Photo of the Month July 2011

BMP1 rounds - 73mm

NEW from Madbull: Stark Equipment SE-3 Vertical Foregrip Grip

The SE-3 Vertical Foregrip has been designed to enhance weapon control, reinforce accurate shooting form and support multiple hand positions.
The SE-3 attaches easily and securely to tactical rail systems. The SE-3 is fully ambidextrous with a flared base, providing a secure grip which accommodates all hand sizes.

FEATURES
- The SE-3 is also available with a switch pocket for weapon mounted accessories
- Textured surfaces for a reliable grip
- Resistant to weather extremes, chemical exposure and abuse
- Includes a Grip Plug for storage inside the grip
- Standard Colors: Available in Black, Earth and Green

See all colors and additional info:
http://tinyurl.com/3npwdne

Army preparing to produce JLTVs

ARLINGTON, Va. (Army News Service, July 27, 2011) -- After refining requirements during a two-year Technology Development phase for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, Army developers are poised to conduct a full and open competition geared toward formal production, service officials said.
The Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, or JLTV, will be a next-generation light vehicle designed to bring Soldiers an unprecedented blend of protection, payload and performance, said Tim Goddette, director of Sustainment Systems.

The Technology Development, or TD, phase for JLTV development, completed this past May, successfully demonstrated the vehicle's ability to meet a wide range of requirements, including fortified improvised explosive device, or IED, protections designed to withstand blast attacks, off-road mobility, variable ride height suspension, exportable power and essential command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or C4ISR, capabilities, Goddette said.
The 27-month phase included prototype vehicles from three teams of vendors: BAE-Navistar, Lockheed-BAE and General Tactical Vehicles (General Dynamics and AM General).
"The purpose of the TD phase was geared toward refining the requirements in order to demonstrate the JLTV's ability to meet the designated capability gaps," Goddette said. "The program has succeeded in identifying and proving out those areas of needed development -- and now the Army is analyzing what trade-offs might be required in order to best pursue an acquisition strategy that both lowers costs and delivers this needed capability to Soldiers."
The competitive prototyping and extensive testing pursued during the TD phase was designed to match technological capability with the vehicle's requirements and lower risk for an anticipated production phase, Goddette said.

"We demonstrated that every one of the requirements was achievable," Goddette explained. "We've learned that some trade-offs are necessary to pursue an overall strategy that best synchronizes requirements, resources, mature technologies and a cost-reducing acquisition strategy."
"We demonstrated not only that the requirements were achievable, but we gained valuable insight into the cost of each capability and effect that one capability might have on another. We've learned that some trade-offs are necessary to pursue an overall strategy that best synchronizes requirements, resources, mature technologies and a cost-reducing acquisition strategy," Goddette said.
Operating in today's more budget-constrained fiscal environment, Army developers are working on an approach to JLTV procurement that harnesses the best available technologies while minimizing costs and achieving efficiency in the process, he said.
One such approach includes the possibility of buying less add-on armor, known as B-kits, for the vehicles because not every JLTV will need the added protection and new, lightweight materials may likely become available in the future, Goddette said.

Due to its enhanced technological capabilities, the JLTV will be able to perform a wide range of missions and perform many roles Humvees are currently unable to do, Goddette said. At the same time, the Army has embarked upon a competitive Humvee recap program aimed at improving the survivability of the existing vehicle that is already in the Army inventory.
"The JLTV and Humvee-recap program are designed to complement one another as part of an integrated Light Tactical Vehicle strategy designed to best prepare our force for a range of anticipated future contingencies," Goddette said. "These two competitive efforts are also synchronized with one another to invest a limited amount of resources up front enabling a 'try before we buy' approach and capitalize on the vast experience our industry partners have gained over that past five years."
With its off-road ability, blast-protections and on-board electronics, the JLTV will bring a new set of capabilities to the Army and Marines.

There are two different variants or categories of JLTV:

-- Combat Tactical Vehicle is a four-person general purpose vehicle with a curb weight of 13,000 pounds and the ability to carry 3,500 pounds of payload and 3,500 pounds of add-on armor.

-- Combat Support vehicle is a two-passenger utility vehicle with a short cab/open bed for hauling equipment or putting on shelters. 

 

Source

Hellenic Army Heckler & Koch - HK11

Hellenic Army HK11 slideshow

MG3 Slideshow

MG3 various photos

Never miss your targets

Fail to correct aiming has consequences

SOCOM GEAR: Licensed Doublestar 1911 Combat Pistol

SOCOM GEAR: Licensed Doublestar 1911 Combat Pistol

SOCOM Gear is proud to present the fully licensed Double Star Corp. Combat Pistol.

The original handgun by DSC is designed to be a match quality 1911 at a production price.

SOCOM Gear brings you the airsoft version with authentic DSC engravings on both sides of the slide and lower frame. The airsoft DSC even goes as far as replicating the correct trigger, slide serrations, sights, and unique lower rail design. The deep DSC engravings are a beautiful addition, both the Double Star logo and .45 ACP markings are stunning.

The DSC Combat Pistol will be available in 3 packages:

• DSC Combat Pistol with standard grips
• DSC Combat Pistol with golf ball dimple grips and custom compensator
• DSC Combat Pistol with American flag pattern and custom compensator

Package 2 and 3 feature an aggressive yet streamline mock compensator, gives airsoft 1911s a fresh new look. Along with the mock compensator package 2 and 3 feature real gun grips, made of materials similar to G10 these grips are made to the toughest specifcations and are extremely tough. Available in golf ball and classic American flag patterns.

Features:

• Full metal frame
• Enhanced removable sights
• Ambi-safeties
• Authentic serrated slide
• Authentic trigger
• Authentic 1913 picatinny rail design
• Authentic deep engravings
• Steel made thread adapter for barrel extensions

More information / photos: http://tinyurl.com/3dmtr9z

DAC Ammunition

An interesting read about Defense Ammunition Center (DAC) with some examples of accidents happened with ammunition storage and transport.

HSGI X2R TACO Double Rifle Magazine Pouch

"X2R TACO", Modular DOUBLE rifle mag pouch. The Next Evolution in HSGI's Extremely Popular TACO series of Pouches. Like the original TACO will handle any type of Rifle Magazines thrown at it. Able to carry 2 Magazines in a single Pouch eliminates the need for double stacking TACO's. The pouch is one piece of 4 layer laminated Cordura with 2 Plastic Brackets which are separated by a HDPE sheet. The HDPE sheet has a 1" webbing sewn on it which adds a bungee loop at the top for over the top bungee retention. Made of Cordura, Polymer, and shock-cord. It is silent when stuck against and while extracting the mag. The "X2R TACO" maintains a positive grip on the mags, which is adjustable and does not need any other use of a securing system unless desired upon by user preference. Webbing tabs are sewn in on the top of the Cordura and HDPE separator for use of "over the top" bungee retainers if desired (not included). Additional loop velcro is sewn in the inside if the user wishes to use adhesive backed hook velcro on his magazine body for added security. 

 

Covered by HSGI's Lifetime Warranty. Made in the USA. MALICE Clips Included.

SPA Defense Advanced Warfighter Magazine (AWM)

SPA Defense is please to announce the Lancer L5 AWM ­ Advanced Warfighter Magazine for semi­ automatic rifles that accept STANAG 4179 magazines. The L5 AWM is a hybrid magazine that combines the best features of polymer and steel magazine designs. Unique to the L5 AWM is the one piece wrap­ around steel feed lip assembly that is permanently attached to an impact resistant polymer body. The steel feed lip assembly is made from a single piece of precision formed steel that is hardened and PTFE coated for corrosion resistance. The hardened steel feed lip assembly won’t bend, break, or deform due to rough handling or long term storage.

The magazine body is available in either a tinted translucent or an opaque polymer. All the polymers used are impact resistant through a wide range of temperatures as well as chemical and corrosion resistant. The internal geometry of the L5 AWM is a constant curve that has been maximized to feed the 5.56X45mm NATO round and has a non­tilting follower for trouble­free feeding. An aggressive surface texture has been applied to the outside of the body to improve gripping and retrieval from magazine pouches. This combination of steel and polymer result in a lightweight, robust magazine tough enough for professional use.

The L5 AWM is compatible with modern weapon systems; M4/M16/AR, HK416, SCAR­L / Mk16, and the ARX160 to name a few. They will be available in 20­and 30­round capacity with a tinted translucent or opaque body in Black, Flat Dark Earth, Olive Drab, and Foliage Green color.

All of the L5AWM components are made in the USA. SPA-­defense.com.

Guardrail turns 40, modernization keeps it going

The Guardrail system recently celebrated its 40th anniversary of providing intelligence support, beginning with the Cold War through current operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Commanders on the ground have been afforded increased situational awareness due to the missions flown by Guardrail aircraft.

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md., July 8, 2011 -- A dinner celebration on Aberdeen Proving Ground during the 2011 Special Electronic Mission Aircraft conference represented more than just an opportunity to bring together the numerous military, government and industry personnel that had been instrumental in the development and continued success of the Guardrail program, it served as an opportunity to reflect on 40 years of success with more to come.
Guardrail aircraft were first employed in Germany in 1971 to monitor Soviet Block troop movements in East Germany and Czechoslovakia, and they continued to perform that function for nearly 30 years. At the end of the Cold War three Guardrail systems were deployed to Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm where they helped pinpoint the location of the Iraqi Republican Guard and provided over watch of other Iraqi troop movements to coalition forces -- and one of the systems operated in direct support of the Marine Corps’ movement up the coast in to Kuwait City.

In addition to serving in both Operation Iraqi Freedom/New Dawn and Operation Enduring Freedom, the RC-12 aircraft continue to operate in Korea as they have done so since the mid-1970s where the aircraft help monitor the demilitarized zone.
The original Guardrail aircraft were Army U-21 aircraft modified to RU-21 configuration. Beginning in 1984, the RU-21 aircraft were replaced with upgraded RC-12 aircraft, and the last of the RU-21s were retired after the Cold War. The current inventory of Guardrail consists of 44 RC-12 aircraft made up of five different variations.
Guardrail systems are supporting troops with a mix of legacy and modernized RC-12 aircraft in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Even as a major draw-down is ongoing in Iraq the system will be one of the critical capabilities that will leave last.
“They (Guardrails) will probably turn the lights out in Iraq because they are providing over-watch for the departure route into Kuwait as they continuously fly along that route listening (for enemy activity),” said Mark O’Neill, the product director for Aerial Information Surveillance and Reconnaissance systems.
From its earliest employment in the Cold War to current efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, Guardrail has continued to provide the most timely, accurate and relevant tactical signal intelligence, or SIGINT, to tactical commanders. Although current systems look very different and have undergone multiple upgrades to deliver cutting edge technology, the philosophy behind their use has remained the same since they first came off the production line in 1971.

Intelligence gathered during Guardrail missions is sent back to analysts operating in ground stations outside hostile areas. “The reach back capability puts the pilots forward but it keeps a huge footprint out of theater. Now, it is just two pilots and all the data is remoted back,” said O’Neill.
Continued success for the Guardrail program has been achieved through progressive upgrades over the past 40 years. The program is currently going through a major modernization that, in addition to improving operational capabilities, will also alleviate sustainment and training demands.
With five RC-12X modernized Guardrails in the inventory and nine more to come, pilots, operators and maintainers will for the first time in the Guardrail history have common systems to work with as opposed to the differences the four various legacy systems that are still in the inventory offer.
Guardrail is transforming to meet the emerging demands as the platform is being modernized to add greater ability to intercept enemy activities.
“We took 1970’s technology off the receivers, increasing the throughput by a 100 times based on the upgrades in computer technology and processing speeds. Before, we might have been able to conduct 100 direction finding lines of variant in a minute now we can do 10,000,” notes O’Neill.
The RC-12X includes expanded frequency ranges, a capability to locate signals in both stand-off and stand-in modes, and an adaptive beam-forming antenna array that is capable of locating emitters in the dense signal environments. Collectively, these capabilities provide a unique tactical focus to prosecute modern networked targets encountered in the current era of persistent conflict.

The Internet-Protocol based architecture is designed for rapid integration of new capabilities -- often merely by loading new software instead of requiring new special-purpose signal processors. Upgrades to the system not only represent increased capability but also a change in focus to mirror the current irregular warfare environments the aircrafts operate in.
“When Guardrail was originally designed it was designed as a stand-off Cold War asset, the airplanes were designed to look out and over into East Germany, however, in today’s fight you also want to be able to look in as close as you can,” noted O’Neill. “We have calibrated the sensors so that they can work at either range and increased the coverage area to support close in operations.”
“The RC-12X aircraft represents the current state-of-the-art in airborne SIGINT technology, and were designed to be inter-operable with other Army and Joint SIGINT systems,” said Col. Mike Popovich, the Training and Doctrine Command capability manager for intelligence sensors. “The RC-12X system is designed with an open architecture that is also capable of being easily upgraded through technology insertion of hardware or software developed by other services or government agencies.”
“The Army is fielding the RC-12X systems as quickly as possible because they provide a critical capability to rapidly provide identity resolution, and their open-architecture design ensures that they are easily adaptable to remain relevant and capable of prosecuting future threats.” said Popovich. “Several of the new system have already been deployed and are providing uniquely valuable capabilities in the current operating environment.” 

Source

Team zeroes in new sniper system

FORT SILL, Okla., July 8, 2011 -- The Fort Sill Special Reaction Team is setting their sights further downrange, with new M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper Systems. They received the new weapon last week, and 'Oh boy' were they excited.

"We just got it in Monday. And this is the first time we get to shoot it. For me it was like opening Christmas presents. It was still in the bag, it was like 'wow, we're getting a brand new weapon,'" said Edward Tracey, Fort Sill patrol officer.
Like getting fitted with a new pair of glasses, the new sniper equipment allows them to see up to 1,000 yards away, giving each sniper a new look at the enemy. As for why the Army is issuing this new weapon, Brett Little, Tank Automotive and Armaments Command, New Equipment Training team member, said it was just a matter of time.
"The Army is coming out with a lot of new weapons," said Little. "The weapon this one is replacing was getting old. Snipers still love it but this one is semi-automatic so they don't have to cycle the bolt every time."
Soldiers are already using the lightweight M110 in combat where they engage in much closer and faster paced environments. It became apparent to Army leaders that a new rifle was necessary to better suit the needs of the modern urban combat zone as well as the traditional sniper role.
The M110 is also the first U.S. Army weapon system that integrates a quick attachable and detachable suppressor to reduce the weapon's firing signature.
While the enthusiasm for the new weapons was fresh, the training was also very serious. Over a three-day period, the team learned the ins and outs of the weapon system as taught by the TACOM NET team.
Little said he and his team train on every weapon either at the weapon's manufacturer or they stick their noses into instruction manuals until they know everything about it. Then they spread their information with Soldiers overseas or with special maneuver teams like Fort Sill's SRT back home. There is one thing the instructors leave to the snipers, and that's technique.
"They learn the capabilities of the weapon and all the characteristics. As far as shooting it, they should already know," Little explained.
On June 22, the group took to Kerr Hill machine gun range, where the team paired off in twos: a spotter and a sniper. They'd agree on a target, set their sights and then it was up to the sniper's careful breathing and steady trigger finger to fly the 7.62 mm round into the right patch of silhouette.

After five rounds the sniper paused to clean out any brass left in the new weapon so as to not scar the barrel.
"It didn't kick at all. It feels pretty much just like the other sniper rifle, the M24, but the difference is you get to magazine feed this one instead of one at a time with the bolt," said Tracey.
"Snipers Army-wide have been receiving this new weapon since 2008, so most of the units already have it. This is going to be one of our last ones," said Little.
SRT members were just glad to have it. They seemed content to hit their mark with whatever weapon issued, and they were already working on making the M110 a part of their arsenal.
Tracey said even though he believes the quick firepower is a great feature, he hopes he and his teammates never have to use it.
"If we get into a situation where you have to do multiple shots faster it means something bad happened and the guys on the inside are in trouble. So I just pray every day that doesn't happen," he said.
The Snipers checked their shots, and the spotters helped correct their aim to get the tightest group shots possible. After switching off, every sniper zeroed their weapons. The team will continue training and is already setting their sites on a national competition in October in which sniper shots will be crucial to winning a title. 

 

Source

Modify Hybrid Barrel for airsoft AEGs

The Modify Hybrid Barrel.

It features a 6.03mm tight bore, a 3-ring hop-up bucking, and an O-ring to reduce barrel vibration.

New from MADBULL: X-Factor Pistons

New X-Factor Pistons from Madbull feature 7 heat treated steel teeth, three lubricant grooves for maximum lubrication and a segmented piston guide to reduce friction.

They are specially designed for performance AEGs.

For more information, visit: http://www.madbull.com/xfactorpistons

Schmidt and Bender Awarded SPR Scope Contract

Yesterday, the Navy Announced that Schmidt and Bender, Inc was awarded a $34,209,500 firm-fixed-price contract for precision sniper rifle dayscope, mounting rings, spares parts, repairs and upgrades. According to the DoD announcement:

Schmidt and Bender, Inc., Claremont, N.H., is being awarded a $34,209,500 firm-fixed-price contract for precision sniper rifle dayscope, mounting rings, spares parts, repairs and upgrades. Precision sniper rifle dayscopes will be used by special forces for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. The precision sniper rifle dayscope consist of several configurations that are required for use on existing and future sniper rifles. The configurations are tailored to the sniper’s training regimen, the weapon system effective range, and the weapon system caliber. The precision sniper rifle dayscope will be used around the world in extreme and adverse conditions including underwater, surf-zone, desert, arctic, jungle and urban environments. Work will be performed in Biebertal, Germany, and is expected to be completed by June 2016. Contract funds in the amount of $29,920 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured and solicited via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with five offers received. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-11-D-JQ31). 

There will be two models:

Army Configuration: 5-25x56PMII/CCW/CM/H58 Locking Turrets/Tan
US Navy Configuration: 5-25x56PMII/CCW/ 1/4 MOA/ H2CMR Reticle, Locking Turrets/Tan

www.schmidtbender.com