AUSA – Colt CSASS 901
Wednesday, October 5th, 2016AUSA – Mayflower Jungle Rig from Velocity Systems
Wednesday, October 5th, 2016Velocity Systems continues to refine their Mayflower Jungle Rig. Those of you familiar with pre-GWOT British load carriage systems, particularly those used by British SF, will recognize the design inspiration at work. For example, a bungee is routed through the pouches in order to reduce bounce.
Below, you can see the pad. While it’s stiffened, it has spacer mesh and ventilation holes cut in the stiffener. Additionally, you can see the use of Blue Force Gear’s Helium Whisper.
Material selection was very important. The ULTRAcomp fabric is stiff enough to give the pouch and lid body so that the rig doesn’t flop around, despite its light weight. This construction also makes it easier to insert magazines. The Mayflower Jungle Rig offers both 2 x 7.62 magazine and 3 x 5.56 magazine pouches. In addition to Velcro closures, they’ve also incorporated Side-Release buckles for use during mobility, maritime and air operations on the magazine and GP pouches.
This photo gives you a different perspective of the pouch construction. The ULTRAcomp wraps around bottom of the pouch. There are also drain holes in the bottom of the pouches.
The sides of the Magazine Pouches feature PALS webbing for the attachment of grenade or other pouches. Although it’s not specifically addressed in this article, there’s also a Grenade Pouch which will hold the M67. It can also be used for a compass or other items.
The GP Pouch is quite versatile. The pouch has a skirt to keep debris out and will hold jackets up to Arc’teryx Atom LT in size or the Velocity Systems Basha with bungees and pins. The GP pouch is also sized to accept several models of canteens including the Nalgene 32 oz, 44 pattern (or later) water bottle, and Canadian cold weather model. It will also accept the British two-piece mess tin.
While the shoulder straps are low profile for wear under packs and armor, they’ve introduced removable padded sections.
Considering the amount of carrying capacity, it’s extremely lightweight. I didn’t get to weigh it, but it was obvious when I picked it up. Much of this is due to the materials used in its construction.
No release date yet. They are still working a few components such as a 40mm pouch which integrates with the shoulder straps.
PdM-SCIE Issues RFI For US Army Jungle Combat Boot
Wednesday, October 5th, 2016PEO Soldier’s Product Manager Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment (PdM-SCIE) has an ongoing program for an Army Jungle Combat Boot. However, a near-term operational requirement has been identified which needs to filled. Consequently, they’ve issued a Request for Information (RFI) to determine Industry’s capability to manufacture, and deliver, Berry Compliant Jungle Combat Boots (JCB) for this Directed Requirement (DR).
According the the RFI, “the goal of this DR effort is to meet an urgent fielding need for two (2) Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs), beginning with one BCT in March 2017 and the second BCT completed by September 2017. This RFI is intended to identify the capability of Industry to provide JCB in a shortened time frame for use by the combat Soldier operating in hot, wet tropical jungle conditions.”
We highly encourage imdustry to participate in this process because PdM-SCIE is using the data you provide to develop an acquisition strategy. Due to the short fuse on this requirement, they may have to fast track the procurement. The RFI states, “a formal solicitation may not be issued prior to entering into contracts. The information gathered will be used as market research and will be used to determine the Army’s contracting strategy, including the potential use of competitive, limited competition, and/or non-competitive actions, to meet this immediate need to field two BCTs based upon Industry’s capability to meet technical, quality, price, and delivery schedule requirements. Therefore, the information provided should be accurate and thorough enough to clearly demonstrate a company’s capability to execute to the schedules provided. The Government will independently review the information received as part of this RFI to determine a company’s capability to meet this DR JCB effort.”
In total, the US Army plans to field a total of 36,000 pairs. They aim to partially field one BCT by March 2017 with a strategy to issue the maximum amount or pairs of JCB in sizes of 8 ½ -11 (whole and half sizes) in Regular (D) and Wide (EE) width which are the most common sizes In Phase II, they’ll complete fielding of the First BCT as well as the Second BCT no later than September, 2017. The full size run is 3 through 15 (whole and half sizes) and 16 (whole size only) in widths Narrow (B), Regular (D), Wide (EE), and X-Wide (EEEE).
Industry has until 03 NOV 2016 at 12:00 PM EST to respond to this RFI, so sharpen those pencils.
For those of you who might be wearing this Jungle Combat Boot, the Army did give us an idea of what it will look like. It will be Coyote 498 in color with the Vibram Panama II sole along with leather lowers and nylon uppers. They’ve also specified a puncture resistant insole and drain perforations.
This is the Vibram Panama II Sole.
Once again, this effort is is separate from the Jungle Combat Boot Program of Record, which is the Army’s long-term solution and is still currently proceeding through the normal Defense Acquisition Framework. However, there may be additional RFIs issued in pursuit of that program.
Visit www.fbo.gov for full details.
Danner x New Balance American Pioneer Project
Wednesday, October 5th, 2016How about two times ‘Made in USA’? This is the Danner x New Balance American Pioneer Project, a limited edition collaboration featuring two trail-inspired styles – the Danner Light Pioneer and the New Balance MiUSA 585.
Battle Without Honor
Wednesday, October 5th, 2016This is an actual exchange between a company we’ve written about several times and a representative of an overseas-based contract sew house. For some, this industry is about doing the right thing, for others it’s just a pay check. The names were blurred to protect identities.
AUSA – Harris Introduces F5032 Lightweight Night Vision Binocular
Tuesday, October 4th, 2016
The F5032 Lightweight Night Vision Binocular weighs just under 500 grams. It also offers close focus with clear images as close as 9″.
The F5032 fixed or adjustable diopter.
Powered by a single AA, the F5032’s Gen 3 image intensifier tube is servicable at the unit level and offered in White or Green Phosphour. The tubes are autogated which will adjust to high light levels and won’t shut off inadvertendly. It also features vertical viewing ability and won’t shut off when you look up.
Each monocular in the F5032 can be individually flipped up, out of the way.
I like the switch which is a simple detent for on/off.
AUSA – TYR Tactical Grid Fleece 1/4 Zip
Tuesday, October 4th, 2016
AUSA – WL Gore & Assoc Announces Name For Flexible Membrane
Tuesday, October 4th, 2016The WL Gore flexible membrane material formerly known in development as ‘Topo’ has officially been named GORE-TEX Fabric with Stretch Technology.
In addition to jackets for the American tactical market by Beyond and Outdoor Research, WL Gore has also launched the material in Asia for consumer products and Europe for the LE market. GORE-TEX Fabric with Stretch Technology is 25% more breathable than the membrane used in USSOCOM’s PCU Level 6 and reduces the accumulation of sweat thanks to the garment’s stretchable form fitting construction.
