Quote:
Originally Posted by Green Light
Have to ask. Why do line infantry need suppressors?
Our guys used to have M203s under their CAR-15s (similar to M-4). Didn't get the impression that those were that big. Is the HK version that different?
|
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23523729/
Quote:
|
Hearing damage is the No. 1 disability in the war on terror, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs, and some experts say the true toll could take decades to become clear. Nearly 70,000 of the more than 1.3 million troops who have served in the two war zones are collecting disability for tinnitus, a potentially debilitating ringing in the ears, and more than 58,000 are on disability for hearing loss, the VA said.
|
I could not locate the source, but I seem to recall that 80% of the hearing damages are due to the soldiers individual weapon. The hearing damage risk can be greatly reduced by using a suppressor.
There are now several companies offering lightweight and compact suppressors, that allow full time use on operations or in training.
Comparing the number of soldiers affected by hearing damage and the possible costs from that, the purchase price of even larger quantities of suppressors is not that bad of a trade.
In addition to the hearing damage aspect, benefits for even line infantry;
- Elimination of visible muzzle flash
- Lower overall sound pressure level = better comms
- On many weapons the recoil is reduced = faster and more accurate follow up shots
Of course the downside is increased length and weight on the weapon, added fouling etc, but the overall benefits are greater than the negative points.
Best Regards!
Tuukka Jokinen
Ase Utra sound suppressors