AIR COMBAT SYSTEM
In 2008, Switzerland was in the process of evaluating the partial replacement of its F-5E Tigers (TTE - Tiger-TeilErsatz). At the end of the process, the SAAB JAS-39 Gripen, the Dassault Rafale and the Eurofighter Typhoon were the finalist.
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Two test aircraft were stationed at Emmen airbase for a period of 30 days at a time, and were made available to the procurement agency armasuisse and the Air Force for test flights and evaluation. The winner of the selection process turned out to be the JAS-39 Gripen.
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Nevertheless, the committee “No to the fighter jet billions”, which included the Group for a Switzerland without an Army (GSoA), the SP, the Greens and other left-wing organizations, collected signatures against it in order to bring about a vote on the matter.
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On May 18, 2014, Swiss voters rejected the Gripen fund bill.
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We talked about Rafale's LA 100 and the Gripen's FFV 116c .
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Depending on the air force they fly with, Eurofighter pilots are equipped with different helmet models. The most sophisticated one is the BAE Systems Striker Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD), developed specifically for the Typhoon. When not wearing the Striker helmet, the RAF Eurofighter pilots wear the Mk.10c flight helmet by Helmet Systems Ltd (since 2014 a U.K. subsidiary of GENTEX). On the other hand, The German, Italian and Spanish crews are equipped with a GENTEX ACS helmet. The one on this page bears the colours of the "Quarto Stormo" of the Italian Air Force.
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The ACS (Air Combat System) is an independent development by GENTEX based on a USAF project designated TLSS (Tactical Life Support System). The TLSS system was tested at Edwards in the mid to late 1980s and combined advanced concepts for high-altitude flight and NBC protection. The system proved too expensive for large-scale purchase by the USAF, which nevertheless introduced its derivative and less expensive Combat Edge system, which did not integrate NBC protection.
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The current ACS, based substantially on the original TLSS helmet and mask set, is the expression of what the TLSS would have been if it had been brought to a level of development purely for aerial combat. The helmet is made of a Kevlar shell, fitted with dual visors (clear and dark), featuring infinitely adjustable rotary positioning control and certified for ejections up to 600 knots.
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The ACS is fitted with an inflatable occipital bladder system that provides improved helmet/mask stability during high G maneuvers (up to +9/-3).​
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The specific configured HA/LP-PPB oxygen mask is an integral part of the ACS system and provides PBG (Pressure Breathing for G) capability to the crew, thus reducing the potential of G-induced Loss Of Consciousness (GLOC). The mask is equipped with an Anti-Suffocation Valve (ASV). The valve is activated by inhalation and allows an unconscious or disabled crewmember to breathe in the event that the mask is not removed from the face.
The lightweight ACS mask bayonets are designed to interface with the helmet receivers, the LH one also provide pressure to the helmet's occipital bladder tapped from the oxygen breathing tube through the bayonet's integrated probe.
The ACS is fitted with an inflatable occipital bladder system that provides improved helmet/mask stability during high G maneuvers (up to +9/-3).
The specific configured HA/LP-PPB oxygen mask is an integral part of the ACS system and provides PBG (Pressure Breathing for G) capability to the crew, thus reducing the potential of G-induced Loss Of Consciousness (GLOC). The mask is equipped with an Anti-Suffocation Valve (ASV). The valve is activated by inhalation and allows an unconscious or disabled crewmember to breathe in the event that the mask is not removed from the face.
The specific configured HA/LP-PPB oxygen mask is an integral part of the ACS system and provides PBG (Pressure Breathing for G) capability to the crew, while reducing the potential of G-induced Loss Of Consciousness (GLOC).