Advanced Bomb Suit

The Advanced Bomb Suit (ABS) is a full body ensemble that protects the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) soldier from threats associated with IEDs, including those related to fragmentation, blast overpressure, impact, heat, and flame. Manufactured by Med-Eng, the ABS uses new material technology and design to improve protection, comfort, and ergonomics. The suit is constructed from Kevlar with an outer anti-static cover of 50/50 Nomex/Kevlar and comprises a jacket, crotchless trousers, groin cup, and rigid ballistic panels. To minimize weight and maximize flexibility, protection is provided at various levels, specific to body regions, based on susceptibility to wounds. The suit does not provide gloves to the operator so that maximum ability on the hands is present.

The ABS is prominently shown in the movie The Hurt Locker, about U.S. Army bomb-disposal troops serving in Iraq.

The helmet, which offers protection against fragments with velocities of over 683 m/s, is made of a lightweight, high strength fibre; and weighs only 3.6 kg with visor (2.7 kg without visor). The ergonomic design allows ease of movement and good visibility without neck strain. The visor's fully laminated acrylic and polycarbonate construction increases its margin of safety against multiple fragment hits. The visor provides clear undistorted vision and is also removable. The helmet incorporates MIL-SPEC microphone and speakers and a forced air ventilation system. The battery pack provides up to 5 hours of continuous operation of the ventilation system and uses standard 9V batteries. All wiring in both the suit and the helmet, controlling the ventilation system, is incorporated within the suit itself to eliminate the danger of snagging.

Two systems are available which are compatible with the speakers and microphone fitted to the helmet, as standard.

The user has the option of switching off the transmitter when he reaches a device while still being able to receive incoming signals. The user can also hear his own voice at a reduced level so that he is conscious of the signal being received by the second party. Both systems operate from standard 9v rechargeable batteries.

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Wikipedia