Thermal Barrier Minimal Deflection Handguard

The current methods of thermally isolating and mechanically connecting the Sig Sauer Rattler’s Handguard pose an unnecessary risk to soldier lethality and survivability. A mechanical solution that reduces thermal conductivity from the weapon to the user and peripheral equipment while providing a toolless field serviceable and high zero retention solution is required. Such a solution would improve lethality by maintaining weapon zero during high rates of fire, improving dexterity, reduce stoppages through field serviceability, improve accuracy and zero-retention. Current systems, including commercially off the shelf (COTS) solutions, do not address these thermal and mechanical issues and sufficiently mitigate this risk to the warfighter on the Sig Rattler. Through Phase I research technical solutions to these problems have been identified and assessed as feasible. The opportunity exists for this technology to improve this and other platforms including the SOCOM RAZOR, CSAW, and the Army’s M7.