Accessory Rail Communication and Power Transfer

The current M-4 carbine in use by the US Army can be equipped with numerous optics, laser designators/sights, and lights, all with different power requirements and battery supplies. The result is a heavy weapon and a heavier field load of batteries to accommodate the various accessories, which ultimately impacts the soldiers’ effectiveness, particularly on longer missions. The Army requested that a solution be developed that would allow for compatible accessory attachment with existing Picatinny rail attachments, along with a common power supply and accessory communication system. During Phase I, Prototype Productions, Inc. (PPI) proved that an accessory power, communication and attachment system for the M-4 carbine is feasible utilizing the Mil-Std 1913 Picatinny rail hand guard system. By conducting a thorough and deliberate trade-off study of proposed design concepts, the PPI team identified the best solution for the M-4 accessory attachment system. In Phase II, the detailed design, qualification and validation of the selected accessory attachment system will be conducted, leading to successful field testing and technology transition to the warfighters.