Having seen the contents of the Dragon Models (DML) 1/6 scale 12-inch US Army EOD Squad Leader - Operation Iraqi Freedom - "William" (Sergeant First Class) boxed set, here's a post of the Dragon Sergeant First Class William (Jeremy Renner?) putting on the SRS-5 EOD bomb suit.
EOD operators gear up in the Search and Reconnaissance Suit Model 5 (SRS-5) to conduct render-safe action. The SRS-5 provides maximum protection against bomb threats, and there are a total of three protective layers to the suit: a Body Cooling System lowers the temperature of the innermost layer, known as the cooling suit; a Biological-Chemical Barrier Suit protects them from contamination; and the outer-most layer protects against blasts and fragmentation in the event of an explosion.
Dragon did not include a step-by-step instructions on how to put on the SRS-5 bomb disposal outfit so I thought I'll document the process to the best of my ability :)
Firstly I ditched all the inner wear William came with. Since it is all going to be hidden under the EOD bomb suit anyway, I thought I'll keep the different attire for future kitbashes. Next I kitted William with a G.I. Joe EOD / Bomb Disposal basic outfit as it has a high neck protector / shield which I can "add on" for better protection.
In hot environments an optional cooling system is available. This is worn under the suit and consists of a Nomex body suit with a capillary tube network stitched into it. This is connected to a 2 litre water reservoir and pump that circulates ice water around the body. The cooling rate is adjustable so that a comfortable working temperature can be maintained. [source: wiki]
This is the back view of the G.I. Joe EOD / Bomb Disposal basic outfit, good for use as an inner layer
The SRS-5 Trousers goes on first
Followed by the groin / crotch guard which looks like a giant adult diaper (in fashionable OD green)
The next thing to put on is the SRS-5 Jacket
The EOD Back Support is then attached to the SRS-5 Jacket. There is some padding on the back for a cushioned fall.
The straps from the SRS-5 pants attaches to the back support via velcro
Last but most importantly, the outer-most layer (which protects against blasts and fragmentation in the event of an explosion) is put on. This would be the SRS-5 Armor (I think). The actual outer material is constructed from flame retardant Nomex/Kevlar mix which protects the user against burns. See how the Hasbro G.I. Joe version of the EOD suit serves to give protection to the neck and front of his face.
The design of the suit is such that both sets of ballistic panels limit the effects of the overpressure on the body while the collar completely encloses the neck area and overlaps the helmet.
And this is how the assembled SRS-5 EOD bomb suit looks like from the back - almost complete except for a few more items
One of them is the SABER Radio Clip-on Handset and Walkie-Talkie.
The radio goes into a pouch on the sleeve of his SRS-5 jacket.
The other item included is the Auxiliary Battery Pack. The battery pack provides up to 5 hours of continuous operation of the ventilation system and uses standard 9V batteries.
This goes into a pocket on the right-hand side
Finally, there is the SRS-5 Helmet with full face blast shield. The visors' fully laminated acrylic and polycarbonate construction enhances its margin of safety against multiple fragment hits. The visor provides clear undistorted vision and is also removable.
The thing sticking out behind the helmet is part of the forced air ventilation system. It allows for easier breathing and keeps the blast shield from fogging up.
The SRS-5 Lightweight Explosive Protection suit was introduced in 1997 and is renowned for its mobility and integration with an SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) respirator for CBRN blast threats. It features two interchangeable visors: the VBE-580 for search operations and the VBC-250 to accommodate an SCBA respirator.
While this release by Dragon Models is supposed to depict the character of Sergeant First Class William James (Jeremy Renner) from "The Hurt Locker", a 2009 Academy Award-winning American war film about a three-man United States Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team during the Iraq War, the 1/6 scale bomb suit or SRS-5 William is wearing is outdated and is the light suit version whereas the one seen in the movie is a EOD 9A type (which Dragon did release in blue color instead).
In the NEXT POST, we'll see some more pictures of the complete Dragon SRS-5 EOD bomb suit plus an alternative helmet as well.
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