Head start for the future soldier
Elno on Stand E88 in the French Pavilion features advanced technology that will ease the task of tank crews. The most advanced is the special osteophone for the ‘combatant of the future’ – a programme initiated by the DGA for the French Army and designated the Type OH 295 Audio Headset.
This uses bone conduction technology for both the microphone and earphone, featuring bone conductor receivers that transform electric signals into vibrations for transmission into the right and left jaws. However, this process leaves the user’s ears free to receive outside noise sources, while in loud background noise the user is free to wear earplugs without affecting communication performance as regards reception via the bone conductor receivers. Also shown by the company is the Caba active noise reduction (ANR) tank helmet.
This has undergone field trials in AMX-10 and AMX-30 AFVs as well as with Nexter (formerly Giat) in the Leclerc MBT. Other tests and field trials have been carried out in various types of armoured vehicles and the helmet is already in use in the Gulf region. A reduction of 25 to 30dB is claimed for the Type 586 helmet fittedwith the Caba ANR system.
 The very light weight Type OH audio headset can be used while the wearer has earplugs to keep out loud noise |