Magpul has just released the Enhanced Rubber Butt-Pad, as an optional replacement butt pad for the CTR and MOE Mil-spec stocks as well as the UBR stock. At .70″ thick it is designed for enhanced shoulder purchase as well as offering improved recoil reduction.
To purchase visit www.magpul.com.
Note: May not be compatible with CTR or MOE Commercial stocks due to Receiver Extension clearance issues.
In Mid-July we wrote about concerns over the sunset of the Berry waiver afforded FR-Rayon fibers produced in Austria. Now CNN has picked up the story. Unfortunately, the waiver extension has been defeated in the Senate. However, the House will consider the measure when they return from recess. It’s still not too late to weigh in with your Representative in support of the waiver extension.
Camelbak unveiled a couple of new technologies the recent OR Summer Market in Salt Lake City, Utah. While they are intended for the commercial outdoor market, they have great applicability in the tactical realm as well.
The Flow Meter is designed to measure how much fluid has been consumed, how much remains in the reservoir, and how much time remains until the reservoir is empty. It can also be set to see if you are consuming fluid at a preset rate in order to help avoid heat injuries. While new reservoirs will be available with the Flow Meter already installed, units will be available to modify existing products.
These products will be available as early as Fall 2009 from Camelbak.
Argentine industrial designer Lola Mensa has unveiled the Cargador De Celular, an environmentally friendly concept device designed to attached to your running shoes in order to generate energy while running or jogging. Once you finish with your workout you plug your mobile device into the charger and voila!; Renewable energy. I gotta say, I love the packaging.
Apparently, the social meme believes that such technologies are new. A piezoelectric system built into the heal of boots to provide a trickle charge for batteries was demonstrated in the early 90s. Of course that was a defense technology and wouldn’t be considered “good”. At any rate, perhaps technologies such as the one proposed by this industrial designer will be perfected and integrated into Soldier Systems equipment as well commercial products.
New from the Military Channel, Special Ops Mission debuts this week. Both TNVC and Aimpoint were on hand during filming to provide technical assistance part of this series.
Aug 13 “Operation Urban Terror” (shot at Linda Vista Hospital)
Aug 20 “Operation Covert Canyon” (shot at Covert Canyon)
Aug 27 “Operation Frozen Thunder” (shot at Crazzy’s Wassawagen, Angelus Oaks)
Sep 3 “Operation Freebird Down” (shot at Los Coyotes Band of Indians Reservation)
Sep 10 “Operation Pirate Guns” (shot at SS Lane Victory)
Sep 17 “Operation One Shot” (shot at National Security Associates, Cusseta, GA)
All episodes air on Discovery Military Channel Thursdays at 10 PM Eastern and Pacific. Consult local listings for other time zones. For more information, and free show clips, go to military.discovery.com.
Designed to be complimentary with the Fastfire fire starter blocks, the Faststrike Maxi is a larger version of the model that comes with a Fire Starting kit.
The Firestrike starters produce sparks in excess of 5500°F in any weather, at any altitude. The Maxi model is designed to over 10,000 fires. There are no breaking parts (plastic) or failure points (springs that can break). Additionally, the 4″ carbon steel hacksaw blade serves as striker but the blade also provides multi-functionality for cutting & fabricating materials (metals, plastics, wood).
The Faststrike Maxi is available from Solkoa.
Other than the fact that they are lightweight and reliable, the single greatest thing about Zinc Air batteries is that they are not HAZMAT. That alone is worth its weight in gold. Imagine a life with out the trials of dash twos. And now, with the video just released by Blackheart International, we know just how hazardous traditional lithium batteries can be.
Leaders are beginning to seriously discuss the Soldier’s load and engineering tools like SWAP (Size, Weight, and power) analysis used to look at aircraft and vehicles are beginning to be applied to the grunt. When you stack an 8180/U battery up against a 5590/U using those criteria, the Zinc Air technology wins hands down. What’s more, they are safer and as the video demonstrates, will continue to provide power even when damaged by projectiles. The 12/24 Volt 8180/U battery has an NSN and is available from Blackheart International. Additionally, there are numerous adapter cables available to help you use the battery with a variety of communication and electronic devices.
Some of you may remember the Darth Vaderesque helmet worn by troops in Sadaam’s “elite” Fedayeen forces. Apparently manufactured from fiber glass it saw only limited issue. Perhaps the idea behind the helmet was to make the enemy pause to say, “WTF?” giving the wearer enough time to run away. A badge with the words “The Lord, The Homeland, The Leader” was affixed to the side of the helmet. They bring top dollar in the collector’s market.
A Spanish collector’s site has an excellent backgrounder on the helmet. Check it out here.
