OAVD

[Todg]

Anyone who's ever been an infantryman has wanted a gun the shoots around corners. First we had CornerShot. Now thanks to our friends down under, we have a simple and elegant solution.

http://www.defensereview.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=737

 

[Fritz_Brown]

Of course, you don't need this is if you have a wireless connection from your weapon directly to your helmet-mounted display.

 

[Todg]

Right. Like I said - simple. Nothing to really go wrong. No batteries required. Low tech.

KISS.

 

[veltyen]

Not exactly a new idea

WWI Periscope rifle

There's a decent picture of one on Wikipedia as well.

Then again the periscope rifle was an Australian invention also.

http://www.anzacsite.gov.au/2visiting/walk_10_p00600_001pic.html

 

[Todg]

Lately, the Aussies seem to producing a number if elegant innovations in military equipment. I think that oft-times, having huge amounts of money to throw at a problem is counterproductive.

 

[Uncle Bob]

Simple and elegant ... I wouldn't say that. But if has reasonable quality optics it won't cost more than $500. (an ACOG scope costs about $250).

You could make it for $100 but it would fog and flop around .

 

[vegascat]

The device still puts the troopers hands and forearms in line of fire. Still not an optimal solution, but getting closer.
The periscope mounted gun was a very elegant solution for a static front.

 

[Todg]

But hardly practical for universal use.

I think I mentioned nere before that with something like a laser weapon, it becomes much easier to have a mast mounted weapon, assuming you can build lenses/mirrors to handle the power.

The aiming optics could even share the beam path the same way that you can focus and SLR camera through the main lens. A prone soldier coulg go 'up periscope' and fire, without exposing any of his body.

For that matter, taking the weapon out of his hands will probably be an advantage, since holding a rifle-like weapon on target is actually the difficult part of aiming.

 

[Todg]

Originally posted by Uncle Bob:
Simple and elegant ... I wouldn't say that. But if has reasonable quality optics it won't cost more than $500. (an ACOG scope costs about $250).

You could make it for $100 but it would fog and flop around .

Where can you find an ACOG for $250? Can I be your friend? I pay dealer cost, and the best price I can get on a TA01 or similar model is $712.50 (with a retail of $950).

Fortunately, the optics of the OAVD are much simpler, so it's likely to be cheaper.

Simple and elegant compared to the LandWarrior solution.

 

[Uncle Bob]

Brain fart. I was thinking of the JPoint backup sight. Apparentkly what the SEALs use on Trijicons.

But the OAVD has two optical quality mirrors plus lenses. And two rotating joints that must stay sealed to prevent fogging, and that ain't easy.

If it is reliable it won't be cheap.

 

[Todg]

True. I figured they were optical prisms rather than mirrors. I'd bet that your $250 is about right, which amounts to Cr75 in CT terms.

But that's not too bad for something that's relatively useful for urban ops, not too big, requires no batteries and fits in a pocket.

 

[Uncle Bob]

Might be prisms. That would be heavier but less chance of distortion.

One per fireteam sounds about right.

When we have reliable electro-optical sights we can jack them into helmet mounted displays. Until then this looks pretty good.