Can you believe it’s next week? If you’re on the West Coast make sure you head to Warrior Expo West in San Diego, California May 2nd and 3rd.
In addition to access to the latest warfighting technologies, look for these seminars –
Tactical Combat Casualty Care: New Updates
How to Prevent Death Related to Sudden Cardiac Arrest
“Time Lost is Brain Lost” – Early Detection of Intracranial Hematomas
Energy Efficiency and the Modern Warfighter
Warrior Expo WEST 2012
May 2 | 0930 – 1600 PDT
May 3 | 1030 – 1500 PDT
San Diego Convention Ctr
San Diego, CA
Pre-registration remains open through 1159 PM 25 April, 2012.
ADS and Ultralife bring you the Ultralife A-320KT 20-Watt total solution amplifier kit, designed specifically for man portable communication applications. It provides single battery operation (up to 15 hours on a 5590) as well as true DAMA, SINCGARS, and HAVEQUICK compatibility (no accidental stepping on adjacent nets). The A-320 amplifier weighs only 24 ounces and is the center piece of a kit that includes a quick-release mounting bracket, 90-512 MHz multi-band antenna, radio-to amp RF cable, antenna and angle adjustable antenna mount with RF cable. All told, the entire system weighs less than 3.1 pounds.
One of the coolest things about this system is the unique MOLLE compatible carrier for the amplifier which allows you to attach it directly to your gear. It also allows the amplifier to swing open for adjustments.
SSD has written about the Army’s Fire Resistant Environmental Ensemble in the past and our only criticism is the basis of issue. Designed specifically for Aircrew and Mounted Crewmen, FREE is a skin-out FR environmental clothing system that protects down to -40 deg F. Unfortunately, FREE is not issued to dismounted troops. However, they do get the Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System Gen III which is a great clothing system but it’s not FR. The problem is that the dismounts ride around in aircraft, trucks and armored vehicles getting from point A to B and are just as much at risk of IED and other flame threats as the troops who are issued FREE. And that’s not to mention the risks of dismounted patrolling and attacks on FOBs.
If you are already using ECWCS Gen III then Dismounted FREE will be very familiar to you. It has been optimized for ground operations and consists of Light-Weight Undershirt and Drawers, Mid-Weight Shirt and Drawers, High-Loft Fleece Jacket, Soft Shell Jacket and Trousers, Extreme Cold/Wet Weather Jacket and Trousers. And, like Gen III it is available in Top and Bottom kits in addition to two optional items not included in either kit; the Parka and Overtrouser. As you can see, it is a very streamlined kit and sticks with FR versions of the most commonly used garments.
Additionally, unlike ECWCS Gen III, Dismounted FREE is designed to integrate the FR ACU, Army Combat Shirt, or other FR level 9 garments into the system. Considering that the Soldier is always going to be wearing a combat uniform, it only makes sense that the environmental layers integrate with it.
Dismounted FREE is available in UCP or OCP camo patterns in sizes XS – XXL in short, regular, and long lengths. All of the clothing in the kit is Berry compliant and FR. Dismounted FREE drastically increases the protection of the ground Soldier and offers a cost effective alternative to issuing FREE to everyone. It’s important to note that this is not an Army program and that ADS developed Dismounted FREE internally as a solution for the Soldier protection issues we identified above. We are impressed with what we see and hope that the military takes a serious look at this option which leverages proven technologies and is available now as a Commercial-Off-The-Shelf solution.
There’s a lot of buzz about signature reduction, whether it’s multi-spectral camouflage for clothing and equipment or the noise and flash signature of small arms. To this end, BE Meyers has developed a family of flash hiders for 5.56 mm, 7.62 mm, and .50 caliber weapons. Bruce Westcoat, VP Business Development related to SSD, “BE Meyers flash hiders save lives. It’s simple; if the enemy can’t see you shooting at night they have nothing to shoot back at. That’s especially important if you’re manning a .50 cal or other machine gun that immediately draws return fire from the enemy.”
While often emulated, and sometimes even copied, BE Meyers flash hiders remain the pinnacle of the offset-prong style of flash hider. These flash hiders have been used extensively by US and coalition forces for years, and are the preferred flash hiders for the US as well as other nations Special Operations units. During testing by the US Special Operations Command to select a flash hider for procurement by the Rapid Equipping Force, in support Force Protection efforts in Afghanistan, the BE Meyers 5.56 mm flash hider was judged to be the best performing flash hider available.
In fact, over the past four years the US military has fielded more than 10,000 5.56 mm units. The REF order was for 4,050 alone. They’ve also purchased an additional 5,500+ 7.62 mm flash hiders and over 3,000 flash hiders in .50.
Flash suppression on the modern battlefield is a critical force protection issue as it removes the most obvious aim point for enemy return fire. It makes US forces less visible and reduces accurate enemy return fire. Additionally, it prevents loss of night vision, eliminates flash distortion of night vision devices, and allows the shooter to stay engaged instead of having to seek cover in expectation of immediate return fire.
The photos above show side-by-side comparisons of the BE Meyers flash hiders compared to the standard “bird cage” devices on a 5.56 weapon. The difference is remarkable. Additionally, the video at the beginning of the article demonstrates the flash hiders’ performance on 5.56 and 7.62 small arms as well as on an M2 .50 machine gun contrasted with standard configuration weapons featuring no flash suppression device. In each case, the standard devices show clear flash signatures, even when fired in very short bursts. The BE Meyers flash hiders show no visible flash signature. Most impressively, the .50 flash hider is equally effective in single round, short burst, and long burst scenarios, quelling the large and distinct flame signature of the M2. Further, the .50 flash hider attaches without the use of tools and is self-tightening. BE Meyers also makes flash hiders in other sizes and thread types to facilitate many non-US weapons.
During our research for this article, we spoke with Jeff Bradbury, BE Meyers Marketing Executive. He told SSD, Our flash hiders have been the first choice by US and allied Special Operations forces for years. They demand the best performance and we’ve delivered.” Extensively tested by DoD, BE Meyers flash hiders are designed and made in the USA. The difference that they make in reducing the visual signature of small arms is nothing short of amazing. But remember, these are flash hiders and are not designed as compensators. They aren’t going to control your muzzle climb. It’s a common misconception so don’t have any unrealistic expectations. If there is any criticism of the technology it’s that it isn’t out there in greater numbers.
Used by every branch of the US military, the IZLID family of IR laser pointers and illuminators produced by BE Meyers. You’re probably quite familiar with their use by Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) but these IR lasers provide a single solution for weapons aiming, target illumination, and communicating intent with other fire elements on the ground as well as in the air. The video above showcases footage from Iraq along with training ranges in the Southwestern US to highlight the IZLID 200P and the IZLID Ultra and how they enhance accuracy at longer ranges for crew served weapons in low light and night conditions. It also demonstrates the use of the IZLID family of products on helicopters for both door guns and installed weapons, and how the lasers can be used to communicate and coordinate Air Ground Integration.
Standard equipment for SOF elements and all JTACs, the IZLID line of IR lasers provides a critical tool to support long range weapon aiming, delivers unparalleled illumination for night time reconnaissance and surveillance, and is the standard tool for coordinating close air support.
Many JTACs carry two different IZLID products, the 195 mW IZLID 200P for immediate coordination with helicopters, and the 1,000 mW IZLID Ultra or IZLID 1000 for communication and directing aviation assets at greater distances.
Rugged enough to be used for weapon aiming on the M2 .50 Cal Machine Gun and mini guns, but light enough to be mounted on individual weapons or used by hand, the IZLID 200P and IZLID Ultra are versatile, dependable, and powerful IR lasers “battle field proven and ready to deliver a tactical advantage today.”
IZLIDs are also being used by both military and law enforcement Reconnaissance and Surveillance elements to illuminate targets of interest. The beam can be opened up to a flood and used to paint and illuminate an item for an IR camera system ground based or airborne.
The Tac Med Surgical Airway Kit – Hard Case is specifically designed to successfully establish and secure a surgical airway in any environment. Don’t let the “surgical” term in the name fool you into thinking this is intended solely for treatment facilities. Sure, it’s a great kit for clinical use, but it’s real forte is field use. That’s why all of the components are packed into a re-usable hard case that can double as a temporary sharps container or function as a drug box after the kit is used.
The case opens and lays flat creating a work surface while performing the procedure. The kit’s dimensions were based on a standard M-4 magazine pouch, allowing the kit to be stored in a pouch outside of the medics’ bag for rapid access. All components are sterile and ready to use so no time is wasted opening several packages to complete the procedure.
We’ve covered BE Meyers line of GLARE devices in the past and even mentioned ways they are employed. Now, ADS and BE Meyers have teamed up to produce this video that gives you a great perspective on how the gear is used and what it looks like, not only from the user’s standpoint but from the target’s as well.
The video depicts the use of the GLARE MOUT Plus at a Traffic Control Point (TCP), and how use of this non-lethal laser enables the TCP to engage the vehicle at a safe distance and determine the intent of the approaching vehicle. Not only does it attract the attention of the target but it also helps conceal the locations and actions of the personnel manning the TCP from the target.
You may notice a couple of interesting facts concerning the decrease in checkpoint deaths in Iraq starting around 2005. The sources of this information are articles in the NY Times and the Wall street Journal. At this point you might consider the information dated, but it comes from the time when these lasers were first fielded and the results are astonishing when you consider going from seven deaths a week to just one, that is a big deal. BE Meyers has related to us that the one death a week cited was often shown to be hostile intent toward US forces and the Escalation Of Force lasers actually discovered the intent and allowed for earlier and decisive engagement.
Also shown in the video are the LA-9/P and the GLARE Enforcer. The LA-9/P is the primary non-lethal EoF laser used by the US Marine Corps and Navy, and the most powerful EoF laser available. It provides greater than 1,500 meters of stand-off range in daylight, 4,000 meters at night, and it is the only non-lethal military laser that incorporates a safety control module to secure the laser, should anyone enter into the eye hazard area.
Jeff Bradbury, Marketing Executive, BE Meyers told SSD, “Our GLARE LA-9/P and GLARE Enforcer are the only devices with integrated safety modules that automatically control the laser if targets are in danger of exceeding permissible laser exposure limits. This gives our military and law enforcement users a truly long-range non-lethal option, with stand-off distances up to and beyond 500 meters. That kind of power and safety provides an escalation of force capability to communicate with and engage targets on land or at sea across all operating scenarios.â€
GLARE MOUT Plus
“The GLARE MOUT PLUS combines all of the positive attributes of the original GLARE MOUT device, and adds a training mode to further protect users, nearly doubles the power providing much greater standoff distance, and extends its environmental performance from -20° C to +50° C. The improvement in standoff distance is particularly valuable to the warfighters, providing a non-lethal escalation of force option that is effective at 500m in daylight, providing valuable time to make the right decision and take effective action,” said Bruce Westcoat, VP Business Development, BE Meyers.
GLARE Enforcer
BE Meyers continues to improve their products and expand their offerings. Additionally, they have not only improved the capabilities of our military but adapted the technology for use by law enforcement, providing safe, EoF capabilities. For example, the GLARE Enforce is the only non-lethal visual disruption laser FDA approved for law enforcement organizations. This green laser relies on Eye Safe technology which automatically adjusts the output power depending on the target distance, ensuring the delivery of maximum safe power at all times while maintaining the safety of all nearby personnel against accidental eye injury.
