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Flight Equipment

ChuckMK23

ChuckMK23

Your Average GS - Back From Furlough!
pilot
A thread for and about individual flight equipment - not to include flight jackets as there is already an established thread on the topic. Not service specific.
 
Navy Public Affairs pic of HSC-25 crewman aboard a Sierra. Of note is the OPS CORE style SAR helmet fitted with comms. I would guess this is something locally fabricated for a mission specific use.

Also note the Petzl rope gloves - long favored by rock climbers and alpinists for rappelling.

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ChuckMK23 said:
Of note is the OPS CORE style SAR helmet fitted with comms. I would guess this is something locally fabricated for a mission specific use.
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The TACLETs have run an Ops Core setup modified with a helo-compatible comms system for years. I'm assuming the HITRON gunners have a similar setup. Any HGU-style helmet is incompatible with a good cheek weld on a rifle, so a different setup is needed.

An age old problem flying with SEALs was the ICS/Comms problem for this exact reason. Pre-OIF, crews would fly with an extra helmet so that a Sniper (or spotter if there was one onboard) could talk to the helo crew, but then would have to pop off that helmet and put their SOF helmet back on so they could talk to the team down below.

For some reason, the CG figured out this problem and solved it, but both pre-OIF and as late as initial operations off of Yemen, it continued to be an issue for the Navy. I think where the problem comes in is the need to interface with a powered helicopter system while also having to interface with a MBITR (or whatever they are running) which has a different impedance (and I would guess a different connector style). Where as the CG gunner and controller don't need to plug into another radio and would just talk over the helo radios if needed.
 
UH-1Y of HMLA-369 - notice the Thales Top Owl helmet of this right seat pilot - with simple strips of 3M reflective tape vs. 100%

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IMG_3020.jpegABAV is the single best current tactical flight kit in use for Helo/Tilt aircrew, both for its function as aircrew kit, and for its function in contingency situations where you need to shoot/move/evade.

Fight me!
 
ChuckMK23 said:
I had to look up 'ABAV' - impressive system of gear!

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The very best thing about their tube lock system…

Sitting for hours in a DLS where you are on call but the mission has you just in the APU, pop the shoulder straps… vest stays in place but all the weight is off your neck and shoulders so you can relax. Radio starts getting a little more intense…. 3 seconds and it’s back on and ready to go.

I used to do my annual 6 mile for time wearing that and weights instead of just a ruck because of how well it could be fitted. Only downside to it is if your aircraft seat doesn’t give you the room for a gun belt because there is very little room to hang a pistol.
 
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