ArmorSource has integrated the new Sidewinder Powered Rail into their new helmet line.
The Sidewinder is the industry’s first powered helmet accessory platform. Designed, engineered, and patented by Kerry Harris, it is a product of A7 Tactical Systems, LLC.
The Sidewinder is designed to directly attach and power accessories such as cameras, high powered illumination devices, etc. These accessories can be used independently or together on either side of the helmet. The big advantage here is that accessories no longer require battery compartments. This means lighter weight and sleeker design as well as alleviating the need to swap out batteries for individual items. In fact, the Sidewinder features a single, hot swappable power cell.
These reactor power cells custom designed with a built in protection chip that prevents incidental or purposeful shorting of the system even when it is fully submerged. The Reactor power packs are lightweight, flat, weighs only a few ounces, and can be replaced in a matter of seconds without removing the helmet. The Reactor cells are fully rechargeable which reduces the hazmat issue associated with the disposal of standard AAA, AA, lithium, and other disposable cells.
Angel 7 has already designed several accessories including:
1. The A7 Tactical Illuminator (TIL) boasting 130 lumens at a mere 3 inches long and 29.4 grams. It offers 3 hrs usage time.
2. The A7 micro cam features one touch operation, 720dp, 5 hours usage time in a compact package.
3. Gunfighter combat goggles clip directly on to the Sidewinder platform. Angel 7 has leveraged work on aviation helmets to offer 4 different visor options including photochromic and LEP.
In addition to powered accessories, the Sidewinder is mil std 1913 so it will also accommodate traditional, non-powered items that fit on a Picatinny rail. And, the Picatinny compatibility is extremely important because Angel 7 has also developed a powered weapon rail that will be unveiled soon. This means, that for the first time, you will have compatibility between weapon and helmet, including power for your cameras, illuminators, lights and other accessories.
Of additional interest, Angel 7 has already produced Sidewinder variants in A-TACS, MultiCam and digital desert.