FirstSpear

Drifire Two Piece Flight Suit

July 2nd, 2009

Drifire has developed a new two piece flight suit in support of a Marine Corps requirement and it has been already been approved by NAVAIR for deployed evaluations. Designed as a flight suit, anyone can take a look at it and realize it will have a great deal of applicability for use as a ground combat uniform or for Law Enforcement Tactical Teams who require FR protection.

Drifire Two Piece Flight Suit

The jacket incorporates the most useful features of the Army Aircrew Combat Uniform (A2CU) but is streamlined and omits the more frivolous items such as ports for the micro climate cooling system. The trousers also have incorporated features from the A2CU such as zippered pocket access and knife pouch along the inner thigh but this latter feature has been a mainstay of flight suits for over 50 years.

Drifire Flight Suit Leg Detail

While the design is excellent what makes this garment really stand out if the fabric. It has inherent flame resistance but also includes two other features rarely found in FR undergarments let alone in full clothing. It has inherent moisture management (4X faster than cotton) as well as anti-microbial protection. This means you are going to be much more comfortable in a hot environment.

It is sized XS to 2XL with regulars, longs, and shorts. This is a big leap for the guys that are heard to fit with traditional one-piece flight suits. For example, you can mix a X-Large top with a Medium bottom. It will soon be offered for purchase in both Desert Tan and Coyote Brown but other colors will be available with minimum order. For more information visit www.drifire.com.

Airborne Infiltration Down Under

July 2nd, 2009

For years detractors have called for the abolishment of airborne forces as wasteful and unrealistic. However, current operations in the CENTCOM AOR have shown that such a capability is not only viable but particularly useful for strikes against irregular foes. In fact, the UK’s SAS reportedly accomplished a successful MFF operation in Iraq. The Australian Military’s Defence Material Organization currently has three new starts intended to enhance their airborne capabilities. Two are concerned with Military Free Fall and the third seeks to replace current static-line chutes.

MINCS(L) AMP066.50 seeks to introduce a high altitude parachute operations capability for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The equipment to be procured comprises oxygen masks, bailout bottles and portable oxygen consoles; and will enable ADF parachute operations to be conducted from altitudes above 12,000 feet. The requirement dates from march of 2007 and a sole source tender for the equipment has been released.

MINCS(L) AMP058.07 seeks to introduce enhanced (MFF) for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The project is seeking to procure systems that will enable the ADF to conduct a range of MFF and Ram Air Parachute Static Line descents. Included are systems to replace the current in-service fleets of MC-5 and tandem parachutes.

MINCS(L) AMP058.08 seeks to acquire an Enhanced Static Line Parachute capability to replace the Australian Defence Force’s current in-service fleet of static line T10B-D, T10R and MC-1 parachutes.

It is important to note that neither of the new parachute replacement programs have been approved for full development.

UK Gear

July 1st, 2009

We have been looking at the UK Gear brand for some time but this new video series from US Cav prompted us to put some information out.

UK Gear footwear is developed in conjunction with the British Army Physical Training Corps who are involved in every stage of the development of their products and test them in some of the harshest conditions on earth. Only when approved by the Army, does UK Gear consider their products…Built To Survive. But don’t let the name fool you. UK Gear was chosen last year to supply the US Military Academy at West Point with the GT-02 Multisport training shoe.

PT Gear GT 02

UK Gear is available from US Cavalry.

Smoking Deal on Arc’teryx Packs

July 1st, 2009

Grey Group has done it again, unleashing a hot deal on Arc’teryx products, but this time it’s the the Echo and Tango packs. Available starting Friday, 3 July, the Tango will be available in Crocodile and the Echo will be available in Crocodile as well as UCP.

In both cases the harness features a thermoformed suspension system to eliminate pressure points and muscle fatigue. Additionally, the Tango and Echo have ample PALS webbing to accommodate additional equipment as well as removable lids that can pull emergency duty as E&E bags. Both packs are produced in the high tenacity 725D Cordura engineered specifically for the Marine Corps ILBE program. In fact, the Tango traces its lineage to the USMC’s ILBE pack.

Arc'teryx Tango Pack in Crocodile

The Tango pack fits a torso of 18″-21″ and a waist size of 32″-37″. It weighs 3.34 Kg / 7 lbs 6 oz dry and has a load capacity of 4000 Cu In / 65.5 L. The Tango is a hybrid top/panel loader allowing you to access your equipment quickly no matter where it is stored in the pack.

Arc'teryx Echo Pack
Please note: Echo Pack is NOT currently available in Multicam

The Echo pack is slightly smaller than the Tango. It too accommodates a torso of 18″-21″ and a waist of 32″-37″ but weighs less at 3.09 Kg / 6 lbs 13 oz but has a smaller capacity of 3300 Cu In / 54 L. Additionally, the Echo was designed especially for airborne operations and features an attachment system for the lowering line that eliminates the need for an additional drop bag or harness. Additionally, the waist belt is removable and can be reversed for rigging.

Both of these packs are offered at SUBSTANTIAL discount from their MSRPs. Also, don’t forget, the sale on the Combat Jacket in UCP is still going on as well so pick one up before they are gone.

More Info on SOCOM’s New Combat Uniform

June 30th, 2009

All info in this report comes from Scott Jones of Beyond Tactical. He has posted what is the first published picture of prototypes of the new uniform we reported on earlier in the month.

Beyond Tactical Level 9
Photo: Scott Jones

I urge all of you to check out his blog. Beyond makes an excellent product.

IOTV Modular Assault Panel (M.A.P.) from Tactical Tailor

June 30th, 2009

Tactical Tailor designed their new Modular Assault Panel (M.A.P.) to work specifically with the issue IOTV, allowing you to carry your normal combat load yet still remove it in seconds, without removing your vest and, more importantly, without impeding the quick release function.

IOTV Modular Assault Panel (M.A.P.) from Tactical Tailor

As with all Tactical Tailor products, the M.A.P is made in the USA from 1000D Cordura® and features four heavy-duty Fastex buckles, velcro and their patented MALICE Clips to attach to the front panel of the IOTV.. It is available in UCP and Coyote Brown from Tactical Tailor.

Osprey Ground Assault Carrier Now for Sale

June 30th, 2009

Solo International, suppliers of the new Osprey Assault Armor Carrier have just put it up on their website for sale at a whopping £1000.00! Their website has a great deal of info on the new carrier that they claim is modular and scalable in nature, offering essentially three carriers for the price of one. Additionally, they confirm that the Osprey Assault carrier is manufactured overseas, “Designed By SOLO International in their own studios based in Hereford and manufactured overseas by SOLOHANDMADEPRODUCTS manufactures.”

Interested parties should contact Solo International directly via their website.

RPG Boresight from BHI

June 29th, 2009

The RPG-7 Boresighter was imagineered by the BHI design and development gnomes to allow you to calibrate your optical sights.

BHI's RPG Boresight

Made from aircraft grade aluminum and hard coat anodized for wear protection, the Boresight has been machined to exacting tolerances while taking into account the bore dimension of varied countries of manufacture.

BHI's RPG Boresight in Use

Instructions for usage included. Like one of the gnomes told me, beats the hell out of looking through the tube with bubble gum holding strings on the bore.

The boresight is available from Blackheart International.