- Feb 22, 2007
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For the dog that has everything . You think your pit bull is tough ? My dog is bulletproof !
Seriously though, this has been needed for a long time. The dogs are often hit by bullets and shrapnel with no protection but their skin.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/08/05/navy_seal_armoured_dogs_of_war/
http://www.gcswarrior.com/K9_Storm_Vest_p/storm vest.htm
Seriously though, this has been needed for a long time. The dogs are often hit by bullets and shrapnel with no protection but their skin.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/08/05/navy_seal_armoured_dogs_of_war/
Government documents obtained* by The Register reveal that US Naval Special Warfare Group One yesterday awarded an $86,000 contract to Canadian firm K9 Storm Inc for the supply of "Canine Tactical Assault Vests" for wear by SEAL dogs.
K9 Storm specialises in the production of tactical gear for dogs, including ballistic body armour and - of course - the "aerial insertion vest" for "dogs of war" needing to deploy into their operational area by helicopter or freefall parachute jump (pictured). One may note that the K9 Aerial Insertion Vest was worn by the current world record holder for highest man/dog freefall parachute deployment, "Cara"**.
Returning to the armour for the Navy SEAL canine commandos, the model chosen is the K9 Storm Intruder. This is rated to offer "excellent" protection from strikes by shrapnel, gunfire, cutting weapons or ice picks. It also features an infrared nightsight camera and through-walls communications system, allowing a timid human handler to send his furry comrade forward to reconnoitre a situation and see all that the dog sees - and also issue audio commands.
K9 Storm was founded by former Winnipeg police dog-handler Jim Slater after he was forced to improvise body armour for his partner Olaf, exposed to danger during a prison riot in 1996.
"He was out working ahead of our lines," Slater told CNN last year. "I realized it would be a bad way for him to go down, stabbed with a screwdriver."
Further details of the Navy SEALs' doggy assault team are highly classified, but it's possible that a further specialist doggy equipment opportunity is being missed here. The SEALs, though no doubt at the moment primarily focused on operations in landlocked Afghanistan, are normally a maritime force specialising in waterborne frogman-type missions.
It's normal practice for human frogmen wearing heavy body armour to include a self-inflating lifejacket in their tac vest, for use in the event of falling back into the water after assaulting a ship, oil rig etc and removing their scuba gear. This prevents them being pulled under and drowned by the weight of their armour. There are even versions in which the lifejacket is stowed behind the armour, to avoid possible bullet punctures.
K9 Storm may wish to offer a lifejacket option - and possibly some form of doggy swim fins, underwater breathing apparatus etc - for the SEALs' future requirements. ®
http://www.gcswarrior.com/K9_Storm_Vest_p/storm vest.htm
The K9 Storm Aerial Insertion Vest is available in three different models. The standard Storm Vest features a patented built-in load bearing harness system used to track, search, extract and apprehend. Insertion techniques include rappelling, fast roping and parachuting. The vest is fully adjustable, and use Mil Spec hex mesh exterior and webbing. The Storm Vest includes interior pressure distribution and structural reinforcement. The sleek and proven design has no grab or catch hazards and using a positive zipper lock. There is a built in load bearing harness system hardware is proof load rated to 2500 lbs, drop forged alloy steel integrated v-ring and non-reflective black phosphate finish.
The Storm Military Vest features all the same components of the standard K9 Storm Vest and includes an quick release Vipir light attachment at an additional cost.
The Storm Spec Ops Vest features all the components of the standard and military K9 Storm Vest and includes a quick link camera attachment system, ultra-light quick release side adjusters, Chem stick holders and Vipir light attachment for an additional price.