Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Arc’teryx Launches Veilance Today

October 9th, 2009

Arc’teryx needs no introduction to the readers of Soldier Systems Daily. Their LEAF line has set the standard for technical military wear. Now, they have brought their expertise to a new area; performance menswear. The much anticipated Veilance collection offers a new level of urban camouflage for the armed professional. Finally, the pinnacle of performance is being engineered into garments that will fit in as well on a battlefield as a shopping center. A very limited offering of Arc’teryx Veilance was unveiled in select stores beginning October 1.

Veilance started with the question of why the philosophy of ‘form follows function’ was not a mainstay in clothing worn in the urban environment. Spurred by developments in garment technology, as well as by wide reaching technology based shifts in society and culture at large, the potential for an entirely new type of apparel has evolved. Arc’teryx has applied its expertise in performance design, basing Veilance on aesthetic style, superior quality and extraordinary performance for the urban arena. Technical textiles provide full weather protection and personal comfort. 3D anatomic patterning augments fit and drape and creates a distinguished look. Innovative features and premium components highlight the extraordinary finishing detail. Performing well under a myriad of activities and conditions, social settings, modes of transit, physical exertion levels, interior and exterior climates, the Veilance collection creates protection that is always comfortable and projects an aesthetic of quiet confidence.

Designer Conroy Nachtigall, a graduate of Central St. Martens in London, has reinterpreted menswear classics and combined them with state of the art manufacturing techniques and technical materials usually found in outdoor garments, creating this radically innovative menswear collection. The Veilance collection includes a GORE-TEX long coat and field jacket, WINDSTOPPER blazers and pants, fine Merino sweaters, and ingeniously designed dress shirts and tees. Continuing the trajectory established in outdoor and military sectors, the Veilance collection is the company’s entry into inspired clothing for day-to-day urban use. The Veilance collection will be manufactured in Canada in Arc’teryx’s own Vancouver factory and available in a limited offering this October from select premium men’s clothing stores: 290 Square Meters, Amsterdam; The Tannery, Boston; The Glade Firmament, Berlin; International Gallery Beams and Beams House, Tokyo; The Hideout, London, as well as direct from Arcâ€™teryx.

For any of you who still aren’t convinced, check out this great article from Code magazine.

For those of you ready to experience Veilance visit veilance.arcteryx.com

*Note that existing LEAF and Pro customers will not be eligible for discounts.

-Eric Graves
Editor

Tags: Arc'teryx, Veilance
Posted in Clothing, Foreign | Comments Off on Arc’teryx Launches Veilance Today

KDH Does It Again

October 9th, 2009

Like the little engine that could, KDH wins yet another armor contract. This time for 57,000 plate carriers. So this makes IOTV, IMTV/PC, and now the Army’s Plate Carrier all at the same time. Not bad for a small business. I wonder how they are getting it all done. They have opened a new factory in Eden, North Carolina that is according to recent visitors, only at half capacity. Unfortunately, the real issue with capacity these days isn’t floor space or number of machines but rather human capital. Finding qualified, experienced sewers and other textile workers even in areas where plants have closed in the past is extremely difficult.

Lots of conjecture on the web about how KDH continues to win contracts but quite honestly, it probably has a lot to do with price. Estimates indicate that KDH probably offered the plate carriers to the Army at just over $300 a pop with soft armor based on the number of vests and the amount of the award. That is about half what other companies were seeking.

Interestingly, the Army handled this procurement through GSA and this is the first time that they have used GSA to purchase armor due to concerns over ballistic ratings. Additionally, the GSA solicitation was open for a fairly short window and in spite of a requirement during Soldier Protection Demonstration VII that the carriers be releasable, the GSA solicitation dropped it altogether yet they retained the 9 lbs weight threshold associated with a heavier cut-away system. Of course, neither SOCOM nor the Marines have a cut-away plate carrier system. But these oddball requirements meant that companies that did not meet the requirements for inclusion in SPD VII were able to bid on the plate carriers through GSA.

KDH lists their Soldier Plate Carrier with Quick Release System on their GSA website for $439.29 so we are unsure if they bid that at a discount via GSA or a non-releasable system. According to the description of their vest it “Includes OTV/IOTV Specification(FQ/PD 07-05 Latest Rev. CO/PD 00-02 Latest Rev.) Lvl IIIA Equivalent Soft Ballistc Inserts and Integrated Side Plate Pouches. Also available with NIJ Specifica”.

Tags: KDH
Posted in Armor | Comments Off on KDH Does It Again

PEO-Soldier Gets a Face Lift

October 9th, 2009

PEO-Soldier recently unveiled a new look. Their new web presence is streamlined and simplifies navigation. It even features a blog.

Check it out at peosoldier.army.mil.

Posted in PEO-Soldier | Comments Off on PEO-Soldier Gets a Face Lift

UCP-Delta Did Someone Else Get There First?

October 8th, 2009

According to an article published today on Strike Hold!, it looks as though the Kazakh’s may have come to a similar conclusion as the US Army that UCP needs a little browning down to be more effective in the high desert of Central Asia.

Photo: Chris Fletcher

Thanks to recent photographs taken of Exercise Steppe Eagle, a two-week Partnership for Peace exercise, involving British Territorial Army (reserves) soldiers from 7th Battalion The Rifles (7 RIFLES) and Kazakh airborne troops we get some close ups of the pattern. Also, note the Woodland PASGT vest on the paratrooper on the right.

Posted in Camo, Foreign | Comments Off on UCP-Delta Did Someone Else Get There First?

Enhanced Protection Individual Comfort

October 8th, 2009

Team Wendy teased us at both Modern Day Marine and AUSA with their new EPIC technology. They have been keeping it under wraps because it is not yet approved for use by the military. However, Soldier Systems Daily was fortunate enough to be given a sneak peek at the new pad system.

Designed in response to an RFI for enhanced impact protection for the Enhanced Combat Helmet. The current ZAP pad system utilizes 7 pads but the new EPIC system offers 22 pads including a Impact Liner that cradles your noggin and is intended to be permanently attached to the inside of the helmet for enhanced performance. Additionally, there are sizing pads and four oval shaped Ultra Grip TM anti-slip pads to ensure a perfect fit. The comfort pads are provided in four shapes and two thicknesses: 3/16-inch “thin” and 3/8-inch “thick as well as two Sweat Bands (3/16-inch and 3/8-inch thick). The impact liner alone offers the 10 feet per second impact protection required. Testing indicates that the additional fitting pads only enhance the protection afforded to the wearer, up to 40% in hot conditions.

I had the opportunity to try it in an ACH and it definitely offers a great deal of adjustment. When I mounted the Ultra Grip TM pads it was going nowhere on my head. As with the current ZAP pad system, the pads feature wicking and anti-microbial treated fabric.

Team Wendy prepared this video to give you an idea of how the system works.

EPIC is available for sale to Law Enforcement customers but will not be offered to the military until it has been officially tested and approved for use. The ZAP system remains the sole approved helmet pad for use by the US military. We encourage the acquisition to take a serious look at such enhanced technologies as EPIC especially in light of the increased ballistic protection afforded by the developmental Enhanced Combat Helmet.

For more info visit Team Wendy.

Tags: Team Wendy
Posted in Helmets | Comments Off on Enhanced Protection Individual Comfort

Tactical Tailor Low Profile Armor Carrier

October 8th, 2009

The Tactical Tailor is revamping much of their line in addition to launching new items. The Low Profile Armor Carrier (L.P.A.C.) is just such a product. The slim and lightweight design of the LPAC was envisioned for those needing to don and remove their vest quickly or those needing the option of soft ballistic armor and hard plates without the extra weight of a larger tactical vest. The LPAC features Tactical Tailor’s safety features such as side entry system which ensures proper vest positioning for maximum protection as well as providing for quick vest removal in emergency situations.

Constructed from 1000D Cordura, the LPAC features padded shoulder straps with integrated microphone epaulets and a heavy duty drag handle. Internal pockets accommodate standard size plates as well as soft armor from most ballistic vests up to 17″ x 24″ front and 18″ x 22″ rear for Large/X-Large and 14â€ x 21â€ front and 16â€ x 20â€ rear for Small/Medium. Modular webbing on all sides allows for nearly unlimited options for attachment of MOLLE/PALS style equipment to meet almost any mission requirement. What’s more, the LPAC weighs in at an astounding 1.25 pounds empty.

Berry Compliant and available in Available in Black, Coyote Brown, Olive Drab and MultiCam from Tactical Tailor and their network of dealers.

Tags: Tactical Tailor
Posted in Armor, Load Carrying, Multicam, PALS | Comments Off on Tactical Tailor Low Profile Armor Carrier

Daniel Defense Announces Follow-On Orders from SOCOM and UK MoD

October 7th, 2009

Daniel Defense is ramping up to fulfill follow on orders from their sole source contracts with the UK Ministry of Defence and USSOCOM.

The small arms manufacturer out of Black Creek, GA near Savannah received the orders over the course of the past couple of weeks. â€œWe are excited to ramp back up these two lines of our manufacturing. Our employees are excited to continue to provide the very best product to these war fightersâ€ says Jay Duncan, VP of Sales and Marketing.

The UK MOD order is for 12,500 rail systems to close out the year. This will put the number produced by Daniel Defense and fielded by MOD to 44,000 units.

In addition to these orders, the Philippines National Police ordered 200 plus Daniel Defense rifles. This order shows the commitment of Daniel Defense to be a company that is able to source, manufacture, and deliver quality small arms parts and rifles to the international community.

Locally, Daniel Defense recently equipped Savannah SWAT with upper receivers built to special specifications. â€œWe have a commitment to partner with Law Enforcement agencies nationwide and abroad to meet their exact needs. We are flexible enough to build to their specific requirements,â€ says Brian Gilbert, General Manager US Sales.

No specifics on additional SOCOM orders was provided by Daniel Defense.

Tags: Daniel Defense
Posted in weapons | Comments Off on Daniel Defense Announces Follow-On Orders from SOCOM and UK MoD

James Sudderth Memorial Service

October 7th, 2009

As many of you may already know our industry lost a great Warrior on Sunday, October 4th. James nelson Sudderth, SGM, US Army (Ret) was struck very suddenly by a heart attack. He labored tirelessly and friends have told me that they were working with him as late as Saturday. I met Jim when he assumed the position of the Director of Sales for Source One Distributors but his service goes much further. He served for over 20 years in the US Army rising to the rank of Sergeant Major and serving in the most elite of our forces including 82d Airborne Division, 1st Ranger Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, and 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta. Jim is featured in the book, “Six Minutes to Freedom” detailing the rescue Kurt Muse rescue.

After his retirement he managed the Counter Terrorism Support Project from his home base in Las Vegas as well as in key management positions with several organizations including Bechtel and the University of Nevada. Unfortunately, Soldier Systems Daily is too small a space to capture a man’s life, his accomplishments, and to truly articulate how he touched other’s lives.

He will be missed.

Jim is survived by his two sons Kenny Sudderth and Riley Sudderth, mother Ann, father James, and brother Asa.

There will be a Memorial Service held Saturday at 4:00 PM, Saturday, October 10th, 2009 at the Palms West Funeral Home. For those wishing to donate in memorial to Jim we suggest one of these two causes:
James Patrick â€œRileyâ€ Sudderth – Education Trust or The American Heart Association.

Posted in Admin | Comments Off on James Sudderth Memorial Service