SOTECH 2010 Volume: 8 Issue: 5 (July)
Defense Against RPG Attacks
Textron Defense Systems announced that the maturity and performance of its Tactical Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) Airbag Protection System (TRAPS) has been demonstrated through rigorous government testing completed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense under the Active Protection Systems Live Fire Test and Evaluation effort, which was mandated by Congress in 2008.
More than six weeks of OSD testing demonstrated the ability of two patent-pending countermeasure configurations of the scalable TRAPS architecture, which incorporates Textron Defense Systems’ sensor technology, to identify and defeat RPG threats. The first configuration utilizes the company’s proprietary airbag technology as the countermeasure to defeat threats; the second countermeasure, called TRAPSNet, is comprised of a modular net system. These are the first in a family of countermeasures.
During the testing, the TRAPS architecture was integrated onto a mine resistant ambush protected vehicle. The OSD’s testing goals included evaluating system effectiveness in protecting the vehicle from threats, as well as creating an information baseline for consideration during possible future defense acquisition programs. The rigorous test plan included emulated and live RPG threats against both stationary and moving vehicles from several angles and ranges.
“We designed the TRAPS architecture to be flexible, scalable and highly effective,” said Chief Technology Officer Thomas McNamara of Textron Systems Corporation. “The system is compatible with multiple military vehicle types, and it delivers reliable, robust performance against different RPG threats while minimizing costly, time-consuming modifications and vehicle recertification tests. Following the successful OSD testing, we are prepared to deliver the customer a mature, affordable and rapidly deployable active vehicle protection solution.”
James J. Holmes (JJ): This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
New Helmet Lights Last Longer
Streamlight’s Sidewinder Compact is an ultra-compact, anglehead tactical light that offers 20 functions from four LED light colors, intensity levels and strobe. So small that it fits in the palm of a hand, the light can be quickly attached to MOLLE [modular lightweight load-carrying equipment] gear, a helmet or belt for optimum positioning while on maneuvers.
The most versatile helmet light available, the Sidewinder Compact gives military and SWAT personnel a powerful, ultralightweight tool to match a broad range of circumstances while in the field. The light’s infrared LED is ideal for night-time operations and is compatible with night vision equipment, while the blue LED aids soldiers and medics when checking for bleeding. The red LED helps to maintain night vision, while the white C4 LED casts 45 lumens of light on the high setting.
The Sidewinder Compact delivers more than 70 hours of runtime in the low output level for the white C4 LED and more than 100 hours for the infrared, red and blue LEDs. At the high output level, the white C4 LED provides 5.25 hours, the 5-millimeter infrared LED and 5-millimeter red LED each provide 14 hours, and the 5-millimeter blue LED provides 10 hours.
Matt Baker: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Next Generation Apparel
XGO is a comprehensive line of high-performance, multi-environment, next-to-skin apparel designed to meet the stringent demands of today’s military, tactical and law enforcement professionals.
XGO features Phase 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the moisture wicking line, with each phase adding additional weight and thermal protection. XGO Phase 1 is constructed with Acclimate Dry polyester, and is a lightweight technical mesh that is more breathable and quicker-drying, making it ideal for extremely hot to temperate weather. The Acclimate Dry fabric transports and wicks moisture during high-energy activity so the wearer enjoys the benefits of evaporative cooling. Phase 1 garments dry eight times faster than comparable cotton garments and can be worn alone or as sub-layers for cold temperatures.
All XGO garments effectively maximize the body’s natural temperature regulation by transporting moisture away from the skin to the fabric’s outer surface to dry rapidly, leaving you dry and comfortable. AG47 Silver anti-microbial protection inhibits harmful bacterial growth and odor to improve overall hygiene. All construction and seam placements have been carefully designed to maximize comfort, freedom of movement and minimize grind on load-bearing anatomies. XGO also offers flame retardant garments that feature a patented blend of flame retardant fabrics with qualities that cannot be washed or worn out.
Sherry Lyons: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Lightweight Tow Strap
The Bulldog Tow Strap is designed with the strength to withstand the extreme weight of the MRAP vehicle. It can be used to tow barges, bridges, boats and ships. Through various tests and evaluations, it is proven that this product has a straight pull strength of 98,600 pounds.
This product is available in two standard lengths, 15 foot and 30 foot. The 30 foot Tow Strap can be stored in less than one cubic foot and weighs less than 11 pounds. The 15 foot Tow Strap only weighs 6 pounds. The new decreased weight of the strap makes deployment quicker and easier. In addition to the user-friendly weight and size, the Tow Strap is also buoyant and UV resistant. The most important consideration during the design process of any new product is the safety of the end-user. The Tow Strap stores no kinetic energy, eliminating any whipping effect.
“We’ve been working diligently creating and designing the new Tow Strap. This is the next generation in mobility. We want to keep you moving,” said president of Bulldog Tactical Equipment, Jason Simione.
Dana Heinsen: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
L-3 Command & Control Systems and Software to Manufacture Portable Water Purification Systems
The Series 5.0 water purification system gives warfighters and emergency managers employed in combat and disaster relief efforts the ability to quickly and efficiently produce potable water.
The device is designed to provide an innovative solution for the provision of potable water in remote locations. With its rugged high-impact case, the 5.0 system incorporates proven technology to transform virtually any water source into clean, consumable water, and is capable of producing 1 gallon of purified water per minute and up to 1,400 gallons per day.
The Series 5.0 is a proprietary system that operates between 125–150 psi and can be customized for a variety of power sources. It is user-controlled through an electronic panel with an LCD screen that provides pertinent information, including total dissolved solids, water temperature, delay start timer, pump status, motor status and run-time meter. The control system monitors the unit’s performance and automatically flushes and cleans the internal membranes every 30 minutes to ensure proper purification of the water being treated.
In addition to the portable unit, a rack system can be custom-designed to meet high-volume needs using multiple 5.0 units.
New Advanced Eye Sight Protection
The Defense Division of W.S. Darley & Company is working closely with Spectrum Technologies International to introduce Orion eyewear to SOF. This new and patented Orion eyewear technology demonstrates significant advantages to an operator in daylight and low-light operations, especially in close quarters battle situations.
Darley’s Defense Division and Spectrum believe Orion eyewear resolves an important “dark/light eye vision challenge” currently experienced by our soldiers, and that the Orion eyewear can provide our forces with significant tactical advantages.
According to a May 2010 report from the U.S. Army’s Expeditionary Warrior Experiment, “normal dark adaptation from a lighted environment into a dark environment takes approximately 30-40 minutes, but the [Orion eyewear developed by Spectrum Technologies] allows for nearly immediate adaptation when worn in lighted conditions.” The Army report further summarized that Orion eyewear performed as planned during daylight maneuvers, citing its “enhanced colors providing a clear picture of the battlefield and …enhanced daylight images … as well as minimized sensations of glare and squinting during daylight operations.”
Orion eyewear enables the operator’s eyes to rapidly and easily change between bright sunlight and darkened environments with very minimal transition times, and without having to change lenses. During room-clearing or tactical urban entries on today’s battlefields, operators must quickly move from a bright street into a dark building. Yet during this face-paced event, soldiers who are not wearing eyewear face dangerous vulnerabilities while their “unfiltered eyes” slowly adjust between extreme bright/dark light conditions.
Orion eyewear has passed military standard ballistic tests including MIL-PRF-31013 and Mil-Standard 662 for eye safety protection, and ANSI standards for optical performance. Spectrum Technologies continues to develop frames for the Orion eyewear which are “fashionable” yet ergonomically comfortable.
TJ Gilroy: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it