Salient Characteristics for Tactical Communication Headsets_Redacted.pdf
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- Attached to
- Tactical Communication Headsets
- Solicitation number
- F3N6126023A901
About this file
This document is a Statement of Salient Characteristics (requirement specification) for a tactical communication and hearing protection headset system intended for security forces at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. The acquisition seeks 228 units of a new, commercially available, and field-tested headset system designed for use in demanding operational environments while maintaining compatibility with current and future radio systems.
The headset must provide level-dependent hearing protection with a minimum Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 20 dB or Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of 28 dB, along with adjustable environmental listening modes and an earplug mode for enhanced situational awareness. Communications requirements include compatibility with legacy Motorola portable radios and preparation for future Harris radio system integration, available with single or dual communication circuits and NATO wiring. The system must feature a built-in, radio-independent intercom supporting a minimum of four simultaneous speakers and over 50 listeners within a 10-meter radius operating in full-duplex. The microphone must be detachable, ambidextrous, noise-canceling, and waterproof (IP68 rated). The headset must meet MIL-STD-810G for environmental durability and EMC-MIL-STD-461F/G for electromagnetic compatibility, and be available in headband, neckband, and helmet-mounted configurations compatible with the "Gear for Life" helmet system. Power must be supplied by two AAA batteries providing 50 hours of environmental listening operation or 30 hours with the intercom active, with voice-guided menu configuration and automatic two-hour power-off. The headset must be available in Olive Drab Green, Coyote Brown, and Black, with long-term sustainability through replacement parts availability. Appendix A identifies pre-approved components including the COMTAC 6 headset in either NATO-wired green or black configurations, EXFIL quick release back plate set, ARIES dual comm push-to-talk assembly, and specified radio leads for Harris and Motorola systems, with procurement of equivalent items requiring separate testing and validation.
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CUI
Salient Characteristics for Tactical Communication Headsets
Ramstein AB, Germany
Introduction and Scope
This document outlines the minimum salient characteristics for a tactical communication and hearing protection headset system. The system is intended for use by security forces in a variety of operational environments. The primary objective is to acquire a headset that provides outstanding hearing protection, advanced auditory situational awareness, and robust, clear communication capabilities, while ensuring compatibility with current and future radio systems.
General Requirements
The headset must be a new, commercially available, and field-tested product. It must be ruggedized for daily use in demanding conditions, sustainable, and upgradable to meet future operational needs. The design must be suitable for long-duration wear in conjunction with standard security forces helmet systems and other personal protective equipment.
Detailed Salient Characteristics
The proposed headset or an equivalent alternative must meet or exceed the following characteristics:
Feature Category Salient Characteristic
Hearing Protection &
Auditory Awareness
The headset must provide level-dependent hearing protection, automatically compressing hazardous impulse and steady-state noises while allowing safe-level ambient sounds to be heard.
It must offer a minimum Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 20 dB or a Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of 28 dB.
Must feature environmental listening modes ("talk-through" functionality) that allow for adjustable auditory awareness to suit different operational environments (e.g., for patrol vs. observation).
Must include an "earplug mode" that enhances situational awareness when used in combination with foam or gel earplugs.
Communications &
Connectivity
Radio Compatibility: Must be compatible with legacy Motorola portable radios and prepared for future integration with Harris radio systems. Must be available with single or dual communication circuits and NATO wiring.
Intercom System: Must feature a built-in, radio-independent intercom system for close-range, headset-to-headset communication. This system must support a minimum of 4 simultaneous speakers and over 50 listeners within a 10-meter radius, operating in full-duplex.
Microphone: Must be equipped with a detachable, ambidextrous, noise-canceling boom microphone that is waterproof (IP68 rated). The microphone should be adjustable to ensure clear speech transmission.
Durability and Design
Must be tested and compliant with applicable parts of military standards, including MIL-STD-810G for environmental durability and EMC-MIL-STD-
461F/G for electromagnetic compatibility.
The headset must be available in headband, neckband, and helmet-mounted configurations. The helmet-mounted version must be fully compatible with the current issued 'Gear for Life' helmet system, allowing for proper mounting and intended use during military operations.
Must be available in standard tactical colors, including Olive Drab Green, Coyote Brown, and Black.
Power & Features
Must be powered by two standard AAA batteries, providing a minimum of
50 hours of operation for environmental listening and 30 hours with the intercom feature active.
Must include a voice-guided menu for easy configuration and a low-battery warning.
Must feature an automatic power-off function after two hours of inactivity to conserve battery life.
Sustainability &
Upgradability
The headset must be designed for long-term sustainability with the availability of replacement parts such as gel ear cushions, battery covers, and microphones.
Appendix A: Approved System Components
To ensure standardization and proven interoperability, the following components have been tested and verified to meet all the salient characteristics outlined in this document. This specific configuration is pre-approved for procurement and deployment by the 86th
Security Forces Squadron.
Procurement of "or equivalent" items not on this list requires separate testing and validation to be conducted by to confirm all salient characteristics are met.
Quantity: 228 each
Component Type Item Description
Headset Assembly COMTAC 6 HEADSET (COYOTE) W/ 21GC
Options:
1) MT20H682FB-86N (7100168800 / UU009554476) - COMTAC VI, NIB HEADSET, NATO WIRED, FOLDABLE, GREEN
2) MT20H682FB-86N SV (7100168801 / UU009554484) - COMTAC VI, NIB HEADSET, NATO WIRED, FOLDABLE, BLACK
Or equivalent
Helmet
Integration
EXFIL QUICK RELEASE BACK PLATE SET
PTT Assembly ARIES DUAL COMM PUSH TO TALK ASSEMBLY
Harris Radio Lead 21GC SERIES- OVERMOLDED 6 PIN RADIO CONNECTOR FOR PRC
148/152/117 - 19 INCH LEAD
Motorola Radio
Lead
21GC SERIES MOTOROLA APX SERIES RADIO CONNECTOR - 19 LEAD
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