Let’s

2014

F
w
in
ww
ww
htt

new assault rifle

04 - MSBS from Poland 47 - COMBAT

08 - IWA 2014 show 51 - VBS virtu

16 - 7BSK winter FTX 56 - CUT! Defe

18 - HK 416A5 gun porn 59 - GHOSTR

27 - CZ805 BRENCzech assault rifle 62 - TRM tacti

40 - AK DRILLS tips & tricks 65 - DIRECT

 SPIS TREŚCI - Content
TEAM:
FRAGOUT! Michał “Królik” Sitarski
Edit by: HCG/Poland 2014
Bartosz Szolucha
©FRAGOUT! 2014
Aldo Raine

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AT medicine 70 - SPECOPS ULPC Plate Carrier

ual battle space 79 - KHARD 45 Arc’teryx pack

end against knife attack 84 - LEVEL7 test by FRAG OUT!

RIDERSpectre gunship 89 - (NOT)NEEDED story

ical throwable robot 93 - WE ARE NOT TALIBANS

Hindukush reenact team
T ACTION Messenger Bag
Bul
MS
llpup

BROŃ - FIREARMS
SBS-5,56 BY Michał Sitarski

March 24, 2014,at a shooting

range near Radom, we have witnessed
the public premiere of the new variant
of the Modular Small Arms System-5.56
(Polish abbreviation: MSBS-5,56) family of
rifles, developed jointly by the Military
Technological University (WAT) from
Warsaw and the Radom-based Fabryka
Broni Łucznik-Radom. This system is to
finally encompass a total of 11 configu-
rations, all based upon a COMMON upper
receiver. Six of them would be in classical
– lock, stock and barrel – layout or MSBS-
5,56K (standard rifle, grenade launching
rifle, carbine, LMG, DMR and a new cer-
emonial rifle for Polish Army’s Honor
Guard Battalion) and five in bullpup lay-
out or MSBS-5,56B (ASSAULT RIFLE, ASSAULT
RIFLE WITH UNDER-SLUG GRENADE LAUNCHER).
Additionally, a 12-ga automatic shotgun
based on the MSBS-K is planned, but so far
only a computer rendering of the latter
weapon was declassified.
The bullpup MSBS fired the first shots already in win-
ter, but the recent presentation was its public premiere. Con-
forming to the MSBS guidelines, it shares a complete upper
receiver with the already well known MSBS-5,56K. Most of the
differences are limited to the lower receiver with repositioned
pistol grip and some of the mechanical parts. Despite that, the
parts exchangeability is said to reach as high as 80%. The
bullpup rifle has controls as closely patterned after the classic
rifle, as physically possible. The only control that is really differ-
ent from the previous itineration is the hold open device, which
continues to be placed behind the magazine well, to conform
the bolt-carrier position in the upper receiver. The hold open
release is now operated with a thumb of the hand loading a
magazine, not with trigger finger as in the K. It still is a very
comfortable arrangement, demanding however a degree of
self-control from the shooter, as it is as easy to release the
bolt before the magazine is inserted all the way down and the
top round is presented to the bolt for chambering. During the
shooting, in both semi and fully automatic mode, the weapon
is remarkably stable, owing to the in-line design layout and
the effective muzzle device. The balance is quite comfortable,
if a bit butt-heavy, with a center of balance moved behind the
pistol grip.

The MSBS-5,56B works, and works fine at that, surpris-

ingly well for not even a prototype, but a working model stage
with 3D-printed polymer parts. I rate it amongst the very best
of bullpups that I was ever able to handle – if not the best.
The superb ergonomics of the rifle were created by a design-
er team encompassing not only the WAT or FB employees, as
it used to be, but skilled professionals from the outside world
as well. An equally new feature of this rifle system design
process was its (almost) full transparency and constant direct
contact with the members of the trade media – which led
to the early elimination of several possible dead ends in the
project. To stress the exchangeability of the receivers, both
bullpups demonstrated were based on classical rifle prototypes
uppers (note K in serial numbers). This is the first time ever that
such a design feature was incorporated in a rifle – or at least,
AFAIK. Bullpups had their lowers based on 3D-printed polymer
components – the rifle is deemed to be at a too early a stage
of development to risk manufacturing dies for injecting the
polymer parts.
 BROŃ - FIREARMS
Both MSBS layouts are from Day One designed to be fully
ambidextrous. All controls are doubled, or equally accessible
from right or left. For the bullpup configuration, the ejec-
tion direction can be changed after simple field stripping of
the rifle. The only tool needed is an Allen wrench needed to
exchange the unused opening cover and case bumper. Any
way, it seems that the whole direction changing feature may
prove redundant, as even if the ejection direction is conflicting
with the shooters’ choice of shoulder, the cases are thrown
downwards enough to miss his face and land harmlessly on
the chest rig. Might not be your favorite sensation, but still it is
ully survivable to change shoulder for these few shots tak-
en out the left edge of the barricade avoiding the whole
shabang of changing the ejection direction. Try that with other
bullpups...
 At the same time an improved, enhanced classical layout rifle was presented, with:
• revised lower receiver, trigger guard;
• revised hold-open release handles;
• magazine well opening revised to ensure smooth functioning with certain non-standard magazines, like the Surefire
60-rounder quad;;
• the new safety-selector levers exchangeable with COTS counterparts to enhance the range of rifle personalization;
• new safety, revised along the HK ‘European’ lines, i.e. allowing putting safety on with the hammer de-cocked – the original
mechanism conformed the ‘American’ standard, whereas you had to cock the hammer to put the safety on;
• the integral pistol grip was replaced with one compatible with COTS pistol grips for M4 and the like;
• the cocking handle was canted down, to avoid bumping hand into sights mounted on the flat top 1913 rail.

revised version MSBS-5,56K previous version MSBS-5,56K

Much of these revisions were already incorporated into the bullpup rifle, as well.
The revised MSBS-5,56K worked even better than the predecessor (both styles were at hand for ready comparison) – and the development
of the ergonomic details is not yet deemed finished, although the next improvements seem to be mostly of cosmetic importance – and I for
one can’t honestly find with it anything to blame already. And the change towards the COTS-compatible components, opening the field for
easy customization is a really good idea. At times of ubiquitous Internet access, each soldier can right any wrong he/she finds with the issue
rifle – without incurring additional burden unto the already suffering taxpayers.
BROŃ - FIREARMS
l
Together with the rifles, another version of the accompanying
knife-BAYONET was presented, in a complete departure from
the previously used 6H4 bayonet of the AKM and Beryl series
of rifles. This is first and foremost a multi-function field knife,
which happens to fit the muzzle of a rifle, and not the other
way around. That’s why it was fitted with a comfortable grip,
much in the Extrema Ratio flavor. The blade is a ‘combo’-style,
with a partially scalloped edge – though this is still open to re-
view. The weapon mounting system is a novel one, consisting
of a hook at the edge of the guard, which mates with a cut-
out in the muzzle device, and a lug incorporated into the tip of
the hilt, locking into a spring-loaded latch being a part of the
support ring on the barrel. To avoid conflict with an under-bar-
rel grenade-launcher, it was decided to move the bayonet to
a reversed position, i.e. on top of the barrel, the G3 style. The
new arrangement was already introduced into the bullpup, and
would make its way to the classical layout rifle as well – the
revised K presented still had the latch
under the barrel. A plastic scabbard was
designed for the bayonet, which
combines with the blade to form
wire-cutters, and attaches to a plastic
platform rog offering multiple
attachment options.
 BROŃ - FIREARMS
Along with the rifles a new pistol was also presented, but as
the patents are still pending, we were asked not to show the
details of it. All we are able to write is that this pistol continues
the MAG 95/98 series from the 1990s. This is a classical Browning
short-recoil, tilting barrel-locked handgun with an external
hammer. There’s no manual safeties of any kind, just the
firing pin block, released by a trigger. All controls (except
for the disassembly catch) are doubled, so the pistol is fully
ambidextrous. The grip plates and backstrap are exchangeable
to conform the size and shape of the firing hand, and there’s a
1913 rail on the frame’s dustcover. On firing the pistol is stable
and quite accurate, only when fired with quick double-taps
displays a slight tendency to jump up and to the right.
The demo was crowned with a shooting contest, shot with
MSBS-5,56K and the new pistol, in which journalists from the
Strzal gun magazine and the Equipped.pl bloggers reigned
supreme, making a clean sweep of the podium.
 Text: bartosz szołucha
Photos: michał sitarski

7th to 10th march 2014 were busy days in Nuremberg in German Frankonia, where IWA
OutdoorClassics 2014 trade show and Enforce Tac law enforcement conference. Short
notice for our readers on the other side of Big Pon - IWA is EuropeanSHOT Show, just a little
bit smaller. The main focus of trade show are guns, guns and guns. Mostly hunting and sport.

Enforce Tac is specialized exhibition and conference for military, law enforcement and gover-
nment officials. This year ENFORCE TAC took place on 5th to 6th March, just before the IWA.
Splitting IWA and Enforce Tac is forced by German law mostly - there is absolutely no
military and law enforcement weapon systems. There is no exhibitor showing SMG’s, assault
rifles, sniper rifles, grenade launcher, frag (out!) grenades, etc. But at IWA, semi automatic
rifles „looking like military but not military” ones or .50 cal „hunting rifles” are shown in every
variant and color.

The „Rule” mentioned above does not comply to gear, uniforms, helmet, body armour, etc. - all
the tactical stuff is exhibited in dedicated and separated exhibition hall but some of military
and law enforcement related companies have their booths in other halls. Trade show is huge
but still crowded. The closing stats for IWA 2014 highlight 1343 exhibiting companies and
39244 visitors from around the globe.
 TARGI - TRADE SHOWS

IEA, German distributor of night visions systems and famous, panoramic quad L3 GPNVG goggles.
 „The Boys” - Bran

SIG MPX – com

way what allow
suppressed) as
and locked rota

Predator also visited IWA. This „Ugly Mother******” was guest of Polish HPE. Simple respons
allows charge e
with wide choic
 TARGI
RELACJA-REPORT
- TRADE SHOWS
ndon Webb (SOFREP), Drago (ex-SEAL), Kisiel & Chlor (ex-GROM) signing at the Direct Action booth.

mpact submachinegun, with internals similar to AR15/M4. All controls are located in the same
ws to minimize time for training. SIG MPX is available in several versions (standard, short and
well as in different caliber 9x19 mm Para, .40 S&W i .357 SIG. SIG MPX operates with a fully closed
ating bolt system and employs gas-operated short stroke piston system.

se for lack of power in the field – damage resistant, portable solar charger Power Traveller which
electronic devices using two photovoltaic cells. Different size of cells and capacity provide customer
ce of options.
 Quite original (
them in such fiv
Space Marine-looking KRISS Vector SMG with some extraordinary features

5,56 FN Minimi
company. What
tegrated bipod,
rails, bolt cham
New 9mm CZ P-09 Guardian Angel from Ceska Zbrojovka was a star on their booth. and improved e

Classic and mod

First Tactical ga

Glock 42 – the newest and the smallest (only 125 mm long) Glock family represen- „Hunting rifle” B
tative. This Petite is chambered for .380ACP. Six rounds magazine plus one round 338 Lapua Mag
in chamber - fair enough for self-defense or undecover ops. trivially easy –
 TARGI
RELACJA-REPORT
- TRADE SHOWS
(or awkward) soluton to limited capacity magazines. If law allows for only 10 round magazines, why won’t you link
ve pack? Looks interesting, but from practical point of view it is total FAIL. Curiousity from Israeli FAB Defence.

i Mk3 & 7,62 Minimi Mk3 - revamped versions of Belgian FN Herstal

t’s new? Five position, collapsible stock, modified hand guard with in-
, designed not to interfere with accessories mounted at the Picatinny
mber cover with integrated rail for different scopes, changed tensioner
ergonomics.

dernity, in other words strongly tuning HK G3A3 with several Mission

adgets.

Barett MRAD – modular construction allow caliber transformation to

gnum, .300 Winchester Magnum or .308 Winchester. Conversion is
you just have to turn two barrel mounted cotter-pins.
 HK MP5 MLI – M
HK MP7 A2 and training version MP7A1 designated only for training color ammu-
lour like all new
nition UTM, distinctive of blue color.

HK MP7A2 – imp
Picatinny rails. M

Heckler&Koch offer 2014 season – G28E (export version with some mods), HK417A2
and two versions of HK416A5 - more info about A5’s in this issue!
B&T APC300 - fu
APC556 with B&
 TARGI - TRADE SHOWS
Mid-Life Improve. 50 year old but firm. Now available in RAL8000 co-
HK firearms. MP5 MLI has Picatinny railed handguard and new stock.

proved version of 4,6 mm PDW with modified hand guard with triple
MP7A1 had folded front grip.

SIG556XI – Swiss AR ergonomics & SG550 reliability

combo. High ergonomics and easy conversion possi-
from 5,56x45 to .300 Blackout or Russian 7,62x39
looks very promising.

ully kitted out .300 Whisper variant of B&T Advanced Police Carbine
&T suppressor and Khales scope.
 Components of R

Ops-Core FAST
ballistic protect
Ops–Core FAST Carbon helmet with some fancy gadgets.

Team Wendy EXFIL Ballistic – new player on the market dominated by Ops-Core FAST and Cry Precision Air-
Lorem
Frame. Team lorem
Wendylorem lorem
till now was known as helmet accessories manufacturer, mostly helmet pads and liners.
 TARGI - TRADE SHOWS
Revision Batlskin system – Cobra P2 helmet with ballistic visor and mandible

Ballistic with extra Velocity System SLAAP front armour plate. SLAAP increases front
tion up to 7,62x39 rounds. Shown are also optional modular armoured „ears”.

Team Wendy EXFIL Ballistic has a completely different side rails system than popular ARC’s and innovative
head harness solution with BOA closoure.
 Direct Action Messe

UF-PRO Striker XT combat uniform from Slovenia in PenCott GreenZone camuflage. Direct Action Gho
Combat jacket and pants have some really cool features. Snowdrift snow ca

Vertx Airflow Phantom Ops pants with Direct Action Combat Pants protype in Kryp-
mesh ventilation panels design together tek Mandrake. Looking forward to see final Arc’teryx LEAF
with Fighter Deisgn. version.
 TARGI
RELACJA-REPORT
- TRADE SHOWS
enger Bag in Cry Precision Multicam. More info about the bag in this issue FRAG OUT!

ost pack prototype in PenCott Helikon Husky - Level 7 variant for CCW with Clima- Leo Koehler Smock in Multicam Tropic
amouflage. shield APEX insulation. camouflage

Arc’teryx LEAF DryPack 70 - 100%

waterproof backpack for maritime/
waterborne operations. The load car-
rying system is comfortable and fully
2014 line up - Atom Hoodie and lightweight Gore-tex Gen 2 Alpha LT adjustable.
 L3 AN/PVS-31
NVG’s with MX-

Safariland 7TS i

NFM & Arc’teryx LEAF joint ops - the complete suite of modular internal pouches for
Arc’teryx Khard 30 and Khard 45 packs. Read more about Khard 45 in FRAG OUT! Lorem lo
Solar, water, w
from Power Tra
bie Apocalypse.
 TARGI - TRADE SHOWS
BNVD night vision goggles. Probably the most advanced „classic”
-11769 or MX-10160 tubes.

injection molded holsters. Looks like airsoft copy but works well.

orem lorem lorem

wind and dynamo charger TacProGear Black – new US brand with
aveller. Excellent for Zom- tactical gear made with laser-cut lami-
. nates
 Smith Optics E
Kryptek and Re

LOWA Z-6 or popular Zephyr on steroida – more durable and rock solid, but still Rocky S2V Jun
lightweight and comfortable. US Army
Lorem lo

Lorem lorem
German Meindl lorem lorem
is introducing more and more military dedicated boots. The one End of the World
above is militarized version of Meindl’s high altitude mountain boots. is… modified US
 TARGI - TRADE SHOWS
Elite array of glasses and ballistic goggles. Now hydrodipped in camouflage patters – Multicam,
ealtree are available.

ngle Boots – one of the proposals for new jungle boot of

orem lorem lorem

d is near– new US Army backpack proposal (right side), which

SMC FILBE backpack.
text: por. Martyna Fedro-Samo
photo: Łukasz Kermel
RELACJA-REPORT
ojedny
As a part of 7th Task Force (TF), Mounted Rifles work together with other
17 Wielkopolska Mechanized Brigade members. Scouts, engineers, antiaircraft and artillery
personnel improved their skills as well. One of the a main training element was 3 days FTX (Field

RELACJA-REPORT
Training Exercise) “FOX 2014” during which, participant’s capabilities were verified. Soldiers
conducted offensive and defensive operations, river crossing operations, using ROSOMAK APCs.
Actions were supported by F16 pair from 32 Tactical Air Base located in Łask. Moreover battal-
ion decontamination set were used to secure CBRN incident. Furthermore troops conducted day /
night life fire training which include: personal weapon, APC armament and fire control exercises.
ATGM (Anti-Tank Guided Missile) SPIKE, target alteration, life fire exercise was FTX “FOX 2014”
capstone. When missile has been launched, senior cpl Patryk Michalak – SPIKE operator,
made a decision. Within serious time limitation, he had to change missile trajectory and guided
it to the alternate objective. Additionally the new target was hid behind the hill. That was first,
such demanding, ATGM life fire exercise in Wielkopolska Brigade.
7th Mounted Rifle Battalion complete training in Żagań FTA and prepare for another one
– this time at the Drawsko Pomorskie FTA.
BROŃ - FIREARMS
HK415A5 in 11” SBR variant has flip-up front sights integrated
into the Picatinny railed fore-end. The front sight is fixed.

The new and improved two-stage gas system can be easily

adjusted without tools. Also shown is Picatinny rail sling
mount.

HK416A5 – 11” Barrel

5,56x45 (.223), short-stroke gas piston system. ROF: 8
barrel length: 279 mm (11 in), weight: 3,12 kg (6.88 l
 BROŃ - FIREARMS
All variants of HK416A5 are based around common rede-
signed lower and upper receiver. Hk416A5 is now fully-am-
bidextrous – there are doubled safety/selector switches,
magazine release buttons and bolt catch release levers.

850 rounds per minute (cyclic). Length: 709/805 mm (27.91/31.69 in), width: 74 mm (2.91 in), height: 240 mm (9.4 in),
lbs). Feed system: STANAG 10/20/30 rounds magazine. Available color: Black or RAL8000 Flat Dark Earth.
HK415A5 with 14,5-inch, 16-inch and 20-inch barrels has front sight
adapter with a flip-up front sight attached directly to the barrel.

HK416A5 is fitted with proprietary charging handle and new

quick-release Picatinny-mounted rear sight with flip-up post.

HK416A5 – 14,5” Barrel

5,56x45 (.223), short-stroke gas piston system. ROF: 8
barrel length: 368 mm (14.5 in), weight: 3,49 kg (7.69
 BROŃ - FIREARMS
The remodeled HK416A5 mag well profile makes it compatible with
a wider variety of AR-15 magazines. The funneled entry allows
easier magazine change.

850 rounds per minute (cyclic). Length: 797/893 mm (31.37/35.16 in), width: 74 mm (2.91 in), height: 240 mm (9.4 in),
9 lbs). Feed system: STANAG 10/20/30 rounds magazine. Available color: Black or RAL8000 Flat Dark Earth.
Inside look into the lower receiver. Nothing was changes
except slight modifications forced by fully-ambidextrous
controls.

Front sight might be flipped to the front or to the back.

All variants of HK416A5, except the 11-inch SBR, might have
bayonet attached under the barrel.

HK416A5 – 16” Barrel

5,56x45 (.223), short-stroke gas piston system. ROF: 8
barrel length: 419 mm (16,5 in), weight: 3,56 kg (7.85
 BROŃ - FIREARMS
Repair kit housed inside the modified pistol grip.

850 rounds per minute (cyclic). Length: 848/944 mm (33.38/37.16 in), width: 74 mm (2.91 in), height: 240 mm (9.4 in),
5 lbs). Feed system: STANAG 10/20/30 rounds magazine. Available color: Black or RAL8000 Flat Dark Earth.
 In all of the new HK416 versions the Euro
where the safety might be engaged at a
weapon is unloaded

The fore-end of HK16A5 20-inch barrel variant has small cut which
allows adjustments of gas regulator. On the very front of the fore-end
Picatinny rail is just on the top.

HK416A5 – 20” Barrel

5,56x45 (.223), short-stroke gas piston system. ROF: 8
barrel length: 505 mm (19.9 in), weight: 3,85 kg (8.49
 BROŃ - FIREARMS
o-style trigger system
The standard buttstock was also redesigned – now it’s low-
any time, also when
er-profile, slimmer and features a rubber butt pad.
d.

850 rounds per minute (cyclic). Length: 934/1030 mm (36.77/40.55 in), width: 74 mm (2.91 in), height: 240 mm (9.4 in),
9 lbs). Feed system: STANAG 10/20/30 rounds magazine. Available color: Black or RAL8000 Flat Dark Earth.
ON THE OUTSIDE...
The recent version of the Heckler & Koch HK416
shows several marked enhancements, compared
to the previous generations. The least important of
these is the one, that leaps out at you at the first
sight – the Teutonic Black Rifle gone Flat Dark Earth,
into what Germans call the RAL-8000 in their own
version of the FS shades. Initially at least, this color
is Nur für Amerika, though – the European deal-
ers would have to contend with selling them in all
colors available to the buyers of the Ford Model T,
which means black only.
The HK416A5 is available with four barrel lengths:
11” (actually 279 mm), 14,5” (368 mm), 16,5” (419
mm) and 20” (actually 505 mm).
The first meaningful enhancement is the new sliding
stock, which is again smaller and has a new rubber
shoe – of now uniform thickness, and thinner
than previously. The buffer tube has been rede-
signed to strengthen the tube-receiver interface.
The HK416A5 has also got a new pistol grip (a new
standard one for all HK’s ARs – the 416A5, 417A2
and G28 DMR), with a folding, bicycle multi tool-
styled keys and wrench kit stored inside. The most
important of these is the Allen wrench needed
to take down and re-install the handguard.The trigger
guard is also new – it was enlarged and arched
downwards to make more room for heavy duty
gloves. The cocking handle is also redesigned, more
ergonomic.
For the left-handed and all those tactical situation,
when rifle has to be fired from left shoulder, the
most important feature of the HK416A5 is that it
is made totally ambidextrous. All controls are dou-
bled. The magazine release is ambidextrous, as is
the bolt release. The right side bolt release handle
is much improved over the previous iteration, and
is within an easy reach of the firing hand. The left
side bolt release is also altered, but operates in the
familiar fashion. At the same time the protective
fences guarding the controls against unintentional
operation have been enhanced as well.
All those who suffered from previous 416s being in-
compatible with P-MAGs, can breathe a sigh of relief
now – the magazine well has been redesigned and
all generations of P-MAG would operate in the new
416, just as MAGPUL introduced a new 416-com-
patible 4 Gen magazine... Anyway, HK says the new
mag well can take „most” AR-15 magazines (all
conforming the milspec, or NATO-STANAG-DRAFT
4179), and no longer guarantees operation ONLY
with HK-manufactured magazines.
BROŃ - FIREARMS
...AND INSIDE
Even though the safety-selector lever seems the same, the FCG inside the lower receiver has undergone critical c
overtravel – it is now a truly match-grade trigger fitted inside the rank-and-file rifle. The safety was also modified to a
to the hitherto ‘American’ safety, whereas one can not engage the safety until the hammer is cocked. But do not des
even if one changes his option, these are fully exchangeable.

The two-stage gas regulator of the A3, enhancing the silenced operation, is now made standard. The regulator is eas
(N) for Normal operation, and (S), a smaller aperture for reliable Silencer operation. In the 20-inch bbl rifle the gas reg
tor forced the gas block to be reshaped, and so the folding front sight post was moved onto the barrel, between the
the 11”, has a folding front sight incorporated into the 1913 rail on top of the handguard. Hopefully that would cure
muzzle device and was frequently blown-off with powder gases.

The HK416A5 has the water drainage holes in the bolt carrier and an enhanced extractor with a corresponding su
the rifle to be shot with water still inside the weapon.
 BROŃ - FIREARMS
changes. The trigger has been enhanced: it now breaks more fluently, with less trigger pull, and shorter, with less
a so-called ‘European’ standard, meaning the safety can be engaged with hammer cocked or released, as opposed
spair – both types of safety are fitted in the 416A5s, so the buyer can order which type of safety is preferred. And

sily accessed from the outside of the rifle, and does not need any tools to adjust. The settings are self-explanatory:
gulator is enclosed inside the handguard, so a window was cut in the side to reach it with fingers. The new regula-
e gas block and the muzzle (on 14,5”, 16,5” and 20” bbls), extending their sighting radius, while the shortest barrel,
the shortest 416 from shooting-out the front sight, which while folded, happened to cover the upper slots of the

upport stud inside the barrel extension, enabling for the OTB (Over The Beach) amphibious operations, allowing
HK41
BROŃ - FIREARMS
16A5
 www.cenrex.pl
®

Parametry:

cenrex.pl

Cenrex sp. z o.o. ul.Podwale 23, 00-952 Warszawa tel.: +48 22 332 72 00, mail: cenrex@cenrex.pl
 BROŃ - FIREARMS
Leszek Erenfeicht

Old Name, New Gun:

The CZ 805 BRENModular Rifle
The choice of the name for the brand new Czech modular battle rifle has set the expectations really
high. Bren, the Czech LMG designed for the British on the eve of World War 2 lives forever as a paragon
of perfection: an infallible machinegun reliable to the point of indestructibility. Will the new Czeska
Zbrojovka’s Bren live up to that proud moniker? The choice of the name for the brand new Czech modular
battle rifle has set the expectations really high. Bren, the Czech LMG designed for the British on the eve
of World War 2 lives forever as a paragon of perfection: an infallible machinegun reliable to the point of
indestructibility. Will the new Czeska Zbrojovka’s Bren live up to that proud moniker?

T he end of the first decade of the new millenium saw Czechs and Slovaks as the Last of Mohicans in the
Unified Europe: the only country with own rifle creative possibility to use 7.62 mm caliber for the main battle
long arm. The Sa-58 (Samopal vzor 58) rifle, the mainstay of the Czechoslovakian People’s Army (Ceskoslov-
enska lidova armada, the CSLA) has been in use since the early 1960s, when Czechoslovakia became the only
Warsaw Pact country not to introduce a clone of Kalashnikov’s AK/AKM series. Despite superficial likeness,
the Sa-58 had nothing in common with the AKM except for age and a cartridge. The receiver was machined,
while in the AKM, the 1959 replacement of the original AK, receiver was stamped of sheet-metal. It was a
striker-fired rifle vs. hammer-fired in AKM, had a short-stroke piston, as opposed to a long-stroked Russian
piston, it was fitted with a bolt hold-open device operated by a magazine follower, which the AKM never had,
and the locking was accomplished by a tilting wedge, not rotary bolt. Even the muzzle thread is different, and
the Czech cleaning rod has female socket, where Russian brush needs a male thread! Yet there are still some –
let’s put it mildly – ‘non-RKIs enough’ around, who refer to the Sa-58 as ‘the Czech AK-47’ (as if misusing the
prototype ‘AK-47’ moniker for a mass-produced AK wasn’t enough abuse).
Photos: Česka Zbrojovka, Author’s Archives
BROŃ - FIREARMS
Arrested Development
However, what was modern in the 1960s, in 1970s proved to be ex- other, started to fall apart in a rapid ‘do
November and early December came C
pensive and non-modifiable. As early as 1977 a program was thus start-
eral days of demonstrations, the Comm
ed to design a modern replacement, chambered for the smaller caliber
relinquished power in what became kn
bullet. In 1977 Miloslav Fisher of the Brno’s General Machine-Building
Plants R&D Center (Vyzkumne vyvojovy ustav zavodu vseobecneho
strojirenstvi) or VVU-ZVS (also known as the Prototypa Brno) started the
‘Lada S’ study, to examine the possibility of re-arming the CSLA with a Lada: The Lit
domestically designed and manufactured rifle, chambered for the Sovi-
As of February 1990, the Lada system
et 5.45 mm round. Several years of research and preparations resulted in
but nobody was interested in it any lon
green-lighting the design in 1984. The study’s cover name, Lada (a pop-
gram did not involved production of t
ular Slovakian female first name) became the cover name of the whole
opposed to the Polish one), conversion
program, led by Bohumil Novotny. It aimed at creating the three gun
logical solution – more so as the count
‘family’ of unified design small arms, consisting of a subcarbine with 185
& Bellot in Vlasim, was already making
mm long barrel, an automatic rifle with 382 mm barrel and a 577-mm
style FMJ and JSP bullets.
barrelled Light Support Weapon.
The similarity of the concept to the AK-74 family consisting of AKS-74U,
At first there was talk of ordering 300 0
AKS-74 and RPKS-74 was not at all accidental. The new Czechoslovak
held to choose the system integrator an
rifles were downright Kalashnikovian in both idea and detail. The only
by Czeska Zbrojovka Uhersky Brod (CZ
points different were the stiffer, slide-on / slide-off receiver cover, peep-
arms maker, was given priority due to
style battle-sights, and the Galil-style thumb-operated safety-selector
al small-arms manufacture, including th
lever, but devoid of the AK-trademark long selector lever / cocking slot
machine pistol manufacture for the CSL
cover.
The design was ready by the end of 1985, prototypes were manufac-
But the Army was penniless, and s
tured and tested in 1986. After many failures and recoveries the third
Czecho-Slovakia, after what came dow
generation of these was finally approved for production in November
was now on the verge of separation, w
1989. The new rifle was then running perfect, which sadly cannot be
extremists on either side of the nationa
said for the state that commissioned it. In 1989 the Communist Bloc un-
war’ was the only one fought there, and
dermined by Gorbachev’s glasnost from one side, and Polish Commu-
what was dubbed the Velvet Divorce. In
nists sharing power with Solidarnosc opposition movement from the
 BROŃ - FIREARMS
omino theory’ style. Then in late
Czechoslovakia’s turn. After sev-
munist Party gave way and finally
nown as the Velvet Revolution.

ttle Orphan
was declared fit for production,
nger. As the Czechoslovakian pro-
the 5.45x39 mm ammunition (as
n to the 5.56x45 mm was the only
try’s ammunition provider, Sellier
the .223 Remington with M193-
000 new rifles and a tender was
nd future manufacturer. The offer
ZUB), a 1936-established national
o its rich experience in individu-
he Sa-58 and the vz.61 Skorpion
LA.
slovakia was over after 74 years since November 1918, when Hungary’s
and Austria’s Slavic lands were united, forming the new state under the
influence of Thomas G. Masaryk, who became the first Czechoslovak
president. As of January 1, 1993 there were two separate states: Slovakia
and Czechia (Bohemia).
Now the new rifle was in dire straits indeed – the smaller the army, the
lesser chance to be manufactured in numbers. At the same time CZUB
got privatized, and as a private enterprise it had to earn what it was to
spend on the new rifle design – not just draw it on the state’s budget, as
previously. For five long years the Lada program got lost from the radar
– gone, but never forgotten.

state (at that stage called the

wn in history as the ‘hyphen war’)
with political fire being stoked by
al divide. Fortunately the ‘hyphen
d everything ended peacefully, in
n 1992 the history of the Czecho
Enter Mr. Findorak CZ 2000 vs. P
After the NATO doors were cracked open with the Partnership The Army of the Czech Republic (Arm
for Peace, giving a renewed hope of the full membership soon, the once again interested in the new rifle, b
NATO-caliber rifle program was once again hauled forth from the back- to bloom into contracts. The CZUB was
burner. NATO-caliber – but not the STANAG magazine: this conversion to develop the Lada and find a buyer – if
would have called for a wholesale re-designing of the receiver and to capitalize on the good standing of CZ
so was deemed too expensive. The new Lada had still AK-74 compatible Kalashnikov derivatives in Western cha
magazine – but was now chambered for the 5.56 mm (even though the Lada needed a name that was (a) sexy
surviving samples are stamped ‘.223’). the brand. At the turn of the centuries d
Several Czech designers and companies approached CZUB in the mean- the buyers and sellers alike, bringing w
time, offering other rifles instead. One of them was Ladislav Findorak, ty – more so for what was in fact nothi
ex-Army officer, who endorsed a delayed blowback system based on Thus the CZ 2000 was born, sometime
Soviet Anatoli Baryshev’s designs. This was a bold proposition – a com- sometimes not. The CZ 2000 was a nam
plete weapon family called LCZ, made up of same design but different house use, the whole ‘Army Rifle Replac
size building blocks, which put together were to give anything from Project 805, according to the new classi
automatic rifle up until .50-cal. heavy machinegun and even 30 mm numbers were assigned according to th
grenade machine gun. CZUB partly financed his scheme and tested the rifles and SMGs were assigned series 8
resulting weapons, but chose not to continue. Findorak then started Sa-58 was called the ‘CZ 858’, and the 9 m
his own company, known under the English-language name of Czech with a fixed stock was the ‘XCZ 861’.
Weapons in Slavicin, but both partners parted in a good mood, and
CZUB was impressed with Findorak’s ability in weapon designing.
Other than Findorak, two other rifles were considered, one designed by
a British team for another English-named Czech company, the Moravian
Arms Company and the other option was license from Colt’s to man-
ufacture AR-15 rifles (M16 / M4). CZUB had great designs for the then
struggling Colt, but all that was left of it was a less-than-spectacular Colt
Z40 pistol – and the starting of the CZ-USA subsidiary, who now owns
the Dan Wesson Firearms.

Project 805
mada Ceske Republiky, ACR) was
but this interest eventually failed
s now left with no other way than
f not at home, then abroad, trying
Z brand and the need for modern
ambering. But to sell abroad the
y, (b) involved ‘CZ’ to marry it to
date ‘2000’ seemed to mesmerize
with it a promise of the moderni-
ing more than a face-lifted AKM.
accompanied by the name Lada,
me used only for PR – for the in-
cement’ program was dubbed the
ification scheme, in which model
he nature of the product. Assault
800 – that’s why the civilian-legal
mm silenced Skorpion prototype
BROŃ - FIREARMS
The New Rifle
It was only in late 2005, that CZUB decided to go whole hog and
make their own rifle anew. The Army was not yet inclined to change
the battle rifle in whole of the military, but they nevertheless man-
aged to buy a batch of Bushmaster M4A3s for the Special Forces.
The situation could have slipped out of hand, if the Army continued
to re-arm itself piecemeal, instead of a large-scale re-armament – so
the CZUB bolted into action. A totally new specification was drawn,
finally putting the stillborn Lada to rest. The new rifle was first called
the ‘CZ XX’, then ‘CZ S805’. The S stood for ‘special’ to differentiate it
from regular CZ 805 (no S), being a tricked-out Lada carbine with
rails all over and an ambidextrous selector lever, designed for India
(but never bought).
This new design was meant to get CZUB to the forefront of the
world’s rifle evolution, constituting a totally new multi-caliber mod-
ular platform – much in the SCAR flavor. There were to be two sets
of building blocks, one (with ‘A’ in model designation) for three in-
termediate rounds (5.56x45 mm, 6.8SPC and 7.62x39 mm), and the
other (‘B’) for rifle calibers – and that’s not only 7.62x51 mm mind
you, but .300 Win Mag as well! Each of these could have been fitted
with three lengths of barrels, to became a Battle Rifle (‘1’ designa-
tor), CQB Carbine (‘2’) or the DMR/LSW (‘3’) fire support weapon.
Thus a rifle in 5.56 mm would be an ‘A1’, while a carbine in 7.62x51
mm would be a ‘B2’, and soon.
Close But No Cigar
CZUB had no design resources to speedily ac- demonstrated in November 2006 to the chief of
complish a design like that, and so they decided to
outsource the designing phase and hired Mr. Fin-
dorak again. This proved to be an excellent choice
– in less than a year the rifle was not only designed,
but prototypes were built and tested. This also
proved unfortunately to be Findorak’s last design
accomplishment, as he died prematurely in the fall
of 2006, in his early 50s.
In November 2006 CZ S805 was first demonstrat-
ed to the Army’s chief of staff, General Stefka, but
the Army again didn’t ordered any – instead they
bought another batch of Bushmasters! After that
CZUB decided to go public with their new accom-
plishment, hoping that patriotically-inclined public
would affect the military complacency. For three
years the rifle was regularly exhibited during the
IDET fair in Brno as well as Prague’s ‘Future Soldier’
conventions, but the success proved to be elusive.
The big change came upon in 2009, when finally a
tender was opened for the Czech Army’s new battle
rifle.
Meanwhile at the factory the Findorak’s rifle de-
sign’s development has been overseen by Vitezslav
Guryca, CZUB designer since 1984, whose previous
accomplishments included the CZ 97B, Czech first
ever .45 ACP pistol. Testing of the Slavicin-made
prototypes revealed minor problems with lock tim-
ing, trigger mechanism, buttstock, return spring as-
sembly, and barrel change method. These teething
problems were ironed-out by Guryca, assisted by
the CZUB’s chief engineer Radek Hauerland, chief
designer Pavel Mahdala, with Jaroslav Bachurek, Jiri
Kafka and Vladimir Simek. They were also designing
the whole armament subsystem around the new ri-
fle, including a novel 805 G1 40 mm underbarrel
grenade launcher, as well as the 805 UN/BN bayonet.
Racing against the clock, the design team decided
to curtail the modularity of the system, and press on
with development of only the A platform (SCAR-L
equivalent) with two barrel lengths, rifle (A1) and
carbine (A2). These were initially provided in two
calibers, 5.56x45 mm and 7.62x39 mm. The first A1
staff was a 5.56 mm A1, but the first to be hands-
on publically demonstrated was the A2 in 7.62 mm
(during the Future Soldier 2008). Later on the pro-
gram got curtailed once again – only the 5.56 mm
system was exhibited since then, from early 2009
on with a re-modeled upper receiver.
The
Multi-Optional
Rifle
The caliber exchange in the CZ S805 rifle
requires changing barrel, gas system, bolt-head and
a magazine well. The magazine well is a separate
module of the lower receiver, connected by a T-slot
and the rail and (since 2010) stabilized with a pin
– the idea resembling the MGI’s Hydra exchangea-
ble magazine well system. There were three maga-
zine modules demonstrated so far, two for CZ’s own
plastic magazines and one for the AR-15 (STANAG)
magazine. The proprietary plastic magazine is a re-
ally bulky affair, patterned after HK G36 magazines –
the 5.56 mm variant claims interchangeability with
the German rifle. These are opaque, semi-transpar-
ent to allow quick bullet count, and fortunately do
not copy the G36 integral magazine couplings. The
7.62 and 5.56 plastic magazines different mostly in
shape, 5.56 being much straighter than the 7.62 ‘ba-
nana’. There’s even a joke about these, stating that
the 5.56 is a ‘Euro banana’ (hinting at the infamous
EU regulation on the shape of banana, stipulating
it should be almost straight – because such shaped
bananas prevail in former French Guyana), as op-
posed to the 7.62 mm ‘real banana’. An AKM-com-
patible magazine well was announced, but nev-
er demonstrated, while the factory dismisses the
speculations about Sa-58 compatible magazine
well being ever contemplated.

Bought At Last
In November 2009 the long-awaited tender for
the new Czech rifle was organized, but despite
27 initial submissions, only two rifles were finally
pitted against each other: the CZ’s offer, now re-
ferred to as ‘CZ 805 Bren’ and FNH’s SCAR-L, with
domestic design being finally selected after a re-
portedly hot contest, decided by a narrow mar-
gin. The results were promulgated on February 1,
2010, and on March 18, after the FN’s Czech partner
decided not to repeal the results, the ministry
finally ordered 6687 CZ 805A1 rifles, 1250 CZ 805A2
carbines and 397 CZ 805G1 grenade launchers. Each
rifle and carbine was ordered with Meopta’s ZD-Dot
red dot sight and a set of BUIS, and for the special
forces 1386 ‘enhanced optical suites’ were ordered,
consisting of Meopta’s DV-Mag3 daylight 3x mag-
nifier, NV-3Mag night 3x magnifier and a DBAL-A2
(AN/PEQ-15A) laser target designator.
But before the first rifles hit the shelves of the Army
stores, the military demanded several changes that
arose from the qualification testing of the samples
delivered as stipulated in contract by May 2010. First
of all, somewhat surprisingly, the Army requested
a folding-only stock instead of the factory-offered
folding/telescoping stock – said to be awkward. The
stock is held by a T-rail on the receiver backplate,
and can be replaced any time, for any style – pro-
viding it is fitted with a proper attachment. Second
change concerned stabilizing the magazine well
with a pin. The third request called for replace-
ment of the fixed pistol grip with one fitted with
exchangeable backstraps, just like the ones so pop-
ular since all new pistols’ frames became plastic. An-
other change was introduced in the bolt head – the
seventh locking lug was omitted. Initially, the sev-
enth lug was deeply undercut by the extractor claw
channel, and it could possibly crack, so it was elim-
inated and now there’s only six. All these changes
delayed the date of the initial delivery to July 19,
2011, when first 505 A1s and A2s with 20 grenade
launchers were taken over by the Army, with 2745
A1s and 926 A2s scheduled to be delivered during
the latter half of the 2011, and further deliveries
made until 2013, when the initial order would be
fulfilled.
BROŃ - FIREARMS
The Inner Life
The gas--operated rifle has a gas opening on top
of the barrel, where gas block with bayonet attach-
ment on the bottom is fitted. On top there’s a large
ring, into which gas mechanism is being inserted.
The gas mechanism consists of one-piece gas pis-
ton (somewhat resembling the one of the Sa-58),
complete with a self-contained return spring and
two-stage gas regulator. The whole gas system is
held in place by a lug in form of the regulator shield.
When the shield is turned to either of the two work-
ing positions, the lug stays firmly in the abutment
cut into the gas block. But if the gas regulator is
turned full 180 degrees, there is a flat undercut in
the shield, fitting over the top of the gas block, and
the whole shebang can be pulled clear for cleaning
or replacement for other caliber’s set, no other pro-
cedures or tools needed. Whoever struggled with
SCAR gas mechanism once would appreciate that
immediately and immensely. The piston hits the
boxy bolt carrier and makes it recoil, while the op-
erating cam unlocks the bolt. The unlocked breech
opens, extractor extracts the spent case, while
spring-loaded rod ejector in the breech face tilts it
to the right. Then the ejected empty hits the deflec-
tor, changes the rotation direction and flies clear
forward and to the right. The ejection opening is far
enough ahead to allow the left-handed operation
without the need to change the ejection direction.
Recoiling bolt-carrier compresses the return spring
set on a single guide rod, but not anchored rigidly
in the back plate. There’s no magic at all in the op-
eration of the CZ 805 Bren – as with ca. 75% mod-
ern military rifles based on AR-18, if you know one,
you know them all. The only unusual thing is a firing
pin automatic safety in the rear part of the bolt car-
rier – a spring loaded lever that hooks in the pin,
holding it immobile to prevent AD from pin iner-
tia. It operates just like the HK MP7 firing pin safety,
being swept out of the way by the falling hammer.
The upper receiver is monolithic, with a full length
MIL-STD-1913 rail running on top. The upper is ma-
chined out of a forged aircraft-grade aluminum bil-
let, has a form of an inverted U-sectioned through,
completely open at three sides. Initially it was
planned to be made of polymer plastic, but during
the development an aluminum ‘interim’ receiver
...was used, and so it remained. The sides have (each)
two cooling slots and three barrel screws openings,
as well as a cocking slot with rounded cocking
handle inserting opening. The cocking handle can
be inserted from either side, without any adverse
effects on operation. The barrel screws also hold
the side rails, and their openings are filled with pol-
ymer sleeves to eliminate vibration and hinder heat
transfer. The ejection opening is on the right side
of the upper receiver. From the rear it is closed by
a back plate, from the front by the barrel assembly,
and from the bottom half by the lower rail, being
the part of the barrel assembly, and the other half
by the lower receiver. The interesting point here is,
that the lower hinges not on the upper receiver, but
on the rear end of the bottom rail!
tor, a blank-firing-attachment or a sound modera-
tor. To exchange the barrel one has first to field-strip
the rifle (the bolt head has to be withdrawn from
the locking ferrule of the barrel, and lower receiver
has to be detached from the bottom rail), then to
unscrew six barrel fixing screws and withdraw the
barrel. It can be done in field conditions, but it is by
no means a quick-change barrel – any way it takes a
torque wrench to reassemble it in a rigidly-regulat-
ed sequence. Whoever changed a barrel on SCAR,
knows the drill. The A1 and A2 barrels are identical
save for the length and theoretically they can be
exchanged freely – but in reality the Army ordered
the rifles in final configuration with no spare bar-
rels. It is then a modular system, but not an oper-
ator-configurable one. The bore is 6 groove, one
right hand twist in 7 inches.

The Barrel Assembly

The barrel assembly is exchangeable as a whole

unit, and resembles the one used in SCAR – at least
in the mode of fixing – very closely. The locking fer-
rule is screwed onto the rear end of the barrel. Rear
two pairs of the barrel fixing screws are screwed
into this ferrule from the sides. On top of the fer-
rule there is a piston guide, directing it on the way
to hit the bolt-carrier. On the bottom another two
screws fix the lower rail to the ferrule. At approx. 2/3
length of the barrel the gas port is drilled, covered
with gas block. Just aft of the gas block there is a
U-shaped former, into which bottom the forward
bottom rail screw is screwed, and into which sides
fit the forward barrel fixing screws pair. The locking
ferrule and this former keep the barrel free-float-
ing as much as possible in a gas-operated gun. The
muzzle is threaded for a countering nut and muzzle
devices – standard bid-cage flash hider/compensa-
BROŃ - FIREARMS
BROŃ - FIREARMS
BROŃ - FIREARMS
Lower receiver
Lower receiver is divided into two parts: trigger and then there are red dot(s), for single, burst and
continuous fire. The lever is well within reach and
mechanism housing with pistol grip and the ex-
moves up to SAFE, down to FIRE, just like the 1911.
changeable magazine well. Both are made of pol-
Possible civilian-legal variant would perhaps only
ymer, connected by a T-rail and corresponding slot,
have two setting, SAFE and FIRE also in a 90 degrees
and pinned. The pin can be started out by bullet
arc, which would be best for it. The burst setting is
point, and then pushed out with a firing pin. After
pointless, with the two-rounds burst – fortunately it
the pin is out, both parts can be slid one from an-
resets itself after releasing the trigger prematurely,
other and separated. In both 5.56 mm magazine
unlike the M4.
wells the magazine release is fully ambidextrous –
by bottom lever in CZ proprietary magazine, and
by buttons positioned on both sides of the STAN-
AG-magazine well. The bolt hold open is positioned
inside the magazine well and provided with am-
bidextrous push-buttons. Caution: these can only
activate the hold-open when there’s no magazine.
The release is ALWAYS by pulling on the cocking
lever. This is a drawback, but Czech soldiers used
the same system on their Sa-58s for half a century,
and 50 years of tradition is an undisputable power
in each Army. The standard magazine well is the CZ
plastic magazine one, but STANAG-magazine wells
are going to be provided for the Special Forces to
insure interoperability and also for the future A3
LSW variant, to enable the use of the Beta C-Mag
and other high capacity magazines fitting the AR-15
magazine well. The complete lower is a swing-out
affair, fixed by two cross-pins. After cross-pins are
withdrawn, there are corresponding sockets in the
stock, where these can be stored. Nothing new for
any HK user. The modified (‘M2011’) pistol grip has
exchangeable backstraps, also secured with a pin.
Two sizes are available, standard (M) which fits most
hands, and XL. The trigger mechanism is a modified
AK with a burst limiter – not much changed since
the Lada, except perhaps for the flat trigger/selec-
tor retaining spring, which is another of the Sa-58
reminiscences. The selector has four settings, 0-1-2-
30, all within right angle, which means that separa-
tions are diminutive, just 22.5 degrees. Pictograms
are dots in two colors: white dot means ‘SAFE’,
 BROŃ - FIREARMS
Pros and Cons
I had the opportunity to check out the CZ 805 back energetically after release of the push buttons.
The only drawback in that area is the safety-selector
Bren at a shooting range, and the occasion, how-
lever, with four settings within 90 degrees – that’s
ever brief, left me with several remarks to make. A
way too cramped. The plastic magazines are said
4.2 kg heavy rifle has got no right to display a no-
to be interchangeable with HK G36, but fortunate-
ticeable recoil or muzzle flip with the 5.56x45 mm
ly omit the integral coupling devices, sticking out
round, and this truth was once again proven by the
from their sides. Anyway, they’re still wide and big
CZ rifle. It takes a long burst on fully automatic to
– it’s hard to believe they only keep tiny 5.56 mm
swing the muzzle noticeably, although still keep-
rounds. The long 40-centimeter overhead mono-
ing a full magazine-dump within a torso target at
lithic rail has enough room for any combinations of
15 meters was easy – as opposed to the Sa-58. The
sights the homo sapiens is likely to haul. The factory
shoulder stock is made of plastic, and by contrast
sights suite consists of a set of CZ’s own BUIS and a
seems to be weightless at all, which means the ri-
Meopta ZD-Dot red point sight. Whoever used any
fle is heavy on the nose. That’s not bad for dynam-
variation of the M68 CCO would be at home with
ic sweeps, but if you keep it ready for a long spell
the ZD-Dot, housed in as big a tube with as many
of time, your weak hand would finally sore. And
protuberances as most of the M-series Aimpoints,
definitely make use of the 6 o’clock rail by attach-
and utilizing the same time-proven red dot reti-
ing a foregrip. If you don’t, you have to watch your
cle. BTW – it’s the Meopta who makes most of the
supporting hand thumb position – if you utilize
Aimpoint lenses. Each A1 rifle and A2 carbine was
the cocking handle on the left side of the gun and
ordered with a ZD-Dot. 1386 would get ‘enhanced
you’re not a southpaw, that is. Again, whoever shot
optoelectronic suite’ consisting of two 3x magnifi-
the SCAR, knows why – the cocking handle is re-
ers, one day-time, one coupled with NV device and
ciprocating, and with bolt in battery it is very easy
a DBAL-A2 laser module. The magnifiers, at least the
to place your thumb in the way, if you support the
daylight model, DV-Mag3, gives a very sharp, even
gun by magazine well. Been there, done that – you
image. The optics are really good – but Meopta still
better don’t. The cocking handle stripped the half
has a thing or two to learn in tactical optics. No
of my thumbnail in no time. Nothing you’d like to
quick release means – so while FIBUA you have to
repeat, believe me, although not incapacitating.
undo a lever and take the magnifier out, unlike the
The rifle is mostly flat, but has rails all over – waiting
Aimpoint QD pivot mount. But the prototypes had
to skin your fingers alive if you don’t muzzle them
both red point and the magnifier mounted with Al-
with rubber covers or wear gloves, or preferably
len screws, so that’s an improvement over the pre-
both. All controls are within easy reach (or at least
vious version, nevertheless.
– within MY easy reach) and work quite nicely – ro-
tate easily, but firmly keep their positions, or spring

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaL_oKeESUI
Que Sera Sera
The future of the CZ 805 is still ‘not ours to see’. It has just begun it’s travel, and the soldiers would no doubt find ma
reality became a fixed configuration one – perhaps the user did not matured yet to have too many choices left. The pla
strange way. The A3 ‘soon in a theatre near you’ is a bipod-fitted LSW/DMR – that’s more or less consistent with the pro
and the first version of the long-awaited B full-power round configuration! The civilian-legal semiautomatic variant of t
would certainly be greeted with much interest.
 BROŃ - FIREARMS

any ways to give the CZUB team a reason for headaches. For some reason or other the modular rifle have in
ans are still ambitious, though, and in May 2011 the existence of the new A3 was announced – but in a little
ogram. But then the CZUB announced it would be a 7.62x51 mm weapon, which then should be a B3 rather,
the A1 has also been hinted to, so perhaps there would also be a US-market version with 16-in barrel – which
Technical Data
CZ 805A1 CZ 805A2
Caliber 5,56 mm 5,56 mm
5,56 mm x 45 NATO 5,56 mm x 45 NATO
Length, stock folded [mm] 670 587
Length, stock unfolded 915
(w/ bayonet 1050) 782 (835)
[mm]
Barrel length [mm] 360 277
Sighting radius with BUIS
395
[mm]
Width, stock folded [mm] 112
Width, stock unfolded
77
[mm]
Rate of fire [rpm]] 700-800 700-800
Battle range [m] 500 400
Weight with full magazine
4,2 4,1
[kg]
Weight w/ full magazine
and 40 mm CZ 805 G1 5,8 5,6
grenade launcher [kg]

magazine capacity [rds] 30 (CZ) or 20, 30, 40, 30 (CZ) or 20, 30, 40,
100 (STANAG) 100 (STANAG)
 BROŃ - FIREARMS

http://www.youtabe.com/watch?v=PplBzmAgD9g&list=PL76965A196BEDEC23
 The CZ P-09 is The laTesT high CaPaCiTy
serviCe PisTol going furTher along The design
road sTarTed wiTh The suCCessful ComPaCT
CZ 75 P-07 duTy.

ČESKÁ ZBROJOVKA A.S.

Svat. Čecha 1283, 688 27 UherSký brod, czech repUblic
tel.: +420 572 651 111, Fax: +420 572 633 665
e-mail: inFo@czUb.cz
 TRENING STRZELECKI - FIREARMS TRAINING

Photo: Michał Sitarski, Bartosz Szołucha

The AK’s rifles are ubiquitous.
Everywhere, in every world’s corner, one
can encounter some iteration of the theme
– but generally speaking, an AK is an AK. No
matter what you tune or tweak, the basics
remain the same. The probability of encoun-
tering some sort of a ‘kalash’ is border-
ing on certainty, so mastering basics of its
operation is a must for everybody seeking job
in security companies all over the world –
the AKs are more numerous in the field than
the ARs.
S afety is paramount, no matter what shooter’s
skills level.
You can’t master your weapon unless you know it
inside out. Every decent training course of train-
ing must start with that. You have to know your
weapon by heart, be able to locate and operate
every control without breaking visual contact
with your surroundings. But nobody is born Mas-
ter Yoda, so you first got to learn their operation
by looking at them, and when you got the hang
of it, only then you proceed to do it without visual
supervision. The next step is to learn how to field
strip it, first with your strong hand, then with
the support hand. Now that you know every peg
and cranny, comes the time to adjust the sling.
 TRENING STRZELECKI - FIREARMS TRAINING
Configuration
Possibilities are unlimited, depending of what you strive to
achieve and what suits your needs.
Sling carry. You can choose from amongst one-, two- and three-
point slings. The optimal solution is a two-point sling with a se-
cure but fluid adjustment. Having a sling comfort-padded in the
mid-section, where it contacts your body is a good idea – then
you can operate your rifle with equal ease and effectiveness,
whether you’re wearing a tac-vest or just a T-shirt.

Next point is the handguard/fore grip. Are you sure that you
need a vertical grip there? Would non-slip rail pads be good
enough? Still there are some, who prefer a slick handguard.
Whatever your choice, you have to remember that the AK gets
hot, rather fast, and the front part of the handguard transfers
heat from barrel, often resulting in painful burns. Good gloves or
a foregrip can protect your hand.

AK’s factory iron sights are hard to master in fast CQB shooting.
They prove their mettle, however, at longer ranges and in de-
liberate, aimed shots. A red-dot sight is a very useful tool. But
choosing your favorite sight, you have to remember that the AK
is a bit heavyish, so the weight of the sight can practically mat-
ter. A key factor is the choice of the lens shape. Some prefer cir-
cular, some are faster and more comfortable with a square one.
Another important factor is the choice of the battery size. The
AAs are much more popular in the world than the CR123s, which
are more expensive, and harder to get in some parts of the world.
And of course the price of the equipment would for most people
be a limiting factor in their otherwise free choice.
Next step is zeroing the rifle, both on iron or red-dot sights. An
experienced shooter is able to accomplish that with just a few
rounds.
The standard AK magazine is a heavy but sturdy steel magazine
for 30 rounds. Polymer magazines are lighter, but less resistant
to use, some lack the protruding sliding bottom, which is easier
to grip.
In the US-based shooting supplies stores one can find hundreds
of useful AK-enhancing gadgets, and gradually they are appear-
ing also in other countries.
The magazines are typically carried in magazine pouches (soft
or rigid, the Fastmag style) placed on the tactical vest, the belt, or
drop leg/thigh platform – wherever suits the user best. No mat- Magazine pouches mounted on
ter where, shooter should remember that the basic ammunition
supply should be placed within easy reach of the left hand (or
generally speaking, the support hand, which can a right one for a
southpaw). The magazines are inserted with rounds down,
and back to front. This is the safest and fastest way to reload.
The pouches can be closed with a flap or have internal renten-
tion. The pouches are like the weapon itself – everyone has to
master them.
The most versatile arrangement of the ammo pouches is of
course enabled by a Tactical Vest/Plate Carrier, offering larg-
est possible estate for attaching pouches. Some hate leg pan-
els, as these hinder movement. The most popular ones are belt
systems, fitted with a comfort pad, or not, with MOLLE/PALS or
not. Everyone should custom the number and positioning of
the pouches according to his or her requirements, adding a drop
pouch if needed. Magazine positioned on the
The drop-leg panel with pouches or around the hip on the sup-
port hand-side – where it is within an easy reach of the weak
hand’s when removing an empty magazine. Some shooters pre-
fer to carry it at the back or to the front. Everyone has to practice
a bit to assure which one of these positions is better – keeping in
mind that it will be obliged to move withall that gear fast!

Magazine pouches on thigh

 TRENING STRZELECKI - FIREARMS TRAINING
on the vest Combined mAGazine & receiver grip

the belt hANDGUard grip with canted hAND

thigh panel handguARD GRIP WITH straight hand

The starting position to all weapon actions is the low ready po-
sition. Rifle is held with both hands, with a proper grip, muzzle
down, 45 degrees. The stock is resting near the shoulder pock-
et. The weapon is carried with exposed cocking handle. Body is
relaxed. From that position you can enter whatever stance right
away, and without undue shifting. Additionally, the low ready
position is safe for both the shooter and all those training adja-
cent to him.
We can modify this position, moving the left leg forward, inclin-
ing the torso, bending knees and raising the rifle slightly. The
resultant high ready position is best assumed directly before
the tactical training commences.
Proper shooting stance is paramount to accuracy. There are
many of these, and a proper one is the one that suits the circum-
stances best. Basic shooting stances are standing, kneeling or
prone but each can be modified in many ways.
High standing stance, is highly stable and non-tiring stance,
perfect for basic training. Low standing stance, with torso in-
clined forward is best when shooting from behind low barricade
(or sprawling across the car hood).
Kneeling stances are at least three – high, low and both
knees. The first is a typical training stance, both others, for their
stability and natural layout, are most common action stances. low ready position

low standing stance high kneeling stance

 TRENING STRZELECKI - FIREARMS TRAINING
HIGH ready position standing stance

both knees kneeling stance CONVENTIONAL SITTING

KNEELING BEHIND COVER

HIGH PRONE STANCE

HIGH ROLLOVER PRONE

 TRENING STRZELECKI - FIREARMS TRAINING
Prone stances are numerous, and should be trained frequent-
ly for their usefulness. Frontal prone (traditonal) – make sure
your head does not extend too much over the rest of the body.
Side prone is useful for shooting UNDER the barricade, e.g.
under the car. Make sure your body lies as flat as possible. Right
handed shooters should take care not to lift their elbow exces-
sively while laying on the their left side (opposite for lefties).
One should never forget that the rifle training is NOT just
ROLLOVER PRONE
shooting, and that the shooting stances should be trained as
frequently as other elements, and stressing the fluent transi-
tions between stances. My experience taught me that many
people have problems with this part of the rifle training.
Most traditional stances ingrained into beginners at various
courses are typically quite useless in dynamic shooting or
tactical scenarios. One cannot accurately predict conditions,
in which he will be using his weapons. They would typically be
as unpredictable and varying, as to make any previous training
choreography redundant. The objectives of the training are sim- ROLLOVER PRONE
ple: HIT – FAST. One has to accommodate stance and weapon to
that objective. The more techniques and skills you master, the
better the chance to stand up to the situation. In other words:
the bigger the tool box, the better a chance to find that proper
tool.
But anytime along that path to perfection in any combative
techniques, an epiphany may strike: it’s the basics that make
a master. No amount of fancy mumbo-jumbo would possibly
replace the ever-importance of proper grip, proper sight
picture, proper hold and steady trigger pull. LAYING ON THE BACK

LAYING ON THE BACK

 POSITIONING
THE WEAPON STOCK
Variant One

POSITIONING
THE WEAPON STOCK
Variant two

POSITIONING
THE WEAPON STOCK
Variant three
TRENING STRZELECKI - FIREARMS TRAINING
 RATOWNICTWO BOJOWE - TC3
Back in 2006, when Michał Czerwiński
and Marek Dąbrowski bring knowledge
and contact about TCCC from courses
in USMC Camp Pendelton, NC, USA that
allowed Reago training company to
invite Thomas G. LeClaire to Poland,
uniformed services (unfortunately
– but only those with smart guys) en-
raptured TC3 courses. In the same time
Bogdan from Wrocław, Poland (insid-
ers know who I am talking about) im-
plemented with friends “Red Tactics”
idea, while Tomasz Sanak spend his
time during first Polish Armed Forces
Afghanistan deployment tour.
Tomasz Sanak:
Some of services till now still remain clashed with basic CPR exer-
cises, preparing for real tactical environment actions, not going
beyond chest compression and artificial respiration. Let me back
to the “enrapturing:, sadly after 10 years it is based on our novelty
desire. Novelty because we know everything, because If I will not
get my new shiny gadget I won’t be able to act properly, to rescue
the wounded. Honestly? Personally I think, that TC3 is one of the
simplest medicine branch. It is kind of craft, because saving ca-
saulty is possible, using uncomplicated tourniquet, duct tape and
some “handcrafting”. So what is “all about”? It is “all about” quick
implementation this kind of treatment, after gaining control over
tactical situation. It must be ruthless, without attention, that you
are rescue “your brother – another operator”. Professio-
nal Combat Medic will be some kind of “medical Robocop”, which
based on visual contact and – unfortunately hardly ever – sound
assess wounded condition and initiate rescue procedure. But how
to become a “medical Robocop”? Certainly not by hypothetical ac-
tions., which means… “this is first aid dressing, you know how to
use it”, “this is tourniquet, put it on twice and will be fine, because
at 14.30 armory will be closed and classes must be ended…”, “we
will not practice outside because it is cold, besides lunch will be
served at 12.00… “ and so on, and so on. So what is “all about”? It
is “all about” – and once again truly – that only few have MISSION
sense in theirs DUTY and only few realized WHAT REAL TACTICAL
ENVIROMENT IS and understand that they are not allowed to shit
themselves, because they are responsible for somebody’s live. This
is my situational diagnosis or more sophisticated… ethiopath-
ogenesis services training system situation. For real, I have a great
comparison, because for last 7 years I have trained with multiple
forces. There is one regularity – closer to SOF or SOF – they WANT
TO TRAIN, the rest, with rare exceptions – they are “waiting for
lunch”. That is all I have to say…
Do you want to be the best?
Walk outside for freezing cold, put your hands into the snow, wait
5 minutes and then try to put tourniquet on. Then Yyou will under-
stand, marginally, what combat medicine courses are about.

Marek Dąbrowski:
I have started to write this article during my journey from Rich-
mond (where I am doing my surveys on SOF combat medics) to
San Francisco, where the world’s biggest simulation exploitation
in medical science conference takes place. Last few days I spent
for working and observing a group of medics who have benn fi-
nishing combat medic training in VCU – Virginia Commonwealth
University in Richmond USA. I also had possibility, with US Special
Operation Forces operators, to conduct some researches concer-
ning TCCC qualification level. Surveys, were conducted in VCU, hi-
-tech Simulation Center. Vast majority of subjects represented US
Army Special Forces, while rest comes from US Navy SEALS.
 RATOWNICTWO BOJOWE - TC3
I am really impressed how attention to the details and critical thin-
king level were engaged during every single action or problem.
I was totally surprised how easily they communicate each other
– it was exemplary cooperation, despite the fact that it was first
time when they have worked together. I am also satisfied with
enormous care of details and equipment, following the rule “even
if you only practice, do it perfectly from the beginning till the end”.
Perfect medevac requests, communication and information
sharing pictured how much time they spend to train this case.
We have 2014 now– today’s knowledge level, training and prepa-
ring to conducting combat medicine is let’s say – good. Good in
Poland and high in many countries.
I am really happy about equipment familiarization, especially tour-
niquets. But does everyone, who is into this subject, is able to do it
perfectly? Part of those are not even trained medics and they are
try to treat treatpneumothorax with urgent needle decompression
or surgical methods of airways restoring. The only problem is like
with conducting CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) to someone
who is in cardiac arrest. We can perfectly provide medicines, in-
tubate or exploit defibrillator – but it is a shame that Emergency
Rescue Teams still arrive to late. Beside that chest compressions
are still at the low quality level (If you want to know more, accor-
ding to current, 2010 guidelines compression’s deep should be at
least 5 cm for adults and frequency between 100-120 pressures
per minute). During my observations and analysis in Karol Marcin-
kowski’s Medical University Simulation Center in Poznan, where
I conduct everyday’s classes, large, over 200 persons group of stu-
dents, performed pressures around 4 cm average with frequency
over 135. The effect is, unfortunately, weak possibility of chest
decompression during every pressure.
Back to tactical environment – Ron Bellamy, co-creator TCCC,
together with Frank Buttler described that if anyone of us is
going to be deployed soon, that is our responsibility to learn how
how to quickly and successfully put on tourniquet and tightly seal
chest wounds. Follow by those two undisputed authorities, if we
perfectly conduct those actions then we will have 70:30 chances
to rescue are friends and ourselves.
That’s why we have to consider what is the direction of our training
and always be looking at the basics of our training. There can’t
be the situation when we are guessing. We must be completely
positive, because we have repeat that many times and we’re going
back to this very often .
For many, putting on tourniquet is to easy and they are looking
for something more – medicines, pipes wherever it is possible and
surgical treatments. But what for? If our wounded will bleed out
because nobody put tourniquet on properly.
The evidence from Polish area are researche
ber 2013 Paramedyk (Paramedic) which I h
part in and support. The survey was based
evaluation and was conducted by members
stitute, Combat Medicine Department from
luation operators thought that tourniquet s
suprised they have noticed that before the
have to remove everything from jacket or co
ket (same thing with thigh panels and carg
Of course we had more conclusions.

NAMES, TITLES AND

I have noticed that in Poland we are World C
and we want to be much better with brand
names on everything. Nevertheless we will
dard or we will name it as a TC3, T3C or eve
to remember that we are learning importa
and our knowledge has great influence o
death. We have to understand that names
or stop the bleeding, but very often set at
supposed to support and help each other.
During my last visit in Richmond VCU, I co
operators who were surveyed, didn’t know th
is called OLAES and second one ETB or Israe
training system there – they focus on prope
not the brand names. For me and, I think fo
nitely for people who will expect help – the
that operators who I work with, are able to
gs they are equipped with. If they don’t hav
use improvised techniques. The same situati
– is it justified to dispute about, which tou
or SOFTT. NO! The imperative factor is being
ment in every conditions, take care and kee
in with it. Is it worth to train improvising to
– YES! And always master it, both on yoursel
 RATOWNICTWO BOJOWE - TC3
es results from Septem-
had a chance to take a
on tourniquet set up
s of Military Medical In-
m Warsaw. During eva-
set up is so easy, where
ey implement TQ, you
ombat shirt bicep poc-
go pockets in tousers).

D SO ON
Champions in this area
ding and putting new
l work with TCCC stan-
en Red Tactics, we have
ant things and actions
on somebody’s life or
will not treat wounds
variance society, who

ould be surprised that

hat one battle dressing
eli Bandage. But that is
erly conducted actions,
or those, boys and defi-
more important is fact
o perfectly use dressin-
ve it, they immediately
ion is with tourniquets
urniquet is better - CAT
g capable to use equip-
ep it operative and tra-
authors:
ourniquet technicques
lf and your colleagues.
MArek DĄbrowski
Zakład Ratownictwa i Medycyny Katastrof
Uniwersytet Medyczny im. K. Marcinkowskiego
w Poznaniu.

TOMASZ SANAK
Zakład Medycyny Pola Walki
Wojskowy Instytut Medyczny
w Warszawie.

Photos from the archives of Authors

 Combat Medicine is n
what should bring m
death factor decreas
dures complicated? A
dangerous environm
During the meeting
what does it mean t
simple – good means
Not always we have to
(2-5 cm, depends on l
boundary. Perpendic
across have better fo
pull tourniquet prop
The FRAG OUT! Team
today “the guys” can
have to focus on deta
So what is the poin
will do it in combat
le memory is import
way we can’t afford o
So what is the poin
will do it in combat
le memory is import
way we can’t afford o
Effectively means pre
At the end few important rules, having in mind that each training starts with warm up, medical
will stop bleeding, an
actions in tactical environment we start with tourniquet use. This way we give the best chance
ut checking.
to survive person with massive bleeding.
Tactical environment
and willing of learnin

Rule 1 met learning aversion

part with, participan
Tourniquet – should be perfect their future knowledg
Recently in Poland
lar, even “fashionable

Rule 2 something has word

ge or black is, by de
Be fast and know your medical gear instructor qualificati
teachers have to re
process and knowled
Rule 3 (automated external
(Basic Life Support) ha
Work with even one hand and blindfolded We have to also rem
their knowledge leve
ce has the influence o
Rule 4 decrease wound fact
That is why experien
Finish the job and wait for next on our passion which
 RATOWNICTWO BOJOWE - TC3
nothing else like bunch of SOP focused on this Watching again US Special Forces training, I am still impressed
measurable profits and have the influence on how proud combat medics are wearing “Unconventional Warfare
sing in tactical environment. Are these proce- – Unconventional Medicine” badge. I am also aware how much
Absolutely not. They are easy and applicable in effort they had to put in and what is their wisdom. Nevertheless,
ment. many of them are not and never will be medics, they are prepare
with “Mr. Rabbit”, he asked me a question – to conduct medical support on higher level than EMP Paramedics
to put on tourniquet properly? The answer is in US or Paramedics in Poland.
s effectively – we have to stop bleeding.
o put it on as high as possible, but for sure over
location leg – hand) the higher located wound
cular location to extremity – simply straightly
orce on muscles, closing artery. I think that to
perly, just before you catch the stick, is crucial.
m had opportunity to try it out themselves and
n say – Yes, we understand the point and you
ails. Tension pneumothorax explained in 1 min
nt? To train to be master and finish like you http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhOK97PSVH4
situation. During this kind of training musc- autorami filmu są: Marek Dabrowski, Agata Dabrowska,
tant factor, which we have to work on, that’s Wojciech Telec
on mistakes in CUF or Care Under Fire stage.
nt? To train to be master and finish like you
situation. During this kind of training musc-
tant factor, which we have to work on, that’s
on mistakes in CUF or Care Under Fire stage.
ecisely – fast – perfectly – until the moment it
nd we are sure that we did that perfectly witho-

t preparation must based on huge motivation

ng to develop yourself. Until this time I barely
n. In most educational process situation I took
nts characterized maturity and awareness of
ge importance.
(last 3 years) TC3 courses became popu-
e”. This “fashion” comes from the situation if
d tactical in it or is dressed with camoufla-
efinition sexy. I would like to stressed you on
ion and training capacity. Instructors and
emember about responsibility for training
dge they hand. I hope that era of tactical AED
l defibrillation) under fire and tactical BLS
as ended and will not come back anytime soon.
member that everybody, who want to increase
el and pass it by, by sharing training experien-
on survivability in dangerous environment and
tor and what is more important - death factor.
nce and solutions sharing have great influence
h we will not forget to develop.
 Virtual Bat
“Serious gaming” software used for training a
Jakub Pa
Photos: Bohem

Simulators used by armed forces are generally associated

equipment (e.g. simulators used for train
However, the huge technological advances that have occurre
the market of commercial computer games allowed for creat
types of arm
 ELEKTRONIKA - ELECTRONICS
ttle Space 2
armed forces and other governement services.
alowski
mia Interactive

d with units furnished with complex weapons and military

ning crews of airplanes and helicopters).
ed since the end of the last century, and the development of
tion of comprehensive simulation software to train different
med forces.
The Virtual Battle Space 2 simulation
system was developed by Bohemia Interactive Simulations - a
company spinned off from Bohemia Interactive Studio, the Czech
producer of computer games, with the task of creating software
constituting a training aid for armed forces. The VBS 2 system is
based on the Virtual Battle Space 1 system, created on the basis
of the Operation Flashpoint game (including the Real Virtuality 1
graphics engine) and implemented at the beginning of this centu-
ry in the Australian Army and United States Marine Corps (USMC).
VBS 1 was used to carry out computerised simulations at the tacti-
cal level (of soldier, team, platoon, and company).
Positive experiences with the use of the VBS 1 system led Bohe-
mia Interactive Simulations to develop a simulation system capa-
ble of operation in a comprehensive manner. This would mean,
among others, the ability to carry out activities on maps of land
acquired from external sources (not dedicated to VBS), interoper-
ability with other simulation systems or review of a mission after
its completion (AAR; After-Action Review), with the possibility to
study the impact of possible changes in behaviour of individuals
on the course of the simulation.
Virtual Battle Space 2,- a comprehensive
simulation with Real Virtuality 2 graphics engine.
Work on creating the Virtual Battle Space 2 was completed in
2008. Compared to VBS 1, new tools increasing capabilities of the
system were introduced. From the graphical point of view, the
software version 1.x is based on the Real Virtuality 2 graphics en-
gine, also used in the first version of the America’s Army game. The
key principle of VBS 2 is striving to achieve the most accurate rep-
resentation of all factors affecting units on the battlefield, includ-
ing, for example, weather conditions or time of day. Importantly,
individual components of the simulation (movement of individual
units, shooting and its effects, objects on the map) are treated as
separate elements, taking into account all factors that act upon
them. Therefore, there are no situations in which some action is a
simple copy of one scheme, significantly reducing realism.
VBS 2 2 has the ability to import data from vector maps
(VMAP), which allowed for creation of new areas of simulated
action on the basis of maps containing existing objects or areas.
VBS 2 is also equipped with a real-time mission editor
(RTE; Real-Time Editor), which allows training manager to make
changes in real time, depending on the course of action. The VBS

2 system contains the HLA / DIS interface, enabling interopera-
bility with other simulation systems utilizing the communication
standard of distributed simulation. In practice, this means,
among other things, the ability to conduct simulations parallelly
on several levels - at the level of sub-units, with participation of
dozens of soldiers directly involved in the simulation, and on a
higher level of command (e.g. brigade, division), where most of
decisions concerning individual units and simulation results are
generated by computer systems based on evaluation of parameters
during the simulation. This allows for extrapolation of results
of sub-units composed of soldiers doing exercises on computers
to activities of completely “virtual” tactical units.
ELEKTRONIKA - ELECTRONICS
the source code. This is achieved by the ASI scripting language
(Application Scripting Interface). A little later, development tools
included in VBS 2 were extended with the VBS Fusion
module, based on C++ language, which allowed for modifica-
tion of the simulation environment without the use of a scripting
language, but with a direct access to functions of the simulation
and graphic engine. There is also the VBS Worlds module designed
for mobile devices, which allows the user to carry out training
in any place, without the necessity of accessing stationary
simulation systems.

The VBS 2 system met with great interest of users - different

types of forces from the U.S., UK and Australia, which naturally
resulted in its development. Bohemia Interactive Simulations
allows armed forces from individual countries to purchase a full
license (enterprise license), which gives access to an unlimited
number of copies of the software. During the work on VBS 2, the
focus was on creation of most open system architecture, so that
it was possible to add new units or even introduce changes in
the simulation environment without the necessity of changing
... or monitors in a room where the simulation takes place). This is
the way in which, among others, soldiers driving vehicles or oper-
ating on-board weapons are trained. A special case is training for
ground coordinators of air and artillery support, taking advantag-
es of specialized VBS Strike and VBS Fires modules. The VBS Strike
and VBS Fires modules take advantage of dedicated imaging sys-
tems and observing systems used by artillery observers, and the
software takes into account high precision ballistics and effects
of the impact of artillery shells, including possible influence on
own troops. Today, the VBS2 software environment is also used
as an aid in the treatment of the symptoms of post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD). The therapy consists in multiple recreation
of clashes that triggered the effect of post-traumatic stress using
the imaging system with VR goggles. During the session, patient’s
vital parameters are measured (artery and venous blood pressure,
body temperature, etc.), thanks to which it is possible to deter-
mine which moment of the clash provoked symptoms of PTSD.
VBS 2 has been successfully used in treatment of symptoms of
post-traumatic stress disorder also in Poland. Its use in the treat-
ment process yields results also thanks to accurate mapping of the
course of the clash by the simulation system and integration with
systems used for measurement of vital signs.
US Army Soldier’s training - crew served weapons.
VBS 2 2.0 i VBS 3 directions of development
The next step in the development of the VBS 2 system is launching
its new version, VBS 2 2.0, implemented in the year 2012, and
version VBS 3, which was released in December last year. New
versions of the Virtual Battle Space are based on the Real Virtuality 3
graphics engine, with elements of Real Virtuality 4, known from
the America’s Army 2 game. Earlier, during development of the
VBS 1.x system, the older graphics engine - Real Virtuality 2 - was
used mainly due to the fact that so accurate graphics projection
did not appear to be necessary to conduct simulations, and could
be too demanding for computer hardware, taking into account
the large number of participants and the complexity of the pro-
cess of conducting simulation. However, the current level of tech-
nology allows us to take advantage of modern graphics engines
without prejudice to the performance of the system. VBS 2 2.0
includes also a parachute jumping flight simulation system and
water environment for divers. In addition, VBS 2 2.0 is integrat-
ed with NVIDIA PsyhX, a new graphics engine allowing for real-
istic presentation of effects on physical objects in the simulation
environment.
VBS STRIKE Module - JTAC’s training

Virtual Battle Space 3 is the next stage in the
development of the complex simulation system. The system was de-
veloped with the assumption of full interoperability with VBS 2 1.x
and 2.0. The maximum area of simulation was extended
to 2200 x 2200 km (1000x1000 km in VBS 2 2.0 and 500x500
km in VBS 2) and the maximum range of observation is 75 km.
The AAR module, used in VBS 2, was developed along with the
HLA/DIS interface, allowing for interoperability with other
simulation systems; the user interface was also modified. VBS
3 includes also an extensive simulation module for maritime
activities, mapping activities not only in coastal waters, but also
on the ocean; detailed models of large ships are also included.
Moreover, VBS 3 presents also changes in local weather condi-
tions on digital maps thanks to the Terrain Paging technology.
Training with real firearms and currently deployed head-up systems.
ELEKTRONIKA - ELECTRONICS
Not only for military use
Currently, the application of Virtual Battle Space 2 and its
development versions is not limited to armed forces. The software
included in VBS 2, used for modelling of road traffic, is used by
emergency services, the traffic police and the fire brigade. The
same applies to the first aid trainings. It’s hard not to notice some
similarities between the use of VBS 2 in the armed forces and
emergency services; the simulator allows to practise scenarios,
the full implementation of which in trainings would be greatly
hampered (which limits execution of “real” training exercises to
large-scale joint trainings performed, e.g. once a year) or even
impossible. It’s hard to imagine that main streets in the city
could be blocked once a week by emergency services to carry out
trainings of different disaster scenarios on the road or in industrial
plants. In addition, simulation systems can reduce training costs,
as well as enable “unplanned” implementation of a situation
in which there are casualties. An interesting thing is application
of the VBS 2 environment in the process of training of mine rescue
teams. This is performed by means of the Mining Virtual Space
subsystem, which replicates conditions in the coal mine. Given
the real risk of loss of life and the associated costs accompanying
work...
VBS allows to simulate training environments other than battlefield too.
...in the mining, the use of simulation systems seems to be very
much appropriate. At the same time, the possibility of reproduc-
tion of work environment in a coal mine, so much different from
the battlefield, proves high flexibility of VBS 2/VBS 3 system
architecture.
VBS 2 PL – Polish Army and not only ... The
Virtual Battle Space 2 is also used by the Polish Army. Since 2008,
the Faculty of Cybernetics of the Military University of Technolo-
gy has been working on applications of the VBS 2 system and its
development versions in the Polish Armed Forces. Employees
of the department have developed, among others, a simula-
tion scheme combining VBS 2 system and the “Zło-cień” system,
designed for a higher level of command. In December 2013,
the first Polish monograph on the VBS 2 system was published:
“VBS 2 Programmable virtual simulation environment “, edited
by de. inż. Roman Wantoch-Rekowski. In addition, the VBS Strike
module, designed for air support coordinators, is used in the
Mountain Warfare Simulations.
Polish Air Force Academy in Dęblin. Bohemia Interactive Simulations
Sp. z o.o., a Polish subsidiary of Bohemia Interactive Simulations,
works intensively to extend the application of the VBS 2 system
on the Polish market, which results, among others, in creation of
libraries of units and equipment used by the Polish army, and the
use of the VBS 2 environment as the simulation systems software
promoted by the Polish Defence Holding. The VBS 2 environment
is also used, to some extent, in the training centre for operators
of unmanned aircraft, recently opened by Flytronic, belonging
to the WB Electronics group. At the moment there are also inten-
sive works carried out that are focused on developing solutions
based on the VBS 2 and VBS 3 systems, and aimed at the civilian
market. An example is a personnel carrier simulator developed for
the State Fire Service in the framework of a project funded by the
National Centre for Research and Development (NCRD) No. O ROB
0001 01 ID 1/3 Development of advanced training positions to
increase the effectiveness of rescuers from the National Rescue
and Firefighting Centre. The simulator consists of a driver’s
VBS2 equipment directory includes modern combat planes profiles.
PICTORIAL: : Bohemia In

position with elements of personnel carrier control system,
featuring three 46-inch screens serving as an imagining sys-
tem, and including positions for instructors and administrators.
The Instructor module allows, among others, for previewing an
action being executed from different places in the area of sim-
ulation. The Faculty of Cybernetics of the Military University of
Technology developed also elements of the physical training
ground for the Fire Service, which can be reconstructed in a vir-
tual simulator. The physical training ground allows, first of all,
carrying out a simulation of car accident victims rescue, includ-
ing fire fighting of various parts of the car (engine compartment,
luggage compartment, tires, interior of the car), as well as the
evacuation of victims. The aforementioned simulation systems
for the rail industry, and for the mining industry are also being
developed, including the Mining Virtual Space mentioned above,
developed, among others, for Polish mining companies.
VBS2 is used in training for units deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
teractive Simulations
ELEKTRONIKA - ELECTRONICS
Virtual Battle Space 3 is software
used to simulate (not just the battlefield), allowing for compre-
hensive execution of a simulation. The main advantage of the
system is its possibility of easy modification, in accordance with
the principle of an open architecture, and its interaction with
other simulation systems, so that the same simulation environ-
ment can be used, for example, for training of a tank company on
training simulators, and for simulation of traffic in the city for the
traffic police. At the moment, the system is used by armed forces
of at least a dozen countries across the world, as well as by the
civil service. The new version - VBS 3 - is de facto a development
version of VBS 2, and thanks to its backwards compatibility,
it gives new simulation opportunities. The years to come will most
likely increase the group of users of VBS 2 VBS 3, especially those
not connected with with armed forces or even uniformed services.

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 OCHRONA - PSD

or
s o, l ike it
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to a human d. And more d the like.
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to o l s know to the mank s, bandits adoxically,
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e one o ldest wea p hoice turies, we m at still rem stinc t
Knifis one of the opons, weaponall these cen is the knife threservation inthe author
i s o f c

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Every day the headlines inform us of another incident, featuring prominently a knife. The hype is rising, the politicos tr
mordial fear of a cutting edge, experts are peddling magical tips guaranteed to defend you from the shiv...…
Let’s forget it for a moment.
If you google “knife, defense against” you’ll probably find out that there are two extremes of an opinion. One – let’s call it ‘the op
and hard training, we might defend ourselves against an opponent armed with a knife. The other – pessimists, if you like – say
might have like 5% chance of effectual defense, if attacked with a knife. Usually the truth lies between – but not here. As a m
pessimist camp. OK, so if the defense against a knife is a matter of statistics, does that mean we are to lie down and await our
to know what is possible, and what is not. If we don’t, we won’t get out unharmed – it’s that simple.

What makes a knife so dangerous a weapon?

• Availability
Everybody and his brother has a knife at home, and if not, he can buy one in a shop or at the market for as little as 5 PLN (1.3 U
bearing a knife outdoors (in other countries it’s sometimes different, ranging from ‘no-limits’ to ‘off-limits’). You don’t need a per
threshold in accessibility. Everybody can have a decent edge, if he wants to.
• Concealability
An axe would be much more effective than a knife, and so would be a saber or a sword. But look around and te
wielding a katana and not drawing attention to themselves? Whereas the knife is both easier to conceal on
draw and use in an instant.
• Quickness
How fast can one attack with a knife depends on its size, weight and distance at which the attacke
That’s pretty close and leaves precious little time to react, the defensive action m
• Effectiveness
An attack with a hand or foot, if we miss a parry in defending it, can’t do lastin
unlucky, it can maim or kills as well. But if we miss a parry defending agains
still debilitating our ability to defend. You can’t block a knife attack, cush
lose lots of blood and get weaker by the moment. Ain’t much upbe
 ry to earn some points playing on a pri-
ptimistic camp’ – maintains, that with long
ys, that no matter how hard you train, you
matter of fact, the truth is much nearer the
fate patiently? By no means, but we have
USD). And in Poland there are no limits on
rmit, like for a firearm, and prices prove no
ell yourself how many people do you see,
n one’s person, much faster and easier to
er draws his knife – on average 1-2 meters.
must be quicker than the attack itself.
ng harm. I mean, on the average – if you’re
st knife, that always means a serious harm,
hion it or endure. Slashed with a knife you
eat, huh?
OCHRONA - PSD
One would think no one would fall for all these blatant
nonsense, but people tend to fall for illusions of safety, sold
by all these guys. And what the reality looks like? Not good,
to avoid more fitting but obscene answers. The defense
against knife is taught in most of these ‘fail-proof’ defen-
sive systems as a mere afterthought, to make the student
pass another section and earn another ribbon, colored belt
or whatever that particular school gives the naïve students
for their money. There are no specialized defense-against-
-a-knife courses. Period. And training for two hours every
second week is as effective as shielding oneself against a
bullet with a folded newspaper. You can do that, sure, but
what for? Even if a course tries to devote more time and
effort to a defense against knife, it still assumes, that the
assailant would attack standing firm on his place, by an im-
mortal ventral thrust upwards or a vertical hammer blow.
Each of these “realistic” techniques is executed in such a
slow way, that everybody would find a time for espresso
before the assailant finishes his elaborate maneuver. And
when he does, he invariably remains stationary, perhaps
to simulate his amazement at missing his mark. Unfortu-
nately, life is unfair – in real life there are no knife systems,
that a certain defense techniques are sure to block. Simply
– so far no one teaches the assailants a codified “system” of
knife attack, against which an equally codified defense wo-
uld be effective. No diploma, no matter how pretty, would
defend anyone from a knife attack…
An effective defense against a knife attack is a set of buil-
ding blocks, mastering of each extends our chance of survi-
val. But we have to realize, that a sum of all these chances
would NEVER exceed 50%. No one, never, can be sure to
be able to defend against a knife attack for sure. And that’s
the first step of the ladder. This and a realization,
that pocket change or a cell phone are not
worth sacrificing your life for. Or, for that
matter, honor or pride.
So what building blocks are we
talking about?
Motorics
That’s basic. A very wide term, encompassing practi-
cally all body functions connected with moving – and
more. Speed, force, endurance, coordination, agility,
dexterity, vivaciousness, limberness…Without them
no defense can be effective. The life’s not fair – if you’re
obese, you’re caught breathless after running the
length of a bus, and the fastest move you are capable
of is punching a button on the remote – forget it! You
can build motorics by training. Of course, the more
you put in, the more you pull out – if you train every
day, chances are that after half a year you’ll able to
see the first results. You run faster, your moves
Competence
You are not an Alfa and Omega, the omniscient – you don’t
have to know everything. That’s what you have a coach for,
to tell you what to do, and how, to guide you. Any sporting
coach would be able to develop a training regimen meant
to advance your motorics. With the martial arts masters...
Well, it depends on many things. But much depends on
yourselves as well, on your objective observation, your
ability to objectively judge your own advance and to ask
a coach your questions. A good coach MUST be able to
explain what any given exercise is for, what would it give
to you, how it would help you achieve an objective. So, if
asking about some activity you only hear that it is ‘a tra-
dition’ – you’d better start for the door immediately.
are getting more fluent, it’s easier to do some things,
you react faster. Of course, WHAT you train does mat-
ter – fine snooker skills won’t help much in effective
defense
Determination
It’s a human thing to survive, no matter what cost. The
self-preservation instinct used to be very powerful in
humans, now in a world where aggression is being
castrated, it tends to be muted and suppressed. A
guy with a knife opposing us is a real life-threatening
situation. Being fashionably ‘assertive’ might not
suffice to survive such encounter.
Attitude
This is the gravest sin of all martial arts school – the cor-
nerstone of their ‘philosophy’ is to win over the opponent.
If for a dozen years or more you train some martial art, in
which you are taught to fight until the opponent stands,
you tend to repeat that in real life – which is the shortest
shortcut ever to the intensive care ward and/or cemetery.
In real life it’s ‘he wins, who survives most intact’. During
one of my seminars I was shocked, when one of the stu-
dents, martial arts instructor, declared that to run from
danger would ‘soil his honor’. No, thanks, pal – I know
easier and less painful ways of committing suicide.
Of course these building blocks are much more than that, and we could discuss these above in much
more minute details. It’s a huge subject, and one article would not be able to cover it all.
Time to get practical, then. One of the most frequently asked questions during my seminars is: “OK, suppo-
se I’m riding in a lift (substitute whatever enclosed space) with this guy, and he suddenly pulls out a knife

OCHRONA - PSD
and attacks me. What do I do?”. People tend to disbelieve my answer of: “Why, nothing, you’re dead”, they
suspect I hide from them some sure-fire secret defensive technique. No secret techniques would defend
you from a lose-lose situation, and simple reason would dictate not to waste time training for a scenario
that you can’t win. A determined, surprising knife attack is one of these. Are there any else? Sure thing?

Mugging at knife point Knife attack

In a sense this is quite a comfortable situation for
you. You have time to scout the situation, think
about strategy and tactics, and what’s most im-
portant – there’s no direct threat to you, as the
mugger’s objective is to take things from you, not
necessarily your life. The first option you should
think of is – of course – to RUN. If you are in the
open, if the avenue of retreat is clear, you sho-
uldn’t even think of anything else, but immedia-
tely run for your dear life.
The first basic of defense
against a knife attack is to
control the distance. You MUST
NOT permit the assailant to clo-
se enough to be able to thrust
or cut with his knife. If that hap-
pens, you’d not be able to change
direction fast enough to avoid be-
ing hurt. If you allow the assailant
to close enough to grab hold of you
and mug you literally at knife’s point,
then defense would be very difficult
if your motorics aren’t really brilliant.
Forget all disarming techniques. Start lo-
oking for your wallet, checking on as many
pockets as you dare, and when this knife point
ceases to pressure – RUN!
No matter if the attack is triggered by your refusal
to give change or as a result of some other quar-
rel, if you’re attacked, some kind of active reaction
would be necessary. Again – distance control! The
further the assailant would have to reach, the bet-
ter the chances for effectual defense. No closing
up, no restraining, no hassle. Get out of the attack
line and RUN! Each second wasted within the assa-
ilant’s reach gives him a better chance to hurt you.
And that’s not the point. Of course, the number
of chances to exit the attack line is exponentially
linked to the level of your motorics and training.
If you have a chance, you can try diversionary
techniques to gain time and maybe a better
chance of escaping.
But sometime it’s impossible to run, if you are in
an enclosure or you defend third persons. Then
it’s your determination, that takes over as a key
factor. There’s no way out. Now, it’s either you,
or him. That’s the only situation, when instead
of avoiding the assailant, you HAVE to go for him
and try disarming him. That’s when wrestling
comes handy, a good hold and lever might help
to control the assailant’s weapon. But if he would
try to wriggle himself free or try to transfer his
knife to the other hand, just holding might not
suffice. Anyway – you need a strong, determined
hold on an armed hand, a hold strong enough to
positively control it, to try anything else: hit the
assailant, trip him, etc. But first exclude the knife
from the equation, as it poses a mortal threat.

Of course, I’m aware that a mere article is not a

training manual, and that it is barely able to scratch
the subject on the surface. But I’d be happy to start
with the basics in order to dispel the many myths surro-
unding the defense against the knife attack. In the next
installments I’ll try to explain basics of defending with
various objects.
POJAZDY - VEHICLES
The first C-130 gunships appeared in 1967, during
the Vietnam War. Previously they were based on earlier cargo air-
planes, the AC-47 or AC-119s, so it was natural to use a current cargo
airplane as a basis for another gunship. The 18 craft were converted
to AC-130A Gunship IIs, and (save for 5 shot down in Vietnam) they
served until retired in 1991 after the first Gulf War. But they were
not alone. Owing to the development of the basic aircraft, the sec-
ond generation AC-130E Pave Aegis gunships based on C-130Es were
being designed as of 1970. The increased payload enabled to aug-
ment the gunship armament by including the 105 mm howitzer.
All in all 11 AC-130Es were built, and 10 remaining in late 1970s (one
was shot down in Vietnam) were then converted to AC-130H Spectre
by installing stronger, 4508 shp Allison T56-A-15 turboprops with
quieter 4-bladed props. In the coming years the combat capabilities
of the gunships were enhanced by enabling the mid-flight re-fueling
by a rigid boom, and modernizing avionics. New fire control comput-
ers were fitted, optoelectronic sighting and surveillance gear, navsat
system, new communication, electronic warfare and self-defense
systems. The modernized AC-130Hs were extensively used in combat
operations throughout the world: in the Gulf War, and in Iraq,
Bosnia, Kosovo, Liberia, Somalia and Afghanistan. Three were lost,
and since 2013 the oldest started to get retired from line service.
In the late 1980s the oldest AC-130A gunships started to get
retired, replaced by the new AC-130U Spooky IIs, converted from
C-130H starting in 1990. These gunships were converted to double
as surveillance craft by installing two surveillance operator pulpits
and were also augmented with ceramic armament installed in key
construction points. To enhance self-defense capabilities the number
of AN/ALE-47 decoy launchers was augmented, with a total of 300
chaff loads to jam radar and 180 flares to lure the heat-seeking missiles,
and IR jamming systems (AN/AAQ-24), aas well as missile warning
systems (AN/AAR-44, later AN/AAR-47) were installed. Electronic
warfare systems AN/ALQ-172 and AN/ALQ-196 were added, as well
as AN/AAQ-117 surveillance system, augmented by numerous CCTV
cameras. Standard armament of the AC-130U Spooky II is one 25
mm GAU-12 rotary cannon (replacing a pair of 20 mm M-61 Vulcans,
taken over from AC-130H), one Bofors 40 mm L/60 automatic cannon
and one 105 mm M102 howitzer. The fire control uses the AN/AAQ-
117 system and AN/APQ-180 radar.
The Spookies started their operational service in the 1990s, starting the development of our subject –

POJAZDY - VEHICLES
AC-130J Ghostrider
with a stint at the Balkans, then they were deployed to Iraq and
Afghanistan. The Afghanistan and Iraq campaigns prompted creation
of another AC-130 generation, owing to technological development,
higher rate of wear and increasing operational demands. The USMC
and USAF have procured modular “strike packages” to be installed in
redundant KC-130J Hercules (‘Harvest Hawk’) and MC-130W Dragon
Spears (‘Precision Strike Package’). Both programs enabled to
up-gun the gunships with air-to-ground missiles and 30 mm
cannon. The operational experience was successful enough to start

AC-130J Ghostrider in final configuration, note the 30 mm cannon – photo. USAF

The Ghostrider Rides On with some equipment extras, like the optoelectronic heads for the f
surveillance and sighting equipment. Lockheed Martin was only t
PrThe AC-130J Ghostrider program is a result of the operational
responsible for delivering the MC-130J aircraft, which were –
demand and generational change in the US air force. New aircraft
to be converted at the Eglin Field. It took a year to complete the w
were needed to replace the aging AC-130Hs and augment the fleet of
prototype AC-130J, and this period is scheduled to be b
AC-130Us, as well as KC-130Js and MC-130Ws. To keep the cost shortened to nine months for the production aircraft. As the (
(considerable anyway) lower, the new gunships were based on already KC-130Js and MC-130Ws before, the new A
ordered aircraft, the MC-130J Commando II AC-130J is based on modular configuration. The heart of the offen- e
– they are factory-new, and coming with enhanced structural points, sive system is the Precision Strike Package in its I Gen. Save for the t

Intensive combat in Iraq and Afghanistan increased the wear beyond the early 2000s
schedules – photo. USMC

The earliest AC-130 gunships were armored to withstand a direct hit
from 37 mm AAA. The AC-130J was ordered armored to withstand...
7.62 mm bullet hits, and even that only in critical points of the struc-
ture and cockpit. In the future, budget and operational need allow-
ing, the new gunships are to be upgunned, to regain the on-board
105 mm howitzer, which came to symbolize the Spectre or Spooky,
or the AGM-114 Hellfire launchers, currently used on KC-130J Harvest
Hawks.
The Americans plan to spend 2.4 billion dollars for 37 operational
AC-130J Ghostriders. Their first squadron is to operate out of Cannon
AFB in New Mexico. The initial operational readiness is scheduled
for 2017, with the last aircraft to be delivered in 2021. At that time
they would become one of the two principal U.S. Special Operations
Command gunships.

US
factory installed cables, all other elements were designed to be in- better suited to aerial use, is accurate enough, shoots lighter am-

terchangeable and modifiable according to the operational needs
– whether the operators’ pulpits, additional power generators, or
weapons systems, both those on-board and carried outside. The on-
board armament comprises (as of now) of a single 30 mm GAU-23A
(aka M230) with 500 rounds, mounted in the left front of the fuselage.
Apparently, the USAF was not happy with the Mk.44 Bushmaster IIs test-
POJAZDY - VEHICLES
munition, and has much less recoil. Other than the GAU-23A, the
AC-130J (in its current configuration) has AGM-176 Griffin missiles
(20 kilogram each, with 5.9 kg HE head and a range of 20 km), car-
ried on the loading ramp (!), 10 missiles to a launcher, and GBU-39A
SDB-I bombs (!) on outward pylons. What’s interesting, the loud-

ed on AC-130Us, and decided to replace them with another chaingun, est uproar was not caused by the armament, but by armor suit.
the M230 (used on AH-64 Apache helicopter gunships), which proved

In future (funding and operational needs permitting) the AC-130Js are to gain the 105 mm howitzers – photo. USAF

SMC’s KC-130J Harvest Hawk is an example of modular approach to the AC-130’s armament – photo. USMC
STEL

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NOWOCZESNE TECHNOLOGIE - ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
THR
The Tactical Hand-thrown Robot, known so far under the abbreviation
of the Polish equivalent of that name, the TRM (for Taktyczny Robot
Miotany), was created at the Warsaw-based Industrial Institute for
Automatics and Measurements, or PIAP, to be used in hardly-accessible
or dangerous for a human being places. It is a quintessential electronic
scout. It is a development of the current RM (Hand-thrown Robot),
‘tacticalized’ for special operations use.
Both RM and TRM look like dumbbells, but there’s nothing dumb about
them – just the opposite, they’re quite smart. The robot has a cylindri-
cal aluminum body with two large wheels, fitted with terrain thread.
Both wheels culminate in plastic wheel caps, designed to dampen the
impact on landing, should the robot land not squarely enough on its
wheels. A tail is fitted to the body, an elastic cord with a donut shaped
weight, to keep the robot in proper orientation. There are two main
orientations: with camera pointing upwards or camera facing to the
front. The latter is the main working position, while the former is
used for e.g. examination of the car chassis for explosive devices. The
RM has and eye – a high-resolution CCTV camera – and ear as well,
a directional microphone installed in the body. LED light provides light-
ing for the RM’s camera if the ambient light is not sufficient. Data from
the sensors is sent to the operator’s control panel, shaped as a brief-
case. The operator can watch and hear live transmission, which is also
recorded for future review.
Nowadays, the operator can direct as many as three robots from one
control panel – of course not at the same time, but toggle-switching
between them. The operator’s control panel is powered by internal
rechargeable batteries. The control panel’s battery operation time is
longer than a sum of all three robots autonomous battery operations.
The control panel has a color LCD display, showing the video feed from
the currently steered robot, buttons to switch between the three
robots, and a small joystick to maneuver the robot. If the robot
proceeds beyond the pulpit range (30-100 meters indoors, 120-150
meters outdoors), it will automatically hibernate. The RM/TRM is
secured against the overtaking attempts by scrambling the coded
command signal, unique for each robot and control panel pair.
Right now the RMs are mostly used by the Polish State
searching fire sites and other dangerous areas, as well
and security services for pyrotechnical threats scouting
Over at PIAP a modernization effort on the RM is in
version is to be better suited to counter-terrori
assignments. The main hindrance for today is the size o
pulpit, a big briefcase or a small suitcase rather, 8 ki
That’s OK for a search or inspection team, but not for
ator’s waiting for a video surveillance before kicking t
calls for adding a designator robot operator just to tak
bot. But that’s not PIAP’s fault – when they were desig
one thought it could be ‘militarized’, so the size and we
pit were of little concern. But when the prospective us
about that, the PIAP team commenced re-designing
from both ends: the control panel and the robot itse
RM would be better suited to future missions, ruggediz
The latter would extend the safe dropping height, fro
meters.
But the main efforts was aimed at the control panel. Firs
be separated from the display, and both modules wou
size and weight. The idea was to enable the point man t
control the robot, without hindering his mobility. The
be clipped-on to the tac vest or sleeve, and the image can
to each member of the team, to his individual dis
helmet-mounted ‘Future Soldier’ - style individu
if introduced. The new steering panel would be minia
enabling one-handed operation by miniature joystick
size and weight would enable it to be carried in a do
pouch. The TRM will be modular to a certain point, an
enable the robot to operate also in aggressive chemica
The TRM would be carried in a dedicated pouch, mount
PALS to the individual equipment. Fortunately, the P
try to design the covers by themselves, hiring a hig
external company instead. The TRM would gain a new, m
– but for the same asking price.
 NOWOCZESNE TECHNOLOGIE - ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
e Fire Brigade for
l as by the Police
g.
place. The new
ist and assault
of the operator’s
ilograms heavy.
r a stick of oper-
the door in. That
ke care of the ro-
gning the RM, no
eight of the pul-
sers complained
right away, and
elf. The ‘Tactical’
zed, and lighter.
om the current 9

st of all, it would
uld be reduced in
to wear both and
new display can
n be transmitted
splay, including
ual displays –
aturized as well,
k. The objective
ouble-magazine
nd covers would
al environment.
ted with MOLLE/
PIAP didn’t even
ghly-specialized,
modern outlook
All modifications are consulted with the future users in real-time. The ruggedized TRM is aimed at military
and police special operation teams, as well as the traditional users of the earlier model, the fire brigades or tech-
nical inspection teams. The modernization does not necessarily means that there’s something wrong with the old
model – it was just modified to cater for other set of needs. The older robots can be operated from the new control
panel, no problem. The successful modification of the RM taps into the considerable potential of the robot to give
the new users a machine better suited to their demands proving what can be done with just minimal cost and effort,
when you have a good product, that can be modernized without major surgery.

Technical Data Tactical Hand-Thrown Robot:

Weight, basic configuration: 1,4 kg

Weight, payload 0,16 kg

Weight, operator’s control panel 7,8 kg

Top speed 3,1 kph

Maximum slope 25°

Dropping altitude <9 m

Range in buildings ≤30 –100 m

Range in the open ≤120 – 150 m

Additional equipment camera, microphone, LED light

Materials aluminum, rubber, steel

Robot autonomous operation period ≈1 h

Operator’s pulpit autonomous period ≈4 h

Number of additional devices controlled simultaneously ≤3

Robot size 205 x 167 x 190 mm

Transfer case for three robots size 546 x 347 x 196 mm

photo: Bartek Bera www.rbsphotos.co
FOTO - PHOTO OPS
om/bartosz-bera
photo: Bartek Bera
FOTO - PHOTO OPS
Text: Equipped.pl
Photos: 762PR
TRZECIA LINIA - 3RD LINE
 TRZECIA LINIA - 3RD LINE
Helikon-Tex company from Poland is catching more
and more attention from users worldwide. At IWA 2014 in
Nuremberg they are introducing a brand new product line
with precision laser cut durable fabrics and a completely new
brand. First product in the pipeline is the feature-loaded mid
profile Direct Action® Messenger Bag for your every
day carry use sized perfectly for the most common
loads. And some uncommon too.
The distinct features of the new messenger
are laser-cut slits for all your MOLLE stuff,
durable fabrics and eight pockets for huge
amounts of personal gear.
OVERVIEW
Helikon-Tex decided to use only top
notch materials as tough Cordura®
fabric, rock solid Duraflex® buckles
and hardware and durable YKK®
zippers with paracord pulls for easy
opening. Another cool feature is la-
ser-cut MOLLE compatible matrix
on external pockets and flap – clas-
sic MOLLE webbing is so 2000. Direct
Action® Messenger Bag is built like
a classic courier or messenger bag to keep
your items in organized way. It was designed
with versatility in mind and might be used in mul-
tiple ways from tactical and non-tactical every day
carry around town, range bag up to BOB bag or vehicle go-
bag when SHTF or Zombies will appear in your neighborhood.
FEATURES
This simple, rectangular shaped and medium sized (32x28x15 cm) bag
was crafted from lightweight but durable 500D Cordura® nylon fabric
with water resistant coating. There is large padded main compart-
ment with opening flap which covers top and the front of bag and sev-
en additional exterior and interior pockets for storage. Direct Action®
Messenger Bag has a long, quick-detachable (with Duraflex® buckles)
50 mm wide shoulder strap with removable shoulder pad for comfort-
able wear with heavier loads for extended period of time. Shoulder
pad has bottom lining from anti-slip grippy fabric. There is also a wide
webbing top carry handle to use the bag as a briefcase. Bag features
additional removable 25 mm webbing stabilizer strap to secure the
bag when you’re on the move. This strap doubles as an alternative,
longer top carry handle.

The main compartment and the full front of Direct Action® Messen-
ger Bag is covered with a large flap with carry handle. On the outside
there are multiple laser-cut slits for additional MOLLE compatible
pouches which are equivalent to eight MOLLE columns. The flap se-
cures to the front of the bag with two Velcro® strips on the back plus
two flush-mounted Duraflex® buckles. Female buckles are mounted di-
rectly to the flap while the male buckles are mounted on straps on the
front of the bag body. The loose parts of webbing straps might be used
for additional compression. Large piece of Velcro® loop (95x160mm)
was sewn in the center of flap and gives you real estate for all the tac-
ticool and cool guy patches. The flat large sized (almost A4/US Letter)
zippered pocket was built into the flap – the full-width reversed YKK®
zipper is sewn on the outside and allows to access the pocket immedi-
ately. Zipper is covered with flap for lower profile and to avoid snag-
ging. On the reverse of flap there is large zippered pocket with trans-
parent window for maps and documents.

The body of Direct Action® Messenger Bag incorporates large main compart-
ment and five outside pockets. The 36x26x10 main compartment is lined
with Velcro loop for individual customization and to enhance the internal
versatility. It can accommodate all your favorite drop-in organizers or pock-
ets inside. On the back there is a tablet/notebook (up to 13” display) pocket
to keep it secured. On the outside of bag there is zippered hidden rear com-
partment for relatively large but flat items. It might be used for concealed
carry pistol but due the “print” and bulk we will not recommend it.
 TRZECIA LINIA - 3RD LINE
The side pockets are sewn to the right and left walls of the main body
of the bag. Right one is small open-top pocket with additional remov-
able Velcro® strap closure. Small water bottles fits perfectly. The left
small-sized pocket has a two-way YKK® zipper entry and it features
two additional internal open-top pockets – mesh pocket on the inside
of flap and the open-top. On the outside there is another matrix of la-
ser cut slits for additional attachments.

The two last external pockets are sewn on the front wall of the bag.
They both feature laser cut mounting slits matrix on the front and
YKK® two-way zippers. Right pocket flap might be fully opened with
paracord drop-down shelf/drawbridge-style work-area lined with Vel-
cro loop, similar feature as in some of IFAK’s or admin panels. It might
be used for notepad or tablet. In this pocket there is also the open-top
mesh compartment with lanyard and plastic key keeper to hold keys
or other small items which might be easy to loose. The left pocket has
shorter zipper and features two internal compartments – open-top
mesh pocket and Cordura® organizer with three pen or pencil slots and
small pocket for mobile phone.

The entire bottom of the Direct Action® Messenger Bag is lined with
anti-slip fabric to protect this particular area against abrasions and
makes is completely waterproof there. There are also six daisy chains
loops with elastic shock-cord laced through them. The bungee cord
might be used to stowing a lightweight jacket on the outside.
IN USE
Direct Action® Messenger Bag works great for EDC use around town. Its
size is optimal to carry all your daily essentials – notebook, tablet, lap-
top, flash drives, hard drives, breakfast or lunch, maybe a bottle of wa-
ter and other stuff. Furthermore, the bag will not obstruct your move
in city crowd. It might be put in the vehicle trunk as BOB but also fits
well in space behind car seat. The Messenger Bag might be also an ex-
cellent solution for law enforcement officers to carry duty gear. Due its
“mid-profile” and more “tactical” design we would not recommend it
for low-profile and undercover work. The solid colored bags, like black
or gray will better blend in within the civilian world.

The shoulder strap due its width and removable shoulder pad is very
comfortable even during extended period of time and adjustable for
height of user. Stabilizer strap might be useful but we haven’t find
necessity to use it so we decided to ditch it.

Large array of pockets is excellent gear organization. If you need more

carrying options just slap on some MOLLE pouches on the outside. Just
keep it reasonable – that’s just a regular bag not the expedition back-
pack. We would recommend to add just some flat pockets and items
on the outside as they won’t add additional bulk to the Direct Action®
Messenger Bag – think multitool, strap cutter, etc. or some magazine
pouches if you are using it as a range bag. Whatever the pouch is, you
should remember that it will make opening the main compartment
harder.

Main compartment, lined with Velcro loops allows you to customize

the interior for user requirements. Tools, backup magazines or pistol
holster for concealed carry or even DSLR camera with additional lenses
might be stored inside. Remember – if you will decide to carry con-
cealed weapon, it won’t be rapidly accessible due the amount of Velcro
securing the flap. It will be possible to reach it but it will take more
time.

To sum up - Direct Action® Messenger Bag is a well designed and craft-

ed cool looking bag for your EDC use with individual customization.
Think about it like a feature-loaded cool-guy briefcase or mobile office
rather than fighting bag. Maybe not perfect for all but still great!
TRZECIA LINIA - 3RD LINE
 DRUGA LINIA - 2ND LINE
Author: Bartosz Szołucha
Photo: Michał Sitarski, Bartosz Szołucha, sprzetmilitarny.pl
 DRUGA LINIA - 2ND LINE

ULPC
Ultra Light Plate Carrier
SPECOPS company was founded in 2004 in city of Gdynia, Poland but its origins date back to the mid-1990s when they did
a lot of “garage customs”. Currently, it is the manufacturer providing tactical equipment for military and law enforcement
customers in Poland and Europe including Polish naval special warfare unit Formoza. In constant development they couldn’t
miss the trend of cutting the weight of the gear. Finally, in 2013 SPECOPS decided to jump on lightweight gear bandwagon
and released complete line of ultra lightweight tactical gear with ULPC Plate Carrier which the whole system is based around.
The line is constantly upgraded with new products, including plate carriers (two variants), duty belts, thigh panel, multiple
pouches and pockets and more. SPECOPS is also working on the 70-liter expedition-sized backpack sharing the ideas from
the load bearing equipment. It should be highlighted that SPECOPS is a pioneer in laser-cut tactical gear solutions in the
European market, joining the few manufacturers in the world offering ultra-light equipment build with such technology.
As it was mentioned above the first component is ULPC plate
carrier (Ultra Lightweight Plate
Carrier) - the core element of the whole system which was designed
with the direct input from SOF operators and was build accordingly to the latest
bulk-cutting trends with precisely laser cut patterns. It should be stressed that
ULPC is very specific, purpose-built minimalist-style plate carrier forcing minimalist
approach and configuration. ULPC the perfect solution for short and dynamic DA
operations with bare necessities load out - two ballistic plates and a basic set of
pockets and pouches with six assault rifle magazines, comms, first aid kit, bunch
of flash-bangs and hydration system. Such configurations works perfectly in close
quarter battle situations, low-pro operations but also in VBSS and maritime en-
vironment. ULPC has slick profile, no snagging parts and it will not increase the
weight when wet because there is nothing here what will soak. This plate carrier
was built with same purpose in mind as the Crye Precision JPC or Blue Force Gear
PLATEminus – go lightweight! There are no bells and whistles or fancy gadgets -
just the bare minimum.

CONSTRUCTION
The base fabric used in the construction of ULPC is SPECOPS-proprietary two-lay-
ered laminate consisting of two layers of Cordura 500D nylon joined together with
highly durable adhesive. This allowed to cut some grams in the weight but more
radical was the decision to ditch classic MOLLE/PALS webbing matrix. Instead of
sewing the multiple strips of nylon webbing SPECOPS decided to cut bulk (pouches
are closer to the body of vest) and complexity by cutting the MOLLE compatible slots
directly in the base fabrics. It took a while and plenty of research and test to find
proper solution but final laminate reached adequate mechanical resistance to tears
and cuts. The edges of the slits cut in laminate will not fray or delaminate, even
after long-term abuse.

Minimalism and simplicity is the key idea in the ULPC. A characteristic

feature is also a departure from the classical construction of the vest with a few or
a dozen stitched items and definitely on the laser-punched panels - really simplify
the whole, at the same time accelerating the production process. SPECOPS ULPC
essentially consists of two panels (front and rear). Period. There is nothing more.
Total weight - 480 grams.
DRUGA LINIA - 2ND LINE
The front panel
to attach up to three magazine po
for you. In the upper part there ar
access to cummerbund for adjustm
elastic cummerbund.
Simple bud adjustable cummerbu
matrix on the outside. In future SP
of front and back panels is almost s
snag. Since the matrix is fully comp
carriers but it is recommended to u

ULPC’s front and

tic loops for routing the hydration
was caused because minimalist ap
and Large. Regular should fit most

SPECOPS ULPC is
it will also fit Shooter’s/Swimmer’s
will adjust to the size of plate. Ba
stabilizing while the other two p
together at the bottom of the Velc
comfortable, after the early tests,
provide such protection plates ag
surface of the panel are made “ins
make covers for the disc. .
 DRUGA LINIA - 2ND LINE
has a width of six columns of MOLLE/PALS, which essentially translates into the ability
ouches for single or double rifle magazine. If you need more ammo then ULPC it is not
re Velcro loop strips for ID and patches. Below there is front center-opening with the
ment. The rear panel has an almost identical design - the only difference is integrated,

und is wide and has flexible band stitched on the inside and MOLLE/PALS compatible
PECOPS will have optional side plate pouches available for the ULPC. The outer surface
smooth and when the plate carrier will be paired with right pouches (below) it will not
patible with all the other MOLLE or MALICE pouches, users can apply anything on their
use light weight pouches as standard ones will not offer such weight savings.

back panels are joined with low-profile and flat shoulder harness with additional elas-
n tube or radio wires. Shoulder straps are adjustable in relatively small range but this
pproach of the design. There are two sizes of ULPC available from SPECOPS – Regular
t Medium-Large SAPI plates users.

s designed to carry two SAPI/E-SAPI shape ballistic plates in Medium or Large size but
s Cut ballistic plates. Since it does not have dedicated plate carrying pocket, the panels
allistic plates are kept with a six-point “spider-net” - the four side sections are elastic
points (upper and lower) are permanent part of the ULPC panel. These are fastened
cro. In the first variant of the plate carrier, the system is slightly different and was less
, in which FRAG OUT crew was involved, it has been corrected. “Spider-net” does not
gainst external factors, like the classic palte pocket (especially that laser slits on the
side out”), but reduces weight significantly and improves air flow. SPECOPS order can
The drawback of ULPC construction is complicated donning and doffing (due
the front flap covered with pouches) and lack of emergency release – there are no
side buckles or QR-system, so in the emergency situation team medic will cut the
plate carrier and he will not be able to use it later to protect the wounded. In the
case of falling into the water is not possible to ditch the vest but current standard
for operations the maritime environment are floatation collars so QR is not necessary.

Since the low-profile and minimalistic design of ULPC is not as comfortable as in

the regular plate carrier with padded shoulders, SPECOPS released a set of optional
comfort pads from compressed foam to increase long-term wear capabilities. Two
are shaped after the front and back panels and another two are designed to work
as shoulder pads.
The ULPC is available in solid colors (Coyote/OD Green/Black) and in Crye
Precision Multicam camouflage pattern. SPECOPS announced that A-TACS and
PenCott patterns should be available in future.
DRUGA LINIA - 2ND LINE
ACCESS
SPECOPS ULPC is t

using the same laser-cut technology were

to hit the market were open-top ULKBK sin

pistol magazine pouch. Both are based on

pouches from High Speed Gear Inc. or HSG

to the surface of plate carrier but their atta

effort to place them correctly. Tip from F

will help a bit.

Both ULKBK and U

magazine pouches and since their feature

with wide variety of different magazines. P

– they were made with one piece of base

and feature an profiled (bend and rounded

cord lacing to lock just about any magazin

On the front of th

laser-cut slits corresponding to the two r

On the back there are two vertical strap

plate carrier or belt. ULP1 pistol mag pouc

mounting strap and one set of front slits.

The Kydex insert in the mag pouches hold

quick draws but positive retention is prov

pouch. The shock cord allows to use the m

it enables user to adjust the grip for individ

cinched with cord lock placed in the botto

SORIES

DRUGA LINIA - 2ND LINE

the core – specific pouches

e developed to go with plate carrier. First

ngle rifle magazine pouch and ULP1 single

n well-known and highly appreciated TACO

GI. With the minimum bulk they stick great

achment system requires a little time and

FRAG OUT - simple ruler or strip of plastic

ULP1 are quick-draw, adjustable grip

e open-top construction these are working

Pouches same as ULPC are also minimalist

e fabric laminate, piece of non-slip fabric

d on the ends) Kydex insert plus the shock

ne into place.

he ULKBK mag pouch there are

rows with two cells of MOLLE/PALS loops.

ps which weaves thought the slits in the

ch is half narrower and it features just one

ds the shape of the pouch and allows very

vided by shock cord weaved through the

mag pouches with multiple magazines and

dual preferences. The shock cord might be

om of the pouch.
We have tested SPECOPS magazine pouches

ard magazines. The ULKBK works well (it m

ily( with standard 30 round 5,56x45 stee

Magpul PMAG M2’s (got no M3 on hand), La

tic AK/AK74/Tantal/Beryl magazines and w

M14. It even fits the Sturmgewehr STG-44

work well with almost every type of pistol m

17 (standard and “Plus 2” variant) magazi

Beretta M92. Observation – metal magazine

rial inside and more force is needed to draw

flashlight, multitool, expandable baton or s

In meantime this article was written the d

not available and we had no opportunity to

suspenders, hip panel and fanny bag in the

Mag pouches might on the ULPP patrol belt

slots on the outside for weaving the duty b

holsters and thigh panels. Outer sleeve is m

ULPC and it features rows of slits correspon

webbing. Inside of the sleeve is lined with p

comfort. The ULPP comes with internal 50 m

from single layer of webbing it should be r

does have four attachment points for harne

 DRUGA LINIA - 2ND LINE
s with multiple standard and non-stand-

means holds securely and deploys eas-

el and aluminum AR15/M4 magazines,

ancer AWM’s, HERA H3, metal and plas-

with some rifle mags – think FN FAL and

4 assault rifle mags! The ULP1 should

magazines – we have checked the Glock

ines, HK USP, HK P30, Walther P99 and

es are held tighter by the non-slip mate-

w them. ULP1 might serve as a pouch for

similar sized item.

double magazine ULKBK2 pouches were

o play with them. There are also low-pro

pipeline.

which is a sleeve featuring the weaving

belt to mount the thigh or belt mounted

made out of the same laminate as the

nding to the two rows of classic MOLLE

padding and spacing mesh for increased

mm wide duty belt but since it is made

replaced with stiffer one. The ULPP belt

ess and two extra plastic D-rings.

SUMMAR
As it was highlighted before - a kit of ultra-
and good ventilation could encouraged to d

Potential user of SPECOPS ULPC should keep

on those located in the middle of the size ra
be as well. Skinny guy will not fasted the ve
to the height adjustments although there is

Magazine pouches also have some limitatio

get inside the mags, or rappelling. Their prim

These are not Downsiddes of equipm

COPS ULPC with accessories is a goo
RY

DRUGA LINIA - 2ND LINE

-light SPECOPS gear is very specific and dedicated for specific tasks. It is not suitable for long-term green side operations (although its light weight
do so), because of the very limited estate of weaving slits.

p few facts in mind, however. First of all, very important is to choose the proper size - jacket has a limited range of adjustment. ULPC will work best
ange or slightly above, the closer to the upper border. Then the elastic cummerbund will work best. For people on the end of the size range will not
est properly making cummerbund work and big guy will extend the cummerbund to the maximum and elastics will not work too. Same thing goes
s no elastic elements.

ons and are not suitable for extreme activities such as fast roping, green side operations – these are open-top pouches so all the sand and dirt will
mary goal is to enable rapid draw of the magazine and they do it well.

pment SPECOPS, these are limitations that arise from the dedicated use of the system and its design philosophy. SPE-
od platform for specific use. It’s made from top-notch materials and it’s truly reliable piece of tactical equipment.
 TRZECIA LINIA - 3RD LINE
Equipped.pl
Arc’teryx LEAF (Law Enforcement and Armed Forces)
is well-established Canadian brand born from the
Arc’teryx (short from Archaeopteryx - the prehis-
toric animal that looked like a bird, yet also had
some of the features of a dinosaur) which is inextri-
cably associated with the unique and innovative de-
signs of high-end performance outdoor products.
Designers of the “Dead Bird” pushed out many solu-
tions from the world of extreme outdoor sports
to advanced tactical gear. It is no different with a
Khard 45 backpack. Khard 45.
From the first glance, the appearance of the back-
pack is way different from that which we have
become accustomed to by companies providing
tactical gear. The Khard 45 (and his smaller brother
Khard 30) single compartment fully-padded back-
pack is rather close in his look to civilian prod-
ucts - it fits perfectly into the popular trend of
low-profile gear. It has less aggressive, no-MOLLE
design and will not be associated immediately with
military or law enforcement by crowds. Beside the
outside look, designers decided to implement mul-
tiple features from ultralight hiking backpacks
such us to radically cut down the weight, make the
pack silhouette as low and narrow as possible.
They also decided to get rid of internal pockets
which were usual way to organize the items car-
ried in the pack. Khard family backpacks are not a
conventional top loaders nor a panel loaders, but
are fully padded single compartment packs which
have a full U-zip closure that opens from the top,
side or unzips completely to reveal interior panels
lined with Velcro loop working as platform that
allows the user to build their own, mission-ori-
ented modular system – they can decided if they
require setup for medical pack, EOD, assault, sur-
veillance or other. To this moment such feature
was applied only in medical packs.
CARRYING SYSTEM
The stra
The core of Arc’teryx LEAF Khard 45 is Arc’teryx C ² (Composite
Construction) suspension system based around rigid and ergonomi- might be
cally shaped frame sheet made out 8 mm laminate. This non-remov- (attache
able frame sheets serves also as the back plate which protects user’s of MIL-W
body against hammering from the objects with sharp corners carried 45 come
inside. There are the two 22 mm wide anodized aluminum rails hips. For
removable frame stays.
Flat and fairly narrow (about 70 to 45 mm, depending on the
point of measurement) fully-adjustable, S-shaped shoulder
straps are designed to not interfere with body armor. Straps
are padded with the thin foam and the bottom is covered with
Spacermesh. In the lower parts of the harness there are ITW
Nexus GhillieTEX ™ Dual Quick Release Buckles used
to adjust the length of suspenders and as an emergency release
system. Buckles might be unclipped in one of two ways – with
classic side-release or with quick release toggle. Pulling down
on the toggle causes the spring arms on the male buckle to move
inwards slightly, allowing the male buckle to detach from the
female buckle. The toggle needs to be pulled straight down -
a quick, firm tug is all that’s needed. When doffing the pack,
pulling forward on the toggle doesn’t disengage the buckle;
it just loosens the strap. The lower buckle part has an elastic
cover sewn over it.

aps are adjustable for wide spectrum of users and the loose ends
e secured with Velcro keepers. There is also removable sternum strap
ed through the daisy chains) and simple waist belt which is a strip
W-17337 nylon webbing with 50 mm wide ITW Nexus buckle. Khard
es with two padded, movable side pads, supporting the load on the
r Khard 30, these are available as on option.
MAIN COMPARTMENT
TRZECIA LINIA - 3RD LINE
The most interesting feature of the Arc’teryx Khard 45 backpack is the
way the main compartment was built. It is made ​​of highly durable and resist-
ant Cordura 500D fabric with a dull surface and fibers coated with silicone
for additional water resistance. The interior is made of lightweight nylon
ripstop fabric. Panel in direct contact with the user’s back is covered with
Burly Double Weave (46% polyester, 46% nylon, 8% Spandex) soft shell
fabric with DWR coating.
The overall silhouette of the pack is very streamlined, without elements
that could possibly snag on something. The shape of the main compartment
will not cause problems when moving in narrow passages or when travelling
with a commercial plane. The front and both side walls were padded foam
with a thickness of 5 mm to protect carried equipment from damage and
ensure the rigidity of the structure - backpack, even when it is empty hold
its shape and does not collapse. Padding will also protect against the forma-
tion of “fingerprints” on the material, so the shape of the items carried
will be not recognizable on the outside in most of situations.
The issue of access to th
most common solutions
ing), side zips and clam
Khard pack in followin
• Only the upper par
• Half of the flap, includ
• Full opening of the ac
way pack might be use
contact with the groun

This solution provides mu

possible to open only lef
The interior of compartm
multiple types of modu
or even produce the poc
Gear, LBX Tactical and NF

he inside of the backpack was solved as a conjunction of three
s, such as the classic top-loader (as in large backpacks climb-
mshell. Two long coiled YKK main zippers allow to open the
ng ways:
rt of the main flap (as in backpacks for bicycle couriers)
ding the opening of the sides only,
ccess flap, causing the distribution of the side walls flat. In this
ed as improvised shooting apron, providing protection against
nd.
ultiple access points into the pack’s interior. Of course, it is also
ft or right side of the backpack.
ment is lined with four broad sections of Velcro loop where
ular pouches might be placed. The Arc’teryx does not provide
ckets and pouches but these are available from the Blue Force
FM in multiple variants and sizes.
TRZECIA LINIA - 3RD LINE
The interior of compartment is lined with four broad sections of Velcro loop where
multiple types of modular pouches might be placed. The Arc’teryx does not pro-
vide or even produce the pockets and pouches but these are available from the Blue
Force Gear, LBX Tactical and NFM in multiple variants and sizes.
The versatility, modularity and capability to fully configure the internals of the pack
is its most interesting feature. User is able to create the pack tailored to his require-
ments based on the task and equipment carried. Maybe backpack with pouches
sewn inside will be ounces lighter, but it won’t be such versatile as Khard is. With
Khard user gets single platform which might be configured to carry concealed
weapon system (such as MP7 or MP5), EOD or medical items, climbing gear, comms
or surveillance equipment. It can serve as shooting apron too.
In addition to the customizable main compartment, Arc’teryx LEAF Khard 45
backpack features four storage pockets:
• External zippered pocket in the top of main flap - and readily available, with
a relatively large capacity because it ends up under the logo embroidered on
the outside. There is small plastic clip working as key holder;
• Stash pocket on the inside of the main flap, for smaller valuable items (better
protected against the weather);
• Two zippered side pockets – designed to fit standard hydration bladders with
up to 3 liters capacity. At the top of the each pocket there is a entry or “mouth”
through which hydration tube might be routed.
On both sides of the main chamber there are two compression straps made out of
AA-55301 Type III 25.4 mm wide webbing straps with side-release ITW Nexus 1”
Classic SR buckles, used to compress backpack or to attach additional equipment.
Loose ends of straps are secured with Velcro keepers.
Additional items such as clothing might be also attached via bungee cord matrix. As
it was mentioned above, the pack lacks MOLLE loops. To attach additional items the
daisy chains might be used. There are two rows on top of the pack, and two rows on
each side, rows on shoulder straps and on the top of main flap. The daisy chains can
be used for hanging climbing equipment, carabineers, etc. off the pack. Additional
straps or bungee cord can be routed through them for lashing a sleeping pad or
similar item.
The last feature of the pack are two carrying handles placed on the sides for easy
handling when pack is not worn.
 TRZECIA LINIA - 3RD LINE
IN USE
I am Khard 45 user since April 2013 and since then it has been
extensively deployed for various types of work including the everyday
carry for and travellers pack.

Contrary to initial fears, associated with a simple carrier system based

on narrow bib, a backpack is very convenient, but keep in mind the lim-
itations of equipment carried weight - 15-18 pounds seems to be in
this case the maximum comfort, when I did not complain. In use, even
while running, backpack stays in place and does not move. Well-fit-
ting, slim design would also work in the mountains, the action in rock
crevices. The street is not conspicuous, especially if it is in the urban
colors Wolf. Khard 45 was tailored according to the standard to which
the Arc’teryx had to get used to their customers - top-quality materials
and stitching, and refined design are the characteristics of the com-
pany.
Arc’teryx LEAF Khard 45 weights about 1950 grams. It is
available in solid colors (Crocodile and Urban Wolf)
and in Crye Precision Multicam camouflage pattern.
Crocodile and Multicam are NIR compliant.
 Equipped.pl Photo: Equipped.pl, Survivaltech

In past few years the number of military and tactical loft jackets ha
In 2013 the Helikon-tex company from Wroclaw, Poland has joined th
Recently, Helikon has dramatically changed their production profile
clothing to quality projects designed in-house.
 ODZIEŻ I UMUNDUROWANIE - CLOTHING & UNIFORMS

as increased rapidly.
he top manufacturers.
e from cheap replica
The Helikon-Tex Level 7 jacket is medium weight i
jacket designed as an excellent replacement for ever pop
ter-weight fleece jackets used as overgarment or insulation
conditions. The synthetic filled jacket works well in virtually en
of low temperatures in Central Europe. The main purpose behin
sign were low-temperature static activities as bivouac, guard du
a warming layer during brake in march or patrol. Level 7 has r
short cut which is little different than in the jackets from other
turers but it still migh be worn as an outer layer over other clot
to highlight, beside the name which is similar to ECWCS GEN
jacket, the Helikon’s product is not weight/filling equivalent to
original.

MATERIALS
There are two main fabrics in Level 7. The outershell is lightweight but durable,
densely woven ripstop nylon with polyurethane coating on the inside so the fibers of
synthetic insulation will not come out. Nylon fabric has layer of DWR coating, durable
water repellent to protect against light drizzle or longer exposure to melting snow,
especially during static activities when snow would be pressed against the fabric.
The fabric is not waterproof as that’s not a rain gear and the possibility of rainfall
in temperatures around minus 15 Celsius degrees is close to none. Have you ever
expect any? The outer fabric should provide sufficient protection against short
laying in snow. Lining on the inside of the jacket is smooth and soft lightweight
nylon ripstop fabric. A great feature of that fabric is that it will not catch any Velcro
The core of the Level 7 jacket and its true guts is Climashield Apex synthetic insu-
lation. The microfibers with a continuous structure will provide thermal insulation
even after becoming wet. Climashield is one of the top insulation solutions available
in the market and it’s extensively used by some of the most popular outdoor brands,
like The North Face, Arc’teryx or Tilak just to mention the few. Helikon decided on its
use due to the high performance insulation and offer first widely available military/
tactical jacket with Climashield. No more cheap cotton wool fillings! The amount
of insulation is different in selected zones. The torso and sleeves have 100 g/m2
of insulation; the hood has 67 g/m2.
 ODZIEŻ I UMUNDUROWANIE - CLOTHING & UNIFORMS
insulation
pular win-
in winter
ntire range
nd the de-
uties or as
roomy but
manufac-
thing. Just
III Level 7
o US Army
 ODZIEŻ I UMUNDUROWANIE - CLOTHING & UNIFORMS
CUT AND FIT
Level 7 is hooded, mid-lenght jacket (it ends around middle of buttocks) and
has a quite “trim” fit (not relaxed but not athletic) but it still allows for lay-
ering. When size is chosen appropriately, the low-viz body armor might be
even worn underneath.
Main, full front zipper is two-way, coiled YKK zipper sewn inside out. This,
combined with internal flap under the zipper provides better protection
against elements, like rain, snow or wind. What’s even more important – it
will not allow for so called thermal bridges effect. Main zipper ends in the
stand-up collar where a special “garage” was incorporated to prevent contact
of the zipper puller with face or skin. All of the zippers, including pockets,
feature the plastic zipper pulls, easy to grab even with gloves on. There are
cord pulls for the elastic shock cord hem adjustment in the bottom of the
jacket, on the both sides.
The stand-up collar mentioned above is reasonably high-walled to protect
neck against wind and snow. On the inside it was lined with grid microfleece
knit which improves overall thermal comfort as the plain nylon fabric gets
colder. Also, the knit will prevent against dirt residue. Inside the collar there
is roll-away hood accessed through the horizontal two-way zipper which is
quite unique solutions and allows easy use for right and left handed users.
Adjustable, helmet sized hood is fully insulated but the total amount of Cli-
mashield is lesser than in the torso part. Hood has to adjusting points – hori-
zontal one cinching at ear level (elastic shock-cord with cord-lock placed in
the center of rear) and vertical sewn into the front edge of the hood, also
with shock-cord cord with cord-lock. The ends of the shock-cord are routed
inside and they are located at the inside bottom of the side hand-warmer
pockets.
Sleeves are straight cut, enabling full freedom of movement. The cuffs have
a die-cut rubber tabs for adjustment. The cuffs are also elasticized so you
don’t have to loosen the tab every time you slip the cuffs over your hands.
There are large Velcro loop panels sewn on the bicep for all the ID and morale
patches.
Helikon-Tex Level 7 has five pockets in total:
Two chest cargo pockets in front of the jacket with one-way entry zippers sewn inside out. The interior is lined with
microfleece knit type to warm up frozen hands. In both pockets there are small internal nylon pockets for items similar
in size to a smartphone.
Two inner mesh pockets with elastic bands in the top which prevent against accidental falling out of items carried inside.
Internal, zippered pocket located on the left chest.

Level 7 from Helikon is pretty lightweight

(856 grams for Large size jacket), and com-
pressible (it might be compressed to the size of
large bottle) so it may be easily stowed inside
the backpack. The compression/transport bag
is delivered with jacket. Level 7 jackets are
available in sizes ranging from S to XXL, in solid
Black, Coyote Brown and Alpha Green.

Level 7 works well in extreme situations as well

– check the video from Survivaltech.
 ODZIEŻ I UMUNDUROWANIE - CLOTHING & UNIFORMS
IN USE
Level 7 was a real surprise – in the positive way, just to be clear enough.
The fabrics and sewing are top-notch, even though pieces we had for evalua-
tion were final prototypes. After first period of tests, we were given the final
production versions and these were even better. Jacket, or more specifically,
its advanced Climashield APEX synthetic insulation provides excellent insu-
lation and after few minutes wearing it, you will feel WARM. It’s not cheap
cotton wool known from cheap Wal-mart puff jackets! In temperatures rang-
ing from minus 1 to minus 5º C I found Level 7 to be fully sufficient to wear
with a long-sleeve second layer jacket. I was even able to use it as substi-
tute of sleeping bag when I had to get a shut eye in car with heating set off.
Around minus 10 to minus 15 °C additional lightweight fleece mid-layer was
necessary for static activities. When it will get noticeably colder (like minus
10 ° C and strong wind – chill factor) it is better to have something under
the jacket, like a thin loft pullover or high-loft fleece. Remember, thermal
comfort depends on many factor like a body weight, age, temperature of
environment, chill factor, etc. so some people may feel cold in Level 7 with
thick mid-layers and for another few, the loft jacket with base layer would
be enough for minus 15. Outer fabric is not noisy (or let’s say it wasn’t notice-
ably louder or quieter than competitors), it can be also easily cleaned of dirt.
We didn’t notice that insulation started to come out through fabric or seams.
The length of the jacket and the cut were chosen to ensure a good fit and
prevent against wind. The layout and placement of pockets are chosen prop-
erly. They are also easy to use, even with heavy winter gloves. One thing we
miss are the bicep pockets which might be found in some loft jackets from
other companies.
Hood has some interesting feature as drawstrings ends are placed inside the
chest pockets but Helikon could add there an extra cord-lock to keep them
tight as during the movement, hood shock cord will loose a bit. As it was
mentioned, hood might be worn on the helmet but it is not comfortable at
all so we do not recommend that. The stand-up collar could be redesigned
a bit to be tighter around the neck when hood is pulled out. Currently, the
wind blows can pass between neck and collar – only way to avoid is she-
magh, scarf or thick neckgaiter. The really cool feature is piece of microfleece
on the inside – it’s very comfortable, warmer and prevents against contact
with cold nylon fabric. Remember, this jacket is not hot or warm – it insu-
lates from environment and allows to heat up air trapped between jacket
and body. Level 7, as all the loft jackets I had in my hands tend to get dirt
around the cuffs but that’s usual. Elastic cuffs with tabs works well and are
easy to grab even when wearing winter gloves. Dirt will relatively quickly
appear around the cuffs.
POWIEŚĆ - NOVEL
POWIEŚĆ - NOVEL
POWIEŚĆ - NOVEL
Historical reconstruction group Hidukush expres
with Soviets during the USSR invasion in Afganistan. Although there are tho
reconstruction photos give the impression like they were made out there, in
pression was given to the people from former POL SOCOM because reconst
a Talibans. Members of the group strongly emphasize that they are not curr
 REENACTING
Leszek Erenfeicht

ss less popular in reconstruction community mujahedin units, who fought

ousands kilometers from the place where mujahedin fought watching theirs
mountainous area of Afghanistan, in Hindukush cordillera. They same im-
truction group Hindukush took part in JWK and Formoza unit exercises as
rent ISAF adversaries.
Mujahedin is not a Talib…
The group was created in September 2012. At that time,
during organized by Jacek Opalski and Radosław Sawicki
“Afghan Party” (meeting in afghan atmosphere, local tea,
food, décor, clothes etc) as a effect of long conversations,
decision has been made. At the meeting, Kamil who wasn’t
member of the group, was present. They were all joined
by afghan culture and history. At the beginning the Group
had no name and nothing really happened. The idea was to
reconstruct afghan mujahidin from soviet invasion period
1979 – 1989. At the beginning of 2013 group decided to
prepare first fully professional photo session. Maciej Stęp-
niak pictures were taken in February and after that Maciek
became regular group photographer. That was also first
time when group officially call itself Hinduksh.
When they come back logo and, further very popular face-
book fanpage have been launched. Group expand with new
members – Łukasz Stosio and Kacper Mastalerz, fellows as-
sociated with reconstruction community for long time.
Hindukush started to develop. In April 2013 visit in Islamic
State of Afghanistan embassy and meeting with ambas-
sador Sayedem Ghafanzarem Hussayni’m have been or-
ganized. Throughout the conversation Hindukush Group
received, among other things, sponsorship during the em-
bassy events.
Meanwhile, with assistance of Marcin Ogdowski (Z Afgni-
astanu.pl blog and book author), contact with the group
made Sławek Brudny (Ender publisher) with proposition
of card play “Warcard: Afghanistan” preparation. Game
scenario is located with present Afghanistan. Players may
became soldiers of Polish Military Contingent in Afghani-
stan or insurgents. Faces of the second one were given by
the members of the group. The game premiere took place
in June 2013.
The next “field session” was held in may. This time scenog-
raphy for the session was Jura Krakowsko – Częstochowska
area and Zborów mountain. Session had two parts. Mem-
bers played both mujahedin and civilians.
in
Mujaheedtim to
es you have
…but som
n
play Taliba
At the end of may Group contacted with Commando Unit
from Lubliniec. Due to the fact of new opportunities and in-
teresting experiences, it was important episode. The group
was invited as an OPFOR for Task Force certification exercise
before one of Afghanistan deployments. Exercise “Scorpi-
on XIV” was organized in July 2013 at the Wędrzyn Field
Training Area. Task Force 50 was formed based on Com-
mando (majority) and Formoza units. Together with SOF
in exercise participated also troops from 17 Mechanized
Brigade (Army) and 33 rd Transportation Air Base Special
Operation Detachment (Air Force). Hindukush part was to
play inhabitants and local terrorist network members. Ex-
ercise time they spent in qualat (Afghan house surrounded
by wall, prepared for exercise purpose by Commando Unit
instructors). According to scenario one of the group mem-
bers played villager and his pregnant wife was performed
by private (woman) from 17 Mech Brig. The rest became
insurgents and one was Pakistani courier. Members of Hin-
duksh conducted simple, similar to Afghan family, live. All
of this was only a cover for insurgent activity. Without any
details we may only say that they act based on situations
which ISAF SOF met in Afghanistan before. Operators task
was to conduct Special Reconnaissance, Initial Target Con-
firmation and Direct Action on the Objective (Night Time).
Night Raid on the objective had crushing impression, es-
pecially for those on “the other side of barrel”. Operation
was conducted quick and professional, not really quiet but
definitely effectively.
During the exercise 152 mm howitzer and F-16 provided
Commando Operators joint fire support while Call For Fire
and Close Air Support procedure training. Contribution in
this exercise was enormous experience for Group members.
REENACTING
 …but this is not the same
In July Hindukush first time participated in Historical Odysei, annual reconstruction
group summit in Leszczynek near Kutno were they was honored.
Cooperation with Commando Unit resulted invitation for Unit’s Anniversary. Event
took place at the beginning o October at Sparta Lubliniec Stadium. Reconstruction
Group “Parasol (Umbrela) [II World War Polish Home Army battalion which tradi-
tions are cultivated by one of the Commando Unit SOTG] and Reconstruction Group
“Commando” [II World War Polish Commando Company, British No. 10 Commando,
which traditions are cultivated by one of the Commando Unit SOTG]. Equipment ex-
hibition, parachute jumps, and competitions for kids were also part of this event.
During the presentation in Lubliniec, Hindukush showed only the civilian part of
their activity to picture that Afghanistan is not only the war. Presentation had also
the “woman part”. They performed with traditional Afghan clothes, which were pro
vided by consul Zohra Naiva. End of the year was the time of conclusio
ning for next year. So in January Hindukush were seen at the” Moto vete
in Lodz where they performed together with Soldiers of the World Re
Team.
The group was also described in Polska – Zbrojna Portal. Cooperation w
Afghan Association Hamakri had been established.
Hindukush has almost 1,5 year and – like for such a young group – th
very high standard which was appreciated by Afghan Embassy and P
Operation Forces. The great advantage is cooperation with Afghan o
and embassy.

Radek Sawicki
-Shalwar Kameez (or Shalwar Qameez)
-Patu
-Wool sweater
-Civilian shoes with gaiters
-„Kandahar hat”
-RPD ammo bag
i inne przedmioty
-7,62 mm RPD LMG with drum Lukasz stosio
magazine -Shalwar Kameez (or Shalwar Qameez)
-Locally manufactured replica
Location and period:
of US M-65 Field Jacket
Afghanistan, Kunar Province,
-Lungee (Pashto variant of
1982
turban)
-Sandals with sole made out of
vehicle wheel
-Chicom-style chestrig with
pouches for SKS rifle clips.
-9K32 Striela 2 (SA7A Grail)
MANPADS
Location and period:
Afghanistan, Wardak Province,
1984

www.facebook.com/GrhHindukush
https://www.facebook.com/GrhHindukush
photo : M aciej S tępniak
 on and plan- Also the equipment make an impression. All of those comes from Afghanistan or
eran bazaar” from Russia. Weapon, due to the polish regulation, are Airsoft replica or “deco”

REENACTING
econstruction version. Equipment is collected by the members of the group – everyday citizens
– from the markets or thanks to kindness of “friends” who bring some souvenirs
with Polish – from the “journey”, not always organized by travel agencies. For last 18 months they
achieved a lot and like they said this not their last word with mujahedin reconstruc-
hey represent tion. Mujahedin, not Talibans.
Polish Special
organizations

jacek opalski
-Shalwar Kameez (or Shalwar Qameez)
-Pakoli hat
-vest
-Two Chicom-style chestrigs
(one on the front and one on
the back) with Akmag pouches
-AKMS assault rifle
-“Moskva” brand Soviet training
shoes
-Trophy R-105-M radio
Location and period:
Afghanistan, Logar Province,
1988