Sensors and Lasers Three devices: I AN/PEQ-15 advanced target pointer/illuminator/aiming light (ATPIAL) I AN/PEQ-15A DBAL-A2 infrared laser I Mini-infrared pointer illuminator module (MIPIM) All are laser-aiming devices designed to be used in conjunction with night-vision devices (NVDs). When zeroed to the weapon, they provide an invisible (except to NVDs) continuous in- frared (IR) beam along the weapon’s line of fire for precise aiming. The MIPIM and ATPIAL offer separate adjustable-focus IR illumination for improved situational awareness and a visible red dot-aiming laser that also can be selected for day or night operations. The MIPIM also incorpo- rates a white-light flashlight into its design. All can be weapon-mounted or used as handheld illuminators/pointers. The IR ranges are 600 meters on low power and 2,000 meters on high; the visible lasers have a range of 25 meters in daylight (but not direct sunlight). The DBAL-A2 weighs 8 ounces and has a minimum operational time of 5 hours on one DL 123A battery. The MIPM weighs 9.9 ounces and is powered by two DL 123A batteries, which give it a minimum opera- tional time of 15 hours with both IR lasers on high and 1 hour with white light con- stantly on. The ATPIAL weighs 7.5 ounces and is powered by one DL 123A battery, which gives it a minimum operational time of 6 hours with both lasers on high.

40 ARMY I March 2008 he Best for the Best” is the operational motto of the Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier. PEO Soldier, headquartered at Fort Belvoir, Va., teams the project manager and product manager offices that develop and provide soldiers with weapons, individual equipment and clothing needed for the fight, employing a strategic soldier-as-a-system approach to designing, producing and fielding that ensures each piece of soldier equipment integrates with other equipment for maximum efficiency and effectiveness. Information on the following equipment items was provided by PEO Soldier officials as examples of recent equipment fieldings and developmental items that could reach soldiers in the near future.

Mass Tactical Canopy (T-11) Personnel Parachute System The T-11 parachute system is the first wholesale moderniza- tion of the U.S. Army’s tactical parachute system since the 1950s. It includes a completely redesigned main and reserve parachute and an integrated harness system. It enables a sta- ble, low rate of descent to re- duce landing injuries while al- lowing parachutists to carry heavier loads. The main canopy is a highly modified version of a cross-cruciform platform that has a 14 percent larger inflated diameter and a 28 percent larger surface area compared to the predecessor T-10D canopy. The reserve canopy is a derivative of the proven British low-level parachute aeroconical design that promotes fast opening of the reserve system during low-speed malfunctions. It also fea- tures an omnidirectional, center-pull deployment system. The T-11 har- ness is designed to displace opening shock forces of the reserve parachute across the length of the jumper’s body because of higher placement of the D-rings. The T-11 is designed to have an average rate of descent of 18 feet per second for 95 percent of the body weight spectrum, compared to 22 feet per second with the T-10D. The system’s weight is 52.7 pounds. The main canopy has a 30.6-foot diameter at the hem, and the reserve canopy has a 24-foot normal diameter. The T-11 is undergoing operational testing.

March 2008 I ARMY 41 Fire-Resistant Environmental Ensemble (FREE) The FREE system is a multilayered, versatile insulating system for combat vehicle and avi- ation crews; it allows them to adapt to vary- ing environmental con- ditions and mission re- quirements and, as the name states, is fire resis- tant. The system con- sists of undergarments in two fits (one specifi- cally for males and the other for females), a base layer, mid-weight layer, light outer layer, intermediate outer layer, cold weather gloves, balaclavas (one for hot weather, the other for cold), extreme wet weather parka, rig- ger belt and wool socks and is functional for wear both in and out of aircraft or vehicles.

M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System (SASS) The M110 SASS is a 7.62 mm antipersonnel and light antimateriel weapon that ex- ceeds the rate of fire and lethality of the M24 sniper weapon system. It has an ef- fective range of 800 meters and leverages a rapid fire/ rapid reload design. It has a variable-power day optic sight, uses 10- or 20-round magazines and has a MIL- STD-1913 Picatinny rail for mounting a variety of scopes and accessories. The M110 (combat ready with sound suppressor) weighs 17.3 pounds and includes a de- tachable folding bipod. An enhanced spotting scope (XM151) is part of the system; accessories include hard and soft cases. Overall length with the suppressor attached is 46.5 inches (buttstock fully com- pressed). The complete system within the hard carrying case weighs 70 pounds.

42 ARMY I March 2008 Interceptor Body Armor Interceptor body armor (IBA) is the most up-to-date body armor available. IBA is a modular system, consist- ing of an outer vest, ballistic plates and attachments that increase the coverage area. The system increases survivability by stopping or slowing bullets and frag- ments and reducing the number and severity of wounds. The latest modification is the development of the improved outer tactical vest (IOTV), which is lighter and incorporates several advances over the original In- terceptor outer tactical vest (OTV). The IOTV is more than 3 pounds lighter (depending on size) than the OTV. With all inserts and plates, the IOTV (medium) weighs 30 pounds, compared to 33.11 pounds for a medium OTV system. The IOTV opens on the side (the OTV opens in the front), which increases coverage area. The IOTV also incorporates built-in throat and under- arm protection, which were modular add-ons to the OTV. The IOTV comes in 11 sizes, three more than the OTV. The IOTV has a quick-release feature for removal of the vest in an emergency and includes multiple ad- justment points to improve fit, weight distribution and load-carrying capabilities. The IOTV also has a mesh lining for better ventilation. Both the OTV and IOTV now incorporate plates called the enhanced small arms protective inserts (ESAPI) and enhanced side ballistic inserts (ESBI), which add protection and can withstand multiple small-arms hits, including armor-piercing rounds. (For more information, see this month’s “Soldier Armed.”)

Generation III Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (GEN III ECWCS) The GEN III ECWCS is a 12-component multi- layered insulating ensemble that allows soldiers to adapt to varying environmental conditions and mission requirements. It incorporates new materials that offer a wide range of breathability and protection, and the components are more compatible with body armor wear. The system includes a lightweight undershirt and drawers, fleece cold weather jacket, wind jacket, soft-shell jacket and trousers, extreme cold/wet weather jacket and trousers, and extreme cold weather parka and trousers. The base layers are con- structed from silkweight, moisture-wicking knit- ted polyester and polyester grid fleece. The wind jacket is made from a lightweight windproof and water-repellant material that has good breatha- bility for moisture vapor transfer. The extreme cold weather parka and trousers are constructed with loft insulation and are highly compactable and lightweight. The entire ensemble, all layers combined, weighs 12.85 pounds and comes in 15 sizes. Currently, the ensemble is being issued to soldiers deploy- ing to Afghanistan.

44 ARMY I March 2008 Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) and Helmet Sensor, External Mounted The ACH enhances ballistic protection, stability and comfort without degrading vision or hearing. The modular helmet is available in five sizes with two pad thicknesses and weighs from 2.93 pounds (small size) to 3.77 pounds (extra-extra large). The suspension system provides blunt force protection, and the helmet has a four-point chinstrap design that allows quick adjustment. The shell is made from Aramid fabric. A new neck cushion adds ballistic pro- tection between the bottom of the ACH shell and top of the Interceptor body armor collar. The externally mounted hel- met sensor is a small, lightweight low-power sensor suite that can be mounted to the ACH or combat vehicle crew- man helmet. It detects, measures and records impacts (ac- celeration in three degrees of freedom) and blast overpres- sure associated with explosive blasts or related concussion. Data is downloaded to a computer via a USB port. It is de- signed to collect data to understand and characterize events that may cause traumatic brain injuries. The medical community can use the data to assess its utility for researching injuries, treating injuries and ultimately preventing future injuries.

Land Warrior Land Warrior is designed to provide dismounted soldiers with unprecedented tactical awareness and significant improvements in lethality, survivability and mobility. It is an integrated modu- lar system that employs state-of-the-art computer, communica- tions and geolocation technologies to link dismounted soldiers into the digital battlefield. Integrated with a soldier’s mission equipment, the Land Warrior system components include a com- puter, helmet-mounted display, navigation module, voice-data radio and multifunctional laser. Communications equipment gives soldiers a capability for instant communications with fel- low soldiers, command posts, supporting vehicles and aircraft. The helmet-mounted display allows a soldier to see his location, the location of other Land Warrior-equipped soldiers, known en- emy positions and operational graphics on a large-scale map dis- play. A weapon-mounted daylight video sight and thermal weapon sight, linked to the helmet-mounted display, allows a soldier to see around corners and over obstacles while remaining behind cover. The multifunctional laser can designate an enemy position to appear on the common-map situational awareness display and also transmit that position to fire-support elements in a digital call for fire. Having served as a Land Warrior test unit, the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Stryker), 2nd Infantry Divi- sion, has deployed to Iraq with its Land Warrior equipment.

46 ARMY I March 2008 Air Warrior The Air Warrior ensemble includes a flame-resistant aircrew combat uniform and aircrew cold weather clothing system; a pri- mary survival gear carrier that includes various first-aid, sur- vival signaling and communication equipment; and flexible body armor with a ballistic upgrade plate. A microclimate cool- ing system is part of the system, which is an undergarment vest that can increase mission duration by 350 percent in hot weather. The system’s chemical/biological protection ensemble uses the M45 and M48 protective masks with blowers, or joint service air- crew mask, a modified chemical protective undergarment, gloves and overboots or the joint protective aircrew ensemble. Overwater mission equipment includes a low-profile flotation collar, survival egress air system (overwater gear carrier with in- tegrated raft with canopy and an anti-exposure suit). The system utilizes the aircrew integrated helmet system HGU-56/P helmet. The system’s array of electronics includes a personal locator bea- con, aircraft wireless intercom (for CH-47 and UH-60 use), and an electronic data manager that interfaces with current systems and features a moving map display, electronic checklists and manuals, and performance planning capability.

Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) The CROWS pro- vides soldiers the capability to ac- quire and engage targets without ex- posing themselves outside the protec- tion of an armored vehicle. It can be mounted on a vari- ety of vehicles and supports the Mk19 grenade machine gun, M2 (.50-caliber) machine gun, M240B machine gun and M249 squad automatic weapon. CROWS is a three-axis stabilized mount that contains a sensor suite and fire-control software, allowing on-the-move target acquisi- tion and first-burst target engagement. The sensor suite includes a daytime video camera, thermal camera and laser rangefinder that allow target acqui- sition both day and night. CROWS also features programmable target refer- ence points for multiple location recall, programmable sector surveillance scanning and programmable no-fire zones. It allows a soldier to view a tar- get independent of gun elevation, and its manual/emergency backup opera- tion capability offers improved firing stability over the current pintle mount. Potential enhancements include integration of other weapons and counter- sniper sensors. It has a continuous 360-degree traverse and can elevate from -20 to 60 degrees. It weighs 305 pounds without weapon, ammunition and ballistic protection and has a height less than 28 inches in the operational mode and less than 18 inches folded. It is rain, salt spray, sand and dust hardened.

48 ARMY I March 2008 M26 12-Gauge Modular Accessory Shotgun System (MASS) The M26 MASS is an attachment for the M4 and M16 modular weapon systems. It attaches to the underside rail of the carbine or ri- fle and zeroes to the host weapon. It also can be modified to become a stand-alone weapon with the at- tachment of a collapsible butt- stock/pistol grip and foregrips and can mount a variety of sights and other devices on a Picatinny rail system. It is a 12-gauge, semiauto- matic, magazine-fed weapon, but it can be fired in a manual single- shot mode. The barrel length is 7.75 inches and accepts a breaching standoff adapter to increase safety for that application. Its stand-alone length is 24 inches (stock collapsed), weighing 4 pounds, 3 ounces. Its attached length is 16.5 inches, weighing 2 pounds, 11 ounces. The bolt handle is mountable on either side for ambidextrous operation, and it can fire lethal, nonlethal and door-breaching rounds.

XM312 .50-Caliber Lightweight Machine Gun The XM312 is being devel- oped as a po- tential replace- ment for the venerable M2 .50-caliber ma- chine gun, which has been in service for more than 75 years. The XM312’s first advantage is weight. With tripod and tra- versing and el- evation mechanism, it weighs 53 pounds, compared to the comparable M2 system’s 128 pounds. The XM312 also has 70 percent less recoil, allowing easier dismounted carry and enabling soldiers to use weapon magnification sights they can put their eyes on, which is not possible with the M2 because of harsh recoil. The XM312 eliminates the need for adjusting headspace and timing, making it safer, and needs no special tools for maintenance. It can fire all .50-caliber ammunition currently in the inventory and can be mounted in any vehicle application. It could have a wider range of applications because of the reduced weight and decreased recoil, including light aircraft, small watercraft and others that are currently restricted to light and medium machine guns. The XM213 fires at a rate of 230 rounds per minute and employs a modified M145 machine-gun op- tic that has a .50-caliber reticle. It also has a backup iron sight. (

50 ARMY I March 2008