Photo of the Month October 2011

Loading a M110A2 203mm self propelled  artillery.

Sako TRM-G M10

From accurateshooter.com:

Last week, at the DSEi trade show in London, UK, Sako unveiled an all-new tactical rifle, designed from the ground up as a modular system, which can be user-configured in the field to shoot multiple calibers. By changing bolts and barrels, Sako’s new TRG M10 can be switched from a 7.62×51 NATO round to the .300 Win Mag, or the even larger .338 Lapua Magnum. With the capability of the TRG M10 to shoot both standard and magnum cartridges, Sako now has a product that can compete with other multi-caliber sniper rifles such as the Barrett MRAD, released last year.

100 Round Glock Mag Fully Automatic

FPS Conversion Tower adapted to 9MM Glock 17, 18, 19, & Sub-Compact Handguns. The FPS Conversion tower can now be purchased at http://firepowersolutions.net and the shipping is FREE!

Coming Soon From Madbull Airsoft: Licensed Troy TRX & VTAC Extreme BattleRails

Troy Industries is famous for manufacturing advanced small arms components and accessories for the US Government.
Their products are widely used by military, law enforcement, special forces, and civilian hobbyists.

Madbull Airsoft proudly works with Troy Industries to adapt Troy's innovative designs for Airsoft rifles.
Madbull's licensed rails are quality checked by Troy to ensure a high level of realism and build quality.

The TRX free-float Battle Rail is a new handguard system from Troy Industries with a special rotary locking mechanism.

Product Features:
3 Bonus Quick-Attach Rail Sections
New state of the art rotary locking system by Troy Industries
Proprietary patent pending one-piece design by Troy Industries
True U.S. Military Specification M1913 rails
Free floating design that enhances accuracy*
T6-6061 Aluminum Construction
Black anodize (Real steal is Military level III hard coat with Teflon coating)
Blocked gas pipe tunnel to prevent mis-use on real guns

Viking Tactics (VTAC) is directed by Kyle Lamb, a well-known retired tier-one special forces operative.

The VTAC Extreme Battle Rail are designed by Viking Tactics (VTAC) and manufactured by Troy Industries. It is an one-piece, free floating rail for AR15 systems.
The unique lightweight design helps reduce heat transfer and allows for a faster target acquisition.

The rail is easy to install and features an uninterrupted top M1913 rail that allows the mounting of optics and backup iron sights.

Product Features:
3 Bonus Quick-Attach Rail Sections
New state of the art rotary locking system by Troy Industries
Proprietary patent pending one-piece design by Troy Industries
True U.S. Military Specification M1913 rails
Free floating design that enhances accuracy*
T6-6061 Aluminum Construction
Black anodize (Real steal is Military level III hard coat with Teflon coating)
Blocked gas pipe tunnel to prevent mis-use on real guns

More info & photos: www.madbull.com/battlerail

X-47B UCAS First Cruise Flight

Musical revue of the first "cruise" flight of the U.S. Navy's X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System demonstration aircraft. During this flight, conducted Sept. 30, 2011 flight, the aircraft's landing gear was raised and lowered for the first time, a key milestone in the envelope expansion phase of flight testing. The X-47B was designed, developed and produced by Northrop Grumman, the leader in unmanned systems.

U.S. SWAT SNIPER CHAMPIONSHIPS

The 2011 U.S. SWAT Sniper Championships (USSSC), held October 17 and 18 at the United States Shooting Academy, was hosted by the Tulsa, Oklahoma, Sheriff’s Office. Thirty-one tactical precision rifle teams competed in five difficult stages during the annual sniper competition. This year’s winner was Oklahoma County’s first sniper team, with eight points separating them from the second place La Plata County.

 

More info and photos

US Army Orders Recon Scout XT Micro-Robots

A highly capable small military robot design exhibited at the recent DSEI event in London has been ordered in bulk by the United States Army.

The US Army Rapid Equipping Force is set to receive 315 Recon Scout XT micro-robots through a $4.8m order announced in October 2011. Alongside these, it will also get SearchStick devices, which work in tandem with the Scout XTs to elevate their viewing position.

The Recon Scout XT is manufactured by ReconRobotics and, in a press release covering the US Army order, the firm's Military Programs Director, Ernest Langdon, described the company's extreme pride at having been selected. "The era of the personal robot has arrived for US troops and, like the ballistic vest and night vision goggles, our Recon Scout XTs will save many lives", he commented.

Recon Scout XT Micro-Robot

The Recon Scout XT micro-robot is designed to acquire data in situations that might put conventional warfighters at risk. Sent in ahead of troops, it can illustrate the dimensions of an enclosed space, locate the presence of Improvised Explosive Devices or check out battle-damaged vehicles.

It's equipped with a black and white video camera that captures 30 frames per second across a 60 degree panorama, before streaming this footage back to its controllers. Extremely durable and robust, the Scout XT's manufactured from a mixture of aluminium and titanium. This allows it to survive after being thrown or even being dropped from a UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System), flying at a maximum altitude of 30 feet.

It has an operational range of between 100 and 300 feet, depending on the environment in which it's operating and, weighing just 1.2 pounds, it's about as heavy as a bag of sugar. That makes it highly portable and highly deployable while, painted black and very quiet when in motion, it's also relatively low-observable. A bonus for operators is that, since the robots can occupy one of three frequency transmission paths, up to three Scouts can manoeuvre in the same space simultaneously.

US Army Scout Robot Order

The US Army Scout robot order represents the latest success for ReconRobotics, which was established five years ago. Over 2,000 of ReconRobotics' designs presently serve with multiple strands of the US armed forces and other organisations.

DSEI - the Defence & Security Equipment International event - was staged in London in September 2011 and saw a host of new military technologies exhibited and showcased. These included BAE Systems' BLAST helicopter system and Supacat Limited's upgraded Supacat 400 vehicle.

Recon Scout XT image copyright ReconRobotics

Daniel Defense L85 Adapters Now Available & Important Product Note

ICS & WE converters for Madbull's licensed Daniel Defense L85 rail are now available (or available soon) at your local Airsoft retailer.

Important Note:
There are two versions of the licensed Daniel Defense L85 rail, which are externally identical but with slightly different internal dimensions.

Version 1 is compatible with G&G and Army using the included adapter, and with ICS using a separately available adapter.
Version 2 is compatible with G&G and Army using the included adapter, and with ICS and WE using separately available adapters.

You can determine which version you own by looking at the packaging of your L85 rail.

Madbull's licensed Daniel Defense L85 is the only L85 rail officially licensed by Daniel Defense for Airsoft.

MORE INFO: www.madbull.com/L85

Engineers remember unit's past with Waal River Crossing Competition

FORT BRAGG, N.C., Oct. 20, 2011 -- Smoke hazed in the air as the Soldiers began to push their assault boats into the water as bullets were already flying past their heads. In the not so far distance, they could hear the loud echoes of machine guns going off.

It was getting harder and harder to move because the knee-deep mud. The last boat hit the water and it seemed the smoke needed for cover had all disappeared.
On the first trip, several Soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives. The next two weren't as bad as the Soldiers made their assault upon the enemy. By the fourth and fifth trip, almost all enemy fire had been subdued.

The day was September 20, 1944. The mission was the famous Waal River Crossing.
"When all the machine gun fire and smoke filled the air, it was so realistic for Mister Burks that he said he got chills," said Lt. Col. Brett G. Sylvia, the 307th Engineer Battalion commander.
Howard Burks was there back in 1944 when the real crossing of the Waal River happened, and he was also at the annual competition hosted by the 307th Engineer Battalion with teams also competing from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division at Kiest Lake on the Fort Bragg training grounds Oct. 19.
"Having an actual member who crossed the Waal River back in World War II is a real morale booster," said Spc. Jeremy Durstine, a heavy equipment operator for the winning team from 738th Engineer Support Company, 307th En. Bn. "He sat there and relived his memories while we made our very own."

During the competition, teams mirrored the historic day's actual events by having eleven Soldiers paddling the boat, one Soldier guarding and three Soldiers being transported to the other side as if they were making a real assault, Durstine explained.
"This is a commemorative event for the crossing of the Waal River during Operation Market Garden where the 307th Engineers successfully ushered across the infantry men of the 82nd Airborne Division five times," said 1st Lt. James Cunningham, the 1st platoon leader for 738th ESC, 307th En. Bn. "This unit is deep in heritage and the Waal River crossing is probably the largest event in history of the unit."
For these engineers, this event isn't just a competition, but a moment in the 307th's En. Bn.'s past that makes them proud to be part of the organization.
"There is something when you look at the unit and what it has done in the past. Its successes and traditions make you want to be part of that team," explained Cunningham.

"The Army is all about history and reliving it today was great," said Durstine. "To be here and be around the camaraderie and morale of different Soldiers feels awesome."
Even though the day was full of mostly fun and laughter, the challenge of being the winner was no easy feat for these Paratroopers.
"A lot of people just showed up to have fun, and then got disappointed when they didn't win," Cunningham said. "We knew if we put just a little extra effort it would really pay dividends, and it did."
Durstine also added how the members of his team had been getting ready for more than a month.
"We prepared by going to a different lake and practicing being in sync with each other while in the boat," he said. "We also practiced by flipping the boat and recovering it in case that happened today."
However, once the competition started certain unexpected challenges surfaced.

"The organization of the people was the hardest part or in military terms command control," Cunningham said.
After the competition came to an end, the winners were awarded their trophy-- The Oar.
"We are showing how when the infantry needed to get across the Waal River, they proposed the issue to the engineers, 'Hey, here is our problem. How do we get here so we can beat the enemy and accomplish this task?' they asked. The engineers then solved it by paddling across the river, to me, that is what the The Oar symbolizes," Cunningham said.
All in all, both the real life crossing of the Waal River and the one emulated in the competition are just examples of how important of a tool the engineers are to the Army.
"You never know what tomorrow is going to bring," Durstine said. "Engineers have to be ready because we make way for different companies and their missions. If it's clearing their route or getting them across a river, we have to be there to make sure everything is safe and secure for the Soldiers behind us."

Source and more pictures 

Licensed Daniel Defense 12.0 Lite / 12.0 Lite FSP Rails

The innovative Daniel Defense AR15 Lite Rail 12.0 system gives the weapon system an uninterrupted upper rail platform and also allows the Armorer to install the rail system with simplified alignment to the upper receiver. Not only does this battle proven system provide features that no other rail system possesses, but it is also the lightest rail system available.

Details:

• Free Floating Barrel Design
• Uninterrupted Upper Rail Platform
• Precision CNC Machined T-6061 Aircraft Grade Aluminum
• Hardened Steel Barrel Nut
• Grade 8 Military Specification Fasteners
• Mil-Spec 1913 Picatinny Rails
• Lightweight 14.4 oz (12.0) / 13.1 oz (12.0 FSP)

More info & photos: http://www.madbull.com/dd12lite

New Trijicon SRS™ Reflex Sight

October 10, 2011 - The profile length of the new Trijicon SRS™ is short and the advanced list of features is long, as the innovative products continue from Trijicon. The new Trijicon SRS (Sealed Reflex Sight) is a reflex-type sight with a unique optical design, housed in a body length of only 3.75 inches, that virtually eliminates the “tube-effect” common with other, competitive red dot sights. The result—a field of view that essentially provides no obstruction to shooters. That means lightning fast target engagements at CQB distances with no distraction from the shooter’s situational awareness. The SRS is ideal for military, law enforcement and recreational applications on a variety of firearm platforms from AR’s to shotguns.

Equally impressive is the technology built into powering a LED lighted 1.75 MOA aiming point that includes ten brightness settings – including three NVG settings. The SRS is powered by a solar panel and a single, common AA battery. This uniquely patented configuration allows the user years of illumination life from a single battery by offering an intuitive “solar assist”, that is, drawing on battery power only when the solar cell requires additional energy support for illumination based on ambient conditions.

The Trijicon SRS™ is built to endure the rigors of extreme in-the-field use and carries the same stringent testing requirements as the renowned Trijicon ACOG® line of sighting systems. Additional features include a parallax-free objective lens, an auto-locking, self-adjusting level mount and waterproof to fifty meters.

Available February 2012.

VIDEO: Gear Scout TV: Trijicon SRS – The Evolution of the Red Dot

VIDEO: American Rifleman: Trijicon SRS – Going Green

Colt Defense Super-Stoc

Colt Defense LLC, is pleased to introduce the new Colt® Super-Stoc and announce that it is making the new, leading-edge technology buttstock standard issue on select Colt AR and M4 rifles sold into the domestic commercial and law enforcement markets. The new Colt Super-Stoc, designed by Bill Rogers, will be available later this month.

“Since 1836, Colt has been committed to offering nothing but the highest quality products to each and every customer,” said David Ridley, vice president, Colt Defense. “With the new Colt Super-Stoc, we continue to deliver on that tradition by pairing one of the most advanced stocks available with the best rifle in the world.”

Colt Defense and Bill Rogers have teamed up to engineer the most advanced, third generation of the Super-Stoc, using innovative technologies and proprietary materials. Designed to be as lightweight as possible while maintaining durability, the Colt Super-Stoc weighs 6.56 ounces, ranking it among the lightest stocks available. The stock is designed specifically for the new Colt rifles to give an unequaled fit and survivability during the most extreme conditions.

“The Colt Super-Stoc is one of the lightest, strongest and most secure collapsible stocks for the M4/AR series of weapons,” said Bill Rogers, chief shooting instructor, Rogers Shooting School. “Our partnership with Colt was a no-brainer. We want the highest quality rifle in the world to be outfitted with the world’s newest and most technologically advanced stocks available.”

A unique Cam-Lock system is a new design feature that, when operated, securely locks onto the buffer tube like a solid stock. This Cam-Lock system completely removes any slop or play commonly inherent with aftermarket collapsible stocks as well as eliminating any movement due to wear. The Cam-Lock lever also features a convenient reversible design, enabling the user to customize his or her stock to suit the desired preference. Other features include a removable recoil pad, sling loop, quick detach swivel sling mount and Quick Release lever which unlocks the Cam-Lock and indexing pin with one motion.

The original M4 buttstock will still be made available to commercial and law enforcement customers by Colt Defense. For more information on the new Colt Super-Stoc or Colt’s classic M4 stock, please visit Colt.com.

Colt is making available a new buttstock they’ve recently developed. It represents a third-generation of buttstock technology and was developed in partnership with renowned shooting instructor, Bill Rogers. Colt’s new Colt Super-Stoc is available this month and features numerous improvements over similar buttstocks, listed below.

Fit – Performs like a solid stock -
A unique Cam-lock system securely locks the stock on the buffer tube and removes the slot or play that is all too common in aftermarket collapsible stocks.

Lightweight -
Even with features such as a recoil pad, sling loop, Quick Release level and Cam-Lock system, the Colt Super-Stoc is on of the lightest buttstocks on the market.

Additional Features -
Removable recoil pad, sling loop, quick detach swivel sling mount, Cam-Lock system, Quick Release lever

Source

Excalibur Block 1a-2 Shell Ready for Afghanistan

The latest Raytheon Excalibur precision projectile is cleared for operational use in Afghanistan, after proving its capability in firing tests carried out by the United States Army.

Once in Afghanistan, the advanced 1a-2 version of the M982 Excalibur 155mm guided artillery shell, originally developed by Raytheon and BAE Systems, will be used by both the US Marines and the US Army.

The Excalibur precision shell's meant to have the power to strike with limited collateral damage and, in 2007, it was judged by US Army officials as among that year's greatest military innovations.

The highly accurate weapon made its operational debut that same year in Iraq and proved that its design philosophy worked - with more than 90 per cent of shells falling within a four meter range of the intended target.

Excalibur Block 1a-2 Precision Shell

The Excalibur Block 1a-2 precision shell, as will now be used in Afghanistan, has a firing range of up to 40 kilometers - approximately twice that of a standard artillery shell.

Each unit costs in the region of $80,000 and can be deployed around the clock and in all weathers.

According to Raytheon, the shell ‘...complements air-delivered precision when close air support is unavailable or not the best option'. As of October 2011, in excess of 500 Excalibur rounds had been fired either under trial conditions or in combat.

Raytheon Excalibur: Afghanistan

"The precision Excalibur provides is essential to the missions our war-fighters are conducting in urban and surrounding environments. It protects structures, the population and our war-fighters", the US Army's Excalibur Product Manager, Lieutenant Colonel Mike Milner explained in a Raytheon press release on the weapon's Afghan readiness.

"The Excalibur Ia-2 rounds going into theater will give the war-fighter the ability to accurately defeat targets before the target can run and hide."

"Raytheon developed and fielded the world's first extended-range GPS guided precision artillery rounds", Raytheon Land Combat Systems' Vice President, Michelle Lohmeier, added. "We continue to build upon our legacy as the world's experts in precision munitions as we deliver Excalibur Ia-2 to our war-fighters."

Older versions of the M982 Excalibur have been used in tandem with M777 Howitzer weapons systems.

Image copyright US Army

FN SCAR® Family at MILIPOL Paris

New SCAR®-H PR Precision Rifle, here equipped with add-on day scope, bipod and 10-round steel magazine

October 12, 2011

In conjunction with the 2011 MILIPOL Trade Exhibition being held from 18 through to 21 October in Paris, France, FN Herstal is pleased to introduce the new semi-automatic SCAR®-H PR precision rifle.

Derived from the innovative FN SCAR® weapon system, the new SCAR®-H PR precision rifle is a tailored design for long-range precision fire applications while also providing capability to fight close in. The SCAR®-H PR features a 20" heavy barrel and a two-stage trigger module (Match type) allowing high accuracy. The folding buttstock and the cheek rest can be adjusted, respectively in length and in height, without tools. The operator can therefore optimize the rifle to his requirements (such as body size and body armor).

The iron sights have range settings up to a distance of 600m. The precision rifle also features an extended top MIL-STD 1913 rail that can accept the in-line assembly of night and day sights for longer ranges.

The SCAR®-H PR can fire 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition from either 10- or 20-round steel magazine.

Commonality of training and components throughout SCAR® family significantly simplifies, and reduces costs for, operator training and maintenance.

SCAR®-H PR Technical Data:

Caliber:	7.62x51mm NATO
Operating principle:	Gas operated, rotating bolt
Firing mode:	Semi-automatic
Feed device:	10- or 20-round steel magazine
Weight (without magazine):	4.5 kg
Length
with buttstock fully extended:	1.070mm
with buttstock fully collapsed:	1.011mm
with buttstock folded:	816mm
Barrel length:	20"
Color available:	Black

Magpul PMAG 30G MagLevel Released

PMAG® 30G MagLevel™ is now shipping to Dealers & Distributors

The PMAG 30G MagLevel (5.56x45 NATO) is a durable, lightweight, high reliability 30-round polymer magazine designed specifically for the Heckler & Koch G36. It features advanced impact resistant polymer construction and an easy to disassemble design with a flared floorplate for positive magazine extraction from pouches. The PMAG 30G utilizes a Milspec black oxide coated stainless steel spring for corrosion resistance and an anti-tilt, self-lubricating follower for increased reliability. It is compatible with all PMAG floor plate accessories.

The PMAG 30G MagLevel features transparent windows on both sides of the body and has a painted indicator on the spring for quick determination of approximate rounds remaining in the magazine.

Compatible with all 5.56x45mm Heckler & Koch G36 variants, excluding the semi-auto U.S. marketed SL8.

- Impact and crush resistant polymer construction
- Constant-curve internal geometry for smooth feeding
- Anti-tilt, self-lubricating follower for increased reliability
- Transparent MagLevel windows on both sides of the body along with a painted indicator on the spring allows for easy determination of rounds remaining
- Black-oxide coated (MIL-DTL-13924D) USGI-spec stainless steel spring
- Flared floorplate for positive magazine handling and easy disassembly
- Compatible with all PMAG floorplate accessories

As with all Magpul magazines, the PMAG 30G is designed and manufactured in the U.S.A.

NY Guard Soldiers create massive sandtable of National Training Center

FORT IRWIN, Calf., Oct. 11, 2011 -- Composed of the same materials as the rocky, desert terrain it depicts, the New York Army National Guard's 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team's massive sand table has allowed its leaders to better understand the areas they'll be dealing with while training here.

"We definitely set a new standard for sand tables and the briefing process," said Sgt. Maj. Jason Zeller, the operations sergeant major of the New York Army National Guard brigade, which began arriving here in late September to train in preparation for the unit's mobilization and deployment to Afghanistan in early 2012.
About 1,500 brigade Soldiers are currently scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan, and the training here includes simulated combat missions and stability operations under the realistic, demanding and stressful environment provided by the National Training Center, known as NTC.
The exercise is controlled by an expert and experienced Operations Group, and Soldiers will confront a highly capable opposing force in an exercise area which mirrors the physical and cultural conditions of Afghanistan.
Before the brigade began tactical road marches into the exercise area on Oct. 6, brigade leaders gathered around the sand table and used it to rehearse their schemes of maneuver, streamline their plans, coordinate their actions with other units and refine a myriad of other details. More than a dozen brigade Soldiers helped build the sand table, which mirrors the rugged, desert and mountainous countryside the brigade will be operating in.

"Those are all accurate depictions of the mountains, to scale," said Sgt. First Class Vince Tomasella, who led the sand table's design and construction. The sand table also shows the road network, cities, villages, brigade units, other units and the forward operating bases, or FOBs, and combat operating bases, or COBs, the units will occupy after moving into the exercise area, he added.
Tomasella, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the brigade's engineer cell, said the sand table also allows Brigade Commander Col. Geoffrey Slack to explain his intent and vision for full-spectrum operations, and gives leaders a line-of-sight understanding of what's visible from any location, see vulnerable points and fine tune their plans for troop positions.
"A picture says a thousand words," Tomasella said of the sand table. "I think it's pretty impressive. For the brigade commander to be able to walk through the entire area of operations is kind of monumental."
As was the sand table's construction, which began on Oct. 3. Tomasella, Sgt. Luke Zuercher, and Spc. Ryan Blount used a specialized computer system to coalesce satellite pictures and topographic maps into a 1 by 7000 scale map to base the sand table on. As far as he knows, no one has ever created a map that scale, Tomasella said.

While two brigade combat engineers built the sand table's wooden frame, about 17 Soldiers of the brigade's Headquarters and Headquarters Company collected and moved an estimated two tons of Fort Irwin rock and sand into the tent, Tomasella said. The sand table didn't seem that large until they started building it, he added.
"It's a good-sized swimming pool," he said.
Using waterproof bags, entrenching tools and their hands, Tomasella, Zuercher and Blount began shifting and shaping the sand and rocks to resemble the terrain on their map. They conferred often during this process, trading notes and consulting the map to decide on the final shape of ridges, spurs and other terrain features on the sand table.
Once the sand table was completed, Blount took part in the Oct. 6 rehearsal, stepping over the miniature mountains and ridges on the sand table as he moved pieces representing units to various spots to show their planned maneuvers in the exercise area.
Tomasella has built many sand tables during his two-decade Army career. Zuercher and Blount are honor graduates of the Army's six-month geo-spatial engineering school, and analyze topography for brigade leadership.

"My knowledge of and sand tables and their knowledge of maps helped pull the whole thing together," Tomasella said.
Zuercher was surprised when they were told to start laying out the sand table, but Blount wasn't.
"If you're going to do something like this, why not pick the guys who've been staring at the images and maps?" Blount said.
Their faces lighted up when asked if they're proud of the sand table. It seemed like an impossible task at first, Zuercher said.
"It feels good to accomplish something you weren't sure you could do," he said.
Tomasella held them to a high standard, Zuercher said. The three also thanked and praised the other Soldiers who took part in the sand table's construction.
"We couldn't have accomplished it without their help," Zuercher stressed.

Over the years he's developed kind of a love-hate relationship with sand tables, Tomasella said. Though the construction process is enjoyable, you know the sand table will be destroyed as soon as a unit is through using it, he explained.
He's proud of this sand table nonetheless, and enjoys it when people look at it in amazement, Tomasella said.
"People have been coming through the door and saying 'oh my God,' and 'unbelievable,'" he recalled.
Blount noticed that as well.
"I think half the brigade has come through to see the thing," he said.

Source and more pictures 

NEW Madbull Accessory: iPhone 4 / 4S BATTLE CASE Licensed By Strike Industries

Madbull Airsoft proud to announce our latest licensed product, the iPhone 4 / 4S Battle Case, designed by Strike Industries,
a producer of innovative firearm accessories based in Santa Ana, California.

The Battle Case is compatible with both the iPhone and new iPhone 4S. It features a patent-pending quick pull loop, enabling fast access to your phone while wearing tactical gloves. The loop can also be attached to a pistol lanyard, protecting the phone from separation.

The back features an stylish honeycomb pattern, and is available in three colors: black, flat dark earth tan & olive drab.

Features:

• Patent pending quick pull loop, pull fast, every-time
• Matte black finish
• Honeycomb texture
• For Apple iPhone 4
• Kevlar insert capable (optional equipment)
• Lens protector capable (optional equipment)

MORE INFO & PHOTOS: http://www.madbull.com/battlecase

NEW From SOCOM Gear: Licensed Les Baer 1911 Ultimate Recon

Fully licensed Baer Ultimate Recon w/ one mag and one extra 1911 golfball dimple grip OR streamline dimple grip.

Features:
» Accurate Replica of Baer 1911 Ultimate Recon 5”
» Green Gas or CO2 Powered
» Compatible with KJW CO2 magazine (Optional CO2 power).
» 25+1 Rds BB Capacity

More info & photos: http://tinyurl.com/3nn38gb

DuPont starts up $500 million Kevlar facility in South Carolina.

DuPont today announced the start up of its $500 million Cooper River Kevlar® facility near Charleston, S.C. The Cooper River Kevlar® plant uses state-of-the-art technology that will allow DuPont to meet increased customer demand for advanced protective materials in emerging industries around the world by expanding its portfolio of science-based innovations and boosting productivity. Commercial supply will begin by the end of the year.

Overall global production capacity for Kevlar® will increase initially by 25 percent and is expected to grow by 40 percent, with planned productivity improvements and continued technology developments over the next two years. The new capacity will allow DuPont to provide customers with next-generation Kevlar® products that improve their ability to innovate in many applications.

According to DuPont and independent tests, new body armor can help stop bullets within the first three layers of a vest designed with a total of 11 layers. The remaining layers absorb the energy of the bullet, resulting in 15 percent less bruising for the vest wearer. DuPont estimates that the ballistics demand is growing at more than 10 percent annually.

Best known for its use in ballistic and stab-resistant body armor, Kevlar® has helped save the lives of thousands of law enforcement and military personnel around the world.

Added protection and performance can be achieved in ballistic applications for military and police helmets and tactical plates. Critical is the reduction of the weight of helmets for soldiers and marines and for other helmet and tactical plate designs where there is higher ballistic performance and increased protection, without sacrificing other performance requirements.

“As the global population grows, there will be even more critical need for protection materials to keep people safe and to protect the environment, structures and critical processes,” said Thomas G. Powell, president, DuPont Protection Technologies. “After more than 40 years, the proven performance of Kevlar® continues to create significant new opportunities where the combination of lightweight strength and other unique properties enable new designs, increase reliability and save more lives. This significant boost in production capacity and capability demonstrates DuPont’s continuing commitment to support our customers and to find solutions that help protect more people around the world.”

Along with a recent $50 million expansion at DuPont’s Spruance plant in Richmond, Va., Cooper River represents the largest single investment in Kevlar® and the largest capacity increase since the fiber was introduced in 1965. DuPont also manufactures Kevlar® in Richmond, Va.; Maydown, Northern Ireland and at a DuPont joint venture, DuPont-Toray Company in Tokai, Japan. The Cooper River Kevlar® plant expansion has created 135 jobs and was built over a period of three years using a construction workforce of up to 800.

DuPont also has research and development facilities and customer applications centers for Kevlar® in every region: Shanghai, China; Hyderabad, India; Paulina, Brazil; Meyrin, Switzerland, Richmond, Va. and Wilmington, Del.

The Cooper River Kevlar® plant will initially produce innovations that support three primary technology platforms: DuPont™ Kevlar® AP, DuPont™ Kevlar® KM2 Plus and DuPont® Kevlar® XP™ for growing applications in ballistics, other personal protective equipment, aerospace, tires, fiber optic cables, oil and gas and automotive. Among the industry opportunities where new DuPont™ Kevlar® products already are making an impact

Source: DuPont

Fort Campbell's new helicopter simulator provides virtual training

Sgt. Weston Williams, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, trains in the UH-60 Black Hawk gunner's seat Wednesday at the Non-rated Crew Member Manned Module. The simulator recently came to post, and it is the first time aviation Soldiers have had the opportunity to train on the rear of a UH-60 Black Hawk or CH-47 Chinook using such a system. The virtual setup allows crew members to train as gunners, as well as practice sling load and hoist operations, without leaving the ground.

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky., Sept. 29, 2011 -- It looked like a scene out of a science fiction movie on post Wednesday morning as a group of 101st Combat Aviation Brigade noncommissioned officers trained on a new simulator for the first time.
The Non-rated Crew Member Manned Module, or NCM3, came to post last week to be used for the first time beyond the testing stages. The module is a simulator that was created to train helicopter crews on the rear of both the CH-47 Chinook and UH-60 Black Hawk.
Through specially created virtual reality glasses, which fit as night vision goggles would, Soldiers can perfect gunnery tasks. Also included in the simulator are ways to perfect and practice sling load and hoist operations without ever leaving the ground.
The training can be linked with the Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainer, allowing crew chiefs and other Soldiers to communicate seamlessly with the helicopter's pilot who may be training in a different simulator.

The NCM3 includes task-driven scenarios, which can be adjusted by the instructor to include weather conditions, lighting variations and other specific situations.
"The weapons are M240[H]s that we actually use in the Army," explained Sgt. 1st Class Richard Madill. "The only thing they did was they took the mechanism out that allows it to fire. That's the big modification that's made. It has sensors all over to allow you to control it. It tells you when you have your mock ammo loaded, it tells you when they pull the triggers and different things like that."
Even the simplest of everyday occurrences adds realism to the experience.
"It creates thunderstorms, and when it has the thunderstorms, you can actually hear the thunder," Madill said. "You can see the lighting."

Madill is a subject matter expert from the Directorate of Training and Doctrine at Fort Rucker, Ala., who actually helped in the design of this one-of-a-kind simulator.
The realism goes beyond what the gunners or other crew members might see on the screen during the simulated flight. The weaponry is also affected by a control load box, which gives the Soldier a sense of wind resistance on the gun.
"Right now, this weapon is hard to push in the opposite direction because it's simulating that we're flying forward very fast," Madill said.
When equipped with the virtual glasses, Soldiers feel as if they are on board a helicopter, and they can even lean out simulated bubble windows created for the CH-47.
"He's able to look up at the engine compartment and make sure it's not on fire or leaking oil," Madill explained of the simulated window's importance to a crew member.

The simulator is good for a number of reasons, mainly because of safety, efficiency and flexibility. The simulator eliminates the need to schedule a helicopter for training, saves on fuel and ammunition costs, and lessens many of the risks faced during real flights. Inclement weather outside also does not affect the progression of training in the simulator.
"Prior to this trailer, we [didn't] have a trainer for the backseaters," Madill said. "For the crew chiefs, door gunners, we don't have a trainer to be able to do that. And this allows us to bring a guy out here and start some sort of aircraft progression, without actually using blade time."
With increased safety, the simulator allows easy training on scenarios that would take much more planning and coordination otherwise.

"This allows us to train on tasks that we don't get a chance to do normally," Madill said. "We're able to do this rescue hoist, which in real life, it's dangerous to put a live person on the hoist. It's dangerous, but we need to be able to train it. This allows us to train it here. We don't have to use blade time to do that, we don't have to (risk) someone's life."
Madill added the simulator should increase "unit cohesion, crew cohesion and crew coordination." Sgt. Weston Williams, 101st CAB, spent a significant amount of time in the gunner's position in the simulator's UH-60 Black Hawk setup. He agreed with Madill's assessment, adding that the "high-tech video game" feel would be ideal for training first-time crew members.
"It will give a chance to evaluate the new guys first and see where they stand," he said.
Fellow Sgt. Nolin Worthley, 101st CAB, said the scope of the scenarios available would aid in training for combat situations.
"You'd be surprised how many similarities there are between this and the real [helicopter]," he said. "I think it is fantastic. You can do a whole lot of things. This is going to actually make it where I can at least get people talking correctly on the radios before I'm actually putting them in [a helicopter]." 

 

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Rangers get 'adrenaline rush' on paintball field

FORT BENNING, Ga., Sept. 21, 2011 -- It's hard to compare the intensity of a combat zone with the calm of day-to-day life on the home front.

"These guys jump out of planes for their work. It's hard to match that," said Capt. Light Shin, chaplain for the Regimental Special Troops Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, who coordinated the unit's first Warrior Adventure Quest, conducted Wednesday at Paintball in the Woodlands at Uchee Creek Campground & Marina.

The Army-wide program started as a pilot in 2008. By September 2009, Fort Benning's Outdoor Recreation office was signing up Soldiers for activities like paintball and scuba diving. Zip lining is now an option as well, and the office is looking into adding four-wheeling and motocross as additional activities.

Shin said he's seen the success of the Warrior Adventure Quest firsthand.

"When I was at Fort Bragg, (N.C.), we had thousands of Soldiers go through it after coming back from deployment, and they've all given very good feedback," he said. "I'm a total believer in this program. It may not solve everybody's problem, but at least it gives them an opportunity, at least for a day, to be able to relax and decompress."
Most of the 15 Rangers who participated in the paintball games Wednesday had just returned with him from a deployment only a few weeks ago, Shin said.
"Sometimes the transition is tough," he said. "For a lot of these guys, I think it's a sense of purpose that changes, too. Overseas there is a sense of accomplishment. There's a sense of belonging. But when you come back, a lot of that kind of dissipates."
That's where the Warrior Adventure Quest comes in, said Jackie Teixeira, recreation assistant for Outdoor Recreation.
"This program, funded by the Army, helps Soldiers cope with coming back from a high-adrenaline atmosphere of war to regular life, zero adrenaline and lots of stress," she said. "Often, Soldiers try to subconsciously recreate that feeling by buying motorcycles or fast cars and driving them way too recklessly -- or worse, while inebriated."

"They also tend to get into fights, written up because they have behavioral issues they didn't have prior to deployment, or become dependent on alcohol, prescription drugs and illegal drugs," Teixeira explained. "Our program introduces Soldiers to safer ways to recreate that adrenaline rush they are searching for in a controlled environment."
Teixeira said some of the Soldiers have stuck with the activities past Outdoor Recreation's involvement, becoming certified to scuba dive or returning to play paintball on post in their free time.
"It's definitely giving the Soldiers alternatives," she said. "The results of this program are remarkable, with significantly reduced numbers of incidents in the troops that have participated."
Sgt. Christofer Fields deployed three times to Afghanistan, returning from his most recent tour earlier this year. For him, the outing was an opportunity for team building and unwinding.

"What this does is give you a chance to adapt, get back to what you're used to," he said. "It's like an outlet, a stress reliever, so you don't feel so much pressure. This helps you ease into things."
Fields said he'd recommend the program to anyone as a safe way to have some fun and strengthen unit camaraderie.
"These are memories that will last you when you're overseas," he said. "This will definitely be one of those events I look back toward -- and it's something to look forward to when I get back as well."
Besides providing stress relief, the paintball games offered a few parallels to reintegration.
Shin mentioned relying on teammates (friends and family) and equipment (community and Army resources) as two examples of how to be successful in the game and in real life.
"Those are very good applications that can be drawn from the event itself," he said. "(It) gives them tools they can take with them."
Shin said he hopes to make the program part of the battalion's reintegration process for all returning troops. 

 

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EMALS Lauch of an E-2D Advanced Hawkeye

 

LAKEHURST, N.J. (Sept. 27, 2011) A U.S. Navy E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft launches using the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS). EMALS uses stored kinetic energy and solid-state electrical power conversion. This technology permits a high degree of computer control, monitoring and automation. The system will also provide the capability for launching all current and future carrier air wing platforms - lightweight unmanned to heavy strike fighters. (U.S. Navy video/Released)

First All Black Twaron Fiber Produced by Teijn

Teijin Aramid has developed a new type of yarn – black-colored, high-modulus Twaron. This unique yarn is the first high-modulus black para-aramid yarn on the market. It has been dope dyed – which ensures the color reaches right to the core of each filament, giving it a deep black color.

Its great looks are just one of many reasons to choose black Twaron. It is ideal for reinforcing sails and other sporting goods. Also in hybrid fabric constructions Twaron Black can add stiffness, strength, dimensional stability and great aesthetics. Key benefits of using Twaron Black:

• Strength (weight-to-weight, it’s 5 times stronger than steel)
• Excellent performance/weight ratio
• High modulus and tensile strength of the composite structure
• Damage tolerance
• Cut resistance
• Chemical stability
• Heat stability
• Non-conductive

Our Twaron black high-modulus filament yarn has a 0.8% spin finish that is optimized for composite applications and is compatible with most common resin types, such as epoxy, vinylester and polyester. We have developed two different linear densities: 1210 dtex and 1610 dtex. Assembled yarns can be delivered on request, as well as twisted or tangled black Twaron yarn.

Barrett Trade Show Video 2011

Courtesy of Rampart Pictures, we bring you another trade show video for 2011, which will be featured at AUSA this year.

Fire Scout Completes First Ever Navy Unmanned Flight On Biofuel

 

ST INGOES, Md. (Sept 30, 2011) A U.S. Navy MQ-8B Fire Scout conducts the first unmanned biofuel flight at Webster Field in St. Inigoes, Md. The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Directorate piloted the helicopter fueled with a combination of JP-5 aviation fuel and plant-based camelina. The biofuel blend reduces carbon dioxide output by 75 percent when compared to conventional aviation fuel. The MQ-8B Fire Scout Vertical Take-Off and Landing Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle provides critical situational awareness, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and targeting data to the forward deployed warfighter. Fire Scout is designed to operate from all air capable ships and is currently providing ISR support during its first-land based deployment in U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Fire Scout is the seventh aircraft to demonstrate the versatility of biofuel through its use in all facets of naval aviation. (U.S. Navy video/Released)