Anyone have a couple nice shots of the NEW CVC worn by US troops? I have a few "action" shots, but some nice photos of just the helmet from each side would be great.

Anyone help?

Thanks in advance,
Ryan

New CVC? Please describe, as some call the armored CVC with Bose Speakers (VIC-3), as new.

Jed Sargent

Melon, I got you covered if you need the shots of the Jarhead version of the helmet. It is different from the one(Bose) in US Army use. They are two different helmets but both work with the VIC-3(Vehicle Inter Communication) system. Jared is right, it should be called "newest". Out here.

Yeah, Mike, that it what I am looking for. Didn't think the USMC would spring for something made by BOSE. If you have a few shots, send them my way, if you could.

Thanks again,
Ryan

I would like those photos too, if that´s not a problem.

// Torbjörn.

Ryan, watch your mail box. Str72 shoot me a e-mail. Out here.

Hey....New CVC ? Bose speakers ? POst pictures please, I'm "old Army" I'ld love to see new CVC's. I've got some modern figures and a Bradley (old Tamiya full interior version) that needs dioramaing.

Hornet has released a set of 1/35 heads featuring the newer US CVC helmet. As to whether it is the very latest, or the one prior to that, I truly don't know. Check out the Hornet supplier for photos.

Jim Peterson

Guys lemme be the ignorant one here but what does CVC exactly mean

Is this the helmet you are looking for, Ryan?



This is the one used by the Norwegian Army, and it is US made with Bose speakers. I think it is very similar to what you guys use. Must be some US tankers around here who can confirm if this is true or not.

Erik

Edit: CVC = Combat Vehicle Crew (I think)

Combat Vehicle Crewmember

Muttley, you don´t have to be the ignorant anymore. As far as I know CVC means Combat Vehicle Crewman.

/ Torbjörn

Is it one of these:



That's the DH-132 A, according to dla.mil there is a new CVC that was available for fielding starting in FY2002

Howdy all. The pic that Erik67 posted is similar to the latest US army version with the Bose system. It was beginning to be fielded around 1997. The latest USMC CVC(Combat Vehicle Crewman) helmet was starting to hit the units(tanks, Amtracs, Lavs) around FY2000. Out here.

Here is the Army's Bose one.









And the liner:



And a close up of the mike.



As always, thanks to Gary Owsley for his help getting the pictures.

We called those softies back in the mid 70's We had a similar design of those and the ones that were totally hard shell, and of course the helmetless headphones. I liked the totally hardshell one as I got banged around quite a bit and it protected me from bumps and bruises on me noggin

Looking back through the pictures, from an Army perspective...

What Erik67 and BroAbrams have up are the current version of the CVC (Combat Vehicular Crewman) Helmet as issued to vehicles that have the VIC-3 installed, which for the most part are all new model Bradleys, Abrams, M1068A3's, some M113's, etc. It's not the shell that is the key part, it is the design of the soft parts and electronics. It's a noise reducing headset with some really nice capabilities, such as double hearing protection(you don't have to wear earplugs while firing).

The second type, same as the VIC-1 is what 2CAVTrooper has posted. It has the older electronics, which were nothing more than a mic, wires, and the speakers. This still exists today in some of the older vehicles, particularly M113's that have not either been refitted/refurbished, or have not been upgraded at a unit level. This also applies only to the soft guts and electronics.

The VIC-3 style generally has the thicker Kevlar shell that you see in the pictures. It's a rare instance you'll see the thinner shell of the VIC-1 on one, but if a crew's short, they'll grab one out of supply. This out shell has the same level of balistics protection as the standard Kevlar helmet, but for the vehicle instead. Also, with some modification, you can mount the NVG connectors and straps to the helmet, allowing you to have a pair of Night Vision Goggles attached, or other particular fun goodies.

As for the Marine Corp, my assumption would be they share the same equipment as the Army, but it's sounds almost as though they don't. So, if there is a different type of CVC out there, I'd be very interested in the pictures of them.

Jed Sargent

Howdy Jared. The current USMC CVC helmet is different than the current US Army version. It has different earpieces, boom mike, shell, suspension and switch setups. There is also a provision to mount a face guard on it. It also has an external microphone built into the right headset so that you do not have to lift the earpiece to converse with people(grunts) who are not wearing a CVC helmet on your system. There is a box for a 9 volt battery on the lead cord to power this feature. Shoot me an e-mail and I will send you some pics. Out here.

"ON THE WAY!!!!"

The Current CVC that is being issued to the STRYKER BDE's look identical to the picture with the two soldiers in it above. We have the external microphones (called Talk Through Circuitry) on each ear cup. This is able to be used to talk with personell as Mike mentioned above. It is either powered through the vehicle when connected to the bail out cable, or by an "AA" battery when the CVC is not connected to a bail out cable. When I was on M1A1's in Germany we had the same style CVC's. This Talk Through Circuitry is handy when finding that Hind at the CMTC.

Ric

As a side note, and not one that every knows, there are two different ways to mount the AA battery. Depending on if it is a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. Externally, you can tell by looking at the battery cover. The arrows line up when there is a non-rechargeable in. If there is no battery, the CVC will not use the Talk Through Circuitry when disconnected from the system. Picture the Tank Commander on the ground holding a normal conversation with a flip of a switch.

As well, the TTC system is capable of listening to a moderate conversation from a person on the ground from the hatch of the tank. As well, from experience, it will mitigate the level of external sound it puts through. Had an RPG explode not too far from me, close enough for the concussion to knock me into the Gunner's seat, but no loud noises were sent through the TTC. Had been talking with an Iraqi National Guard advisor on recent contact. Joy of joys.

All-in-all, the system is excellent as long as you know how to maintain it. Expensive, though.

Jed Sargent

Ok, the Electronics Mechanic to the rescue. I have two of the newest CVC's in my test locker at work. I even have the newest itnercom system set up on the test bench. As soon as I get into the shop tomorrow morning, I will shoot some pictures and post them.

The one that Erik showed is newer than the one Rob showed. I think we have the other types laying around also. I'll take some comparison pictures as well if we have the other.

gal darn its about time they did some new commo stuff for us the CVCs and stuff we use now SUCK
and that remote transmitting capability never works quote NEVER

Hey, Yanks, how come that new CVC has no ballistic protection on the sides? Is that a new development to have the headset exposed (dusty too)? Our KFCs here in SL have helmets which look a bit like tha 'Nam era chopper helmets where the earpieces are covered. Not sure if ours are Soviet or Israeli, but they are not manufactured in the west.

CVC pictures coming soon. I am uploading them right know.