Accessory Rail Communication and Power Transfer

Today’s U.S. soldiers benefit from the best training and the most advanced equipment than any other previous generation of U.S. warfighters. With the advanced technology, however, has come an increased reliance on electrical power and portable batteries. As an example, the current M-4 rifle, with its Modular Weapon System (MWS), 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. At present, the Army is requesting a solution be developed that will allow for compatible accessory attachment with existing rail attachments, along with a common power supply and accessory communication system. Prototype Productions, Inc. (PPI) has reviewed the challenges associated with this effort, and PPI has prepared several preliminary solution concepts. PPI proposes to conduct a detailed analysis of these proposed concepts to determine feasibility of the optimum concept.