NationStates Jolt Archive


Verghastinsel Armaments Displays ESGkM - The Combat Suit for the Modern Infantryman

Verghastinsel
20-09-2005, 09:08
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/Verghastinsel/HelghastStandardBearer.jpg
The ESGkM - Einzelne Soldat Gesamtkampf-Maßeinheit
(Individual soldier total combat unit)

The second piece of the puzzle is now clear. With last month's public release of the Sturmgewehr 2008 Model 1 (StG08M1), FULL STORY (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=9628680), Verghastinsel Armaments representatives let slip a few tantalising syllables - almost amounting to a statement - that their proposed infantry combat suit would be public within the year.

Protected by layered kevlar over most of his body, and numerous shock-absorbing armour plates, Feldwebel Sudi Dekker of the 1st Legion was paraded around VA's Belsin headquarters like a new toy. Currently, the 1st is the only unit to be fully equipped with the ESGkM and StG08M1, and VA are disclosing none of the materials or methods used in it's manufacture.
Such is the fear of it being copied, the Senate passed the Defence Minister's suggestion that civilian possession be made illegal. Possession of the ESGkM will be treated as an attempt to distribute it, and is subject to a hefty jail sentence.

Though much of the details have not been released, VA did show off a few of the suit's capabilities;

Laser Rangefinder/Digital Compass: When connected to the scope of the StG08M1, the infantryman is provided with accurate range and direction information on himself, his unit, and any confirmed enemies via GPS. All of this information is displayed on the left eyepiece HUD.

Flak Helm/Subsystems: The infantryman's lightweight helmet provides all-angle protection from enemy fire, though it's main function is provided through the Heads Up Display situated in the left eyepiece. A microcamera is also fitted to the right of the infantryman's head. With the HUD, the soldier can view computer-generated graphical data, digital maps, intelligence information, troop locations and pre-recorded imagery from his helm-cam. The HUD can be disabled at any time. The infantryman's goggles have two Vision Filter functions; Night Vision, and Thermal Imaging. The helmet's air filter can also have a compressed-air supply attached, for operating in environments normally too low in oxygen for operations to take place.

Flak Plating: The infantryman is protected by several lightweight armour plates in addition to a layered kevlar hauberk. These are constructed of the same material as the helm, and provide maximum protection at minimal weight.

Computer/Radio Systems: The hardware required for using the functions provided by the suit is attached to the infantryman's kevlar hauberk, positioned on the right side of his back. A hand grip wired to the pack and attached to the soldier's chest acts as a computer mouse and also allows the wearer to change screens, key on the radio, change frequencies and send digital information.

VA stated today that it was very unlikely that this system would ever become available for foreign use.

The Verghastinselheer has already ordered an unspecified number of these units, though it is believed that the entire volunteer arm will be re-issued with the system within six years.