The FELIN (Fantassin à Équipements et Liaisons Intégrés) is the latest generation of Future Infantry Soldier Equipment used by the French Army. The FELIN system project was led by the French Company Sagem in partnership with several French defense companies including Nexter, Thales, Renault Trucks Defense, ELNO, MSA Gallet, and more. Based on a modular concept, it is compatible with all combat operations (day, night, dismounted, mounted on vehicles and aircraft, airborne, in urban, rural or wilderness areas). It offers multiple soldier configurations adapted to operational profiles such as: platoon and section leader, sniper, machine gunner, grenadier. Over a two-year period from 1999 years multiple prototypes have been delivered to the French Army and the country's Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) to test FELIN's performance, ergonomics and ability to withstand harsh conditions. The first 358 complete FELIN systems will be delivered for live ground trials by the French Army in early 2007, with mass production starting in 2008. The FELIN was entering in service with the French Army in 2010 and a total of 22,600 units were ordered by the French armed forces.
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| FELIN System |
General characteristics System weight: 24kg for 24 hours of dismounted combat in a typical grenadier configuration, which includes the FAMAS assault rifle and day supplies (i.e. food, water, ammunition). The system will be delivered in five configurations for different levels of command. The FELIN system includes portable computer, a voice and data radio, new combat clothing with body armour and a new ballistic helmet. The FELIN system is completed with a vehicle integration kit for VAB and VBCI with individual energy sources to recharge batteries, battery chargers that can be off-boarded and a function synchronizing information systems between the vehicle (SIT) and section leaders (SIT COMDE).
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| The FELIN System in its storage box |
| Uniforms |
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The FELIN includes also a new combat uniform and combat boots. The boots are tall, in keeping with long held military standards. The jackets and pants have bellowed pockets, so they expand for accommodating more items. The fabric is loose over the skin where movement is needed, such as the knees, thighs and elbows. The FELIN uniform is also flame resistant. The French FELIN combat uniform includes a flak jacket that can fit an electronic jacket, which has several functions, flexible ballistics plates and hard ballistics plates. The FELIN combat uniform with specific camouflaging and low infrared signature has low-fire sensitivity, good mechanical resistance and is even treated with mosquito repellent. It integrates modular and flexible ballistic protective elbow, knee and hand pads against handguns and knives. On top of that, there are modular hard plate pads for extra protection in specific conditions.
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| FELIN combat uniform includes a flak jacket that can fit an electronic jacket, which has several functions, flexible ballistics plates and hard ballistics plates. |
| Protection |
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Headgear features a lightweight, ergonomic helmet, anti-laser goggles, protective visor and anti-shrapnel jaw pad. The FELIN uses also a new lightweight helmet provides ballistic protection. . It weighs just over 1. 36 kg and has an 80% improvement in protection over its predecessor. For NBC (Nuclear, Bacteriological, Chemical) environments, infantry soldiers have a permanent uniform integrating microcell technology, a mask with filtering respiratory assistance and water supply in contaminated environments.
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| Combat helmet of FELIN system |
| Observation and sight |
The optronics observation and day/night firing equipment is especially extensive with high-performance. It includes a compact light intensification device, enabling multi-source video display, infrared weapon sights (Sword T&D) and a light intensifier for any type of assault rifle, typically 5.56 caliber such as the Famas and Minimi, a specialized infrared sight with laser range finder for precision shooters (ex. FRF2) and multifunctional JIM MR infrared binoculars for squad leaders. Binoculars and sights can transmit still or animated images to the information system.
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| FELIN sight mounted on FAMAS assault rifle |
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Each combat group in the French army includes a sniper which is armed with a FRF2 precision rifle which is fitted with a sniper sight designed by Sagem Defense. It contains a direct optical path that allows day sighting and firing at up to 800m. It also contains an un-cooled infrared channel for all-weather use. An integrated laser range finder allows the sniper to determine a firing distance or identify a potential target. Lightweight (<3kg) and sturdy, the sight can operate on its internal battery or the FELIN main power supply. It has autonomy of three hours, with an automatic standby to save energy. The Bluetooth link makes wireless communication possible, increasing soldier mobility. The direct optical path's reticule (J8 SCROME type) is controlled by two circuits (lateral and vertical), which are used to adjust height and bearing. In infrared mode, the image is calibrated in less than one second automatically every ten minutes. Users can manually calibrate the sight and adjust the color of video inlays.
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| FR F2 sniper rifle with FELIN sight |
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Assault rifles and machine guns of FELIN soldiers are equipped with day and night vision. The day vision is fitted with two independent day video channels. The night vision sight is able to detect a soldier at up to 2,200 m with the infrared channel. The light intensification channel can detect a soldier at up to 1,650 m. Image and video sequence capture and transmission via the FELIN communication network. Light (i.e. less than 1,7kg) and robust, the sights can operate on an internal battery or the FELIN main power supply. They have autonomy of three hours, with an automatic standby to save energy. Remote sight controls can be mounted on the weapon itself. The Bluetooth link makes wireless communication possible, increasing soldier mobility. In infrared mode, the image is calibrated in less than one second automatically every ten minutes. Users can manually calibrate the sight and adjust the color of video inlays.
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| FN Minimi 5.56mm machine gun with FELIN sight |
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The FELIN System includes also Sagem's JIM MR multifunction binoculars which combine uncooled thermal imaging channel, eye-safe laser rangefinder and a digital magnetic compass.
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| JIM MR multifunction binoculars |
| Communications systems |
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Each soldier has a Man-Machine Interface (MMI) with a color screen and a personal radio linked to the RIF (Infantry Information Network) and equipped with an embedded GPS and an osteophonic communication headset. As a result, soldiers can exchange data and audio simultaneously, including audio conferencing, alerts, images and video.
The FELIN system includes a personal digital radio with high performance and a reliable audio system. Each infantryman can communicate unobtrusively thanks to a light and comfortable communicating headband. It is comprised of the following items, 2 osteo-headphones, 1 osteo-microphone, 1 head band and 1 cable connector for soldier radio. Sound is transmitted by bone vibrations, making the system completely silent. The voice of a user mumbling in a tactical situation is transmitted over the radio loudly and clearly. The audio headband is powered by the FELIN personal radio. It is worn independently of the ballistic helmet. It is controlled by the 'push-to-talk' (PTT) buttons on the FELIN radio or on a remote control that can be mounted on the weapon. As a result of its ergonomics and small volume, it can be integrated in all combat configurations, including an NBC environment.
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| The FELIN system includes a personal digital radio with high performance and a reliable audio system. |
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The section leader is equipped with BMS (Battle Management System), a veritable nexus for communication networks, contributing to a fully digitized battlefield network. Hosted in a lightweight portable computer adapted to military environments, it allows the leader to control platoon or squad maneuvers, give orders to and collect intelligence data from every soldier on the battlefield. Built around a processing module and a remote touch screen, the computer allows leaders to exchange information (data, images, video, virtual maps) and communicate using radio networks. It is connected directly to the vehicle's SIT when used onboard, allowing it to synchronize operational data and download digital maps. The ergonomic touch screen provides excellent viewing and can be used in all light conditions. Fitted in the combat vest and ready to use, the D-BMS provides platoon and squad leaders an efficient and reliable means to take effective action at each stage of dismounted combat.
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| The section leader is equipped with BMS (Battle Management System) |
| Weapon systems |
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The standard assault rifle in the French army is the FAMAS which was improved with new features for the FELIN system. The added front handle ensures the weapon can be held effectively in all firing positions, especially when the bipod cannot be deployed. The weapon can be held securely when the soldier carries out remote sighting, enabling him to remain hidden when firing. The shape of the handle has been designed to be able to stabilize the weapon in all firing configurations and protect the soldier's hands. Controls are fitted on top of the front handle, and are accessible regardless of the soldier's position. Thanks to markings, they can also be used in the dark. In addition to this, they allow the soldier to do the following without letting go of the weapon or looking away from the target. The top and front parts of the FAMAS assault rifle have been modified and equipped with a Picatinny rail. This ensures a perfect interface between the weapon and the different aiming systems (weapon sight and laser pointer) without modifying the weapon performance. It also improves shooter stealth. The FAMAS FELIN is equipped with a new bayonet particularly adapted to the needs of the modern soldier. It can be used as a knife for up-close combat or as a cutter for cables and barbed wire. Its resistant blade can be used if needed as a lever to lift loads or as a support when scaling high obstacles.
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| FELIN FAMAS 5.56mm caliber assault rifle |
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| Specifications |
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Armament
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FELIN combat team can include FAMAS assault rifle 5.56mm caliber, Minimi machine gun 5.56mm caliber and FR F2 sniper rifle
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Country users
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France
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Designer Company
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France SAGEM main contractor
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Accessories
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Weapons, weapon sights, day and night sights, voice and data communications, personal communications, clothing, ballistic helmet and armour protection.
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Protection
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NBC, uniform integrating microcell technology, flame resistant, mask with filtering respiratory assistance and water supply in contaminated environments.
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Observation sight
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Infrared Channel:
- Detection: 1,100 m
- Reconnaissance: 500 m
Day Channel:
- Detection: 3,000 m
- Identification: 800 m
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Audio headband
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- Weight: 150 grams
- Audio frequency: 300 to 3,400 Hz
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Weight FELIN
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24 kg
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Range Weapons
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- FAMAS 5.56mm: 450 m
- FR F2 7.62mm: 800 m
- Minimi 5.56mm: 300 to 1,000 m
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Logistic
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24-hour food and water rations
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