Camouflage net support system

[R. Wpg. Rif.]

My questions in regards to this topic are as follows:

Did the CF use this system of poles and spreaders for their camo nets?

If so, have they decided not to use anymore?

With the spreader at the top (see attached picture) what exactly was used for the base?

What manual will discuss this?

Any info would be appreciated.

John

 

[MJP]

We have a different spreader for the LAVs, but the principle is the same.  I don't know of a manual that explains operation of the them but they aren't terribly hard to fuddle through.

For the base you just jam it into the ground and the foliage around where you are putting the vehicle.

If you want a picture of what we use PM me and I will see if I can find one and shoot it your way.

 

[3rd Herd]

I can post some of the AVGP/Huskey pics to give the historical perspective. Was no kit back then was good ole Canadian improvisation

 

[Bomber]

Those are the US Style Helicopters, I bought a heap of them from Princess Auto for my regiment, they cost 1.80 each, they gave me a deal because I identified what they were and how they are used, no one at the store had any idea.  5 of them are ideal for covering a C3.  When fulle extened, they offer about 4 feet of surface area for the net, and do not bind or kink at any point.  I have sene them made of fiberglass, which breaks down and splinters, and from GRP plastic, much better.  By turning the nut in the centre, you can control how loose or tight they are, something that makes storage and employment much easier.  They pop right on top of our cam poles, but the US ones are abit larger and offer a better fit.

 

[R. Wpg. Rif.]

Those are the US Style Helicopters, I bought a heap of them from Princess Auto for my regiment, they cost 1.80 each, they gave me a deal because I identified what they were and how they are used, no one at the store had any idea.  5 of them are ideal for covering a C3.  When fulle extened, they offer about 4 feet of surface area for the net, and do not bind or kink at any point.  I have sene them made of fiberglass, which breaks down and splinters, and from GRP plastic, much better.  By turning the nut in the centre, you can control how loose or tight they are, something that makes storage and employment much easier.  They pop right on top of our cam poles, but the US ones are abit larger and offer a better fit.

You say "US style helicopters" because of the way they open up?
So your unit only had the poles. and how did they expect you to use them without this additional piece of equipment?
Did you receive something similar and this US style was an improvement?

I know it's not an earth shaking topic, but thanks for the education.

John

 

[Bomber]

The unit always had the issued Canadian ones with the 4 small arms and webbing in between, they open like a small umbrella, but in a strong breeze, one of the arms can pop up, and the entire unit then folds up like a brollie.  Once this happens, the net is held up only because it is tangled in the spreader, and is no longer supported.  I called them helicopters because of their shape, looks like three rotor blades, just very small.  I first met them when I was on an ex in the states and the guns pulle dinto a former National Guard gun position, doing a walk around of the land, I found one of these things, then a few other guys found some, they worked amazingly well, get tangled on nothing, and support even the old style cold war Circus tent nets that were in flavour at the time.

One of the major problems with the Canadian ones is that they are held togethe at the joints with very thing metal brackets, and small cotter pins.  Often, guys will be putting them up, and not notice that the cotter pin is hooked on the net, one forceful push and the soft metal pin is popped out, and the entire unit collapses on itself.  The other propblem is that the Canadian ones, with only about half a foot of surface area make distinctive peaks and valleys in a cam net, these, with each of the blades being almost 2 feet long make a much larger and more uniform surface, so from a distance, the net looks more like a small hill, and not a series of sharply pointed trees.  Not catching on things has greatly increased the life span of the nets.