The Wilcox G24 Breakaway Horn Interface Mount, with part number 28300G24, is a helmet-mounted system designed to securely attach Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) to various helmet shrouds, while offering a range of adjustments and a critical breakaway feature for user safety. Marketed as "The Most Trusted Helmet Mount in the World," the G24 mount is engineered for robust performance and ease of use in demanding operational environments.
Function Description:
The primary function of the Wilcox G24 mount is to provide a stable and adjustable interface between a helmet and an NVG. It allows operators to quickly attach and detach NVGs, stow them when not in use, and precisely adjust their position for optimal viewing. A key safety feature is its breakaway mechanism, designed to release the NVG from the helmet under entanglement or impact, thereby preventing potential neck injury to the user. The mount is compatible with the Wilcox family of shrouds, including both one-hole and three-hole shroud configurations.
Important Technical Specifications:
The G24 mount offers several critical adjustments to accommodate various NVG types and user preferences:
- Pivot/Stowing and Deploying: The mount allows for 130 degrees of rotational travel, enabling the NVG to be moved between a stowed position (up and out of the way) and an operational position (in front of the eyes). This movement is controlled by a flip release button.
- Up/Down Adjustment: It provides 0.90 inches of vertical travel. This adjustment is managed by a lock lever; placing the lever in the unlocked position allows for vertical movement, and turning it clockwise locks the NVG in the desired vertical position.
- Fore/Aft Adjustment: The mount features 1.3 inches of fore/aft travel. This adjustment is achieved by simultaneously pushing two buttons, allowing the carriage to move forward or backward. Releasing the buttons locks the carriage in place.
- Tilt Adjustment: The G24 offers 15 degrees of rotational tilt travel. A tilt angle adjustment knob allows the user to raise the angle by turning it clockwise (CW) or lower the angle by turning it counter-clockwise (CCW).
- Breakaway Feature: This is a crucial safety mechanism. The mount is designed to break away from the helmet shroud under certain forces, preventing neck injury during entanglement (e.g., with parachute lines) or fast-roping operations. The breakaway feature can be enabled or disabled by pushing a specific lever. When enabled, the mount will release if subjected to sufficient force.
Usage Features:
- Attachment to Shroud: To attach the G24 mount to a Wilcox shroud, the user first pushes a release mechanism to open the shroud's receiver. The interface lip of the mount is then inserted into the shroud's interface receiver at an angle. Once the lip is fully engaged, the mount is pivoted into the shroud's pocket. Finally, a locking mechanism is pushed to secure the helmet mount to the shroud.
- Attachment of NVG: NVGs equipped with a dovetail shoe are inserted into the receiver of the G24 mount. The user pushes the NVG in until a distinct "click" is heard, indicating a secure connection. A gentle pull on the NVG is recommended to confirm it is securely mounted.
- Detachment of NVG: To detach the NVG, the user holds the NVG, pushes the NVG Release Button, and then pulls the NVG out of the mount.
- Detachment from Shroud: Detaching the G24 mount from the shroud involves reversing the attachment instructions.
- Adjustments: All adjustments (pivot, up/down, fore/aft, tilt) are designed for intuitive operation, allowing users to quickly and precisely position their NVG during operations.
- Breakaway Enable/Disable: The ability to enable or disable the breakaway feature provides operational flexibility, allowing users to choose the appropriate safety setting based on their mission profile (e.g., enabled for parachute operations or fast-roping, disabled for less dynamic scenarios where a secure, non-breakaway connection is preferred).
Maintenance Features:
Maintaining the Wilcox G24 mount is crucial for its reliability and longevity.
- Cleaning: After each use, especially in saltwater environments or dirty conditions, the mount should be flushed with fresh water or wiped with a clean, damp cloth. This helps remove saltwater residue and dirt, which can degrade performance over time.
- Lubrication: Lightly lubricating the stainless-steel parts is recommended to ensure smooth operation and prevent corrosion.
- Adjustment Check: After cleaning and lubrication, all adjustments should be checked to ensure they are working properly.
- Play Adjustment: If any play develops in the Carriage or Pivot mechanism, specific adjustments can be made to restore original movement:
- Tightening Tilt Adjustment Screws: These screws are adjusted using a 1/16 hex driver. Turning counter-clockwise (CCW) loosens them, and clockwise (CW) tightens them.
- Tightening NVG Interface Screws: These screws are adjusted using a .050 hex driver. Turning CCW loosens them, and CW tightens them.
- Warranty and Compatibility: Wilcox emphasizes that its helmet shroud, mount, and NVG shoe are engineered to work as a single system. Using off-brand shrouds can affect rigidity and stability, potentially compromising the goggle's performance. Wilcox explicitly states that it cannot honor a warranty claim if an off-brand shroud is used with their mount. This highlights the importance of using genuine Wilcox components for optimal performance and warranty coverage.
The Wilcox G24 mount is a sophisticated piece of equipment designed for critical applications, offering a blend of robust construction, precise adjustability, and essential safety features to enhance the effectiveness and safety of NVG operations.
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