In the trenchesInnovations help lighten the load for marines

Published 30 September 2013

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) was at the Modern Day Marine exposition last week, showcasing some of the newest technologies it has helped develop to give sailors and marines the edge. The Expeditionary Maneuver Warfare and Combating Terrorism Department at ONR highlighted its focused initiatives to lighten the load for marines, including integrated day/night vision sights, scalable body armor, and other research which will help marines out-think, out-maneuver, and out-perform the enemy.

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) was at the Modern Day Marine exposition last week, showcasing some of the newest technologies it has helped develop to give sailors and marines the edge.

ONR program officers were on hand during the expo, held 24-26 September at Marine Corps Base Quantico, to discuss their work and explain to visitors the applications for the warfighter.

An ONR release reports that the Expeditionary Maneuver Warfare and Combating Terrorism Department at ONR highlighted its focused initiatives to lighten the load for marines, including integrated day/night vision sights, scalable body armor, and other research which will help marines out-think, out-maneuver, and out-perform the enemy.

Other ONR technologies on display included ONR TechSolutions products:

  • Fast Tint Protective Eyewear — This revolutionary single-lens technology for both goggles and glasses shields soldiers’ eyes from ballistic impact and 100 percent of ultraviolet A, B, and C rays, and rapidly transitions between clear for indoors, blue or amber for low-light/dusk, and dark gray for daytime use.
  • Image Enhancement Unit for the Driver’s Vision Enhancer (DVE) — The unit attaches to DVE systems aboard Marine Corps vehicles to improve vehicle safety, optimize situational awareness at night, and reduce driver eye strain and stress.
  • Multiple Weapon Control Sight — This infantry weapon fire control unit is designed to provide ballistic fire control for a number of weapon systems. It mounts to the side of a weapon and includes a range knob and LED display screen.
  • Power Management Kit — Replacing a large number of batteries and individual chargers, this lightweight universal system powers U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Platoon equipment, and is extremely effective in austere operating environments.

The Modern Day Marine event was co-sponsored by Marine Corps Base (MCB) Quantico, where the Combat Development Command and the Marine Corps Systems Command are located. MCB Quantico sets requirements, develops, and purchases equipment and systems for the Marine Corps.

The Naval Research Laboratory also displayed a high-power flexible solar blanket.