Development of Overhead Cover for Individual Fighting Positions.
Abstract
The U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (USA-CERL) has designed, developed, and tested an overhead cover (OHC) for individual fighting positions (IFP). The OHC-IFP is intended to protect soldiers against aerial-delivered and indirect-fire weapons on the battlefield while still allowing them an optimal fighting posture. The structure is lightweight and compact to ensure easy transportability into a theater of operations. The OHC-IFP was designed using criteria developed by the Belvoir Research, Development and Engineering Center (BRDEC) in conjunction with USA-CERL. High strength-to-weight ratio materials were first evaluated to find a low-cost, easily manufactured product meeting the specifications. A prototype was built and tested, and the design was optimized. The revised prototype was load-tested and then turned over to an independent test agency for field construction and assessment. USA-CERL's structure meets the requirements for overhead cover support as originally specified in 1984. Weight, packaging, temperature, and load support all fall within the ranges listed in the criteria. In addition, the customer test showed that the USA-CERL OHC-IFP allows firing from under cover and meets the height requirement. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the USA-CERL design be refined and demonstrated in the field, the final product should be listed as standard equipment in the Army supply system.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA192128
Entities
People
- Orange S. Marshall
Organizations
- Construction Engineering Research Laboratory