ROCTEC CAMOUFLAGE FAQS 1

ROCTEC CAMOUFLAGE

ROCTEC CAMOUFLAGE EQUIPMENT FAQS

Introduction This document covers the Roctec equipment range in general terms and answers some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). It describes:

• What we make. • Our clothing and ghillie systems. • Our net and cover systems. • A comprehensive set of FAQs. • Contact details.

What We Make Roctec designs and manufactures a range of multi-spectral (Ultra-violet, Visual, Near Infra-red and Thermal) camouflage clothing and equipment for individuals and small team operations. Most of our standard equipments are described in this document. In addition to the items described here, we also make equipment to counter passive infra-red (PIR) devices and a range of EW counter-measure products. Please ask for further details.

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Clothing Systems TICS (Thermal Individual Camouflage System) is our original system that entered service in 2001. A 4-piece, complete body system comprising head shroud, smock, trousers and gloves. As with all our equipment it is fully multi-spectral (visual, near infra-red and thermal). It can be used straight out of the bag and gives excellent protection with 3D-construction all over. LATICS (Lightweight Adaptable Thermal Individual Camouflage System) is a technical Ghillie comprising a 4-piece whole body system (head shroud, smock, trousers and gloves but of lighter construction and less bulky than TICS. Some components are shared with TICS but the smock and trouser construction are different, allowing the user to adapt it to his specific needs. For instance, a clean body front can be used to allow easy crawling but with a 3D effect over the rest of the body for good protection in the prone position.

LTS (Lightweight Thermal Smock) is a variation of our LATICS set, comprising a basic one-piece ghillie top. It can have additional camouflage added to it, packs into a very small size and is a very flexible piece of equipment. It can be combined with other items such as head shrouds and gloves if required. LTC (Lightweight Thermal Cape) is a multi-spectral one-piece cape that can also be used as a net. It is particularly suited for tasks where personnel are generally static but want occasional protection whilst on the move. Net and Cover Systems ILN (Individual Lightweight Net) is a multi-spectral rectangular net (1.4m x 2.7m), ideally suited to OP work or general applications. The net is reversible with a dark pattern on one side, and a lighter one on the other. Individual nets can be joined together if required.

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TLN (Team Lightweight Net) is the same as the ILN (described above) but a larger size (2.7m x 2.7m), used to conceal 2-3 people. DC (Desert Cover) is a multi-spectral reversible cover with an observation aperture at the front. It is optimised for use in hot, dry, arid, barren locations, often at altitude. It is capable of concealing a 2-3 man team.

FAQs How Does The Equipment Work? The materials, designs and construction methods are unique to Roctec and not available elsewhere. We use a combination of techniques to reduce, diffuse and disguise the wearers signature so as to make them un-recognisable as a target at even short ranges. The use of multiple techniques means we can maximise tactical effectiveness at the same time as eliminating the drawbacks other systems exhibit. In short, we reduce the users signature and appearance to such an extent that it makes it very difficult to detect and/or identify them, at the same time ensuring that the equipment we make is still comfortable, light and hard-wearing. Do You Rely On Low Emissivity Techniques? No. Unlike many other systems we do not use Low Emissivity (Low E) materials to any great degree. We therefore do not suffer the tactical deficiencies of Low E systems through solar loading and cold sky reflection – effects which give target signatures which are either too hot or too cold when compared to the natural background. Additionally, as the wearer can adjust our systems signature, he can tailor it to his surroundings and the tactical environment around him – he is not stuck with the values built-in to a Low E system.

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What Camouflage Patterns Do They Come In? We have a number of standard patterns. Each system is also supplied with additional materials to allow for varying conditions, eg urban areas. In addition, we have manufactured a number of special versions designed for specific theatres or operations. How Are they ‘Adaptable’? The wearer can add additional Roctec material themselves (temperate, desert or urban) so that the visual, near infra-red and thermal signature can be varied and tailored to the terrain being operated in. Local natural camouflage can also be added as well. Are They Hot to Wear? No. The suits are extremely light and have good airflow. They are much more comfortable than standard combat clothing or self-made Ghillie suits. Experience in sunny climates indicates that the wearers operational effectiveness is extended because they are shaded and protected from the sun. Are The Suits Heavy? No. As examples, a basic TICS weighs only 2.5 Kg (5.5 lbs) and a basic LATICS less than 1.25 Kg (2.7 lbs). Compared to other systems we believe ours are some of the lightest available. Are The Suits Bulky? No. Without the use of a compression sack a TICS will fit in the side pouch of a standard UK rucksack. Our other systems take up even less space. Do They Interfere With The Senses (Sight, Hearing And Smell)? No. Our equipment is always designed to ensure soldiers retain full use of their senses and are able to operate effectively. How Easily Do They Snag on Thorns and Barbed Wire? The material is designed to minimise snagging on thorns and other objects, however it can still happen. To cater for this the material is designed to be able to give and tear a small amount so that the wearer does not get permanently caught up.

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What If it Gets Ripped or Torn? Due to the nature of the material field repairs are easily and quickly made with a piece of cord, string or thread. A more permanent stitched repair can be made when convenient. What Sizes Are Available? We usually manufacture one size only and the suit is then adjusted by the individual wearer. It takes only a few minutes to do this when the wearer is first issued his equipment. Do They Absorb Water and Get Heavy? The individual fibres do not absorb water. After total immersion weight increase is less than 25% of that of a standard combat suit and drying time is very fast. Compared to a traditional Ghillie, weights and drying times are even more impressive. What Do I Need To Wear Underneath? One layer of clothing is the normal recommended. How Long Can You Wear a System For? There is no limit. We put a strong design emphasis on comfort and ‘useability’, reducing the physiological loading as far as possible. Do I Have to Wear Each Bit of Kit? Not always. The wearer can judge what he sees as the likely threat and then wear only those items he needs to. For instance, it may be sufficient to wear only the head shroud and gloves, depending upon the tactical situation.

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Are They Compatible With Surveillance Equipment, Communications Equipment, Weapons, Combat Helmets. Load Carriage Equipment and Body Armour? Yes to all of them. The wearer retains good situational awareness, able to operate surveillance, weapon and sighting systems without compromise: tactility is also retained ensuring no degradation of manipulative skills. The head shroud is compatible with comms headsets. Body armour and load carriage equipment can be worn under the smocks and the head shroud can be attached to a combat helmet. Finally protective gloves of all sorts can be worn in conjunction with the gloves set. What About Instructions and Manuals? All systems are supplied with full instructions. What About Training? Initial training at either instructor or user level can be supplied. The crucial element is users practicing and learning about the equipment in differing environments and scenarios. This is best achieved through pairs or small groups viewing each other through optics, image intensifiers and thermal imagers to see how the equipment behaves and what it can do, thus ensuring they can fully exploit the equipment’s operational capabilities.

Can I Wear CBRN Protective Equipment With The Systems? Yes. CBRN protective suits should be worn underneath our systems. As when wearing a combat helmet, the wearer should allow for an additional second or two to remove the head shroud before putting on a respirator in an emergency. Can the Equipment Be Decontaminated? No, this is not recommended. The equipment should be disposed of in accordance with your normal SOPs for disposal of contaminated combat clothing. There are no other special considerations.

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How Long Will a System Last? Materials are made to military specs and are long lasting. Allowing for normal wear and tear they should give years of service with no performance degradation.

After All This What If I Don’t Think Thermal Imaging is Really A Major Surveillance Threat For Me? There are several aspects to this. Firstly, TI is a quickly emerging threat that is now widely and cheaply available. The likelihood is that even if you do not face it now, you will do so in the very near future. Furthermore, you may get little or no intelligence to indicate that your opponents have acquired it. This applies as much to the law enforcement as the military environments. Secondly, we believe our equipment gives you a vastly greater degree of protection in the visual and near infra-red threats compared to other equipment on the market. Self-made Ghillie and ‘hunting’ type equipment usually have very poor near-infra-red characteristics, making them unable to withstand scrutiny from modern image intensifiers; the fielding of SWIR and hyper-spectral systems will make this worse. Finally, user experience and our own trialing indicate that visual and NIR detection whilst ‘on the move’ is considerably reduced using our equipment, thus giving a much higher probability of reaching objectives, penetrating target areas and avoiding detection. Do they Have NATO Stock Numbers (NSNs) and Who Already Uses Them? Most are codified and we have manufactured over 6000 items to date. Our first major user was the British Army and users are now spread across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North and South America.

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What About Quality Standards? All materials and systems are manufactured to ISO standards. Are There Particular Maintenance Needs? No. Allowing dirt to dry and then brushing it off is normally sufficient. The systems can be hand- washed or machine-washed on a normal low-temperature cycle if desired. What About Final Disposal? There are no specific hazards associated with disposal. Is there a Spares Back-up? Yes. We hold a ready-stock of spare components for issue. Contact Details United Kingdom E info@roctec.biz T +44 (0)7766 543 423 W www.roctec.biz USA S.W.O.R.D Inc, 540 Blue Shutter Road, Roaring Brook TWP, PA 18444. E info@sword1inc.com T 540 – 899 – 9184 W www.sword1inc.com Disclaimer. The information provided in this document is provided in good faith. Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy, completeness and appropriateness of such information, any reliance on such information is entirely at the risk of the party using it. The use of any products is not our responsibility and we shall not be liable for any failure of any products.