by David Crane david@defensereview.com On September 15 (2006), DefenseReview reported on Pinnacle Armor’s SOV-2000 Dragon Skin panels passing all NIJ Level III test protocols and requirements for flexible armor systems (anti-rifle body armor). Well, SOV-2000 Dragon Skin has just passed another fairly tough ballistic test, this one performed by Dr. Gary Roberts, who has been following the Dragon Skin vs. …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com This article contains DefenseReview’s interview with the R&D element of Dillon Aero, Inc. on the M134D Gatling Gun/Minigun. September 25, 2006 DefenseReview first mentioned the Dillon Aero M134D Gatling Gun a.k.a. M134D MiniGun in our September 2005 article on the BSC AGSS II helicopter gunner simulator, after we saw both systems (M134D and AGSS II) at …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com And, speaking of pistols, here at DefenseReview, we carry Glock pistols (primarily G19s and G30s), HK P7s (HKP7M13, specifically), custom Browning Hi-Powers, and custom 1911s. Recently though, we’ve considered adding one of the Springfield XD .45 pistols (.45ACP pistols made by Springfield Armory) to the mix, since they’ve been getting rave reviews from a number of …

The following is an Armalite, Inc. press release: ArmaLite’s president, Mark Westrom, and Sarsilmaz’s Mr.Aral Alis have announced that ArmaLite and Sarsilmaz are expanding their international trade relationship to include a high-grade line of handguns for the U.S. Market and planned license-production of ArmaLite rifles for the Turkish Armed Forces. Sarsilmaz has served as ArmaLite’s exclusive link to NATO’s second …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com This just in: Pinnacle Armor, Inc.’s SOV-2000 Dragon Skin has just passed all NIJ Level III ballistic testing/requirements at USTL (United States Test Laboratory). Official NIJ Level III certification should come in approx. 3-4 weeks, but it will come. Pinnacle Armor company officials have told us that it’s a done deal. This is BIG news for …

by Jim Jensen Assault Rifle/Carbine with interchangeable bolts, barrels and magazine wells can shoot 5.56mm, 7.62mm Russian, and 7.62mm NATO bullets Iraq: ”Ping” “ping” “ping” an U.S. Army light infantry Soldier firing from the top cargo hatch of a BAE Systems M113 APC (Armored Personnel Carrier)/armored vehicle is placing well-aimed 5.56mm (5.56x45mm/.223 Remington) M16A2/A4 rifle shots on an Iraqi rebel …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com This article was updated on 2/26/08. Back in July 2005, DefenseReview published information on the HK416 Weapon System a.k.a. HK416 Enhanced Carbine (5.56x45mm/.223 Rem.) in our article titled HK416 Piston-Driven 5.56 Carbine and High-Reliability 30-Round Steel Mag. Well, Heckler & Koch Defense Inc. (HK Defense Inc.) recently introduced the HK417 Weapon System (7.62x51mm/.308 Win.), which is …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com Back in February (2006), DefenseReview briefly discussed the new and improved MGI QCB (Quick Change Barrel) Upper Receiver system and MGI D-Fender "D-Ring" in our article titled DefRev Quick Hits 3 from SHOT Show 2006: And the Hits Keep Comin’. We got to handle and examine both of these items, as well as MGI’s Modular Lower …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com A company called VirtuSphere, Inc. (Sammamish, WA) has a product called, appropriately enough, VirtuSphere, which can apparently provide a rather unique Mil/LE tactical training and simulation experience. Due to its design, the VirtuSphere provides "infinite space" and claims to also provide "the most immersive [virtual reality a.k.a. "VR"] experience for simulated training, exercise and gaming." The …

By Frank Borelli, Borelli Consulting frank at borelliconsulting.com 21 August 2006 At the SHOT Show this past February I got to see and handle the prototypes of the Helios High Intensity Discharge (HID) Searchlight. On display by the folks from Strategos International – a company recognized for its excellence and leadership in developing / training tactics for low-light engagements – …