In videos of some milsim events, you have watched some airsoft players use blank firing guns to simulate a live environment and set the atmosphere that what airsoft players are in is not the usual airsoft skirmish. That is subject to debate, but a good number of milsimers appreciate the mix, especially if the aim is to have an immersive experience.
In Russia, they have another way of military tactical gaming apart from airsoft, paintball, and lasertag. It is called “Firetag” and it involves the use of blank firing guns with IR emitters and IR sensors that detect when a player is hit, just like what you see in laser tag:
The video above reminds you of the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES) that is used by the military of the U.S.A. and other armed forces around the world. The MILES uses the same system of laser and blank firing rounds to simulate a live battlefield.
Curious as we are with Firetag, we got in touch with Alexandr Evgenevich of Red Army Airsoft to learn more about it. He explains that in Russia, anyone of legal age can own a blank firing gun without restrictions and Firetag started appearing in the FVTI or Federation of Military and Tactic Games which promotes airsoft, laser tag, and firetag.
Alexandr says there are companies supplying complete Firetag units such as IrbisTag and Poligon64 which cost from 25,000 Rubles (US$450) for an AK-74 up to 70,500 Rubles (US$1,250) for a Degtyaryov (DP) Machine Gun. Blank rounds cost US$0.25 and a Firetag player spends up to US$100 per game. There are still costs such as protective equipment as well as tactical gear so the costs tend to pile up.
As for fields or game sites offering Firetag, there are still few. For those who do not have equipment, according to the Firetag.org website, players can rent Kalashnikov Firetag unit with tactical equipment, 90 rounds, protective glasses, and 1 hour game for 4,200 Rubles (US$75) or a Kalashnikov Firetag unit, 270 rounds, protective glasses and 3.5 hours of gameplay for 8,900 Rubles (US$160). That makes airsoft more attractive to players than Firetag in terms of cost since mere ammo expenditure itself will rack up the rubles (or dollars if you want to put it that way).
The sensors for detecting hits, according to the Firetag.org cover the following areas:
- The head (helmet) - 6 sensors laid out circularly
- Torso (front) - 2 sensors
- Torso (rear) - 3 sensors
- Shoulders - 4 sensors (2 for each shoulder)
A minimum firing distance is established as there are risks to injury even when using blank firing guns. From Alexandr’s experience, burning powder can travel up from 2 to 3 metres, and thus there is a minimum firing distance of 3 metres. Protective goggles is mandatory to protect the eyes, and ear protection is also required especially in CQB games. Ear protection is not necessary when playing in an open field but is highly recommended.
Firetag still is an interesting game to participate in if you want more realism in military tactical games as the staccato of blank firing guns will give you a more realistic sound of battle as compared to AEGs and gas blowbacks. The question is, will Firetag spread out to other countries outside of Russia and other countries that allow blank firing guns? That is a big question as the noise generated by blank firing guns can be big nuisance in residential areas or in urban centres. If you want to try it, better consult with local authorities and existing laws, you might encounter a lot of roadblocks along the way.
All photos from the Firetag.org website.