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FAST Helmet Added to USAF Parachutist Approved for Use List

Thursday, March 18th, 2010

Both the Ops-Core Ballistic and FAST helmets have been added to the US Air Force parachutist approved for use list which details equipment that have been certified for airborne operations. This means that they have passed an evaluation including helmet acceleration testing. Following the 1998 parachute fatality of Pararescueman SrA Sean McDermott, the Air Force has taken extra care to ensure that new air items are meticulously tested prior to approval.

Two caveats have been placed on use of the helmets. First, it cannot be jumped with Night Vision Devices unless criteria in MAJCOM standards are adhered to. Second, nothing may be mounted on the side rails during jumps except O2 mounting straps. Additionally, direction from the Air Staff indicates that the helmets must be properly fitted and MAJCOMs should seek contracted fit training.

www.ops-core.com

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Phantom Parachutist Oxygen Mask

Monday, July 6th, 2009

Coming soon to a Military Freefall Parachutist near you, the POM is designed to replace the MBU-12/P aviator oxygen mask with a safer, more dependable method of receiving supplemental oxygen up to 35,000 feet. The new POM is a Carleton PHANTOM Mask and Regulator Assembly (part number B47300-1). It is a low profile mask with replaceable regulator and side-mounted hose with quick disconnect fittings and is compatible with ASFS and PHAOS legacy bailout bottles & consoles.

The program is being managed by PEO-Soldier’s PM for Soldier Equipment. A decision for full rate production is expected this month with the first unit equipped in 1QFY10 and a total of 1559 masks fielded through FY13. Additionally each unit will also receive a test stand to support routine maintenance.

Tags: MFF
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Airborne Infiltration Down Under

Thursday, July 2nd, 2009

For years detractors have called for the abolishment of airborne forces as wasteful and unrealistic. However, current operations in the CENTCOM AOR have shown that such a capability is not only viable but particularly useful for strikes against irregular foes. In fact, the UK’s SAS reportedly accomplished a successful MFF operation in Iraq. The Australian Military’s Defence Material Organization currently has three new starts intended to enhance their airborne capabilities. Two are concerned with Military Free Fall and the third seeks to replace current static-line chutes.

MINCS(L) AMP066.50 seeks to introduce a high altitude parachute operations capability for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The equipment to be procured comprises oxygen masks, bailout bottles and portable oxygen consoles; and will enable ADF parachute operations to be conducted from altitudes above 12,000 feet. The requirement dates from march of 2007 and a sole source tender for the equipment has been released.

MINCS(L) AMP058.07 seeks to introduce enhanced (MFF) for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The project is seeking to procure systems that will enable the ADF to conduct a range of MFF and Ram Air Parachute Static Line descents. Included are systems to replace the current in-service fleets of MC-5 and tandem parachutes.

MINCS(L) AMP058.08 seeks to acquire an Enhanced Static Line Parachute capability to replace the Australian Defence Force’s current in-service fleet of static line T10B-D, T10R and MC-1 parachutes.

It is important to note that neither of the new parachute replacement programs have been approved for full development.

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