Optically Based Small Arms Force-On-Force Training System

The Optically-Based Small Arms Targeting (OBSAT) technology seeks to replace laser-based engagement systems for force-on-force training and testing. The drawbacks and negative training associated with laser-based systems, such as multiple integrated laser engagement system (MILES) are well known. Lasers cannot penetrate foliage and other terrain that can be penetrated by bullets. Struster and Coffman (reference) showed that this flaw in laser engagement systems provides negative training in proper use of cover and concealment and leads to unnecessary combat casualties in initial firefights. With laser engagement systems, shooters generally cannot lead moving targets, and they cannot properly elevate their weapon to compensate for the range to the target. Most significantly a major infantry weapon system, the M-203 grenade launcher, cannot be replicated at all using laser engagement systems. The goal of OBSAT is to eliminate the negative training imparted by laser engagement systems while retaining all their good attributes and not injecting new, negative training. In addition, our goal has been to do this with as little appended equipment as possible, preferably none.