pouch. They also offer venting for MFF parachute operations.

In addition to the software and earbud enhancements, Silynx also offers a couple of radio battery cables that can be used by anyone who employs the MBITR. The variant above adapts the BA-5590 battery to the MBITR to allow the battery to be stored remotely from the radio. This is especially important for lithium batteries as they can easily combust if they take fire. Below is an adapter for the standard MBITR battery and offers additional load carriage options.

If you’ll be attending the Warrior Expo – East in Virgina Beach on 15-16 July be sure to stop by booth #111 and check out the C4OPS headset system.

www.silynxcom.com

Tags: Silynx Communications
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Maintenance, Repair and Operations

July 12th, 2010

Most readers will see the initials MRO and scratch their heads but Maintenance, Repair and Operations is a vital part of any operation. It’s what keeps the equipment working whether rolling stock, HVAC, power grids, or basically anything mechanical or electrical. At the Warrior Expo this week attendees will be able to learn more about MRO and seasoned maintenance veterans will have an opportunity to see the latest and greatest tools, generators, repair parts, and services. Additionally, ADS has partnered with some of the most trusted names in the business to produce specialized kits so be sure to check them out.

www.adsinc.com/mro

Tags: ADS, MRO
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Warrior Expo East – Presented by ADS

July 12th, 2010

This week the Virginia Beach Convention Center becomes a tactical version of Macy’s at Christmas time. Any product you have imagined and some you haven’t will be displayed in over 180 booths. This is THE show you don’t want to miss. Unlike other major trade shows, only products and firms with proven track records have been invited. You won’t waste your time looking at electric golf ball washers or being accosted by a guy selling armadillo jerky.

Just take a couple of minutes to peruse the show brochure. In addition to some one-on-one time with reps from the hottest brands, there are also a variety of seminars and breakout sessions to improve your understanding of the logistics side of this business.

Warrior Expo East 2010 Show Guide

There’s still time to register. Just visit www.adsinc.com/warriorexpo to make it happen.

Tags: ADS, Warrior Expo
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Los Lobos Jacket

July 11th, 2010

If you’re looking for fleece hoodie that will fit in with both your off-duty wardrobe as well as your uniform then the Los Lobos jacket from Patagonia is for you. It is made from a combination of 100% polyester high-nap fleece for the torso and stretchable Polartec Power Dry for the for the sleeves. The jacket also incorporates two zippered hand warmer pockets in addition to the left bicep pocket. And…it’s available in Alpha Green (!) as well as Narwhal Grey and Black.

www.patagonia.com

Tags: Patagonia
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Haket from TOPS Knives

July 11th, 2010

TOPS Knives has released the Haket which stands for Hatchet and Knife Emergency Tool. The unique blade is manufactured from 1095 steel and features a hatchet blade on one and and a knife blade on the other. The blade fits into a slot on the hollow chrome-moly handle in two fashions. It can be mounted as a traditional hatchet or in spear fashion and in both cases the blade is held fast with a special bolt fixture. Additionally, the hollow handle accommodates a variety of survival items. Look for additional blades in the future. The Haket comes with a nylon sheath.

www.TOPSknives.com

Tags: TOPS Knives
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Israeli Soldiers in a Different Light

July 11th, 2010

We’ve shown you Israeli troops dancing a jig, but now we have something altogether different. Israeli Air Force Veteran Rachel Papo presents a web based version of her portfolio titled under her Serial No. 3817131. Her photos have a personal quality, giving the viewer a glimpse of life in the IDF through the eyes of a female Soldier.

www.serialno3817131.com

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SCAR Wars

July 10th, 2010

The fur continues to fly in the controversy that just won’t end. Two weeks ago, Kit up! broke the story that SOCOM would not be purchasing or fielding any of the 5.56 Mk16 SCAR-Lights. Then, the deluge of fanboys and shills hit the internet like a tsunami denying the story. Next, FNH USA issued a press release that was more plea than promise. Unfortunately, they also admitted on message boards that they had not yet been informed of SOCOM’s decision. Welcome to the world of Government contracting. It happens. SOCOM asked them to build a beast. They built it, and then SOCOM decided they didn’t want what they had asked for.

Now like a spurned lover, the parent company, FN Herstal in Belgium has taken the offensive issuing a new press release originally posted through The Firearm Blog, refuting the Kit Up! story. Looks like FNH hired a wily English major to craft this one because it splits more hairs than Donald Trump’s barber.

Belgium-based firearms manufacturer FN Herstal hereby refutes the allegations recently found on the web that USSOCOM abandoned the 5.56 version of the SCARÂ® rifle and reconfirms USSOCOM’s decision to acquire the full FN SCARÂ® family of weapons, including the 5.56mm rifle.

The FN SCARÂ® family of weapons consists of the 5.56mm SCARÂ® rifle, 7.62mm SCARÂ® rifle and 40mm LV Enhanced Grenade Launcher Module (respectively designated as MK 16, MK 17 and MK 13 by USSOCOM). These three components were developed by FN Herstal in close cooperation with USSOCOM and have each met all the operational and fielding tests required by the program. This resulted in the notification by USSOCOM last May that the full SCARÂ® system entered into Milestone C phase, allowing production and deployment of the full range of SCARÂ® weapons. The 5.56 version will be part of USSOCOM’s inventory.

The choice between the 5.56 and the 7.62 caliber will be left to the discretion of each constitutive component of USSOCOM’s Joint Command (e.g. Seals, Rangers, Army Special Forces, USMC, AFSOC) depending on their specific missions on today’s battlefield.

We have emphasized a few key terms in the release and find it quite interesting that a foreign company, FN Herstal is now speaking for USSOCOM especially considering that Kit Up! followed up with SOCOM and they confirmed the details of his earlier story. The last bit is also telling in that it seems that FN Herstal has worked out a deal with one or more of the components to take the Mk16s off of their hands. It will be interesting to see how that works out.

A word or two for FN writ large. Stop fanning the flames. It will all go away if you just keep building great guns and stop issuing ill-thought press releases. We’ve been fans of FNH for years, but to perpetuate this is costing you in terms of good will.

Tags: FNH USA, SCAR
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Soldier Portable Charger

July 10th, 2010

According to a news release from the British Ministry of Defence, a team of energy experts at Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) and the Integrated Soldier Systems Executive (ISSE) at Abbey Wood have developed a portable energy solution dubbed the Solider Portable Charger. Based on a Urgent Operational Requirement from field commanders in Afghanistan, the system consists of lithium ion power source (LIPS) 11 & 12 batteries, a solar charging mat, and a plug n play battery charger that can be carried by a quad.

The requirement was based on weight. Currently, an eight-man section taking part in a 40-hour patrol currently has to contend with a hefty 60kg burden in batteries alone:

“A major factor in developing this UOR was the weight in batteries required during that 40-hour mission,” explained project manager Peter Flowers. “That’s a ridiculous amount to be added just for power supplies, so we sat down last autumn and worked out how we could do something about it.

“One of the things we discovered was that [the batteries] were saying they were empty even though they may have had between ten and 20 per cent power remaining.

“The SPC takes that energy out and transfers it to another type of battery. That means that if you take rechargeable batteries, you only need one on the radio and one on charge and you can then take four of each type off the patrol.”

Additionally, the new LIPS 11 & 12 batteries were developed based on the 3.75kg LIPS 10. They weigh 1.5kg and 2.25kg and provide enough power for two and four hours respectively:

“We have effectively taken the LIPS 10 and chopped it into thirds,” explained Mr Flowers.

“You can now take the lower-power battery if you need it. We’re not dictating to commanders on the ground what they should use, we’re just putting the right clubs in their bag.”

A total of 4,556 units are being deployed to Op HERRICK, with the first 1,000 arriving in theater this month and the remainder being delivered in batches in August and September 2010.

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