Introducing RAILINK®: Powered and Data-Enabled ARC Rails

The future of headborne systems technology is here. Introducing RAILINK®, the first-of-its-kind, integrated, in-rail solution that simplifies the life of the user by running multiple head-mounted accessories from a single, centralized power source. Feeding power to and sharing data between an array of Smart Nodes and a VAS/NVG interface that allows the user to operate a wide variety of night vision systems, RAILINK improves protection and lethality by increasing the effectiveness of the user and reducing their burden.
Thanks to its royalty-free Interface Control Documents, partners such as Surefire, Princeton Tec, CORE Survival and others are developing accessories including sensors, displays, augmented reality capability, and wireless functionality. In this video, Rafe Bennett, VP of Portfolio and Product Management at Ops-Core, and Jamey Caldwell, retired SOF and trainer with 1 Minute Out, share an inside look at RAILINK and why it’s such a giant leap forward for elite operators.
Learn More about RAILINK and Ops-Core:
www.gentexcorp.com/introducin...
shop.gentexcorp.com/ops-core-...
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www.gentexcorp.com/ops-core/

[@MattyP-qd2sz]

Awesome!! Something else I can’t afford 😊

[@ejectionisanswer.7560]

Now cost for like a 10grand?

[@anthonyj5298]

free for some.

[@HawthornandClark]

Not at all that much

[@merrette]

@@anthonyj5298 you only have to sign a blank check in the amount of your life to get it for "Free"...

[@moe109_]

about two fiddy

[@GiacomoRavioli]

Im looking forward to the chinese clone.

[@igrvks]

So its a closed proprietary ecosystem, free to connect anything as long as it comes with the special connector.

[@yoshi8523]

“Hold on i gotta change my batteries!”

[@royd-l]

What applications for data sharing will this helmet support? It's alluded to multiple times but I don't see any concrete examples

[@BlackBladeGroM]

None ATM. Vendors are supposed to sign up on their site to get technical data package to build these applications. I hope they've just went with some version of USB protocol for this, but 3V and 9V power probably means something more proprietary.

[@ivaniuk123]

I think this is a promising yet very expensive piece of tech.

[@cosmosequation6672]

there's no data its just a wrong term he used for everything is connected to that battery on the back like a source of power for every attachment across these rails like one of those chargers smart phones tend to use. this isn't really anything new they just slapped chargers onto the thing to prevent overarching cables.

[@BlackBladeGroM]

@@cosmosequation6672 No, he explicitly said there are data lanes between the plugs on the rail, and one of the use cases they already implemented is turning power to NODs on and off depending on accelerometer data from the mount.

[@cosmosequation6672]

@@BlackBladeGroM So pretty much a indicator when to give pwer or not

[@smokedsalmon.actual]

end user here ... gov contractors using the term 'data sharing' like wild these days lol ...

[@urielmartinez2161]

Buzz words in the dod are kinda cringe. Like modular and mission configurable lol

[@smokedsalmon.actual]

@@urielmartinez2161 literally, like just say "we made arc rails that can make using nods and the IVAS easier instead of dancing around the topic like "data-sharing", modular whatever lol ...

[@smokedsalmon.actual]

@@urielmartinez2161 but no hate ... we love ops-core !

[@HeyItsHades]

This is definitely going to allow the United States Armed Forces to "utilize" an "agile modular multi-domain force multiplier" that will allow "synergistic nesting" towards "partnered interoperability" allowing the upper hand against a "near peer adversary" in "multi-domain warfare" eliminating a "friction point" in current "capabilities".

[@smokedsalmon.actual]

@@HeyItsHades my lethality has been increased

[@EtotheG]

If you’re going to that length to eliminate cables why didn’t you work with Wilcox and L3 to power the mounts directly into the NVG?

[@EtotheG]

Never the less a nice looking upgrade though^^

[@nolanfrancis5291]

Money lol

[@EtotheG]

@@nolanfrancis5291 yeah I can see that being a factor when wanting to sell to the civ market but to DOD an extra couple k per helmet to a brand that essentially already kinda has the monopoly on the market I don’t see that being a problem. Just look at L3 for the quads

[@martinguerrero5775]

Excellent video!!!

[@quinlanreed7162]

Very interesting. I’ll be interested in seeing how folks like it.

[@O8WRx]

Very nice. I actually wondered why this wasn't a thing yet.

[@Blahblahblah69097]

is it a stand alone system or does it required to be used only Ops Core helmets?

[@Polemicist_]

Okay, so all the weight is both lower on the helmet and closer to the head--which is _outstanding_ . But how much lighter is it compared to the previous gen. set ups?

[@ivaniuk123]

If you run a slick helmet then this will make your helmet heavier. If you run accessories such as strobes and lights this will make it slightly lighter and sleeker.

[@Polemicist_]

@@ivaniuk123 I figured so. But how much is _slightly_ lighter? Especially given this helmet system will probably cost $2,250$+ without accessories (batteries only).

[@wltr118]

​@@Polemicist_try $2500 for the rails $1100 for the battery pack and $480 for the cable for your NVGs. The set of strobes are $540. The Princeton is $170 and the surefire is $330. TNVC has the whole set up for $4,630

[@Polemicist_]

@@wltr118 NIGGA WHAT?! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 These contractors are out of their minds! They're already making millions from our tax dollars. Why do they charge so fing much for their products?! *_Omfg_*

[@Tylersel]

@@wltr118 If you're worried about the price you aren't who this product is for. It's designed for MIL use first. It's made in mind that you're using $10k+ NVGs w/ a $5-10k ECOTI addon.

[@stephanarizona9094]

Absolutely brilliant!

[@065Tim]

Why should my flashlight talk to my strobe? 1:26 Also, the amount of batteries on the helmet remained the same. Its still 7 in total, like the "old" system had. keep counting.

[@alfalegionnaire3451]

Going to play devil's advocate and say the benefit is you need less dedicated counterweight since more weight is pushed to the back. Overhyped and likely going to be stupid and fully proprietary? Yeah. A worthwhile technology to pursue at least in part? Yeah probably

[@BlackBladeGroM]

It's 6*AA in one package bolted to the back of the helmet, where counterweight usually goes anyway. I'd say it's a definite improvement over having 4-6 scattered all around the helmet, including 1-2 in the NVG on the arm stretched out in front. And no, your strobe probably has no reason to talk to your flashlight. Your NODs, otoh, can tell the flashlight\strobe to switch from white light to IR as soon as they turn on, and that's just off the top of my head.

[@TheByrdHouse]

Is there integration for the AMP headset?

[@ericquintana1900]

So…when can it be purchased?

[@HawthornandClark]

I don’t think you’re going to have to wait long

[@GiacomoRavioli]

So much data-enabling🤤

[@user-mj8jl4gu6y]

why was this video made at sloss in birmingham al?

[@Signal_Flare]

Is this one of the options the Marine Corps is looking at as an option for their next helmet? I think I heard about some program for that

[@yuron8210]

no

[@anthonyj5298]

dope

[@thegolflife7565]

Is this available in a carbon bump as well?

[@HawthornandClark]

It can be fitted to any FAST high cut helmet

[@mountplusBladeequals]

Jamey Caldwell from Delta????

[@user-qe7rz6jf1m]

Handy arround helmets

[@seneca4670]

delta will get these, then jsoc tier 1 joint, then rrc, then MAYBE ill get it in the next 10 years... LOL. love your alls products though. got my first opscore issued when i first got in and i still use it to this day. never needed a new one.

[@johnstuckey262]

00:56 what data is the battery sharing with the other components?

[@sortaspicey9278]

Voltage, temp, power draw etc

[@ultralaggerREV1]

Can I use the battery bank to keep my Oculus Quest 2 charging?

[@vityaz037]

coming soon Oculus Quest 2 adapter for an additional $3999

[@dirty-civilian]

This is awesome.

[@smokedsalmon.actual]

bro saying "this is awesome" like he's gonna use or need an IVAS one day lol ... this isn't made for you drew lol

[@MSaleh-vy8rr]

@@smokedsalmon.actual lol 😂 I know damn well those two gonna make a video about these helmets

[@afternoondoggo2287]

what is that water bottle in 2:45 ??

[@FeelmyFondue]

Looks like a nalglene with a hose line

[@lukewarmwater6713]

I think it’s a large Nalgene bottle with a hydration tube.

[@RDkent619]

Quick question Why not an integrated battery pack you can recharge with a usb? Individual batteries seem so outdated and the space you'd save just having one large battery pack compared to slots for individuals batteries seems like a way better idea

[@saladv6069]

Given that the battery pack is removable, they could always design a rechargeable battery later down the line.

[@SmithandWessonBlazer]

Alot easier to source AA batteries in every corner of the globe in a bind.

[@Okamine]

I’m interested. Is this available for civilian use? Asking for a friend 😅

[@TarumpSadiki]

Yeah. It’s just expensive

[@brandonwardlow4246]

Wish I knew the price of this and if it’s possible to attach it to an existing Ops Core SF helmet.

[@Alphaforce100]

Now that sir would’ve been a great idea. However military industrial complex go BRRRRT brrrrt

[@HawthornandClark]

The system is compatible with any FAST high cut helmet and the one in the video is mounted to an SF. I think the rest of your question will be answered within the next week.

[@barnesbuilt1250]

It's just over 6k as configured in this video not including cost of the helmet.

[@brandonwardlow4246]

@@barnesbuilt1250 holy shit! No thanks. I don’t need the cool blinky lights that much

[@aj897]

I wonder how long till we see whole face/head helmets, I say 10 years or less.

[@Counted_Coup]

compatible with AN/PSQ-42?

[@Counted_Coup]

and FWS-I?

[@Sierra_Tango_5]

Impressive! Pity it's just unaffordable for LE IOP.

[@leileijoker8465]

It's a way to share one battery pack for all accessories on the helmet. WTF does it has to do with data?

[@mr523592891]

$4600 for the rails? hehe, I'll just wait to get one for $460 from taobao

[@MsSteven120]

Bro said his helmet was heavy and bulky like the standard isn’t still a MICH 2000

[@nicofi286]

On the other hand, it is much less pretty than a standard ops core sf helmet, and if everything is inside the arc rails, what is it for? It was necessary to completely redesign the rails and remove the ARC sockets for standard equipment.

[@FDCNC]

There are some accessories that need to be mounted to the arc rail (Ear pro, ballistic face shield) and it also ensures backwards compatibility with legacy devices.

[@PunaJussi]

What are you even trying to say? What are removed?

[@nicholascorbin2647]

You guys gotta fix the arms, give em a hover over the ears setting instead of dumbo. And the cables for the amps aren't compatible with anything but your PTT. We can't connect to ton of vehicle mounted PTTs.

[@untrust2033]

Invent a problem, sell the solution. There was a single cable on the "old" helmet shown, and youd still need that cable if you ran the powered rails! BS.

[@FDCNC]

When are civilians getting this?

[@skylormello7552]

We don’t need this gayness brotha

[@AJ_Sparten1337]

The more appropriate word is citizens. Also, until cheaper, private groups start replacing the current expensive government ones, highly unlikely we'll be getting access to this soon.

[@AJ_Sparten1337]

How will this benefit private outfits?

[@sepianights6707]

this is basic Phone connectivity tech and cordless stuff that computer mouse and keyboards already have for pennies on a dollar inside a simple helmet that has been wired. How much does it costs and how can you explain R&D for 10yo on a helmet tech if its above 500$? Also how does it old up to water and impacts vs wired.

[@maximilliansantiago5208]

Its sharing data guys...

[@GiacomoRavioli]

battery power is data sharing?

[@TiberusV]

@@GiacomoRavioli Dude keeps saying "Data transfer" in the video.

[@GiacomoRavioli]

@@TiberusV battery power is considered data transfer?

[@1manzpeople]

@@GiacomoRaviolino. Battery power is power. It cannot transmit 1s and 0s.

[@GiacomoRavioli]

@@1manzpeople there is sarcasm in muh comment.

[@user-qe7rz6jf1m]

Klettverschluss Handy arround helmet Magnetic handy arround helmet

[@gunterstraus606]

I feel like the real downside to this is the modularity. I wonder what sort of Sci Fi helmet we'd get if it was designed from the ground up to be featured complete and lightweight

[@BlackBladeGroM]

>feature complete >lightweight Pick one and ONLY one. Modularity is mandatory for a reason. Full-coverage frag helmet for frontline troops would need a different set of equipment than SFs high-speed-low-drag kippah, and then there's personal preference and anatomic differences. A helmet with everything built in would either weigh enough to crush your vertebrae or have to be so thin that it won't even hold random frag.

[@nb1916]

Maybe just me but I’m not buying proprietary components to “plug into” the arc rails when i already have a helmet setup. Lack of cables, big whoop, everyone already manages cables. They are tucked away or zip tied and not going anywhere. I just fail to see a purpose

[@DurzoBlunts]

To Increase cost for gov contracts

[@HawthornandClark]

Cable management is a useful feature, but not the main goal of RAILINK. It’s the ability to handle data transfer. That’s the groundbreaking part.

[@TimmyTactical-dz4qg]

Yeah I'm sure they'll miss your business

[@miletello1]

@@HawthornandClarkwhat exactly would this be good for? Data transfer to and from what?

[@Ryan-cv9me]

@@miletello1it’s for built in HUD’s that project to the night vision device.

[@taleofgd4341]

Maybe it's just me but I like the look of an Ops-Core full of (non-integrated) attachments, duct tape, cables, and patches. 😅 Regardless (speaking as a non-user and keyboard warrior), this seems to be a very cool product addition from a company that still seems to listen and understand its customer’s needs instead of squeezing out meaningless stuff to increase shareholder value.

[@jonnyboy8000]

Why in this modern age are they still using AAA batteries they could use lithium power packs that are rechargeable as it is the Guy guy in the battery selling department

[@anthonylim151]

can I get one sent out if I ask nice enough? 😂

[@jimlee3725]

Please also incorporates those ears.

[@paulyjones3966]

5k???? You must be joking

[@SicSemperT]

Bro those are plastic Airsoft PVS-31s props 😂

[@Ellarian_Liara]

cost $50 to manufacture realistically could sell it for $500 (ops core ceos: NO 2500 or NOTHING)

[@fennoman9241]

Cant wait to pay 1999,99€ for some plastic rails with wires and connectors in it.

[@DavidFPV360]

Cool and all, but almost 500 bucks for a what, 5 inch cable? (x3 if u want all)💀😂

[@gawkingoblin]

Take a shot every time they say data

[@AdzyE30]

I died.

[@elephantcheeze]

Sir, this is a Wendy's

[@lpgd-fz8xk]

that helmet must weigh at least 6lbs waay too heavy imo

[@occasionalshredder]

if only your helmets didn't have excessive backface deformation

[@shorttm68]

I always love these comments. Please send your wisdom to USSOCOM and all the other Tier 1 units in the world that use Ops-Core helmets. They could really benefit from your wisdom!

[@skylormello7552]

Data guys it transfers data😂😂😂 😂😂😂 bruh share data

[@samdrher798]

Yeah, we're definitely the bad guys

[@pines2980]

CornHub acting lmao

[@user-qe7rz6jf1m]

Gewerbeschild strahlshausen 2 kettenkiessschwimmbagger Lokieltmanshausen h wings Baustoffe wings

[@johnconner4695]

Sharing data lmao

[@user-qe7rz6jf1m]

F35TORNARDOeurofighter

[@jdagger3387]

Well shit…

[@LosAngeles10-33]

Pass. Too complex and proprietary. I'll pick and choose which tools to select and omit on my helmet.

[@zswiirox6251]

Battaries in 2024… lol

[@1manzpeople]

Dude is throwing around the world “data” like a buzzword but nothing that was shown requires data transmission.

[@Esper320]

Lol government contractors love "data" and "integrated" verbiage so much.

[@appslagu4704]

sheesh .. contract killer promotes advertising like it sum kfc and mcdonald

[@nathanr2326]

Yeah something for rich weirdos

[@akhelundar931]

if you cant even make these products affordable then dont make these videos. instead do powerpoint presentations for the DOD. Its of waste of everyone's time