FÉLIN ( F antassin à É quipement et L iaisons In tégrés , Integrated Infantryman Equipment and Communications) is the name for the French infantry combat system developed by Safran Electronics & Defense .
71-406: It combines a modified FAMAS rifle with a host of other electronics, clothing, pouches, and body armour. The helmet is an integral SPECTRA helmet fitted with real-time positioning and information system, and with light amplifiers for night vision. Power sources will be made of two rechargeable Li-ion batteries. The €1.1bn (FY2012) project was to see 22,588 units delivered between 2010 and 2015, at
142-507: A FAMAS. As a result, the French military has discreetly banned the use of foreign-produced ammunition in all French-issued FAMAS. However, fluting the chamber will completely remove these malfunctions, although the brass casings will still be deformed and will not be able to be reloaded without reshaping. The FAMAS F1 uses a proprietary 25-round magazine. It has a chrome-lined barrel with 1 turn in 12 inch (1:12 inch) rifling and functions best with
213-495: A blank cartridge. The FAMAS can use a variety of rifle grenades up to 500 g (18 oz). Notable examples include the antipersonnel APAV40 and the anti-tank AC58 . The FAMAS features two alidades for aiming rifle grenades with several modes: In indirect fire mode the grenade support (more exactly named "grenade enforcement ring" in French) is moved forwards or backwards on the barrel which has markings (12/13?). This changes
284-461: A cost-effective solution with improved performance. Copper-deposited Al alloys have also shown promise as an anode material, forming protective layers that decrease hydrogen evolution and enhance discharge performance. A study done by Mutlu and Yazıcı shows that copper electrodeposition helps lower the charge-transfer resistance of aluminium anodes. This is because certain compounds (like Al(OH)₂⁺, Al₇(OH)₁₇⁴⁺, Al₂(OH)₂⁴⁺, and Al₁₃(OH)₃₄⁵⁺) build up on
355-515: A full cut allowing free movement. Bellows pockets provide ample carrying capacity. The material (fabric) offers good mechanical properties but still allows good air permeability . The fibres (aramid/viscose FR) are flame- and wash-resistant. The ballistic jacket accommodates: The electronic jacket integrates the electronics (computer unit, manager unit, radio, man-machine interface, GPS, cables and connector), flexible water bottle, FAMAS magazines and grenades, and optimises weight distribution on
426-430: A method called Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP). As the number of extrusion passes increased, the grains became smaller and more uniform. However, the process had limitations due to heat from deformation causing some grain growth. The results showed that refining the grain size improved the anode’s electrochemical activity, reduced corrosion, and increased polarization and charge-transfer resistance. Tests confirmed that
497-711: A minimum of 90,000 rifles and carbines to be issued across the entire French armed forces. In August 2016, the Ministry of Defense selected Heckler and Koch's HK416 to replace the FAMAS as the new general-issue service rifle. Under the French contract, the new rifle was designated as the HK416F, with 'F' standing for French version. 16,000 rifles will be annually purchased until a final total of 90,000 to 102,000 rifles are delivered. The new rifles are expected to remain in active French service for at least 30 years. The FAMAS will be issued to
568-461: A reactive layer of carbon with a nickel -grid current collector, a catalyst (e.g., cobalt ), and a porous hydrophobic PTFE film that prevents electrolyte leakage. The oxygen in the air passes through the PTFE then reacts with the water to create hydroxide ions. These cathodes work well, but they can be expensive. Traditional Al–air batteries had a limited shelf life, because the aluminium reacted with
639-570: A standard NATO Accessory Rail , allowing a variety of sights to be mounted, notably red dot sights and night vision units. The FAMAS uses a delayed blowback operating system that functions best with French-specified steel-casing 5.56×45mm ammunition. Using standard brass-casing 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition employed by other armies can create over-pressure and case ruptures in the FAMAS during extraction, which can lead to severe malfunctions. Using incorrectly built ammunition also results in approximately two minor injuries for every million rounds fired from
710-550: A unit cost of €38,000 (€49,000 including development costs). The system entered service in late 2011, when 300 were deployed to Afghanistan. Between 1997 and 2000, the Félin programme was in its demonstration phase, focusing primarily on: communications, observation (day and night, by trying to increase range), protection (detectability: visual, acoustic and electromagnetic, protection against attack), power/energy and mobility (system weight, ergonomics, location and navigation aid). During
781-432: Is attractive as the most stable metal. Aluminium (Al) has been widely used as an anode material in metal-air batteries due to its high energy density, recyclability, and abundance. However, challenges with Al anodes include corrosion and passivation. Impurities in commercially available aluminium lead to the formation of layers that impair performance. Corrosion reactions produce hydrogen and form aluminium hydroxides, while
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#1732856029618852-405: Is composed of three components: head protection, communication headset, and optronic equipment. The ballistic shell optimises protection and load-bearing ergonomics (weight distribution). It can accommodate various items required for the mission (facial protection screens) and its shape is compatible with all firing positions of the weapons used. A lightweight, integrated protective shield protects
923-491: Is configured by the Félin computer, thereby limiting the number of control buttons needed on the set. The TIS is made up of software supported by the computer, a man-machine interface and a communication interface box connected to a PR4G VS4 portable radio set. for the squad leader are based on uncooled IR technology. The Félin weapon and subsidiary systems are transported and stored in a Storm iM3220 plastic moulded carry case with foam cut-outs designed for each part. The case
994-488: Is determined by another selector, located under the housing and behind the magazine. The FAMAS G2 weighs 3.8 kg (8.38 lb). The G1 and G2 have a large, grip-length trigger-guard like that of the Steyr AUG to allow easy access to the trigger when wearing gloves. Both F1 and G2 models of the FAMAS feature a bipod attached to the upper hand-guard. The FAMAS-G2 and some F1 sport a "polyvalent hand-guard" which features
1065-483: Is fixed to the helmet: its screen can be brought into line with infantryman's eye. When not in use, it can be folded away so as not to hinder the soldier. The Félin information network (RIF) allows information to be shared throughout the infantry section. Each radio can subscribe to two networks simultaneously. This offers the squad leader some flexibility in organising communication networks in his section. Each network has an audio conference channel, with priority given to
1136-524: Is manufactured by Pelican Products. Used to recharge the soldiers’ individual batteries. It uses aluminum–air metal–air fuel cells. ( AMX-10P , VBCI , VAB ) all have a common structure and are designed for easy integration into vehicles, where they provide the power supply for the mounted soldiers’ systems. 31,455 individual Félin systems are delivered to France, as follows: FAMAS The FAMAS ( French : Fusil d'Assaut de la Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Étienne , lit. 'Assault rifle from
1207-433: Is necessary. The anode oxidation half-reaction is Al + 3OH → Al(OH) 3 + 3e +2.31 V. The cathode reduction half-reaction is O 2 + 2H 2 O + 4e → 4OH +0.40 V. The total reaction is 4Al + 3O 2 + 6H 2 O → 4Al(OH) 3 +2.71 V. About 1.2 volts potential difference is created by these reactions and is achievable in practice when potassium hydroxide
1278-481: Is now bent in 2 points forward, so that in the folded position they do not interfere with the ejection of empty cases. The FAMAS Commando was a short-barrelled version of the FAMAS G2 for international exports, with a barrel length of 285mm (11.2 in) without the integrated bipod. Prototypes of the weapon differ, with different iron sights and ergonomics. The FAMAS saw no international interest and only initial prototypes of
1349-480: Is possible to mechanically recharge the battery with new aluminium anodes made from recycling the hydrated aluminium oxide. Such recycling would be essential if aluminium–air batteries were to be widely adopted. Aluminium-powered vehicles have been under discussion for some decades. Hybridisation mitigates the costs, and in 1989 road tests of a hybridised aluminium–air/ lead–acid battery in an electric vehicle were reported. An aluminium-powered plug-in hybrid minivan
1420-406: Is used as the electrolyte. Saltwater electrolyte achieves approximately 0.7 volts per cell. The specific voltage of the cell can vary depending upon the composition of the electrolyte as well as the structure and materials of the cathode. Other metals can be used in a similar way, such as lithium-air , zinc-air , manganese-air, and sodium-air, some with a higher energy density. However, aluminium
1491-465: Is widely recognized as a beneficial alloying element in Al-air battery anodes because it helps reduce the self-corrosion rate and increases the nominal cell voltage. However, study done by Park, Choi, and Kim highlights a drawback: the addition of Zn can actually decrease the discharge performance of the anode in alkaline solutions due to passivation effects during anodic polarization. Specifically, Zn promotes
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#17328560296181562-554: The FRF2 (7.62 calibre sniper rifle) can accommodate a telescopic night sight with no need for changes. FAMAS accommodates a man-machine interface, a second grip and a telescopic sight. The sight is equipped with a day imager and a night imager (the infantryman’s sight will be light intensifying, and one soldier per squad will have a thermal sight: uncooled IR), a restitution eyepiece, a clear sight for instinctive shooting. The sight has an integrated video camera that transmits received images to
1633-563: The French National Guard and domestic police units, and will continue to serve in reserve and non-combat units until 2028, when a phaseout of the FAMAS with the HK416 can occur. The FAMAS is a bullpup assault rifle, where the ammunition feed is behind the trigger. The receiver housing is made of a special steel alloy, and the rifle furniture is made of fiberglass. The rifle uses a lever-delayed blowback action, an action type also used in
1704-630: The Saint-Étienne Weapon Factory') is a bullpup assault rifle designed and manufactured in France by MAS in 1978. It is known by French troops as Le Clairon (The Bugle ) due to its distinctive shape. The FAMAS is known for its high rate of fire of around 900–1,100 rounds per minute. Beginning in 2017, the FAMAS was replaced in most frontline units in the French Army by the HK416F , and
1775-560: The United Arab Emirates received a small number of FAMAS F1 rifles from France, though it was unknown when they received them. Djibouti uses this weapon in its military and the gendarmerie as the standard infantry weapon. The Philippines also received a limited number and is used by the Philippine National Police Special Action Force . In 2017, the French armed forces began the retirement of
1846-419: The 55 gr (3.6 g) (M193 type) ammunition. When using the French made 5.56 mm 55 gr (3.6 g) ammo it has a muzzle velocity of 3,150 ft/s (960 m/s). The FAMAS G2 uses M16-type, NATO-compatible 30-round STANAG magazines . It has a chrome-lined barrel with 1 turn in 9 inch (1:9 inch) rifling and functions equally well with both the older 55 gr (3.6 g) (M193 type) ammo and
1917-620: The Commando exist and solely kept by the French Ministry of the Interior. During the late 1980s, Century Arms imported a very small number of semi-automatic FAMAS into the United States. Due to poor sales, production and importation ceased and the existing number are not only extremely rare but cost in the range of $ 25,000 with no spare parts available on the market. The FAMAS has been used in
1988-561: The FAMAS F1 designed around French 55 gr (3.6 g) steel cased ammunition was slightly revised for reliably using 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition. The FAMAS G2 also included several other upgrades taken from the G1 model, such as an enlarged trigger guard and improved hand guards made from reinforced fiberglass instead of plastic, and also the ability to take standard brass cased ammunition as well as French made steel ammunition. The French Navy purchased
2059-501: The FAMAS G2 in 1995 and issued it to their Fusiliers Marins and Commandos Marine . However, the French army refused to purchase the G2, preferring to rely on the FAMAS F1 as their primary rifle. The FAMAS Infantry is an improvement of the FAMAS F1, obtained by retrofitting an accessory rail onto the top of the handguard. This allows mounting combat optics, most notably reflex sights or the 4×26.4 SCROME J4 telescopic sight. The FAMAS FÉLIN
2130-547: The FAMAS as their standard-issue rifle, the FAMAS F1. The FAMAS first saw service in Chad during Operation Manta and again in desert operations during Operation Desert Storm and in other various missions. Officially, operational conditions proved the weapon to be reliable and trustworthy under combat conditions. The FAMAS is affectionately known by French-speaking troops as le Clairon ("the Bugle ") because of its shape. Senegal and
2201-507: The FAMAS came into full production. While the Heckler & Koch HK33 was considered, with a batch of 1,200 examples tested, it was ultimately turned down in favor of the SIG SG 540 , built under licence by Manurhin ( Manufacture de Machines du Haut Rhin ) as a temporary resort, until enough domestically-built FAMAS were produced to issue to French forces. In late 1978, the French military accepted
FÉLIN - Misplaced Pages Continue
2272-582: The FAMAS in favour of the German-made HK416 . When the Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Etienne (MAS) factory closed in 2002, no more domestic rifles could be made. The last batch of newly produced FAMAS, built in 2002, saw more than a decade of heavy service by 2016. As of 2014, the French armed forces currently use an estimated 400,000 FAMAS F1 and G2 rifles still stored in their arsenal. The military also ceased manufacture of special steel-case ammunition for
2343-510: The FAMAS is expected to remain in limited service until 2028. The first French bullpup rifles were developed between 1946 and 1950 at the AME ( Atelier Mécanique de Mulhouse ) and MAS, testing rounds such as .30 US Carbine , 7.92×33mm Kurz , 7.65×38mm (Made by Cartoucherie de Valence ) and some other intermediate calibres. Since France was engaged in the First Indochina War at the time, and
2414-625: The FAMAS that improved reliability. The F1 was followed by the G1 version that included several minor improvements, such as redesigned grips and an enlarged trigger guard for operation with gloves. However, the G1 remained conceptual and was never actually produced. The FAMAS G2 was developed in 1994 to comply with NATO standards by accepting standard NATO magazines and by employing tighter barrel rifling to accurately fire both older 5.56 mm 55 gr (3.6 g) ammunition and new standard 5.56×45mm NATO 62 gr (4.0 g) ammunition. The ammunition specific lever-delayed blowback mechanism of
2485-517: The FAMAS. Because the FAMAS did not function properly with NATO standard brass-cased ammunition (chamber fluting can allow the F1 to use brass cases but only G2 rifles can use common STANAG magazines), and coupled with concern over the age of existing weapons, the French military sought a replacement for the FAMAS. In May 2014, the French Ministry of Defense announced a European Union-wide tender for
2556-520: The French AA-52 machine gun derived from the prototypes built during Army Technical Department tests having taken place between the First and Second World Wars. Fire mode is controlled by a selector within the trigger guard, with three settings: safe (central position), single shot (to the right), and automatic fire (to the left). Automatic fire can be in three-shot bursts ( rafale ) or fully automatic; this
2627-575: The French to rethink their approach, and consequently the Type 62 was not adopted. In the 1960s, MAS began to manufacture under licence the Heckler & Koch G3 battle rifle and later on the Heckler & Koch HK33 assault rifle as temporary substitutes. At the same time, the French embraced the idea of developing a new 5.56 mm automatic rifle. However, simply adopting the German-designed HK33
2698-543: The Kermel V50 and VMC40 fabrics to equip its troops within the context of the Félin Project. The PEP lies at the heart of the Félin system. Designed to use all the electronic resources found on the electronic jacket (computer, energy manager, peripheral equipment interfaces, user interfaces), The system is built around a USB 2.0. digital data bus. This choice of open broadband digital data bus and extensive connectivity gives
2769-496: The abundance of aluminium, with no emissions at the point of use in boats and ships. AlumaPower , Phinergy Marine , Log 9 Materials , RiAlAiR and several other commercial companies are working on commercial and military applications in the marine environment. Research and development is taking place on alternative, safer, and higher performance electrolytes such as organic solvents and ionic liquids. Others such as AlumaPower are focusing on mechanical methods to mitigate many of
2840-431: The anode with fine grains performed better than one with larger grains. The fine-grain structure also provided better anti-corrosion properties and enhanced battery performance in a 4 mol/L NaOH solution. At a current density of 10 mA/cm², the fine-grain anode showed a 41.5% increase in capacity density and a 55.5% increase in energy density compared to the coarse-grain anode. Besides microstructure optimization, processing of
2911-440: The anodes can also impact the performance. Anodes fabricated using laser sintering show increased capacity compared to non-sintered samples, which highlights the importance of processing of the anode in terms of the anode performance. In addition to refining the microstructure and developing better processing methods, alloying Al with elements like Ga, Zn, and Sn helps mitigate corrosion and hydrogen evolution. Zinc, in particular,
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2982-510: The battery to avoid power dropping. Aluminium is still very cheap compared to other elements used to build batteries. Aluminium costs $ 2.51 per kilogram while lithium and nickel cost $ 12.59 and $ 17.12 per kilogram respectively. However, one other element typically used in aluminium air as a catalyst in the cathode is silver, which costs about $ 922 per kilogram (2024 prices). Aluminium–air batteries may become an effective solution for marine applications due to their high energy density, low cost, and
3053-422: The cheek riser. The FAMAS was also susceptible to malfunction on occasion due to poorly-built, or rather improperly used, magazines. The FAMAS was designed around the concept of single-use, disposable magazines; when the limited budget of the French military forced soldiers to repeatedly reuse the disposable magazines, the FAMAS would experience malfunctions. MAS would eventually manufacture more durable magazines for
3124-456: The direction of General Paul Tellié (1919-2014) and the first prototype was completed in 1971, with French military evaluation of the rifle beginning in 1972. When production problems delayed the general issue of the new rifles, and with the 1978 Battle of Kolwezi showing an immediate need for a more modern weapon to stand on equal terms with assault rifles armed enemy forces, the French Army began searching for an emergency temporary rifle until
3195-499: The discharge performance of the Al-air battery. However, the addition of indium (In) helps break down and destabilize this Zn passive layer. The In ions repeatedly create defects within the Type 2 film through a cycle of breakdown and re-passivation, effectively weakening the protective barrier and enhancing the battery's discharge efficiency. As a result, using an Al-Zn-In ternary alloy anode, produced from commercially available aluminium rather than expensive high-purity aluminium, presents
3266-443: The electrolyte and produced hydrogen when the battery was not in use; this is no longer the case with modern designs. The problem can be avoided by storing the electrolyte in a tank outside the battery and transferring it to the battery when it is required for use. These batteries can be used as reserve batteries in telephone exchanges and as backup power sources. Another problem is the cost of materials that need to be added to
3337-417: The electrolyte, so the aluminium is usually alloyed with tin or other elements. The hydrated alumina that is created by the cell reaction forms a gel-like substance at the anode and reduces the electricity output. This is an issue being addressed in the development work on Al–air cells. For example, additives that form the alumina as a powder rather than a gel have been developed. Modern air cathodes consist of
3408-505: The film’s resistance and makes it more durable. Overall, advancements in alloy composition and fabrication methods are critical for maximizing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of Al anodes. Aluminium as a "fuel" for vehicles has been studied by Yang and Knickle. In 2002, they concluded: The Al/air battery system can generate enough energy and power for driving ranges and acceleration similar to gasoline powered cars...the cost of aluminium as an anode can be as low as US$ 1.1/kg as long as
3479-591: The first deliveries should have happened in 2007. In November 2009, 22,588 Félin systems had been ordered. The system was first deployed on the front-line on 7 September 2010 with the 1st Line Infantry Regiment in the Surobi District , which was occupied by the French forces in Afghanistan . Three major systems can be distinguished: The individual system is made up of six sub-systems : Basic combat clothing has
3550-402: The first half of 2000, several operational trials were conducted, notably engagements between groups (one equipped with some of the Félin features, one without). The trials were successful, as the group equipped with the new features was significantly more efficient, even though it was carrying earlier versions of the system which had not been optimised in weight. In 2001, the definition phase of
3621-509: The following conflicts: Aluminium%E2%80%93air battery Aluminium–air batteries (Al–air batteries) produce electricity from the reaction of oxygen in the air with aluminium . They have one of the highest energy densities of all batteries, but they are not widely used because of problems with high anode cost and byproduct removal when using traditional electrolytes. This has restricted their use to mainly military applications. However, an electric vehicle with aluminium batteries has
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#17328560296183692-441: The formation of an oxide film upon exposure to air or water further limits functionality. Improving Al anode performance involves optimizing grain size and crystal orientation, as finer grain structures enhance corrosion resistance and electrochemical activity. The study done by Fan and Lu examined the relation between the grain size and the anode performance. In this study, aluminium anodes with finer grain sizes were created using
3763-405: The formation of two types of oxidation films. The first, Type 1 film, is a porous layer composed of Zn(OH)₂ and defective ZnO, which forms when dissolved Zn(OH)₄²⁻ precipitates from the bulk electrolyte. The second, Type 2 film, is a compact, protective layer of ZnO that forms directly from the oxidation of the metal surface and is more stable. This Type 2 film creates a passivation layer that impairs
3834-466: The hand guard; the US M203 grenade launcher is sometimes used. After adoption by the French military, the FAMAS F1 replaced both the aging MAS 49 /56 rifle and MAT-49 submachine gun . Approximately 400,000 FAMAS F1 assault rifles were produced by MAS. While a capable rifle, the F1 had numerous problems to overcome. For instance, many plastic pieces on the rifle easily broke, including critical parts like
3905-419: The helmet and can therefore remain in operation when the helmet is removed. The optronic equipment is composed of mission interface overshell integrating the optronics, head camera (EBCMOS light intensification technology), image display units (OLED technology) allowing data and icons transmitted on the bus system to be displayed, images and video coming from the weapon or the head camera. The image display unit
3976-501: The infantryman from various threats (wind, rain, dust, UV). Non-linear earplugs afford auditory protection. The NBC mask can be equipped with a filter cartridge or linked to the ventilation powerpack. A tube built into the NBC mask can be used to take in liquids (water, food). The communication headset is linked to the radio. It holds the microphone and earpiece and works by bone vibrations (bone conduction transducer). It works independently from
4047-403: The newer 62 gr (4.0 g) (SS109 type) ammo. When using the French made 5.56 mm 62 gr (4.0 g) ammo it has a muzzle velocity of 3,035 ft/s (925 m/s). During training with blank ammunition, a special plug is added to the muzzle of the FAMAS. This plug is necessary for automatic or semi-automatic blank fire operation, and functions by blocking part of the gas used in
4118-508: The portable electronic platform, and hence the system, strong interoperability. Peripheral equipment can be connected to the physical connection ports situated at the front of the battery units. Power sources will be made of two rechargeable Li-ion batteries, provided partially by the Swiss Leclanché group FAMAS will remain the infantryman’s basic weapon, updated into Félin FAMAS. The FN Minimi (5.56 mm calibre light machine gun) and
4189-436: The position of the grenade on the barrel and automatically the volume of the chamber in which the gas expands to push the grenade forward. Each position of the grenade support has a number which is multiplied by a certain fixed number depending on the alidade position, 45° or 75°; this will accurately indicate the firing distance of the grenade. The FAMAS can also accommodate an external grenade launcher as an add-on module under
4260-409: The potential for up to eight times the range of a lithium-ion battery with a significantly lower total weight. Aluminium–air batteries are primary cells , i.e., non-rechargeable. Once the aluminium anode is consumed by its reaction with atmospheric oxygen at a cathode immersed in a water-based electrolyte to form hydrated aluminium oxide , the battery will no longer produce electricity. However, it
4331-421: The programme started. Engineering teams re-thought every step and system, putting aside all the previously tested demonstrators and updating the systems to the state of the art of their respective technologies. Meanwhile, a bidding started for French and European industrial producers. After several years of development and trials, the programme is now reaching completion. The first orders have been signed and
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#17328560296184402-497: The reaction product is recycled. The total fuel efficiency during the cycle process in Al/air electric vehicles (EVs) can be 15% (present stage) or 20% (projected), comparable to that of internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEs) (13%). The design battery energy density is 1300 Wh/kg (present) or 2000 Wh/kg (projected). The cost of battery system chosen to evaluate is US$ 30/kW (present) or US$ 29/kW (projected). Al/air EVs life-cycle analysis
4473-683: The soldier. The equipment is autonomous and can be used alone. The NRBC combat clothing is similar to permanent combat clothing. It is designed to allow combat phases to be carried out with the same efficiency as that achieved with conventional combat clothing. There have been many rumours about introduction of a new camouflage pattern. Demonstrators model have been disclosed sporting DPM , flecktarn and an original spot camouflage pattern showing similarities to German Flecktarn and Australian Auscam (see picture below), however latest demonstrators suggest that early Félin systems should use French standard CCE camouflage pattern. The French Army have selected
4544-413: The squad leader, an alert channel from the infantryman to his leader, and a data transmission channel. Voice and data transmission is based on tried and tested DECT civilian technology (domestic cordless telephone technology). Each sub-network works from a base carried by the squad leader. As RIF sets are all identical, a soldier can replace his commander if necessary by configuring his set as base. The radio
4615-428: The surface and create resistance. In contrast, Al(OH)₃ dissolves in alkaline solutions, forming Al(OH)₄⁻, which has a lower dissolution rate and maintains a balance between Al(OH) and Al(OH)₄⁻. Copper helps remove these compounds from the surface, reducing resistance and improving discharge performance. Additionally, the resistance of aluminium oxide is higher than that of the copper-aluminium combination, so copper reduces
4686-490: The system. A wire connection links the weapon to the system. The Minimi sight uses similar technology to the FAMAS IR sight. The sight supports man-machine interfaces and integrates resources for radio communication with the rest of the Félin system. The FRF2 precision rifle sight is based on the use of uncooled infrared sensors, combined with adapted magnifying optics. It also includes radio communication resources. The helmet
4757-542: Was also the second-largest contributor to NATO , the research budgets for new types of weapons were limited and priority was given to the modernisation and production of existing service weapons. Nevertheless, approximately forty different 7.62×51mm NATO calibre prototype rifles were developed between 1952 and 1962, most notably the FA-MAS Type 62 . However, the United States adoption of the M16 rifle and 5.56×45mm cartridge caused
4828-508: Was conducted and compared to lead/acid and nickel metal hydride (NiMH) EVs. Only the Al/air EVs can be projected to have a travel range comparable to ICEs. From this analysis, Al/air EVs are the most promising candidates compared to ICEs in terms of travel range, purchase price, fuel cost, and life-cycle cost. Technical problems remain to be solved to make Al–air batteries suitable for electric vehicles. Anodes made of pure aluminium are corroded by
4899-401: Was considered unsatisfactory for many members of the French high command. General Marcel Bigeard was also against the idea of relying on foreign weapons; while visiting the Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Étienne, he asked the engineers to develop a homemade French 5.56 mm automatic rifle, which subsequently led to the creation and adoption of the FAMAS. The FAMAS project began in 1967 under
4970-513: Was demonstrated in Ontario in 1990. In March 2013, Phinergy released a video demonstration of an electric car using aluminium–air cells driven 330 km using a special cathode and potassium hydroxide. On May 27, 2013, the Israeli channel 10 evening news broadcast showed a car with Phinergy battery in the back, claiming 2,000 kilometres (1,200 mi) range before replacement of the aluminium anodes
5041-576: Was developed from the G2 as part of the Infantryman programme with integrated equipment and links (FÉLIN) An improved version of the FAMAS F1 is integrated in the Félin system. A FAMAS F1 whose carry handle has been replaced by the new version intended for the FAMAS Félin, lowered and originally equipped with 2 Picatinny rails. In addition, the bipod joint has been moved back about ten centimetres and each foot
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