BAE Mobility & Protection Systems Advanced Design Group has been pumping out some innovative load carrying solutions. In addition to recently capturing USSOCOMs armor carrier contract with the RBAV, the ECLiPSE line is beginning to hit the market. So whats next for BAE?
Poised to become a true leader in the Soldier Systems market, BAE has been working with new materials and there will be a few surprises in store at SHOT show. But for now, we can show you two products designed by Matt Campbell and Mike Walker. Both products are mounted on velcro backs and can be fitted directly to a low-viz armor carrier or to a MOLLE adapter panel.
The Elastic Ammo Pouch carries three M16-style magazines and wont lose its elasticity over time. Additionally, the fabric is durable and will resist abrasion.
The modular holster (not shown) is designed to carry a different pistol than the M9 but it will accommodate several models and specialized cuts will be available in the near future. Due to the velcro backing the holster can be carried vertically or turned 90 degrees for a horizontal carry. Additionally, the magazine can be inserted in either direction to the holsters orientation.
– Christian
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Since I’m a soldier, I don’t know exactly – but isn’t velcro pretty poor when it comes to being caked in mud?
From the hillwalking i’ve done, I’ve found this to be the case.
Or is the issue with velcro that it is just better than anything else that is already out there?
I think the idea is you assemble or configure your kit when clean, before you go out.
i think the velcro is a very poor design, especially for something that will carry the weight of your ammo. I’ve never seen velcro that doesn’t wear overtime. Especially after being introduced to sand, rain, mud, hot and cold. Velcro is alright for light things like patches and name tapes.. not for ammo or weapons. Two thumbs down!
I totally agree with the comment of “Alan” (Nov. 25, 4:43 PM): “I’ve never seen velcro that doesn’t wear overtime. Especially after being introduced to sand, rain, mud, hot and cold.”
About twenty years ago, the Canadian Army had a “webbing” or load-carrying equipment that was based on Velcro technology.
Twenty years later, I still laugh at the memory of soldiers running a few steps, stopping, returning to pick up some piece of equipment (convieniently camouflaged so you couldn’t easily find it in the tall grass), then running again a bit further, stopping, coming back, etc. (OK, I admit I did NOT find it funny at the time. Also, we solved the problem with duct tape.)
No load-bearing equipment made of Velcro for me, thank you!
Cheers!
i’m still stuck on how the latest fad is to where the sidearm on the front of your vest. talk about law enforcement creeping into military operations. i know some cops that where their backup on the front of their vest but they’re big guys and not in the working out way. if following law enforcement is the “cool” thing then may i suggest wearing it under your arm like a shoulder holster. you can still access it while in a vehicle and getting to the prone position still gives you access to your secondary weapon.
I used ammo pouches with velcro AND snap tabs to keep two or three 30 round mags locked and attached to my chest harnest. 90 will last about three to five minutes in a TIC. I went through 15 30 round magazines once and did not have to cross level. Velcro works, but I liked the snap tabs also.
I have seen a few guys in the security sector use LBE modified in such a way. Basically, you remove the straps of your rhodesion, add velcro to the back side and corresponding velcro to you armor. It worked well, but there was a specific reason for doing this, their armor had no MOLLE interface. Velcro for military LBE platforms is a HORRIBLE idea. Not only does it wear out easily, but it is made for temporary applications. It is designed to be removed easily, which is not a characteristic you want to apply to your ammo carrier because when sh*t gets deep it will let loose on you. The security guys can get away with it, but military cannot. I recommend they go back to the drawing board.
In mild defense of velcro, there are many forms of it and if you use a lot (not just around the edges but across the entire surface) of it it can be very strong.
However, I do agree it does have issues.
But what is nice is after you have decided which way you like it, then you can sew it on permanantly.
It’s all about application gentlemen. Different tools for different applications. For the specialized application that this particular application was designed for, Velcro works just fine. The pouch will also be available on a PALS platform as well.
It’s all about application gentlemen. Different tools for different applications. For the specialized application that this particular application was designed for, Velcro works just fine. The pouch will also be available on a PALS platform as well.