Racal Acoustics, the UK-based global designer and manufacturer of audio communications and protection systems has today announced a new contract to supply the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO), with their RA4000 Magna digital headset system. The 7-year framework contract is worth up to USD $4.7 million and includes a full support package comprising of training, consumables and spares, plus an option to supply follow-on orders, as required.
Alexandre Huart, Vice President – Sales and Marketing at Racal Acoustics said: “we’re all very proud of winning this order and we’re looking forward to delivering a first-class product and support service to the DALO”. He added: “the RA4000 system delivers exactly what was specified by the customer. Our future-proofed design allows the Racal Acoustics engineers to upgrade the integrated software to take account of our ongoing innovation activity – constantly striving to maintain our ‘best in class’ position and reputation”.
René Ulbjerg Toft, Deputy Technical Director, Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization, Land Materiel Systems Division said: “when tendering for a framework agreement on new CVC helmets for the Danish Army, DALO was focused on choosing a tactical solution that could provide as much attenuation as possible, without compromising clear intercom and radio communication. Through thorough user tests we conclude, that the RA4000 system was the only solution, that could satisfy our comprehensive requirements and operate efficiently on the heavily armoured platforms. DALO is eager to put the RA4000 system in service, to ensure the safety of the soldiers and to benefit from the flexibility that the software defined solution provides”.
The Racal Acoustics RA4000 Magna digital Active Noise Reduction (ANR) headset systems supplied under this contract include: the headset; a soft helmet liner; a ballistic helmet with integrated side-rails and NVG mount; and a downlead to connect the system to the in-vehicle intercom. Selected specifically to meet the needs of Leopard 1, Leopard 2 and CV90 heavy armoured vehicle crews, the RA4000 protects the crew from in-vehicle noise whilst enabling effective communication and situational awareness.
The system also allows the user to dismount from the vehicle yet retain Active Noise Reduction (ANR) protection – powered by an integrated battery. As well as connecting the crew to the intercom, the system can be connected to remote communications devices, such as Personal Role Radio or other man-pack radios to allow the user to communicate with dismounted troops outside of the armoured vehicle crew environment. Already established as market leaders in military headset technology for high noise environments, this order further underlines Racal Acoustics as the global provider of choice for users wanting the very best protection whilst retaining optimum communication and situational awareness.
RA4000 is built on a fully digital architecture, using advanced digital signal processing (DSP) and a software defined feature-set to deliver high levels of performance for demanding applications. The headset can be reconfigured for use with future communications equipment since the software is easily upgradeable over USB interface. An optional 3D engine supports up to 8 audio channels in a virtual 3D environment. Exceptional Passive and Active Noise Reduction (ANR) features protect the hearing of users exposed to high levels of continuous noise. The headset achieves noise attenuation levels of 36dB SNR.
The headset has been independently fully qualified to MIL-STD-810G for harsh environments including temperature extremes, shock, bump, impact, vibration, dust, sand, humidity, mist, salt fog, driving rain, immersion, solar, altitude, fungal and fluid contamination. Electromagnetic certification to MIL-STD-461F at 50V/m field strength. High reliability, with mean time between failure (MTBF) of 42,710 hours. The headset is CE marked, RoHS compliant and is not subject to export controls.
Racal Acoustics has a long history in the design, development and manufacture of hearing protection focused audio ancillary equipment for the world’s military market. Racal Acousticspedigree can be traced back as far as 1911, during the pioneering days of radio communication. From these origins, the company have continued to innovate our products to meet ever-increasing demands for advanced-technology within an evolving marketplace. Sustainability and safety are integral to our business and design process. Racal Acoustics are committed to comply with all relevant Quality, Health, Safety & Environmental legislation, are fully compliant to all regulatory compliance requirements and certified to ISO9001 and ISO14001.
