Felin

FÉLIN (Fantassin à Équipement et Liaisons Intégrés, Integrated Infantryman Equipment and Communications) is the name for the French infantry combat system of the 2000s.

It combines a modified FAMAS rifle with a host of other electronics, clothing, pouches, and body armour. The helmet is an integral SPECTRA helmet fitted with real-time positioning and information system, and with light amplifiers for night vision. Power sources will be made of two rechargeable Li-ion batteries.

The €1.1bn (FY2012) project will see 22,588 units delivered between 2010 and 2015, at a unit cost of €38,000 (€49,000 including development costs). The system entered service in late 2011, when 300 were deployed to Afghanistan.

Between 1997 and 2000, the Félin programme was in its demonstration phase, focusing primarily on: communications, observation (day and night, by trying to increase range), protection (detectability: visual, acoustic and electromagnetic, protection against attack), power/energy and mobility (system weight, ergonomics, location and navigation aid).

During the first half of 2000, several operational trials were conducted, notably engagements between groups (one equipped with some of the Félin features, one without). The trials were successful, as the group equipped with the new features was significantly more efficient, even though it was carrying earlier versions of the system which had not been optimised in weight.

In 2001, the definition phase of the programme started. Engineering teams re-thought every step and system, putting aside all the previously tested demonstrators and updating the systems to the state of the art of their respective technologies.

Meanwhile, a bidding started for French and European industrial producers.

After several years of development and trials, the programme is now reaching completion. The first orders have been signed and the first deliveries should happen in 2007.

In November 2009, 22,588 Félin systems had been ordered. The system was first deployed on the front-line on 7 September 2010 with the 1st Line Infantry Regiment in the Surobi District, which is occupied by the French forces in Afghanistan.

Three major systems can be distinguished:

The individual system is made up of six sub-systems :

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Wikipedia