Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Stark Equipment Sling Grip

August 16th, 2009

Stark Equipment has begun shipping their latest product, the SE-2 Sling Grip for AR-15 style rifles. The SE-2 is the first AR-15 pistol grip to be integrated with an ambidextrous sling mount and is available in two versions. The Hook Mount provides a loop compatible with most common sling hooks and the Swivel Mount allows the attachment of push-button sling swivels.

The SE-2’s sling mount is located above the hand and below the buffer tube, with a low profile design that stays out of the way of even fully collapsed M4-style stocks. When added to AR pistols, the SE-2 provides excellent one-handed control while providing sling attachment that doesn’t clutter up the receiver extension.

Like the original SE-1 Pistol Grip, the ergonomic design of the SE-2 fits a wide range of hand sizes and shooting demands. Features include a smooth integral trigger guard to increase comfort, textured surface along the grip, and internal storage for batteries or other equipment.

The SE-2 Sling Grip is available in Black, Dark Earth and OD Green. For more information visit www.starkequipment.com.

Tags: Stark
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Fuel Cells or Molotov Cocktails?

August 16th, 2009

As we have seen some battery technologies can be dangerous. In this article Sal Palma discusses how new fuel cell technologies can be just as deadly.

Read the article here.

Tags: Fuel Cell
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Pelican 2360 Tactical LED Flashlight

August 16th, 2009

Below is a review by an Army Lieutenant we received of the new 2360 LED Flashlight from Pelican.

The Pelican 2360 is small and lightweight, weighing approximately four ounces and just over six inches in length. It replaces the need for lithium batteries with 2AA regular alkaline batteries yet it still works up to the performance of a lithium battery, giving it on average, up to two and a half hours of battery life. The brightness of the 2360 can emit from 95 to 100 lumens making it one of the brightest 2AA flashlights I have seen. The body is constructed of aerospace grade aluminum and boasts an impact resistant LED which makes it very durable. It possesses a non-slip design and easy to operate tail switch button so that you may operate it in even the most difficult weather conditions. The 2360 also comes with a two way removable pocket clip which can secure it in your pocket, or on the brim of your hat. In short the Pelican 2360 Tactical Flashlight is small, durable, and efficient.

That is an excellent summary of the light. For more info visit www.pelican.com.

Tags: Pelican
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Absinthe & Flamethrowers: Projects and Ruminations on the Art of Living Dangerously

August 15th, 2009

The work begins with a discussion on Thrill Seekers (Big T people) and those who are risk averse (little t people). I would say it’s a safe bet that most of my readers fall into the Big T category but the book features a simple questionnaire to help you figure it out if you haven’t already. The book is intended to help readers join those in the “Golden Third”.

Author William Gurstelle describes the “Golden Third”; “I found that moderate, rational, risk takers, that is, those with scores between the mean and one standard deviation to the right are the people who are most satisfied with their lives. I call that area “the golden third” because it’s roughly 1/3 of the population. Studies (and there are several) show that people who take just a bit more risks than average, that is, those who live their lives in the golden third, tend to do better than average. They tend to be more satisfied with their lives and more fulfilled.”

The rest of the book is a how-to guide of controlled mayhem designed to help you accept some controlled risk and get a few kicks.

Absinthe & Flamethrowers: Projects and Ruminations on the Art of Living Dangerously

Author

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FREE Components by Massif

August 14th, 2009

The U.S. Army has selected five garments from Massif Mountain Gear Companyâ€™s flame-resistant product line for inclusion in the Fire Resistant Environmental Ensemble (FREE). FREE is a multi-layering system of performance cold weather garments designed specifically for aircraft and combat vehicle crew.

The five Massif garments included in the FREE program are Massifâ€™s next generation Elementsâ„¢ softshell jacket, pants, and vest, and the all new Massif Elements Liteâ„¢ jacket and pants. These innovative softshell garments provide flame-resistant weather protection for a wide variety of cold and wet weather scenarios without sacrificing comfort or performance.

Massifâ€™s Executive Vice President Chris Wasgatt said, â€œThe selection of garments for the FREE cold weather layering system is the culmination of a competitive two-year testing and evaluation process designed to outfit soldiers with the best flame-resistant garments available today. We are extremely proud that five of the core garments chosen for this program are Massif products and will serve our soldiers who operate in some of the worldâ€™s toughest environmentsâ€.

Massif garments and fabrics are made in the U.S.A. and are currently worn by ground troops, Special Forces, aviators and other military personnel based in Iraq, Afghanistan and other parts of the world. In addition to supplying FREE garments, Massif is also the designer and fabric supplier of the Armyâ€™s flame-resistant Army Combat Shirt, new Winter Army Combat Shirt, and the still under development Army Combat Pant.

The Prime Contractor for FREE is ADS. The contract consists of a base year, with three additional option years. For more information on the FREE program, please visit: https://peosoldier.army.mil/factsheets/SEQ_CIE_FREE.pdf.

Tags: ADS, FREE, Massif
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Point Blank Awarded IOTV Contract

August 14th, 2009

Apparently, the BIG one has been awarded. Almost prematurely ahead of any formal Army announcement Point Blank Body Armor, Inc. issued a press release late yesterday declaring that they have been awarded a five-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract from the US Army REDCOM Acquisition Center. This is for an as yet undisclosed portion of the production of up to 736,000 Improved Outer Tactical Vests and 253,000 Deltoid and Axillary Protection Systems (“DAPS”) under the “IOTV Main Buy” – Solicitation W91CRB-07-0079.

This award comes on the heels of a much smaller award in July for 65,000 IOTVs to fill an immediate need. Repeated delays of the “IOTV Main Buy” award have hit the armor industry hard, forcing layoffs so it will be welcomed as a sign of a longer-term turn around for that industry.

Jim Henderson, Acting CEO of Point Blank Solutions stated, “This is a major milestone for our Company as we believe we are one of only a few companies that can produce the IOTV and DAPS for the US Army over the next five years. We have been a chosen provider of the US Armed Forces for years and look forward to continuing to meet their requirements. While no additional awards have been made and competition continues to be fierce, we are confident that the steps we have and continue to take to improve our operations and manufacturing capabilities will position us as the best value, low cost provider in the industry.”

“The recognition and faith bestowed by the Army also reinforces our industry position as a leading, ballistics provider and should add incremental value for our Company and our shareholders,” Henderson concluded.

Once the formal Government announcement comes we will update this story as according to Point Blank’s own press release, they have been selected as a “chosen supplier” indicating that others may also be awarded.

Tags: IOTV, Point Blank
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NEMO Gogo Shelters

August 14th, 2009

NEMO has been producing lightweight, innovative shelters for several years now. Their hallmark is the AirSupported Technology which precludes the need for traditional poles. Developed by NEMOâ€™s founder after his work on spacesuits and inflatable architecture with NASA, ASTâ„¢ is a system of low-pressure inflatable tubes (called airbeams) and lightweight pumps that provide a high performance alternative to traditional tent poles. Airbeams are made of two layers, similar to a bicycle tire. An outer layer provides the shape, strength and puncture resistance, while a thin inner bladder holds the air. Feeling winded from a long day humping a ruck? No problem. Each shelter comes with an innovative pump that can be operated by hand or foot and will not over inflate the airbeam.

Over the last year or so they have begun to adapt their innovative designs for military use. In fact, the Gogo was provided for use during the REF’s lightweight equipment demonstration.

The Gogo is a single wall, one person shelter. It includes a pump and stores in a dry-bag style stuff sack. It has 19 sq ft of floor space with an additional 4.5 sq ft under the vestibule. It’s low profile design is perfect for tactical bivouacs being just 27″ high yet the 42″ width and 113″ length allow you to spread out. It is lightweight (1.9 lbs) and packs to a compact 7â€ X 5.5â€. It features a quick set up (15 sec) and strikes even more quickly (5 sec).

The NEMO Gogo SEâ„¢ (shown in Multicam) shares of all the same stats of the standard Gogo but features an extra six inches of length. It also boasts an additional side door for entry, exit, and ventilation.

NEMO tactical shelters come standard in OD, but can be special ordered in special colors like the Multicam shown with a minimum order requirement. All of NEMO‘s tactical shelters are available from ADS.

Tags: Nemo
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Arc’teryx Atom LT

August 13th, 2009

Inspired by the classic M-65 field jacket liner, the new Atom LT has taken “snivel gear” to a whole new level. Unlike it’s inspiration, the Atom LT serves duty as a layering piece as well as an outer garment. This was accomplished by a material selection of a wind resistant face fabric treated with a DWR finish augmented with Polartec Power Stretch with Hardface side panels. The trim fit allows ample movement through such design details as articulated elbows, underarm gussets, and stretch knit wrist gaskets. It also features two hand warmer pockets as well as a single internal pocket. Final details include a lower rear hem, lined collar, and main zipper with wind flap. Weighing in at a scant 11.5 ounces, the jacket compresses to next to nothing yet the Coreloft insulation regains loft almost instantly.