There are 2 generations of the Mirage Camo combat uniform from Bulldog Equipment.  This article focusses on the Gen. I uniform.  Further details of the Gen.II, vented, uniform can be found here. 

Combat Jacket

The Combat Jacket is made from a lightweight nylon-cotton rip-stop material, and is similar in basic design to the ACU (Army Combat Uniform) and RAID-modified BDU jackets.  However, the Mirage jacket has additional features that makes it more optimised for combat operations.

Starting from the top, the first additional feature of the Mirage jacket is the padded and reinforced shoulder area.  This area extends from just above the name tag on the front and goes across the width of the upper back. The entire area is covered with “SuperFabric” material that features small rubber nibs that provide a non-slip surface.  The padding is provided by removable light-weight breathable open cell foam. The benefit of this padding is that it cushions and comforts the shoulders against weapon slings and heavy rucksack and equipment straps.

The next improved feature is that the chest pockets open on the outside edge. This allows much easier access to the pockets while wearing a chest rig or assault vest – chest pockets that open from the top or the inside edge are much more difficult to access when wearing a vest or load-bearing equipment. The pockets also use a simple hook-and-loop closure method rather than a fold-over flap as on the ACU.

Another feature not seen on previous US-issue combat jackets is an inside forearm pocket.  This pocket provides easy and immediate access to documents, notebooks and other small objects with minimal amount of movement. This is ideal for snipers or recon elements who need to keep notes or charts within easy reach and without giving away their position through too much movement.  This pocket is also ideal for other important documents or photos that need to be accessed quickly and easily whilst active.

The Mirage Combat Jacket are features padded and reinforced elbows, in a way similar to the shoulders. The reinforcement is made of the same “SuperFabric” material with rubbery grips; however, the foam used for the pad is a lighter weight material compared to the shoulders. The placement and size of the elbow pads are also much better designed and placed than the ACU elbow pads.

The final unique feature of the Mirage Combat Jacket is the diagonal crotch strap.  Now at first sight this might seem a bit odd, but it is actually a very simple and effective solution to a real problem.  Anyone who’s used BDU or ACU type jackets knows that the hem has a tendency to ride up and get bunched up under the waist/hip belt of your load-carrying rig.  By running a narrow adjustable webbing strap diagonally from the left rear to right front hem, Bulldog has eliminated this problem.  Not only does this make the jacket more comfortable in use, it also helps keep your kidney and waist area covered, concealed and protected against the ingress of insects, grit or debris.

By combining the good features of RAID/ACU jackets with these unique additional features, Bulldog has come up with one of the best all-round, light, field/combat jackets I’ve had the privilege of using.  When you add the unique and highly-effective digital camouflage pattern to the mix as well, then you’ve really got something special.

Combat Trousers

The Combat Trousers are another innovative element of the Mirage combat uniform system. They have some features not seen before, combined with improvements on other features previously proven to be useful.

The first improvement is the addition of an internal mobile phone pocket sewn into the front inside of the left-hand, front slash pocket. This allows for easy access and out-of-the-way storage of a mobile phone or small 2-way radio.

Another improvement is the addition of SuperFabric material to the bottom edge of the slash pockets, this provides a non-slip surface for the clip of a folding knife.  

The pocket on the front of the upper-thigh is ideal for carrying a notebook, documents, small items of equipment or 2 standard 30-rd magazines.

The main cargo pockets are one of my favourite features of the trousers.  They are placed at an angle in order to facilitate easy access from all tactical positions (kneeling, standing, prone).  Being placed at an angle also makes the pockets more comfortable when they are loaded – as they “ride” better on the leg. The internally-facing bellows pleat set-up used on the cargo pockets also makes them more practical, useful and less likely to snag on passing undergrowth or equipment.  Finally, the top of the pocket has an elastic bungee that runs through it – this helps to stabilise and secure items that are placed in the pocket (even if the flap is left unfastened). I found the Mirage approach to be handier than the methods used on both the ACU and the MCCUU – and the Mirage cargo pockets also work quite well as emergency dump pouches because of the way they’ve been designed.

The removable kneepads are also an improvement over the ACU. The knee areas are reinforced the same tough SuperFabric material used on the elbows and shoulders, and the rubbery grips on the material provide a more secure “footprint” when taking a knee in urban/built-up environments. The size and placement of the knee pads are also superior to those found on either the ACU or MCCUU.

An interesting new feature is the integrated PALS/MOLLE panel on the rear of the trousers. This feature allows for easy attachment of small pouches and sub-loads.

Another area where a traditional feature has been improved upon is the reinforced seat.  This area of the trousers is more reinforced than other combat trousers (such as BDU, DCU, ACU, MCCUU). The area is tripled layered and the overall surface area also larger than other trousers.

The trousers also feature the lower calf pockets that have become common with other modern RAID and ACU style combat trousers.  However, the calf pockets on the Mirage trousers though are slightly roomier and more practical.

Finally, a band of SuperFabric reinforces the hems of the trousers – which feature a nylon cord drawstring as well.  This is another great innovation as it protects the bottom of the trouser legs when worn unbloused over the boots (as is common practice among SOF units).  It also actually helps the trouser hems fit over and stay in position on the boots better as well.  So, this is another of my favourite things about these trousers.

Overall, the uniform fits and feels great. It is loose enough to be very comfortable and not restrict movement, while also not being unnecessarily baggy. It is by far one of the most well designed and best-made combat uniforms that I’ve ever used. 

On the minus side though, the SuperFabric material – whilst as tough as nails – doesn’t breathe well, so heat build-up in the areas where it is used does become an issue during periods of exertion or warm weather.  For this reason, the use of SuperFabric has been discontinued and ventilated areas have been added on the latest version of the uniform.

Also, I think the amount of Velcro on the upper sleeve pockets is excessive (but this is the US Army standard).  I’d also prefer the use of Velcro to fasten the sleeve pockets rather than buttons, and the grab-tabs on the lower sleeve and chest pockets could also be bigger.  Both of these features easy to modify at the user level though, so aren’t huge issues. 

Finally, Bulldog will customise the pocket layout and other features of the uniform for your authorised US military unit, or you can simply choose the standard “Breacher” or “Sniper” versions.  Either way, you’ll get a uniform which is a great improvement over the BDU or ACU, combined with a very effective multi-terrain camouflage scheme – and less expensive than some other options.

Authorised military and law enforcement personnel can visit Bulldog’s website for further details: www.bulldog-equipment.us

Photo Gallery – in use in UK woodland, early September 2009: 

All photos copyright Benj Hanson and Strike-Hold!, please don’t use without permission.

 

Big news from Evolution Airsoft:

For all of you fans of the legendary LR-300 we have the great news!

This masterpiece of firearms industry is now available in a fully licensed Z-M Weapons’ official airsoft replica.

For all of you that are wondering about it, no, it is not a cheap rebranded China gun, the official LR-300 is a top class-top performance air soft gun, made in the G&G Armament factory for Evolution International S.r.l., Italy the Z-M Weapons’ worldwide exclusive licensee.

Forget about the old GR300, the official licensed LR-300 is a completely new gun, most parts have been re-designed based on the original LR-300 blueprints, so expect a 100% like to the original replica.

All details have been reproduced, starting from the original trademarks placed on the body, on the Rapid Deployement Stock and pistol grip to the function like the real of folding stock. The RDS stock is designed following the real LR-300 design, so its operation, unlike on the unofficial guns produced on the past, unfolds using one hand like the real LR-300.

The first prototype of the LR-300 M/L was exhibited in the Evolution Airsoft booth at the IWA 2009 in Germany, after an extensive work to improve accuracy and internals performance the official licensed Z-M Weapons’ LR-300 series is finally out on the market. Featuring an amazing rate of fire of 1260 BB’s per minute using just a small 8,4V 1200 NiMH battery, the LR-300 is capable of even higher performance if powered by the 9,6V battery for which the internals are designed for.

The Official LR-300 series is available in 4 models:

1. LR-300 M/L (short barrel, folding and retractable stock)
2. LR-300 SR  (long barrel, folding and retractable stock)
3. LR-300 S     (short barrel, folding stock)
4. LR-300 L     (long barrel, folding stock)

Main features:

• Z-M Weapons’ licensed logos and trademarks
• CNC machined aluminium Repid Deployement Stock with Z-M Logo
• CNC machined steel phantom flash hider
• CNC machined front and rear sight
• 8mm bearing gearbox
• Steel reinforced gears
• Milled brass cylinder head with rubber silencing bumper
• Aluminium CNC machined piston head with trust bearing
• Metal spring guide with trust bearing
• Variable pitch spring
• O-ring sealed CNC air nozzle
• 450 rds magazine

The new official licensed LR-300 is produced exclusively for Evolution International S.r.l. and is available in Europe and the USA only though Evolution. Dealership and distributionship positions are open, for more information about how to become part of the official LR-300 distribution network e-mail to info@evolution-airsoft.com . E-mails from air soft players about the LR-300 tech features are also welcome. We promise we will release more detailed information about each of the newly released LR-300 in the next days. The Official LR-300 is already available and already in distribution to the European retail shops this week.

We would like to thank Z-M Weapons for their invaluable help that allowed us to make such great replica.  Evolution International S.r.l.

Photo Gallery:

To counter the rumours, misconceptions, out-dated and wrong info that’s been flying around, Digital Concealment Systems (DCS) have been releasing further information and up-to-date photos of their Advanced TActical Concealment System (A-TACS®) camo pattern.  If you haven’t seen all of this over at Soldier Systems Daily already, then allow me to summarise below.

First, it appears that the photos I posted here a few weeks back were of an out-dated, preliminary version of the pattern – and DCS say they were unaware that these photos were still being used.

DCS has also confirmed that; “A-TACS® uses a far greater range of inter-mingled natural colors than was previously possible.  A-TACS is designed as a universal pattern for a wide range of operational environments. The current pattern uses a tan base and is tuned for use in arid environments – additional supporting color and design variants will  follow. “

In my opinion, in addition to the “splothchy” style pixels, which creates the illusion of colours blending in to each other, the pattern is also omni-directional – that is, it has no identifiable vertical or horizontal orientation.  This feature adds significantly to the camouflaging ability of the pattern – an identifiable orientation of shapes is one of the key ways that our brains interpret and identify what our eyes are seeing.  If the brain can’t focus on or identify a recognisable shape, then the object will simply blend in to the background “noise” of the environment.

The pattern is allegedly being looked at by the US Army as a contender for the future camouflage selection programme.  And in the meantime, DCS are still planning for the full, official launch of A-TACS at the 2010 SHOT Show.  Partner companies already on board to offer products featuring the A-TACS pattern are:

• Remington
• Bushmaster
• DPMS Panther Arms
• Danner
• EOTAC
• Tactical Assault Gear
• Blue Force Gear
• Emerson Knives
• keep an eye on www.a-tacs.com for further updates and information

Finally, the gallery of photos released so far shows how effective the arid version of the pattern can be in such an environment – particularly when the pattern is applied to all the user’s gear and accessories, and especially to his/her rifle! 

Note: DCS would like to point out that these are actual photos, they have not been photoshopped or simulated.  Copyright on all photos is Digital Concealment Systems.  Special thanks to SoldierSystemsDaily

Turkey, Jordan and Israel held joint search and rescue maneuvers, a Turkish newspaper has reported.

The exercise reportedly took place two weeks ago at the Turkish Special Forces Command’s training range, the Daily Zaman reported Monday, Nov. 16.

The report could signal an improvement in relations between Israel and Turkey, which have been strained in recent months.

Zaman also reported Monday that technical problems which have caused a two-year delay in delivering Israeli unmanned aerial vehicles to Turkey have been resolved, and Israel will pay compensation to Turkey for the delay.

Finally, the newspaper reported that Israel’s Industry, Trade and Labor Minister Benjamin Ben-Eliezer will visit Turkey on Nov. 24.

Israel-Turkey relations had grown tense since the Gaza War, with Turkey taking the lead at some international forums in demanding that Israel be held accountable for alleged war crimes.

Last month, Turkey kept Israel from joining a NATO alliance exercise, reportedly in retaliation for Israel’s failure to deliver the UAVs on time and unrelated to diplomatic tensions.

With the US / NATO mission in Afghanistan being very much at the forefront of US military strategy deliberations, and trans-Atlantic policy discussions, this new book from Osprey Publishing couldn’t be more timely.  And of course, with all rubbish that gets talked by people who think they know Afghan history, this book should go a long way towards providing an accessable and absorbing account of what really happened back then.

Beginning in the 19th century Britain entered into three brutal wars with Afghanistan. The first two (1839–42 and 1878–81) were wars of the Great Game; the British Empire’s attempts to combat growing Russian influence near India’s borders. The third, fought in 1919, was an Afghan-declared holy war against British India – which saw over 100,000 Afghans answer the call – and that would prove too much for the post-WWI British Imperial army to deal with.

Each of the three wars was plagued by military disasters, lengthy sieges and costly engagements for the British.  They were also marked by torturous experiences of the men on the ground – colourfully summed up by the famous lines from Rudyard Kipling, “When you’re wounded and left on Afghanistan’s plains, and the women come out to cut up what remains, just roll on your rifle and blow out your brains.  And go to your God like a Soldier.”

The book concludes with a brief overview of the background to today’s conflict in Afghanistan, and sketches the historical parallels.

Once again, thanks to “eluphant21″…

A member of a U.S. special operations unit stands guard as an Afghan soldier hands out winter coats in Masaw village, Pusch Rud district in Afghanistan's Farah Province Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009. U.S. and Afghan troops paid a visit to village leaders following a Taliban attack on coalition forces. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

In this photo taken Monday, Nov. 9, 2009, Afghan National Army soldiers salute the helmet, rifle and boots of a U.S. special operations service member who helped train their unit and who was killed on Saturday in Afghanistan's Farah province. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

In this picture taken Monday, Nov. 9, 2009, Afghan National Army soldiers salute the helmet, rifle and boots of a U.S. special operations service member who helped train their unit and who was killed on Saturday in Afghanistan's Farah province. President Barack Obama has rejected the Afghanistan war options before him and asked for revisions, administration officials say, amid an argument by his own ambassador in Kabul that a significant U.S. troop increase would only prop up a weak, corruption-tainted government.(AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Proof positive that nothing remains secret for very long these days…

A couple of photos were posted by “eluphant21″ in the “Digital Patterns” thread on MilitaryPhotos.net today, showing the new camouflage combat uniform of the Afghan National Army.

The uniform they’ve chosen (allegedly at the request of President Karzai himself) is quite similar to the American ACU – except that the Afghan uniform has a normal shirt-style collar.  It also features a slightly tweaked colouration of the Spec4ce Forest camo pattern from HyperStealth Biotechnology Corporation of Canada.  The ANA pattern is called “Afghan Forest”.

Apparently the Afghan’s deliberately chose a pattern colouration that’s not “desert” so as to be more readily distinguished from the foreign troops operating in Afghanistan – who mostly wear desert camouflage combat uniforms.

More info about the Spec4ce series from HyperStealth can be found on their website, here.

The first RAF Merlin helicopter has arrived in Afghanistan as part of a move to boost air support on the front line.

The full Merlin deployment to Afghanistan will be completed by the end of this year, providing a significant increase in UK military helicopters and flying hours available to commanders on the ground.

The Merlin will perform a wide range of military tasks, making it a valuable asset for British forces – and increasing the capacity of the UK helicopter lift in Afghanistan by a further 25 per cent.  (Editor’s Note:  Despite the government’s constant assurances that we have enough helicopters there already!)

The helicopter was stripped down and transported by a C-17 aircraft from RAF Brize Norton and has arrived at Camp Bastion for re-assembly and extensive pre-flight checks before it takes to the Afghan skies.

The Merlin Force, based at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire, returned from operations in Iraq in August 2009 and will provide vital support to ground operations.  (Editor’s Note:  Here’s to Mark and his crew at Benson for busting their butts to make this happen…  Cheers!)

Since returning from Iraq the crews have undertaken intensive pre-deployment training at El Centro Naval Air Facility in California, whilst the aircraft themselves have received a £45m upgrade that will give them improved performance in the harsh conditions of Afghanistan and protection against threats.

Six Merlin helicopters are set to arrive in Afghanistan by the end of 2009.  (Editor Note:  6 helicopters to cover all of Afghanistan doesn’t seem like very much – especially as it is likely that at least one will be out of service or in reserve.)

1. Capable of air-to-air refuelling.
2. Particle separator protects engine in dusty environments.
3. Cabin holds 30 seated or 45 standing combat troops with full equipment, and can carry vehicles. Machine guns may be mounted from cabin.
4. Fuselage built to resist crash damage and small arms fire.

(graphic, copyright BBC 2009)

Although the US Army’s camouflage controversy is getting a lot of attention, discussion and development, the Americans aren’t the only ones who’ve been busy developing new camouflage patterns over the past few years.

Besides the famous “Partizan” suits seen during the Beslan hostage crisis, or the copy of the “Yeger” pattern seen during the war with Georgia there have been a lot of other interesting camouflage patterns and suits developed by commercial companies such as SPLAV, Sposn and Modox.

All of these commercial offerings are designed to address the requirements of special operations forces – particularly those of the Ministry of the Interior – who need to be able to operate effectively in the broad range of terrain and environmental conditions found across the vast expanses of the Russian Federation.  And something else which makes them interesting, from the perspective of the camouflage enthusiast, is that most of these camo patterns are “analogue” designs – some of them are even simply updated versions of historical patterns.

SKOL camouflage pattern

One pattern which is not simply an updated historical pattern is this one from the company Modox. 

Modox call it “SKOL” – although I have also seen what appears to be an identical pattern called “Sklon” offered by another company, and a similar (but more green dominant) pattern called “Izlom” offered by another.  (Note: One of our readers, Johannes, has sent in the following update - SKOL is MODOX commercial copy of the military and MVD issued Izlom, meaning fracture or crack, which in turn is manufactured by Sposn SSO and other contracted manufacturers.)

From a quick glance, you might think this is more or less a copy of German Flecktarn.  However, a closer inspection reveals that it is actually quite different.  Most obviously the colours are not identical, and the pattern distribution is also different.  Most different of all though are the actual pattern shapes.  Whereas the Flecktarn pattern is composed of blobs and dots that have rounded edges; the SKOL pattern is composed of angular “lozenge” shapes.

In use (photos courtesy of Modox)

Modox “Wal” BDU and Helmet Cover

Personally, I have always liked the loose-fitting style of the Soviet/Russian camouflage suits, for 4 reasons:

1 – the bagginess of the garment helps to disguise the human shape better

2 – looseness of the fit allows greater flexibility of movement

3- it also makes it easier to layer or delayer your under-garments as needed

4 – they’re clearly designed as a field/combat uniform – no “garrison uniform” compromises built-in

A few months ago I received an example of one of these types of suits from Red Zone in Poland.  Red Zone is a retailer that specialises in selling the products Splav, Sposn and Modox to the rest of Europe.  They’ve also been approved by the Russian Ministry of Defence to sell surplus Russian Army uniforms and equipment.

The “Wal” BDU consists of a pull-over hooded anorak and trousers – both of the loose-fitting, baggy style typical of Russian camo suits.  The features of this suit are also fairly simple and straight-forward.

Hooded Anorak

• One central chest pocket with buttoned flap closure – wide enough to hold 3 AK74 type magazines
• Two diagonal slash pockets above the bottom hem
• Elbow areas are reinforced, and articulated for better movement
• Hood includes roll-down camouflage mesh
• Elastic cuffs
• Adjustable elastic waist and hem

 Trousers

• Loose fit for unconstrained movement
• Reinforcement patches at knees and seat
• Knee areas are articulated for better movement
• Two thigh cargo pockets with buttoned flap closure
• Two slash hip pockets
• Elastic cuffs
• Adjustable elastic waist

Helmet cover

• Non-adjustable elastic hem
• Big enough to almost entirely cover a full-cut Pro-Tec type helmet

Impressions

The suit is made from a high quality, mid-weight, rip-stop material that feels and looks like a nylon-cotton mix (although I don’t know what the actual percentage or mix is, as I can’t read the Russian label).  At any rate, it feels like a fairly robust material.  The quality of workmanship on the suit is also high.

As for the features, well they are fairly simple and straight-forward – some might even consider them somewhat “old-fashioned” compared to modern, Western combat clothing.  But keep in mind, this suit is most likely intended as a camouflage over-garment for snipers, marksmen, scouts, etc. – not as a hard-core direct action combat uniform.

So looking at it in that light, I found the layout of the suit’s features to be quite practical and useful.  Nonetheless, I would have preferred to have had upper arm pockets for notebooks, range cards, etc., and I also would have preferred the chest pocket to be closed with snaps or hook-and-loop fasteners rather than buttons.  I also would have preferred the leg cargo pockets to be closed with hook-and-loop fasteners or snaps rather than buttons – and an extra pair of cargo pockets either on the side or rear of the thigh would add extra practicality to the suit.

Its worth pointing out that there are other styles of BDU also available in this camo pattern – so there are different pocket layouts, etc. to choose from.

As for the camouflage pattern – it looks like it would be quite effective in the right kind of terrain.  That being – most likely – northern, temperate/boreal forests with a high percentage of evergreen trees.  It was clearly too dark for the type of woodland where we put it to the test.

Nonetheless, I really like this suit – and it might just form the basis of an airsoft Russian SOF loadout.

The Wal BDU, plus a wide range of other modern Russian tactical clothing and products, can be seen and ordered (in Euros) on the Red Zone website.

Photo Gallery: 

All photos copyright Benj Hanson.

Last month we featured the news about Magpul PTS officially licensing A&K to produce a Sportsline airsoft version of the “Masada” (as opposed to their previous, unlicensed version). 

Well, more detailed photographs of this model have appeared – see below.

The licensed A&K Sportsline Masada AEGs are currently available from ehobby Asia and Airsoft Global, and Tokyo Model Company is even offering a G&P-customised version of the Black Masada.

Sweet!