FÉLIN

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Soldier with FÉLIN

FÉLIN ( French félin , " big cat", acronym for Fantassin à équipement et liaisons integrées , "infantryman with integrated equipment and communication") is the name of a new type of combat suit with various integrated systems, modern electronics and body armor. Among other things, the equipment enables the exchange of information between the sensor systems and the modified FAMAS assault rifle.

FÉLIN is developed and manufactured by the Sagem Group and Nexter (formerly GIAT Industries). The infantry system is intended for the French army . In 2015 there were 18,552 sentences that are to be replaced by an improved version from 2016. The French armed forces have ordered 31,000 FÉLIN systems.

history

Between 1997 and 2000 the program was in the demonstration phase, which mainly focused on communication, situational awareness , energy supply, protection and mobility (navigation, ergonomics, weight).

In the first half of 2000 various attempts were made, for example skirmishes in which one group was equipped with FÉLIN and the other without. These attempts were successful. The groups with FÉLIN were consistently superior, even though it was an early version of the system and, among other things, was not yet weight-optimized.

In 2001 the definition phase started, in which the complete system was put together and brought up to the state of the art.

The first suits were delivered at the end of August 2010. The 1st Infantry Regiment in Saarburg was the first unit to be equipped with the uniforms.

technology

The FÉLIN system consists of a modified weapon system, integrated sensors, a portable computer and means of communication, a modern camouflage suit, modern protective vest and helmet and networking to other systems such as the Odin drone , a robot or PDAs. The total weight is 24 kg, including weapons, energy, ammunition, water and food.

dress

The clothing is breathable and fireproof. A modular vest with a large body coverage improves protection even more. The basic armor consists of soft fibers, but can be increased with ceramic plates if the situation requires it. The carrying system is also modular so that equipment can be carried with you depending on the mission. The combat suit will also be available in an ABC version.

weapons

Aiming with video visor over wall
  • FAMAS : The Famas is equipped with a second handle to control functions of the FÉLIN system. Each Famas is equipped with a residual light amplifier , video visor and a reflex sight, the squad leader receives a thermal imaging device and reflex sight. The images from the video visor can bewirelessly sent to the soldier's helmet display , a PDA or higher command structures.
  • FN Minimi : Is equipped with a reflex sight.
  • FRF2 : New riflescope with laser rangefinder, possibly with thermal imaging device

The squad leader receives a PDA with GPS and digital compass.

electronics

The helmet has an integrated day / night vision camera with a 50 ° field of view, the image of which can be displayed on the helmet visor. It is thus able to recognize a person at 150 meters and to identify it at 70 meters.

The FÉLIN system uses cranial microphones , the headset has hearing protection functions.

The portable computer is the heart of the system and is based on a high-speed processor and USB 2.0 . A wide variety of systems can be connected and electricity and data can be transmitted.

The suit automatically determines the soldier's GPS position in space and displays it on a tactical map. This information can be exchanged between team members and higher command posts, as can other data (images, videos, etc.).

energy

The whole system is powered by two rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, most of which are supplied by the Swiss company Leclanché SA . The system can thus remain online for 24 hours.

See also

Web links

Commons : FELIN  - album with pictures, videos and audio files

Individual evidence

  1. ^ FÉLIN Systems for France's 1st Infantry Regiment . Retrieved March 22, 2012.