Gear Up # 21

T H E

T A C T I C A L

G E A R

T R A D E

M A G A Z I N E

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TA C T I C A L FOOTWEAR TECHNOLOGY PROTECTION BUSHCR AFT FIREARMS MEDICAL

GHOST ROBOTICS

Q-UGV’S DELIVERED TO 325 TH SECURITY FORCES SQUADRON T H E

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F I R S T

TA C T I C A L

G E A R

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P U B L I C AT I O N !

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GEAR UP THE TRADE TACTICAL GEAR MAGAZINE

GEAR UP MAGAZINE

TWO YEARS IN THE MAKING Gear Up Magazine is the worlds first business to business publication for the tactical gear industry, aiming to bring all of the relevant parties to the same table. With such a huge range of products on the market, knowing what to invest in, and more importantly, what to supply your customers with, can be a hard task. Gear Up Magazine aims to make this process easier, allowing you to enhance your understanding of the industry, allowing you to make smart purchases.

With Gear Up Magazine, you’ll have a better understanding of the tactical gear and equipment on show, who buys it, and what they use it for. We’ll introduce you to the evolution of each of the ‘tools of the trade’, from ballistic helmets to boots, giving you the knowledge needed to traverse the tactical gear market with confidence.

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EBCON PUBLISHING

OVER A DECADE OF PUBLICATIONS Ebcon Publishing was launched in 2004 with one simple goal – to create a range of successful publications, which combined informative content with a high level of up to date design to match.

Over the last 14 years, Ebcon Publishing has done exactly that, launching a number of publications that have won a number of awards in their respective sectors and continue to be dominant in their chosen area of operation.

Ebcon Publishing has set up a fantastic portfolio and now the company’s next step is to further improve that portfolio by releasing Gear Up into the wild. All the staff at Ebcon Publishing work tirelessly to bring its readership a range of comprehensive editorial across its various magazine titles, providing thier readers with the best information available, along with high design values and inspiring imagery to suit.

how it works Broken into seven key sectors that drive the tactical gear market, Gear Up Magazine aims to bring you a selection of the finest products in each of our carefully deliberated sections. Whether you’re looking to procure items at a battalion level or are an individual in charge of bringing a plethora of tactical equipment to your customers, Gear Up Magazine aims to do the hard work, so you do not have to.

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TECHNOLOGY Due to various advances in technology, the ability to utilise said technology on the battlefield is imperative to the success rate of dangerous missions. Our technology section will look to those advances in tech, highlighting some of the most innovative items to hit the market.

tactical

PROTECTION

The tactical gear market is forever evolving, and with that evolution comes the necessity of adapting to it. Our ‘Tactical’ section aims to make that process as easy as possible, bringing you a number of key components, allowing you to equip the modern warfighter to the best of your ability.

Ensuring your customers can count on the protective equipment you supply them is of the utmost importance. Our ‘Protection’ section endeavours to provide you with numerous options, enabling you to best serve your clientele, allowing them to operate in the harshest environments known to man.

firearms

BUSHCRAFT

The firearms market is slowly becoming inundated with equipment that simply isn’t up to the task it was created for. With a plethora of optics and accessories on the market, Gear Up Magazine will ensure that you are providing your customers with products that will withstand the test of time.

The modern warfighter is often dropped in hostile locations, and ensuring the equipment they’re carrying is capable of dealing with the numerous areas of operation is key. Ranging from a variety of tools to sleeping bags, our ‘Bushcraft’ section aims to provide to cover the very best in outdoor equipment.

UK Based Kydex Holster and Equipment Manufacturer for Police and Military Personnel Around the World CAN BE MOUNTED ON A SINGLE ROW OF MOLLE

MADE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

FIXED RETENTION

MADE OF GENUINE 2MM KYDEX

LOW PROFILE

VERTICAL + HORIZONTAL MOUNTING

KYDEX CAT TQ CARRIER Price from £29.99

FOOTWEAR

medical

It is no secret that military and law enforcement personnel spend long periods of time on their feet. Due to this, it is imperative that the options you have on offer provide unrivalled comfort, protection, and support, allowing them to fight harder, for longer, with no unwanted issues.

Medical equipment by design is created to save lives. Our ‘Medical’ section aims to look at a range of equipment that is best suited to this role; from full-blown medical kits through to Individual First-Aid Kits, making sure your clientele is amply prepared for a worst-case scenario.

Available from ‘kydexcustomsuk.com’ Trade/bulk prices available upon request Can be wrapped in 500D Cordura Fabric Molle or Belt mounting available

Email: Sales@kydexcustomsuk.com

kydexcustomsuk.com

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GEAR UP

ISSUE #21

EDITORIAL MEET THE TEAM PAUL MONAF

PUBLISHING DIRECTOR paul@ebcon.co.uk With a track record of launching a number of successful magazines and experience working within business-tobusiness sectors, Paul is the driving force behind Gear Up.

CONNOR JAMES EDITOR connor@ebcon.co.uk

Having worked within Ebcon Publishing for ten years, Connor brings a wealth of knowledge to Gear Up Magazine. If you need any information regarding editorial, he’s your guy.

BEN DICKIE art DIRECTOR ben@ebcon.co.uk

Ben started working for Ebcon Publishing nearly a decade ago now and has been a vital member of the team since. The self-proclaimed Rambo of shapes and colours.

CONTENTS INSIDE THIS ISSUE 009 FEATURE GHOST ROBOTICS Q-UGV IN USE WITH US ARMY

015 TACTICAL QORE PERFORMANCE ICEVENTS

018 TACTICAL BEEZ COMBAT SYSTEMS ICEPLATE CARRIER

022 TACTICAL ATTACKPAK BELT SYSTEMS

025 TACTICAL WILD THINGS TACTICAL LOW LOFT JACKET

029 PROTECTION REVISION HONOR COLLECTION

032 SHARON MONAF

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR sharon@ebcon.co.uk Beside every great man is a great woman, and Sharon is most certainly the Bonnie to Paul’s Clyde. Sharon looks after all of the administrative work within the company.

PROTECTION SOLDIER CENTRE HELMET LAB ANNOUNCE

NEW COMBAT HELMET

034 PROTECTION MASSIF INVERSION RANGE

037 FIREARMS SMART SHOOTER SMASH 2000

042 FIREARMS MISSION FIRST TACTICAL REACT MLOK FOREGRIP

046 TECHNOLOGY US ARMY REFINE 3D PRINTING PROCESS

049 TECHNOLOGY GNARBOX 2.0 EDGE COMPUTE PLATFORM

ebcon

052 TECHNOLOGY US ARMY TRIAL NEW OXYGEN GENERATOR

publishing ltd.

Although the publisher has made every effort to ensure that the information in this magazine was correct at press time, the author and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of articles in this magazine and the publisher accepts no responsibility for any errors contained in material from independent sources or authors. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photography or illustration in any form without permission from the publisher/editor is strictly prohibited. We welcome articles, photographs or artwork for submission through the appropriate channels. Gear Up Magazine cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to unsolicited material. Please enclose a SAE if you wish your for your goods or material to be returned.

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057 MEDICAL PLATATAC PAFA MK3 JACKET

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GHOST ROBOTICS

Q-UGV’S DELIVERED TO 325TH SECURITY FORCES SQUADRON MESSRS. AVIK DE AND GAVIN KENNEALLY ARE QUINTESSENTIAL ENTREPRENEURS. WHILE COMPLETING THEIR PHDS AT PENN UNDER DANIEL KODITSCHEK, FAMED LEGGED ROBOTICIST AT THE GRASP LAB, THEY BEGAN THEIR JOURNEY TO BUILD A BETTER-LEGGED ROBOT AFTER EXPERIENCING THE STATE-OF-THE-ART AT THAT TIME, WHICH WAS NOT SCALABLE FOR COMMERCIALIZATION AND RELIED ON EXPENSIVE, FRAGILE, AND NON-STANDARD COMPONENTS. MORE IMPORTANTLY, THEY RECOGNIZED THE NEED TO BUILD MOBILE ROBOTS FOR CUSTOMERS, NOT JUST VIRAL VIDEOS AND LAB EXPERIMENTS.

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GHOST ROBOTICS

Q-UGV’S DELIVERED TO 325TH SECURITY FORCES SQUADRON BEFORE FORMALLY LAUNCHING THE COMPANY IN 2015 WITH JIREN PARIKH, THEY SPENT YEARS DEVELOPING THE FOUNDATIONAL ARCHITECTURE AND ELECTRONICS, INCLUDING A HIGH BANDWIDTH ACTUATOR AND ULTRA-FAST SMALL-FOOTPRINT REACTIVE CONTROLLER SYSTEM THAT MIMICS HOW MAMMALS MOVE OVER UNSTRUCTURED TERRAIN, WHILE COMPENSATING FOR THE FUNDAMENTAL DRAWBACKS OF MECHANICAL SYSTEMS TRYING TO EMULATE BIOLOGICAL DESIGNS.

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GHOST ROBOTICS NEW Q-UGV ‘ROBOT DOGS’

Q-UGVs are only useful if they can live up to their potential. Legged robots are made for unstructured terrain where a typical wheeled or tracked device cannot operate efficiently. In urban and natural environments, they need to carry sensors, mesh communications, and manipulators for a range of data collection, intelligence, security, asset protection, and military-specific uses where the operating conditions can be hard for even humans to operate in.

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Since 2015, Ghost has been focused on building a Q-UGV that is the best-in-class, working hand-in-hand with our customers, not just throwing a robot onto the market from the lab. Useful and scalable technology takes time, and Ghost is committed to building the very best platform for defense contractors, technology innovators, and systems integrators to deliver solutions their customers need.

Ghost’s underlying proprietary electronics, software stack, and control system for complex actuated systems will power a future of next-generation mobile robots beyond quadrupeds, including human enhancement systems, manipulation systems, and futuristic hybrid mobility platforms.

The purpose of the Quad-legged Unmanned Ground Vehicles, or Q-UGVs, is to add an extra level of protection to the base. The robot dogs, designed

by Ghost Robotics and Immersive Wisdom, are the first of their kind to be integrated onto a military installation and one of many innovation-based initiatives to begin at Tyndall AFB, coined the “Installation of the Future.”

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“As a mobile sensor platform, the Q-UGVs will significantly increase situational awareness for defenders,” said Mark Shackley, Tyndall AFB Program Management Office security forces program manager. “They can patrol the remote areas of a base while defenders can continue to patrol and monitor other critical areas of an installation.”

Features applied to the robot dogs allow for easy navigation on difficult terrains. The robot dogs can operate in minus 40-degree to 131-degree conditions and have 14 sensors to create 360-degree awareness. They are also equipped with a crouch mode that lowers their center-of-gravity and a high-step mode that alters leg mobility, among other features.

Tyndall AFB’s Program Management Office, the 325th SFS, the 325th Civil Engineer Squadron, Air Force Research Laboratory, communications and other organizations have been working since July 2020 to ensure the Q-UGVs are assembled properly before reaching Tyndall AFB. The installation is considered an ideal base to host the new robot dogs with its ongoing rebuild.

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GHOST ROBOTICS

Q-UGV’S DELIVERED TO 325TH SECURITY FORCES SQUADRON Tyndall will be one of the first Air Force bases to implement semi-autonomous robot dogs into their patrolling regiment, integrated with Immersive Wisdom’s 3D Virtual Ops Center. These computerized canines demonstrated their abilities Nov. 10 at an event attended by Maj. Gen. Tom Wilcox, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center commander, and leadership from the 325th Fighter Wing and the Tyndall Program Management Office.

“Tyndall (AFB) is a perfect test base as it was deemed ‘The Installation of the Future,’” said Master Sgt. Krystoffer Miller, 325th SFS operations support superintendent. “Across the base, every squadron has been pushing the envelope of how we do things and expanding our optics of what is possible. One huge attraction piece of the robot dogs is that it’s highly mobile and with the amount of construction we will face over the next few years, it helps us maintain and increase our security posture.”

This new technology has the capability to revolutionise the way base security operates. Tyndall AFB is expected to set the benchmark for the rest of the Defense Department when it comes to Q-UGV usage. While these robots walk on all fours and resemble a dog, they are not intended to replace the military working dogs. Instead they will aid in patrolling operations and, in doing so, allow Tyndall’s defenders to focus their efforts on security actions that require a physical presence.

“I can say that there is definitely a lot of interest in the capabilities of the technology,” Miller said. “I’m hopeful that other units will see some of the successes at Tyndall (AFB) and will continue to explore the use of non-conventional tactics.”

THIS TECHNOLOGY HAS THE POTENTIAL TO REPLACE AND EXCEED THE CAPABILITIES OF CERTAIN STATIC DEFENSE EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY IN A CONTINGENCY, DISASTER, OR DEPLOYED ENVIRONMENT. THIS MAKES TYNDALL, POST HURRICANE MICHAEL, THE PERFECT HOME FOR THE AIR FORCE’S NEWEST COMPUTERIZED CANINES.

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DRIVEN BY THEIR INSATIABLE DESIRE TO LIBERATE HUMANS FROM ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS BY FOCUSING ON THERMOREGULATION, QORE PERFORMANCE, INC., IS EXCITED TO LAUNCH THEIR ALL-NEW ICEVENTS CLASSIC CHEST RIG VENTILATION PADS. Featuring a permanently bonded hook-receptive loop backing, IceVents Classic Chest Rig Ventilation Pads continue the expansion of the IceVents line started last week with the launch of the updated IceVents Classic Pontoons for plate carrier ventilation and IceVents Classic AVS Harness Pad Set upgrades. Combined, these new members of their cutting-edge and patented IceVents family of ultralight ventilated load-bearing pads advance the Qore Performance vision for Building a Superhuman Future.

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“TWENTY TWENTY-ONE IS GOING TO BE A HUGE YEAR FOR US,” SAYS JUSTIN LI, QORE PERFORMANCE CO-FOUNDER AND CEO, “WITH OUR ICEVENTS LINE EXPANDING TO INCLUDE OUR ICEVENTS CLASSIC AVS HARNESS PAD SET, UPDATED ICEVENTS CLASSIC PONTOONS AND NOW THE ICEVENTS CLASSIC CHEST RIG VENTILATION PADS. WE HAVE A FEW MORE BIG RELEASES PLANNED FOR THIS YEAR INCLUDING OUR ICEVENTS INSOLES, ALL-NEW ICECASE EXO IPAD COOLING CASE WITH APP, ICEVEST HIVIS, AND MUCH MORE. WE CAN’T WAIT TO SHARE THESE NEW SOLUTIONS WITH ALL OF OUR COMMUNITY OF MILITARY, LAW ENFORCEMENT AND OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY CUSTOMERS.”

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The Qore Performance IceVents Classic Chest Rig Ventilation Pads are all-new for 2021. Using their permanently bonded hook-receptive loop backing, they provide stand-off ventilation and padding to any hook-backed chest rig on the market today. Stand-off ventilation behind chest rigs promotes evaporative cooling to improve human physiological performance by reducing sweat build-up and absorption, keeping users drier, lighter, and safer on the job.

Qore Performance Systems provide efficient conductive heat offload for the torso using drinking water you already have to carry. Conduction occurs as the IceVents absorb heat. The math and science comes down to this: when you can offload more heat through conduction while rehydrating simultaneously, you use less energy fighting to cool yourself through evaporation. The human body will respond with appreciation and reward you with automatically applying every ounce of energy saved directly towards your task at hand. IceVent is game changing because it is designed completely for proactive, hands-free, in-field use. You’re free to wear it whenever you want, but on-duty is where you’re going to realise the most benefit. It’s beyond the scope of this blog post to talk about the specifics of the design or the materials—and a truckload of thought and engineering has gone into those as well – but now you know how valuable this portable method of conduction and hydration can be.

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IceVents Classic Chest Rig Ventilation Pads feature all of the same technology that have made IceVents Classic and IceVents Aero the standard for best-in-class plate carrier ventilation, rendering conventional materials like spacer mesh and foam completely obsolete: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

90% air by volume Omni-directional venting Keeps you dry and comfortable Hydrolysis Resistance: does not retain water Plush hexagonal honeycomb Unmatched load-bearing comfort Load distribution architecture that outperforms conventional materials like spacer mesh and foam Anti-microbial at the molecular level Abrasion resistant Washable (if needed) Stimulates superficial blood flow Improves circulation Stimulite honeycomb TPE technology Operating Temperature Range: -40 to 198 (oF) Dimensions: 10.25” x 3.125” x 0.25”

As the inventors of specialized and consumable thermoregulation for PPE users, Qore Performance is leading the fight to eliminate preventable heat injuries. Bridging the gap between Man and Machine, their IceAge Ecosystem protects over 20,000 daily active users in occupational safety alone. Dozens of America’s Fortune 1000 companies including Boeing, Dutch Bros Coffee, Charlotte Area Transit System, America’s Chicken, and Marathon Petroleum, depend on Qore Performance to safeguard their teams and their bottom lines. Qore Performance safety customers have worked over 2,000,000 hours since 2017 without a single heat injury.

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PRODUCT

BEEZ

COMBAT SYSTEMS

BEEZ COMBAT SYSTEMS IS A MOLLE AND LASER CUT TACTICAL ASSAULT GEAR MANUFACTURE AND IS DEDICATED TO DEVELOPING AND PRODUCING THE WORLD’S FINEST TACTICAL ASSAULT GEAR. BEEZ COMBAT SYSTEMS HAS INTERNATIONAL CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION WITH MILITARY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, SWAT, WEAPONS MANUFACTURES AND REAL WORLD OPERATORS TO BRING YOU REVOLUTIONARY PRODUCTS.

Beez Combat Systems believe strongly in the “KISS” principle. It is very easy to make something overly-complex but it is equally as difficult to make it simple.

Due to this, they urge their designers to simplify and add lightness when possible.

Tactical is a mindset, not an equipment list!

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ICE HYDRATION CARRIER

The Beez Combat Systems ICE Hydration Carrier allows the end-user to store Qore Performance’s IcePlate Curve hydration system on the exterior of a plate carrier as a low profile hydration carrier system.

Beez Combat Systems have also ensured that the hydration tube can be routed on either the left or right side, presumably to make sure it is compatible with a number of communications systems.

In an effort to reduce weight and eliminate the need for a third party mounting system, Beez Combat Systems have equipped the ICE Hydration Carrier with four GRIDLOK attachment points. Not only does this system offer unrivalled security in regard to attachment, but it also keeps weight down thanks to its laser-cut design. Thanks to the GRIDLOK mounting system, the ICE Hydration Carrier can be mounted to any MOLLE/Pals style plate carrier in a matter of minutes.

FEATURES ■ Holds the QORE PEFORMANCE ICE PLATE CURVE 50oz (1.5L) MULTICURVE ESAPI MEDIUM BLADDER ■ Supports either left or right exit port ■ Laser cut GRID on the front for additional attachment points ■ 2” Velcro closure bottom flap secures the ICE PLATE ■ 3x6” ID velcro loop ■ Attaches to any MOLLE/Pals style plate carrier with GRIDLOK technology ■ Constructed from 500 denier Cordura

TO ENSURE THE ICEPLATE CURVE IS SECURE, THE ICE HYDRATION CARRIER EMPLOYS A TWO INCH VELCRO ENCLOSURE. FURTHERMORE, A 3” X 6” VELCRO ID LOOP AREA CAN BE FOUND TO SUPPORT A RANGE OF DIFFERENT MORALE, BLOOD TYPE OR ID PATCHES.

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STRETCH PANTS BLACK / DARK COYOTE / GREEN / SRP: £69.95

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VX BUCKLE UP GUN CARRIER BLACK / DARK COYOTE / GREEN / VCAM / SRP: £79.95

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PRODUCT

SINCE THE 1980S, ATTACKPAK HAS BEEN BUILDING BACKPACKS FROM SUPER-DURABLE MATERIALS TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF RESCUE WORKERS, HUNTERS, SKIERS, HIKERS AND MOST RECENTLY MILITARY AND TACTICAL. THE ATTACKPAK PRODUCT STRATEGY, IN PLACE FROM THAT FIRST STITCH, HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO KNOW WHAT WILL FAIL, REINFORCE IT SO THAT IT DOES NOT, AND PLAN CONTINGENCY SYSTEMS. THE CREW AT ATTACKPAK CONSTANTLY PUTS ITS EQUIPMENT TO THE TEST, USING NEW GEAR ALL OVER THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS TO ENSURE EACH PRODUCT IS UP TO STANDARDS. WITH EVERY DESIGN THEY MAKE COMES A DEDICATION TO ENDURANCE, VERSATILITY AND FUNCTIONALITY.

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P. Alex Klein, AttackPAK creator, spent many years volunteering with the Alpine Rescue Team in Colorado. Klein also served on the Berthoud Pass (Colorado)Ski Patrol for 5 years. At an elevation of 11,306’, on the Continental Divide, Berthoud Pass is an extreme skiing environment – testing the skills and equipment of every Patroller. The inspiration for the AttackPAK patented contoured frame along with the modular component concept was inspired by this experience.

Rescuing lost and injured people in the Rocky Mountains took his operations team into rugged territory where weathers conditions consistently change on a dime. In this dangerous mix of topography, injured/distressed evacuees and severe weather, each minute is critical.

Additionally, every rescue mission had unique equipment requirements.

Klein developed the modular pack-frame-belt concept in direct response to fill the requisite versatility requirement.

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ATTACKPAK

REAPER GUN BELT

ATTACKPAK

The Reaper Gun Belt is the future of the duty belt design. Their proprietary 16 layer thermoplastic and fabric laminate is built for rigidity, long life, and comfort. Laser cut parts and an ergonomic shape ensures precision that reduces weight by about half.

Gone are the days of heavy, stiff, straight webbing that cuts into your hips after hours of wear, and has been the industry standard for gun belts. The Reaper is made with IR compliant 330D Cordura aesthetic on the exterior that is synonymous with legit looking tactical gear.

Robust on the inside, the sexy exterior is backed by 500D Cordura and 13 layers of high strength reinforced thermoplastic. We always push the envelope to make gear that works with your body and not against it.

The Reaper has set a new standard in comfort in regard to duty belts.

The feature set on this product delivers everything you need. It accepts MOLLE, 1.75" belt mount and velcro wrap accessories. Lined with hook Velcro™ to mate with the Venom inner belt. Available with low profile 1" AustriAlpin™ kettle buckle, or 1" AustriAlpin@ load rated buckle to tie into a helo or harness. The Reaper Gun Belt raises the bar for tactical belts.

VENOM INNER BELT

Just as a snake’s fangs stay hidden until it’s ready to strike, this belt is the perfect component to conceal your own force multiplier. To put that in less-confusing terms; AttackPak have cleverly combined two layers of mil-spec webbing (1.5” and 1”) to create a rigid holster platform.

The offset widths significantly increase perceived comfort without sacrificing structural stability. In short, this is the bit of belt that goes inside the other bit of belt we've just spoken about.

ATTACKPAK SAY: "WE STRIVE TO FIND THE PERFECT BALANCE WHEN IT COMES TO THE ELEMENTS OF DESIGN. TAKING DECADES OF EXPERTISE IN PERSONAL LOAD CARRIAGE AND APPLYING THAT KNOWLEDGE TO YOUR EDC LOAD OUT HAS BIRTHED A CREATION NO SELF DEFENDER SHOULD LIVE WITHOUT."

THESE BELTS HAVE NOT BEEN TESTED FOR FALL RESTRAINT PURPOSES AND SHOULD NOT BE USED IN THAT CAPACITY. THE USER ASSUMES ALL RISK TO LIFE OR LIMB. ERGONOMIC, RUGGED, AND LIGHTWEIGHT, THE REAPER GUN BELT RAISES THE BAR FOR TACTICAL BELTS.

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THE WILD THINGS JOURNEY BEGAN IN 1981, WHEN THE TWO FOUNDERS MARIE MEUNIER AND JOHN BOUCHARD CREATED THEIR OWN LINE OF LIGHTWEIGHT MOUNTAINEERING GEAR DUE TO THEIR FRUSTRATION WITH THE QUALITY OF CURRENTLY AVAILABLE PRODUCTS. SETTING UP SHOP IN NEW HAMPSHIRE, WITH THE BACKDROP OF MOUNT WASHINGTON PROVING TO BE THE PERFECT TESTING GROUND FOR ANY NEW PRODUCTS. FROM THESE SURROUNDINGS WILD THINGS PIONEERED SEVERAL PRODUCT FIRSTS INCLUDING THE HIGH-ALTITUDE ONE PIECE SUIT AND HAUL BAG. IN 1983, WILD THINGS COINED THE NOW OFTEN USED EXPRESSION, “ LIGHT IS RIGHT,” WHICH WAS INTRODUCED IN THE 1983 CATALOG.

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WILD THINGS HAVE SPLIT THEIR OPERATIONS INTO TWO KEY SECTORS - MTN AND MSN. THE MTN RANGE LOOKS TOWARDS THE MOUNTAINEERING SECTOR. WHILST, THE MSN RANGE OF WILD THINGS PRODUCTS GAINED THE ATTENTION OF THE U.S. SPECIAL FORCES, WITH A NUMBER OF ELITE UNITS MAKING THE TRIP TO NEW HAMPSHIRE TO HAVE PRODUCTS SPECIFICALLY MADE FOR INDIVIDUAL UNITS. IN 2004, WILD THINGS WAS AWARDED ITS FIRST MILITARY CONTRACT, AND HAS CONTINUED TO PROVIDE HIGH QUALITY MILITARY PRODUCTS SINCE.

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LOW LOFT JACKET

The Low Loft Jacket combines a tight woven 4 oz/yd, 100% nylon face fabric with Gore’s new Light and Fast technology for highly breathable, water-resistant, and windproof protection. This is the next generation of the wildly popular consumer lightweight low loft jacket. This low loft provides superb all weather protection with enough air permeability to dramatically reduce the balloon effect when you have to rapidly stow the jacket. This highly breathable jacket expands the comfort across a broad temperature range and allows for baking dry damp inner layers.

In a recent move by the United States Air Force, the Low Loft Jacket has been incorporated into the Combat Ready Airman program which has taken great strives to standardise unit issued deployment clothing and equipment across the service. As part of the Combat Ready Airman program, the Low Loft Jacket has been added to Airman ‘B-Bags’ - a cold weather bag which includes a jacket/parka, gloves, boots and socks.

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THE WILD THINGS LOW LOFT JACKET FEATURES SIMILAR PERFORMANCE TO THE SOCOM ISSUED PCU LEVEL 3B JACKET AND INCORPORATES A 2-LAYER FABRIC FEATURING GORE MILITARY FABRIC DESIGNED FOR INSULATION PROTECTION COMBINED WITH PRIMALOFT SILVER ACTIVE 2.4 OZ. SYNTHETIC INSULATION. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Genuine MultiCam® pattern 2-Layer fabric with GORE® “L & F” technology PrimaLoft® Silver Active 2.4 oz. synthetic insulation Two zippered hand warmer pockets Two zippered biceps pockets Internal zippered chest pocket Shock cord hem adjustable from hand warmer pockets Warm when wet Compressible; will stuff into either hand warmer pocket Elastic cuffs Performance Comparable to PCU Level 3B Air Force Velcro Configuration

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THE GEAR TO COMPLETE ANY MISSION. PERIOD. The Micro Trauma Kit Now!™ In the field, on duty, or totally off the grid, accidents happen everyday. You can’t predict where it’ll happen, but you can be ready when it does, with the Micro Trauma Kit Now! ™ Quick, one-handed deployment of critical first aid supplies means you’ll be there to provide life-saving care to yourself or anyone you come across.

Things don’t always go according to plan. Be prepared for any situation with the Micro Trauma Kit Now!™ Get yours today at BlueForceGear.com/prepared.

MADE IN USA

877.430.2583 • WWW.BLUEFORCEGEAR.COM

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International sales Contact: Doug Duggan Email: DDuggan@blueforcegear.com Phone: 1 (912) 225-1262

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REVISION ANNOUNCE THEIR NEW EYEWEAR COLLECTION REVISION MILITARY HAVE RECENTLY ANNOUNCED A NEW RANGE OF PRODUCTS WHERE 20-PERCENT OF THE PROCEEDS FROM EACH PURCHASE WILL BE DONATED TO A SELECTED MILITARY OR LAW ENFORCEMENT CHARITY.

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NEW EYEWEAR RANGE TO BENEFIT MILITARY & LAW ENFORCEMENT CHARITIES IN THE UNITED STATES THE FIRST OFFERING OF THE HONOR COLLECTION IS A SPECIAL LAW ENFORCEMENT EDITION STINGERHAWK® SPECTACLE, FEATURING A UNIQUE, BLUE LINE-BRANDED FRAME AND CORRESPONDING MICROFIBRE STORAGE POUCH. PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT CONCERNS OF POLICE SURVIVORS (C.O.P.S.), A 501(C)(3) NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION PROVIDING RESOURCES TO HELP THE FAMILIES AND CO-WORKERS OF OFFICERS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY, WHILE ALSO OFFERING TRAINING AND ASSISTANCE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES NATIONWIDE ON RESPONDING TO THE TRAGIC LOSS OF A MEMBER OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT PROFESSION.

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“We believe in the critical importance of giving back,” said Revision CEO, Amy S. Coyne, “especially to organisations that directly benefit men and women in uniform and their families. I’m thrilled to announce our new Honor Collection of products, and our support of the law enforcement community with our first release benefiting C.O.P.S. There are so many great organizations supporting law enforcement, but we were drawn to C.O.P.S. by its mission, professionalism and the great impact they have on their community.”

“It’s been a rough year for our country, especially on our law enforcement heroes,” said C.O.P.S. Executive Director, Dianne Bernhard. “In addition to line-of-duty deaths, we’ve seen far too many officers impacted by COVID-19, which more than doubled the amount of survivors C.O.P.S. has added to our membership in 2020 and 2021.

With the support of Revision’s Honor Collection, C.O.P.S. is able to continue planning our healing programs, conferences, and trainings at no cost to the survivor or attendee. The price they have paid is already much too high.”

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In response to the recent urgent demand for laser protection, Revision has successfully delivered thousands of ballistic laser protective lenses to law enforcement around the United States. After an initial rapid delivery to the Department of Homeland Security, Revision received a dramatic increase of inquiries from Federal, State, and Local departments, and Individual Officers seeking protection from this emerging threat. Since last summer, reported incidents of laser attacks on law enforcement have skyrocketed around the nation leading to a variety of eye effects and injuries, including reports of partial blindness. While handheld lasers aren’t new, their widespread use with intent to harm is increasing, just as the demand for laser protective eyewear to prevent effects and injuries.

THE HONOR COLLECTION IS AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY ON THE REVISION WEBSITE, AND STINGERHAWK LE EDITION KITS ARE PRICED WITH SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER OF 30% OFF MSRP. LE EDITION KITS INCLUDE A STINGERHAWK BLUE LINE-BRANDED FRAME, AN ADJUSTABLE NOSEPIECE, CHOICE OF CLEAR, SMOKE OR FT-2 LASER PROTECTIVE LENS AND AN BLUE LINE-BRANDED MICROFIBRE POUCH. ALL PRODUCTS EXCEED MILITARY-SPEC BALLISTIC STANDARDS, OFFER WORLD-CLASS OCUMAX® ANTI-FOG PERFORMANCE, AND AN OPTIONAL INTEGRATED PRESCRIPTION CORRECTION SOLUTION.

CONTACT INFORMATION For more information, you can inquire about the Revision range of products through the following lines of contact.

AMERICA ■ Contact Number: +1 802.879.7002 ■ Contact Form: revisionmilitary.com/en/contact

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SOLDIER CENTRE HELMET LAB TECHNOLOGY LEADS TO REVOLUTIONARY NEW COMBAT HELMET RESEARCH PERFORMED IN THE HELMET LABORATORY AT THE U.S. ARMY COMBAT CAPABILITIES DEVELOPMENT COMMAND, OR DEVCOM, SOLDIER CENTRE HAS LED TO A REVOLUTIONARY NEW COMBAT HELMET. Due to the Soldier Centre’s Helmet Lab technology, and subsequent efforts working with key industry partners, the new combat helmets will provide the warfighter protection against a higher level threat – protection that previously could only be accomplished with a much heavier applique/helmet combination.

Researchers in the DEVCOM Soldier Centre Helmet Laboratory have spent the past decade working to optimise combat helmet performance by developing new modelling, design and processing techniques. Combat helmets are comprised of flat sheets of ballistic material pre-formed into a helmet shape and then processed at a high temperature and pressure.

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“Wrinkling and folds occur as the flat fabric conforms to the three-dimensional shape” said Jason Parker, a DEVCOM Soldier Centre mechanical engineer. “These seams, wrinkles, and folds seriously degrade the ballistic performance, requiring more material and more mass to protect against a given threat. Through our research, we determined how these defects are introduced, how they affect ballistic performance, and how to eliminate them. The culmination of this research is a novel machine and process which produces a seamless, uniform helmet, free from defects such as folds and wrinkles.”

In 2015, the Helmet Laboratory developed a novel pre-form apparatus, process, and optimised helmet ply layup design.

The Soldier Centre used this technology to develop prototype helmets demonstrating breakthrough performance, providing a higher level threat protection that could previously only be achieved with the addition of a ballistic applique.

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“In 2017, we tested prototype helmets targeting a higher level threat that were fabricated using our novel helmet preforming apparatus,” said Robert DiLalla, team lead of the Ballistic and Blast Protection Team in DEVCOM Soldier Centre’s Soldier Protection Directorate. “The results far exceeded our expectation as we were getting stops well above the requirement and at 40 percent less weight than the current capability.

The results were replicated with another batch of prototype helmets confirming that we had developed a new capability to significantly increase Soldier protection.”

Since 2017, the Helmet Laboratory, at the request of senior Army leadership, continued to mature and transition the technology to industry partners by establishing several Cooperative Research and Development Agreements, or CRADAs, and Research & Development contracts.

“After the Helmet Lab first demonstrated this breakthrough performance, the team worked diligently with our industry partners to rapidly transition this technology and contribute to the advancement from laboratory prototype to production ready helmets,” said David Colanto, PhD, who is the program manager for DEVCOM Soldier Centre’s Integrated Multi-Threat Headborne System. “The collaborative effort with industry represents a successful technology transition and highlights the fact that Soldier Center applied research and technology demonstration efforts are critical to providing significant improvements to warfighter protection.”

“This new FAST helmet is the culmination of a multi-year commitment to innovate the novel production processes necessary to manufacture helmets with next-generation ballistic materials,” said Des Walsh, vice president of Advanced Research and Development for Gentex Corporation. “It serves as an excellent example of successful, outcome-oriented government-industry collaborative development, resulting in the most advanced ballistically protective helmet shell ever qualified for production by Gentex and available to the warfighter.”

“It’s been a long road that started with an Army investment in science and technology which led to an invention,” said DiLalla. “That invention, when combined with industry knowledge, led to a finished product that offers a leap ahead level of protection. Today, the warfighter will benefit from that technological advancement.”

“AS A RESULT OF OUR EFFORTS, WE ARE CURRENTLY UNDERGOING A MAJOR RENOVATION TO OUR HELMET LAB HAVING ADDED NEW PROCESSING EQUIPMENT TO EXPAND CAPABILITIES TO HELP DRIVE FUTURE RESEARCH INITIATIVES.”

IN FEBRUARY 2021, GENTEX CORPORATION ANNOUNCED THAT ONE OF THEIR OPS-CORE® FAST HELMET SYSTEMS PASSED U.S. GOVERNMENT FIRST ARTICLE TESTING (FAT), A FIRST FOR A HELMET PROVIDING A HIGHER LEVEL THREAT PROTECTION. THIS NEW HELMET LEVERAGES HELMET DESIGN AND PROCESSING INNOVATIONS TRANSITIONED THROUGH A CRADA WITH THE DEVCOM SOLDIER CENTRE’S HELMET LAB.

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® Born in 1999 from the real-life experiences of serving Search and Rescue teams, Massif has since become a global giant in the tactical gear market, with a range of exceptional apparel aiming to bring the comfort and effectiveness of traditional tactical apparel to the world of fire-resistant clothing.

Massif was founded following the experiences of one of the founding members of the company following his time serving as a Search and Rescue crew member in Wyoming. With the constant risk of flash fires, he often found himself donning fire-resistant gear that was found to be cumbersome, uncomfortable and heavily ineffective compared to similar non-FR equipment. Unhappy with the current examples on the market, he teamed up with another passionate visionary, and together the two launched Massif, with the intent of addressing the issues surrounding fire-resistant fabrics, which simply lacked the characteristics found in high-end outdoor apparel.

Following the creation of the company, Massif began work on the research and development of cutting-edge fire-resistant materials.

Teaming up with LA-based Antex, the two began to forge a relationship that would later lead to the acquisition of Massif by Antex/ Matchmaster. This partnership has allowed Massif to formulate a range of products that combine innovative fire-resistant fabrics with original design features, with Massif now placing themselves at the forefront of the tactical gear market.

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INVERSION RANGE

We’ve been sat on the Inversion Range for a few months now having been lucky enough to receive the products directly from Massif. However, due to COVID restrictions in the UK, we were unable to get out and get imagery taken so we’ve had to wait until recently to publish our thoughts and since then Massif have recently released the range, making now a brilliant time to put the products under the Gear Up microscope.

As with all equipment systems, the end-users performance is only as good as the weakest point within the system. While individuals will often explore a number of options with outer layers, base layers are somewhat neglected. Due to this, individuals often find that their well-dialled outer layers simply do not perform to the standards placed upon them due to pairing them with a poorly developed base layer that fails to properly hold onto moisture, in turn placing stress on the skin leading to various forms of chaffing and a lack of comfort.

With this in mind, Massif created the Inversion Lightweight and Midweight Base Layers. Boasting superior moisture management and next to skin comfort, the Inversion range incorporates Massif’s proprietary synthetic fabric which excels at stretching and recovery - something an active soldier expects and needs from a base layer following extensive use. The Massif® Inversion base layers are engineered with an advanced tri-blend yarn system that provides unparalleled performance across multiple environments. This special blend plus the addition of spandex generates an improved range of motion, superior comfort, and extraordinary recovery for after-wash durability with no unsightly “bag outs.”

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FLAME RESISTANCE

Until recently, creating a flame-resistant fabric or garment meant decreasing comfort and reducing critical performance characteristics such as breathability, stretch, and wicking.

Massif began with the radical concept that protective flame-resistant gear can perform as well as the best outdoor clothing on the market.

Since 1999, Massif has invested tens of millions of dollars and tens of thousands of person-hours engineering a new generation of performance FR fabrics that provide protection for people who take on the world’s most dangerous jobs.

When you wear a Massif FR garment, you can trust that it will provide you with a proven combination of flame resistance, performance, and comfort. The performance and comfort will be obvious. And hopefully, you’ll never have an opportunity to learn about the quality of our flame resistance from a real world experience.

But if you do, you’ll be glad you invested in a quality product.

FEATURES ■ Flame resistant ■ Superior hand ■ Premier moisture-management ■ Outstanding stretch and recovery ■ Industry-leading pill resistance ■ Ultra-fast dry times ■ Antimicrobial

THE INVERSION RANGE CURRENTLY INCLUDES TWO MID-WEIGHT ITEMS - THE INVERSION BOTTOM AND INVERSION CREW AND THREE LIGHT-WEIGHT ITEMS - THE INVERSION BOTTOM, INVERSION CREW, AND INVERSION T-SHIRT.

CONTACT INFORMATION For more information, You can inquire about Massif’s range of products through the following lines of contact.

AMERICA ■ Toll-Free: (888) 462-7743 ■ Main: (541) 488-0801

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SMASH

2000

SMART SHOOTER IS A WORLD-CLASS DESIGNER, DEVELOPER, AND MANUFACTURER OF INNOVATIVE FIRE CONTROL SYSTEMS THAT SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE THE ACCURACY AND LETHALITY OF SMALL ARMS.

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WITH A RICH RECORD IN DESIGNING UNIQUE SOLUTIONS FOR THE WARFIGHTER, SMART SHOOTER TECHNOLOGY ENHANCES MISSION EFFECTIVENESS THROUGH THE ABILITY TO ACCURATELY ENGAGE AND ELIMINATE GROUND, AERIAL, STATIC OR MOVING TARGETS DURING BOTH DAY AND NIGHT OPERATIONS. Designed to help military and law enforcement professionals swiftly and accurately neutralise their targets, the company’s combat-proven SMASH Family of Fire Control Systems increase assault rifle lethality while keeping friendly forces safe and reducing collateral damage.

With a unique technology that makes it possible for every battlefield element to be connected with every other battlefield element, SMASH creates a micro-tactical network that dramatically enhances real-time situational awareness and ensures that the entire platoon shares a common operational picture.

The company’s experienced team of engineers combine electro-optics, computer vision technologies, real-time embedded software, ergonomics, and system engineering to provide cost-effective and easy-to-use solutions for modern conflicts.

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SMASH 2000 SMASH is a combat proven family of Fire Control Systems which are designed, developed and manufactured by SMARTSHOOTER to ensure each round finds its target, in both day and night conditions, as well as keeping friendly forces safe.

THEIR PROPRIETARY TARGET ACQUISITION AND TRACKING ALGORITHMS ARE INTEGRATED WITH SOPHISTICATED IMAGE PROCESSING SOFTWARE INTO A RUGGED HARDWARE SOLUTION, PROVIDING AN EASY TO USE AND COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTION THAT CREATES THE REQUIRED OVERMATCH. SMARTSHOOTER’s fire control solutions are designed to give soldiers and law enforcement officers a decisive tactical edge in almost every operational scenario, maximising force lethality and operational effectiveness throughout every engagement.

WHY SMASH? ■ SMASH increases hit probability to significantly enhance lethality and user survivability.

■ Increased situational awareness - Enables accurate shooting with both eyes open.

■ SMASH ensures a first-round hit, day and night while reducing engagement time.

■ Shot accuracy no longer affected by human factors such as fatigue, stress or target movement.

■ Ballistic support for a wide variety of ammunition types Connectivity with C4I systems, Battle Management Systems and external sensors.

■ Low life cycle cost (minimal training, maintenance and ammunition).

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SMASH

2000

EVALUATED BY US ARMY UNDER FOREIGN COMPARATIVE TEST In late 2020, the SMASH 2000 underwent intensive live fire testing by U.S. Army at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds (APG) to evaluate its Fire Control capabilities compared to standard rifle sights.

The testing at APG was funded by OSD (Office of the Secretary of Defense) under a Foreign Comparative Test program designed to determine if international mature technologies can fill U.S. military operation gaps.

“Testing the SMASH 2000 is another example of how OSD continues to evaluate foreign technologies that could fulfil specific DoD operational needs,” said William Everett, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, who is responsible for sponsoring many such comparative tests. “We also sponsored a VIP day to give U.S. uniformed officers and Foreign dignitaries the opportunity to fire the SMASH 2000. That opportunity was well received and the event went well,” he added.

Thousands of rounds were fired by soldiers at APG outdoor range for the purpose of recording data that compared the target hitting capability of the SMASH 2000 against standard U.S. Army issued optics. Targets ranged from 25 meters to 400 meters in a variety of fixed, pop-up, and moving target scenarios.

Bob Phung, Project Officer, Product Manager Individual Weapons: “Our job in the PM office is to look for and evaluate promising technologies to support our warfighters. The SMASH 2000 is one of those promising systems that could significantly improve the soldier’s lethality, especially under duress. We will have to collect the data and determine next steps.”

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Michal Mor, Smart Shooter CEO, added: “It’s very exciting to know that the U.S. Army is interested in our SMASH products to meet their individual weapons needs. SMART SHOOTER’s solutions are already in operational use by the U.S. Army in various missions, and we look forward to continued cooperation”.

FOREIGN COMPARATIVE TEST The Foreign Comparative Testing (FCT) program is to test items and technologies of our foreign allies that have a high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) in order to satisfy valid defense requirements quickly and economically. FCT continues to be a uniquely successful acquisition tool from a U.S. governmentto-foreign industry standpoint. Since 1980, the FCT program has helped to foster the two-way street in defense spending between the U.S. and its allies through the procurement of more than $5 billion in foreign items. The program has reaped substantial savings by avoiding research and development costs, lowering procurement costs, reducing risk for major acquisition programs and accelerating the fielding of equipment critical to the readiness and safety of U.S. operating forces.

THE FCT PROGRAM HAS SERVED AS A CATALYST FOR INDUSTRY TEAMING ARRANGEMENTS, WHICH HAVE BEEN PRODUCTIVE FOR BOTH U.S. AND FOREIGN INDUSTRIES IN AN INCREASINGLY COMPETITIVE GLOBAL MARKET, HELPING TO BUILD A ROBUST U.S. DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL BASE. FOREIGN ITEMS ARE NOMINATED BY A SPONSORING ORGANISATION WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FOR TESTING IN ORDER TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE ITEMS SATISFY U.S. MILITARY REQUIREMENTS OR ADDRESS MISSION AREA SHORTCOMINGS. THE OSD COMPARATIVE TESTING OFFICE FUNDS TESTING AND EVALUATION; THE SERVICES FUND ALL PROCUREMENTS THAT RESULT FROM A SUCCESSFUL TEST.

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PRODUCT

SUCCESS OF THE MISSION IS WHAT EVERY BRAVE INDIVIDUAL OPERATING IN HARM’S WAY STRIVES FOR. SUCCESS OF THE MISSION IS SO FUNDAMENTAL TO MISSION FIRST TACTICAL THAT THEY NAMED THEIR COMPANY AFTER IT. MFT DESIGNS AND DEVELOPS SELECT U.S.A. MADE RIFLE/CARBINE ACCESSORIES AND KYDEX-STYLE, BOLTARON® MATERIAL HOLSTERS HANDMADE BY VETERANS SPECIFICALLY FOR THE MILITARY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND CIVILIAN MARKETS. THE MFT TEAM HAS OVER 75 YEARS OF INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE IN TAKING CONCEPTS TO FRONT-LINE DEPLOYMENT. FROM THE BEGINNING, MFT’S MISSION IS TO DEVELOP LEADING-EDGE PRODUCTS FOR INDIVIDUALS OPERATING IN HARM’S WAY. SUCCESS FOR EVERY OPERATOR’S MISSION IS MISSION FIRST TACTICAL’S PRIORITY. DEVELOPMENT AND MANUFACTURING PROCESSES ARE ACCOMPLISHED ENTIRELY IN THE U.S.A.

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MLOK COMPACT FOREGRIP Mission First Tactical, a leader in USA-made rifle/carbine accessories, is proud to introduce the React™ M-LOK Compact Foregrip. This compact, textured vertical grip is designed to minimise material and dimension, all while providing a positive grip surface for the shooter.

It allows the support hand to apply rearward pressure, keeping the weapon shouldered, yielding better muzzle control and accuracy.

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THE REACT M-LOK COMPACT FOREGRIP IS A COMPACT TEXTURED VERTICAL GRIP DESIGNED TO MINIMIZE MATERIAL AND DIMENSION WHILE PROVIDING A POSITIVE GRIP SURFACE. ALLOWS THE SUPPORT HAND TO APPLY REARWARD PRESSURE KEEPING THE WEAPON SHOULDERED, YIELDING BETTER MUZZLE CONTROL AND ACCURACY. OFFERING AN ULTRA-LOW-PROFILE DESIGN WHILE MAINTAINING A WIDE GRIP THAT WILL FILL THE PALM OF THE SHOOTER’S HAND PROVIDING MAXIMUM COMFORT. ITS CONTOURED SHAPE AND TEXTURE KEEP THE GRIP FIRMLY IN THE PALM OF EVEN THE SWEATIEST OF HANDS, PREVENTING ANY SORT OF POTENTIAL SLIPPAGE. COMPLIMENTING VARIOUS SHOOTING GRIP STYLES, THE REACT M-LOK COMPACT FOREGRIP’S VERTICAL LENGTH MAXIMISES STABILITY. ■ Ultra low-profile design ■ Compliments various shooting grip styles ■ Contoured shape and texture prevent slipping ■ Vertical length maximises stability ■ Wide grip design fills palm more max comfort

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COVERT BOOT

BLACK / BROWN / TITANIUM / SRP: £49.95

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ARMY RESEARCH LAB OPTIMISE 3D PRINTING ARMY RESEARCHERS COLLABORATED WITH ACADEMIC PARTNERS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA TO IMPROVE ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING. THIS PARTNERSHIP MAY HELP DELIVER EXTREME LIGHTWEIGHT COMPONENTS TO FUTURE SOLDIERS. By optimising the printing process for the additive manufacturing of a high-strength magnesium alloy and fabricating 24 micro-lattice structures, researchers characterized the compressive strength and failure modes, which will enable much lighter Army components.

characterise lattice structures made up of WE43.”

Magnesium Elektron WE43 is a high strength casting alloy. It can be used in temperatures of up to 300°C (572°F), according to AZoM, an online publication for the materials science community. “This alloy has good mechanical properties coupled with excellent corrosion resistance.”

Advanced additive manufacturing has the potential to deliver critical parts at the point of need, reducing the need for lengthy logistic chains.

Also, the U.S. Army’s modernization strategy calls for lightening the load to help support future Soldiers.

The team published their findings in the peer-reviewed journal Materialia.

“We used a magnesium alloy known as WE43, which has only been successfully 3D printed by a handful of researchers,” said Dr. Brandon McWilliams, the lead researcher for 3D printing metals at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, known as DEVCOM, Army Research Laboratory. “In this work, we optimized the process to achieve higher density than previously reported and used that to produce and

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McWilliams said he believes joining advanced lightweight alloys with novel multi-scale structures through additive manufacturing will be a key aspect of modernizing Army weapon systems. There are many lightweight structural applications in the automotive, aerospace and biomedical industries.

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“CURRENT SYSTEMS ARE TOO HEAVY, WHICH INCREASES BURDEN TO THE SOLDIER, REDUCES FUEL EFFICIENCY AND DEGRADES MISSION EFFECTIVENESS,” HE SAID. “IT IS MY GOAL AS AN ARMY RESEARCHER TO CONDUCT RESEARCH, WHICH HAS THE MAXIMUM CHANCE OF SUCCESS OF TRANSITION FROM BASIC AND APPLIED RESEARCH STAGE TO PRACTICAL APPLICATION IN ORDER TO ENABLE TRANSFORMATIONAL OVERMATCH.” Partnering with academia and industry has been a priority with the laboratory since it introduced its Open Campus initiative.

“This was an exciting and rewarding collaboration that produced the technological accomplishment founded on fundamental understanding of materials and additive manufacturing,” said Prof. Yongho Sohn, lead researcher at University of Central Florida. “Technological vision with clear scientific objectives defined by Dr. McWilliams and his team was the key to our contribution.”

Army researchers will now evaluate the high strain rate and ballistic properties of these 3D-printed materials and look for demonstration applications, such as ultra-lightweight unmanned aircraft system and robotic vehicle components, he said.

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GNARBOX IS A TECHNOLOGY COMPANY BASED IN LOS ANGELES, WITH 7 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AS THE MARKET LEADER IN THE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY, VIDEOGRAPHY, AND DRONE INDUSTRY FOR BACKUP AND ONSITE DATA PROCESSING. THE COMPANY IS BACKED BY THE LARGEST INSTALLED BASE OF USERS IN THESE INDUSTRIES, AND IS THE ONLY PLAYER IN THE EDGE MARKET WITH EXPERIENCE DELIVERING RUGGED MOBILE APPLIANCES FOR COMPUTING LARGE DATA SETS.

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WITH THE CONFLUENCE OF OUR HARDWARE DESIGN PROWESS, RAPID ENGINEERING SUPPLY CHAIN, AND AGILE DEVOPS SOFTWARE TEAMS, GNARBOX IS REDEFINING WHAT AN OEM SHOULD BE FOR THE MODERN ERA. WE ARE A HARDWARE SUPPLIER THAT UNDERSTANDS OUR CUSTOMER’S NEEDS AND CHALLENGES WITH A DYNAMIC ABILITY TO TUNE HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE DELIVERY TO MEET THE MISSION THROUGH EACH OF THE STAGES OF YOUR DIGITAL EDGE TRANSFORMATION.

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EDGE 2.0 COMPUTE PLATFORM

For IT and OT Professionals who are dissatisfied with building greenfield custom data processing and backhaul solutions for their edge computing workflow, the GNARBOX Edge Compute Platform is a rugged edge appliance and server software platform that seamlessly integrates with sensors, unmanned equipment, and other industrial machines in rugged and dynamic environments.

Unlike other edge appliances, the GNARBOX Edge Compute Platform is completely mobile, can be run in online or offline environments, and supports any cloud storage/compute platform. Its software stack enables customers to easily run containerized or virtualised applications with zero-touch provisioning, making porting simple and direct.

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WITH 3-5 HOURS OF BACKUP BATTERY POWER, RUGGED MOUNTING SOLUTIONS FOR A MULTITUDE OF DYNAMIC APPLICATIONS AND WATER/ DUST INGRESS-PROOF ETHERNET AND POWER CABLES, THE GNARBOX EDGE COMPUTE PLATFORM IS A COMPLETE SOLUTION FOR ANY FIELD APPLICATION THAT REQUIRES UNINTERRUPTIBLE DATA BACKUP AND BACKHAUL. ■ MIL-STD 810

Ruggedised for extreme environments - defiant of dust, moisture, and impact

■ REMOVABLE BATTERY

Bring data center-class UPS to your tactical edge with live power failover and hot swap removable batteries

■ STORAGE EXTENSIBILITY

Scale-up hardware to Terabytes as your project grows, scale-out to Petabytes with dynamic mesh storage

■ COMPACT FORM FACTOR

Bring cloud capabilities and elasticity to places servers have never been able to reach

■ HUMAN FACTORS ENGINEERING

Thermally-compliant server viable for running in a pocket, backpack, or field cases

■ CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENTS

Capable of running outdoors in extreme conditions and inclement weather

■ MOUNTABLE

Ruggedised mounting brackets enable mounted solutions for any location

■ FUCNTIONAL FLEXIBILITY

4G/5G and AI/ML expansion modules enable increased flexibility to manage workloads and connectivity

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US ARMY TRIAL NEW OXYGEN GENERATOR THE ARMY IS CURRENTLY TESTING AN OXYGEN GENERATOR THAT HAS A LONGER SHELF LIFE THAN THE ONE CURRENTLY IN USE AND WILL MEET THE REQUIREMENT OF SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN THAT MEDICS PROVIDE TO COMBAT CASUALTIES. The Field Oxygen Generator Resource (FOGR) is being considered as a replacement for the Oxygen Generator, Field Portable (OGFP) that is currently used to supply supplemental oxygen to sick and wounded Soldiers in the field. In February, the U.S. Army Medical Department Board (USAMEDDBD) conducted an operational test using Soldiers from the 44th Medical Brigade during a field training exercise to test the effectiveness and suitability of the set up and operation of the FOGR to provide critical care.

According to Archie C. Kinnebrew Jr., lead test officer with USAMEDDBD, the success of the February test event will inform decisions that determine if and when the FOGR is fielded to Army units.

“There is truth in operational testing. Army leadership uses the results from test events to facilitate risk-reduction for product fielding,”

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Kinnebrew said. “The test articles under consideration will not only be evaluated by the testing community, but will also include input from the intended end-users on the battlefield. These test events ensure that Soldiers have a voice in the acquisition and deployment of new and improved systems.”

Kinnebrew had words of praise for the 44th Medical Brigade Soldiers who put the FOGR to the test through a series of exercises.

“The Soldiers of the 44th Medical Brigade – 36th Medical Company Area Support and the 240th Forward Resuscitative Surgical Team – were enthusiastic while putting the FOGR to use during the test,” Kinnebrew said. “They provided honest feedback, which greatly assisted the test team in capturing the data needed. Their participation was key to the success of this test event and is greatly appreciated. The professionalism and dedication displayed by these Soldiers really made me feel proud.”

Austin S. Langdon, assistant product manager with Warfighter Deployable Medical Systems, U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity at Fort Detrick, Md., said the Army is replacing the OGFP because of sustainability issues.

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“THE OLD DEVICE WAS DESIGNED TO OPERATE 10-12 HOURS A DAY AND 7 DAYS A WEEK. THIS IS THE CASE FOR MOST PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATORS (POCS) ON THE MARKET. HOWEVER, WHEN THE DEVICE SITS ON A SHELF, MAINTENANCE ISSUES ARISE FROM LACK OF USE, WHICH ARE VERY COSTLY,” LANGDON SAID. Langdon said that USAMMDA is currently testing two commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products. One of the devices being tested has the ability to be placed on the shelf for up to three years without any need for maintenance, a bigger advantage over the current model in use.

“Since this is a COTS item, the devices being tested are already in production and can currently be purchased. However, the Army still needs to test it for airworthiness and also MIL-STD-810H testing,” Langdon said.

MIL-STD-810 is a United States Military Standard that emphasises tailoring an equipment’s environmental design and test limits to the conditions that it will experience throughout its service life, and establishing chamber test methods that replicate the effects of environments on the equipment rather than imitating the environments themselves. Although prepared specifically for military applications, the standard is often used for commercial products as well.

The OGFP weighs 12 pounds and was an advanced development item that was specifically designed for the Army’s use. FOGR outweighs the current device by a few pounds, but has less maintenance issues.

Langdon said that the Army is looking to get quantitative data from the testing that will allow for informed decisions on these variants and if they will fit the end user’s needs.

When asked when FOGR will be available to the Army, he added, “These devices are both already in production. If one is selected, it will be fielded to the force later this year.”

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OFFERING A DIVERSE RANGE OF SPECIALIST PRODUCTS AND EQUIPMENT, PLATYPUS OUTDOORS GROUP IS AS UNIQUE AS THE ANIMAL WE DERIVE OUR NAME FROM. FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS WITH AN AMBITIOUS VISION, WE HAVE GROWN FROM A SIMPLE OUTDOORS AND MILITARIA STORE TO AN INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTOR OF OVER 40 WORLDWIDE BRAND NAMES WITH A COMBINED PRODUCT LIST IN THE THOUSANDS. PLATATAC OFFER A GREAT RANGE OF PRODUCTS AND CAPABILITIES IN SUPPORT OF THE SOLDIERS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL THAT STAND ON THE BATTLEMENTS LOOKING OVER US WHILST WE ARE SAFE IN OUR HOMES.

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PLATATAC HAVE DEDICATED TEAMS IN SALES, DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, ACCOUNTS AND PRODUCTION THAT ENSURE HIGH QUALITY AND WORLD CLASS TACTICAL NYLON, ECW AND FLAME RETARDANT PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE TO OUR CLIENTS. THROUGH THE PLATATAC BRAND, THEIR TEAMS DESIGN, INNOVATE AND CREATE PRODUCTS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF END USERS OF ALL TYPES. THEIR MELBOURNE FACTORY EMPLOYS THE FINEST MACHINISTS AND DESIGNERS THAT CONVERSE DIRECTLY WITH END USERS TO AUGMENT AND DEVELOP IDEAS WITH THE VISION OF CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT IN PERFORMANCE AND QUALITY.

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PAFA MK3

The PLATATAC PAFA MK3 has been specifically designed and updated with the input and guidance over a number of years from SOF Medics and pre-hospital care experts, in order to provide a feature rich pack that will meet the requirements of those giving care in hostile and austere environments.

The pack features a thin profile, but is large enough to carry the necessary advanced life support items for operational medics working in confined spaces or providing tactical care away from a vehicle or in remote locations. The PAFA 3 was designed with the intent to be used as a primary aid kit and brings to the table a true user configurable option with a comprehensive array of removable internal and external pouches that can be arranged to suit end user needs.

Internal features include Velcro PALS area to configure the Velcro in & out med kit organisation set or attach additional MOLLE compatible pouches, a mesh pocket on the front flap with a Velcro loop area to further configure pouches, dual side access zippered pockets of which one contains vertical elastic loops to stow additional dressings etc..

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Around the internal perimeter of the main compartment are dual elastic Cyalume loops for hands-free illumination. All internal zips feature red para cord pulls for easy ID. External features include a large flat zippered pocket on the front, PALS fields on the front, sides and bottom of the pack. Two MOLLE compatible vertical utility pouches are mounted on the sides, a horizontally mounted utility pouch on the bottom of the pack and a pair of low profile shoulder straps.

The PAFA 3 Medic Pack is available in two options, the Standard kit and Advanced kit.

The Standard kit includes: a Velcro in hydro/splint/long item pouch, Velcro in IV Organiser Pouch with elastic retainers for bungs, cannulas and giving set, also included are two Velcro backed medium and two large rectangle zippered organisation pouches with vinyl windows and colour coded removable tabs for easy recognition of organisation pouches and a small mesh topped pouch.

THE ADVANCED KIT INCLUDES ALL THE ABOVE ITEMS FROM THE STANDARD KIT PLUS: A PAIR OF MOLLE ZIPPERED ACCESSORIES POUCHES, TAC EVAC PAFA SOFT LITTER AND MODULAR EQUIPMENT INSERT WITH ELASTIC SHOCK CORD TO HOLD VARIOUS ITEMS.

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