Companies downselected for British Army vehicle programme
It is believed that three companies did not make the downselect but a dark horse in Spain’s Iturri is believed to have got through.
US Army developing Third Arm for soldiers
The US Army Research Laboratory is developing a ‘Third Arm’ to help reduce the burden of heavy weapons on soldiers.
The prototype device, which weighs less than 4lbs, is made of composite materials and requires no batteries. It takes the weight of the weapon from the solider’s arms and evenly distributes the load while retaining the wearer’s range of motion. This includes allowing the user to go into the prone position.
The system has been tested with the M249 and M240B machines guns. A 2017 pilot study of active-duty troops using Third Arm in live-fire trials showed the device can improve marksmanship, reduce arm fatigue and muscle activation for some soldiers.
ARL Mechanical engineer Dan Baechle, said: ‘The M240B weighs 27 pounds, and we were able to show that you can take the weight of that weapon completely off of the soldiers’ arms.
‘What we have right now is a very specific device, but we can learn from that device. I hope in the future what we’ll end up with is something that will help the soldier. Whether or not it’s in the form you see today, that’s less important.’
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![Companies downselected for British Army vehicle programme]()
-
![Air defence offerings multiply in anticipation of emerging requirements]()
Air defence offerings multiply in anticipation of emerging requirements
Air defence and counter-drone weapons continue to be developed, tested and demonstrated in anticipation of growing demand, with most solutions designed to be platform-agnostic and readily integrated onto suitable platforms.
-
![September land forces roundup: DVD 2026 puts British Army requirements in the spotlight]()
September land forces roundup: DVD 2026 puts British Army requirements in the spotlight
The US Army began its search for a 155mm tracked mobile tactical cannon in an effort that Shephard forecasts could be worth billions of dollars. Meanwhile, the UK DVD exhibition saw companies showcase their offerings for the British Army’s mobility and air defence requirements.
-
![BAE Systems looks beyond the M113 replacement as it tests 30mm AMPV]()
BAE Systems looks beyond the M113 replacement as it tests 30mm AMPV
The development demonstrates how the platform could provide additional firepower and growth potential while the US Army progresses its long-term replacement for the Bradley.
-
![FNSS advances Indonesian Kaplan APC programme as local production expands]()
FNSS advances Indonesian Kaplan APC programme as local production expands
FNSS and PT Pindad are progressing the Indonesian tracked armoured personnel carrier programme as local production gets under way.
-
![Tulpar firing trials expand Hitfact Mk II platform options]()
Tulpar firing trials expand Hitfact Mk II platform options
Firing trials of the Tulpar and Leonardo Hitfact Mk II combination follow an integration programme covering mechanical, electrical, electronic and software interfaces.
