Limited Human Factors Assessment of the QuadGard Limb Protection System: U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command Limb Protection Program Overview (QuadGard Phases 4 and 5 Production Designs)

Abstract

In response to blast-weapon threats and casualty trends in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) was tasked to develop body armor that would protect Soldiers extremities against blast fragments and small arms. NRL assembled a cooperative team to design and develop the QuadGard, which included the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL), FS Technology, and Oklahoma State University. ARL s Human Research and Engineering Directorate assisted in evaluating the effects of the QuadGard on Soldier human factors. The Marine Corps Systems Command established three design requirements: (1) limb armor system compatibility between the standard outer tactical vest system, the personal armor system for ground troop helmet, and weapon interface, (2) detachable modular lower arm and leg armor segments, and (3) user mobility, flexibility, and comfort protection of vulnerable zones of the body. This report documents two limited human factors assessments and demonstrations of the QuadGard IV and V designs in which participants provided their opinions about their ability to perform generic tasks while wearing these systems. Limited results demonstrate that QuadGard did not interfere with the users ability to negotiate an obstacle course, perform an exercise routine, shoot fire shoulder-fired weapons, and enter and exit military vehicles. The systems also allowed access for medics to perform field care. While wearing QuadGard, the participants rated their ability to perform exercise routines and generic tasks and rated system fit, form, and function from acceptable to good. QuadGard V has since been patented and adopted by the U.S. Marines who use the system in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2011
Accession Number
ADA552963

Entities

People

  • Richard S. Bruno

Organizations

  • United States Army Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Afghanistan Conflict
  • Armor
  • Armored Vehicles
  • Body Armor
  • Casualties
  • Engineering
  • Iraqi-War
  • Marine Corps
  • Materials
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military Research
  • Military Vehicles
  • Shoulder
  • Small Arms
  • Standards
  • Vehicles
  • Weapons

Readers

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  • Materials Science
  • Military Training and Readiness Simulation