Quantitative Human Factors for Small Arms Suppression Field Effects
Abstract
The Department of Defense Joint Services are pursuing the application of suppressors on small arms. Small arms suppression will reduce Soldier risk of auditory damage from impulsive muzzle blast exposure, improve Soldier ability to understand speech, and help Soldiers maintain auditory awareness of their surrounding environment. In addition, small arms suppression and signature reduction will make it more difficult for the enemy to detect and localize Soldier firing positions. Suppressors can also improve Soldier marksmanship by reducing the intensity of muzzle blast impulses, capable of pre-triggering the startle reflex. This report describes methods for quantifying the effects of small arms signature suppression on human performance processes. Where available, existing perception models are applied to evaluate the expected field effectiveness of suppressors. Where previous modeling work is nonexistent, we apply related research results to create new models to estimate the expected impact of suppressor use on human performance in the field. As field performance data become available, the new models can be updated and validated when possible. The methods and models described here allow quantification of the facilitative effects of suppressors on performance and can support suppressor acquisition.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1147939
Entities
People
- Adam M. Jacob
- Daniel L. Cler
- David F. Dye
- Gregory S. Oberlin
- Kim F. Fluitt
- Mark A. Ericson
- Paul D. Fedele
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory