SARREBOURG, France, Feb. 16 (UPI) -- An integrated equipment system by Sagem of France is set for tactical integration with the French army following field testing by troops.
FELIN is an integrated equipment suite developed as part of France's soldier modernization program. At the heart of the system is a tactical vest, an individual radio with integrated Global Positioning System, its processing unit, batteries and miniature interface terminal that displays data, including the position of friendly troops and images from gun sights for round-the-corner firing.
Among the innovative items in the system is an osteophonic headband that captures or transmits via the bones of the skull the vibrations from the soldier's speech or audio receiver, ensuring discreet voice communications.
A keyboard on a soldier's rifle handgrip allows soldiers to control vital FELIN functions.
Sagem has trained instructors at the army's infantry school in the use of the system. France plans on 22,600 French soldiers to be equipped with FELIN systems by 2015.
