Each Fall, the Marine Corps Weapons Training Battalion hosts an opportunity for industry to show them what they’ve got cooking. This year’s Marksmanship Technology Demonstration will be held at Calvin A. Lloyd Range Complex, Weapons Training Battalion, Marine Corps Base Quantico from 26-27 September 2018.  The MTD has been aligned with Modern Day Marine to take advantage of similar events.

MTD 2018 will focus on six technology areas:

1.      Small arms automated smart static targets
2.      Small arms automated smart mobile targets
3.      6.5mm, .260 Bolt/Gas Precision Rifles
4.      Simulation
5.      Integrated optics
6.      Small arms self-coaching and data tracking applications

Technology area number 3 is being requested for competition only with the Marine Corps Shooting Teams. (wink, wink, nudge, nudge)

The Marksmanship Technology Demonstration is not a tradeshow.  During the two day demonstration, a team of assessors will collect data on system performance and will provide feedback on their observations of the technologies presented.  Following the demonstration, promising technologies may be selected for extended user evaluations.

1. Automated Smart Static Target Systems

The Marine Corps is interested in a target system that can be installed on current standard Known/Unknown-Distance Ranges and equipment that provide immediate, accurate shot to shot feedback to shooters and coaches on the firing line. The Marine Corps is interested in target systems that meet the following specifications:
•· Able to accept variety of targets (i.e. CMP/NRA, IDPA, USPSA, Action)
•· Plot shots within a 2mm of accuracy, and capture the shot in a 6’x6′ window
•· Able to take in excess of 10,000 5.56mm impacts before requiring maintenance
•· Networked to record each shot and display on tablet/computer located on firing line
•· Able to support a 50 target frontage without interference from adjacent targets
•· Able to run off of shore or battery power for a minimum of 12 hours at full use. Optimal battery life in excess of 24 hours.
•· Function in all weather conditions (i.e. rain, snow, mist, fog)
•· System must be able to integrate with existing Marine Corps infrastructure, in order to ensure the original system may be used as a backup
•· Centralized data collection system

* Tablet/PDA

Automated target systems should come with tablets or communicate with personal electronic devices via website or App. The Marine Corps is interested in target systems that provide a tablet/PDA with the specifications of one or more of the following items:

Required Characteristics
•· Screen size shall be a minimum of 4 inches wide and 6 inches long
•· Man portable
•· Contain a rechargeable/removable battery
•· Will be visible in direct sunlight.
•· Capable of screen use with gloves.
•· Be contained in a replaceable shock and water resistant case.
•· Able to be connected with WiFi, Bluetooth, and with USB type cables.
•· Must meet MIL-STD 810G environmental/durability requirements

Desired Characteristics
•· Battery life in excess of 12 hours during continuous use with all functions enabled. Prefer 24 hours that function in weather temperatures from 0 degrees Fahrenheit to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
•· Display capable of being backlit for night use.
•· Able to be utilized in all weather conditions with wet hands and gloves.
•· Self-supported with provided viewing angles from 15 degrees to 90 degrees.
•· Drop resistant to 6 meters
•· Water proof (IP66K rating)

2. Autonomous / Smart Mobile Target Systems

The Marine Corps is interested in a target system that is a mobile, man sized 3-dimensional target that provides instant feedback to shooter and coach on a firing line. The Marine Corps is interested in a target system that meets the following specifications:
•· A 3-dimensional man-sized target
•· Able to move in any direction at variable /programmable speeds (2.5-10 mph)
•· Provides accurate, immediate shot location detection as well as a means to provide shot feedback to shooters and coaches at the shooter’s position.
•· A perimeter sensor system that could accurately depict misses around the target (6’x6′ example) that could be transmitted to a display located at the firing point for immediate coaching/shooter feedback.
•· The target should react (as programmed) to hits or misses.
•· The target could communicate with adjacent targets (Bluetooth example) and respond to each other to hits and misses (as programmed).
•· Ability to place two target types on one platform that could be “presented” to the shooter (hostile/non hostile example) as programmed.
•· The target could generate heat for thermal optics.
•· Able to take in excess of 10,000 300/7.62/5.56 mm round impacts before requiring maintenance
•· Maintenance cycle that needs to take in consideration hours/days of training required to support up to 22,000 shooters a year.
•· 10 hours sustained use before maintenance/recharging
•· Centralized data collection system
•· Ricochet resistant encapsulation

* Tablet/PDA

Automated target systems should come with tablets or communicate with personal electronic devices via website or app. The Marine Corps is interested in systems that meet the specifications of one or more of the following items:

Required Characteristics
•· Screen size shall be a minimum of 4 inches wide and 6 inches long
•· Man portable
•· Contain a rechargeable/removable battery
•· Will be visible in direct sunlight.
•· Capable of screen use with gloves.
•· Be contained in a replaceable shock and water resistant case.
•· Able to be connected with WiFi, Bluetooth, and with USB type cables.
•· Must meet MIL-STD 810G environmental/durability requirements

Desired Characteristics
•· Battery life in excess of 12 hours during continuous use with all functions enabled. Prefer 24 hours that function in weather temperatures from 0 degrees Fahrenheit to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
•· Display capable of being backlit for night use.
•· Able to be utilized in all weather conditions with wet hands and gloves.
•· Self-supported with provided viewing angles from 15 degrees to 90 degrees.
•· Drop resistant to 6 meters
•· Water proof (IP66K rating)

3. 6.5mm, .260 Bolt/Gas Precision Rifles

The Marine Corps Shooting Team is interested in rifles that incorporate technologies that are applicable to national and international competition. The Marine Corps Shooting Team is interested in a rifle that is guided by the following specific requirements:

Required Characteristics
•· Bolt Action Rifle
o Chambered in .260 or 6.5 Creedmoor
o Minimum of .7 MOA accuracy
o 22 to 26 inch barrel, 1:8 twist
o Chassis system or stock with ability to adjust length of pull, cheek height, etc.
o Picatinny or M-LOK mounts for bipod
o Short Action
o Adjustable trigger pull or fixed match-grade trigger 1.5 lbs pull weight, 1 or 2 stage
o Able to take 5 or 10 round magazines
o Action must have reinforced bolt stop

•· Gas Precision Rifle
o Chambered in .260 or 6.5 Creedmoor
o Minimum of 1 MOA accuracy
o 18-24 inch barrel, 1:8 twist
o Adjustable gas system
o M-LOK or Picatinny free floated rail system
o Adjustable trigger pull or fixed match-grade trigger 1.5 lbs pull weight, 1 or 2 stage

Desired Characteristics

•· Bolt Action Rifle
o Action has 2 lug with 90 degree throw, or 3 lug with 60-75 degree throw.
•· Gas Precision Rifle
o Adjustable Mass/Recoil Management system

4. Simulation

The Marine Corps is interested in simulated range and training environments which incorporate technologies that are applicable to current and future battlefields. The Marine Corps is interested in simulations that are guided by the following specific requirements:

Required Characteristics
•· Wireless Augmented Reality (AR) ready, 3D/4D environment
•· System must link users to allow Marines to interact within virtual world from any location
•· Intuitive controls that Marine operators can utilize with little training
•· Able to quickly design and implement maps/environments at operator level for training, i.e. towns, cities, weather conditions, terrain.
•· Able to accurately simulate friendly/enemy personnel, ground vehicles, ships, aircraft.
•· Intuitive AI to allow for both flexible and scripted scenarios. Must react realistically to user inputs, i.e. user firing at enemy.
•· System must be able to accurately simulate ballistics of current inventory of ammunition utilized in service weapons, i.e. M855, M855A1, AA11, A363, A483 etc.
•· Train shooters in basic and advanced marksmanship principals.
•· Train shooters in target engagements and transition drills.
•· Must provide threat and target discrimination training.
•· 360 degree threat / Non-threat training scenarios.
•· Facility must be able to be retrofit into current Marine Corps facilities or be custom designed.
•· Laser shot detection should be within the 780NM range.
•· Setup shall take no longer than 7 days
•· Tear down shall take no longer than 7 days

Desired Characteristics
•· Projectors and monitors have the ability to mount in multiple locations (floor, ceiling or walls)
•· Customizable scenarios to enable the Marine Corps to adjust training with new mission requirements, as well as meet current TTP’s, METL’s, and POI’s.
•· Aid in cognitive and ocular development, situational awareness, and target identification.
•· Retain the ability to train a shooter in decision fidelity, perceptual acuity and situational awareness.
•· Have the ability to control ambient lighting to increase target clarity.
•· Incorporate weight training to induce stress, physical fatigue and mental fatigue.
•· Marine must be able to utilize assigned service weapon (i.e. M4, M16, IAR, M9, etc.) through a ‘drop kit’ or similar means to effect the simulation by cycling his weapon system with 75% realistic recoil.
•· 4D Virtual Reality: Marine can move on a pad 360 degrees and will move virtual character. All movement of weapon and body are accurately depicted within simulation via motion capture, cameras or like systems. Complete immersion.

5. Integrated Optics

The Marine Corps is interested in optics that incorporates technologies that are applicable to current and future battlefields. The Marine Corps is interested in upgrades that meet the specifications of the following items:

Required Characteristics
•· Magnification from 0/1-8 power to PID threats (presence of weapon) out to 600M, and engage threats in close proximity
•· Must possess large and forgiving eye box and extended eye relief
•· Included ambidextrous capable feature to rapidly adjust magnification with non-firing hand
•· Electronic fire control system that diagnosis range, weather, elevation, and lead for a moving target within 0.5 seconds (objective), 1 second (threshold) and places an accurate “aim point dot” or appropriate “aim point reference” for the shooter to place on the target and engage.
•o Target data to include range, and direction (degrees/mils) is displayed within the objective lens for shooter to observe.
•o Bluetooth or WIFI capability to link and communicate with tablets, and communication suites found at the squad and platoon level.
•· Etched/mechanical reticle feature for engaging moving threats out to 150M and rapid ranging feature that accounts for average width of human head and of shoulders as back up for system failure or battery loss.
•· Compatible with clip-on current night vision or thermal imaging devices (e.g. PVS-24A, PAS-27, etc.)
•· Low profile elevation turret or cap – turrets locking or capped to prevent inadvertent loss of zero in combat conditions
•· Scope must return to zero after removal
•· Center of reticle must have daylight bright illuminated dot for close quarter use at 0/1 power.
•· Should meet MIL-STD 810G environmental/durability requirements

Desired Characteristics
•· Scalable and modular to accept future digital feature set and new reticles
•· Potential low end setting as red dot sight (RDS)
•· Optimized for mounting height over rail at 1.54-1.93″
•· Squad level networking and target designation capability
•· Visually displayed point of impact cue (drawing information from laser rangefinder and ballistic solvers, integral and/or external)

6. Small arms self-coaching and data tracking applications

The Marine Corps is interested in applications and devices able to coach Marines in marksmanship. These tools should allow Marines to track ability throughout their career, while enabling the USMC trained coaches a tool to aid in instruction. The Marine Corps is interested in products that meet the specifications of one or more of the following items:

Required Characteristics
•· Portable in design
•· Contain a removable battery
•· Able to analyze errors in application of fundamentals of marksmanship
•· Wireless operation via Bluetooth or WIFI
•· Battery life a minimum of 4 hours
•· Works during dry fire, simulator, and live fire training.
•· Able to diagnose marksmanship errors via attachment or drop in kit that wirelessly reports to user/coach.
•· Allow user/coach/target system to make entries on a ‘digital data-book’ that records each shot.
•· Product provided with storage case and charger.
•· Must meet MIL-STD 810G environmental/durability requirements
•· Provides predictive analytics to judge shooters performance against known standards.
•· Ability to be used in dry and live fire
•· Provide analysis of data from known standards

Desired Characteristics
•· Battery life in excess of 12 hours during continuous use with all functions enabled. Prefer 24 hours.
•· Application should be able to be used on multiple OS (android or Macintosh)
•· Capable of being connected to wireless enabled devices via blue tooth connection
•· Able to be utilized in all weather conditions
•· Drop resistant to 6 meters
•· Water proof (IP66K rating)

Responses are requested no later than 20 August 2018.

A list of selected companies will be posted to www.trngcmd.marines.mil/MarksmanshipTechDemo in August.

Interested parties shouod visit www.fbo.gov for full details.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 14th, 2018 at 13:00 and is filed under USMC, weapons. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.