nThermTM Handguards

Performance First

Soldier Equipment Expo 2013, Ft Bragg

Reality

The Department of Defense has spent countless millions of dollars on marksmanship training programs, improved weapons design, better barrels, better triggers, enhanced optics, and creating more reliable ammunition to make the SOF Operator a superior marksman on the modern day battlefield

Unfortunately, all that is negated by radiant barrel
heat turning your hand into cooked meat!!

Problem Statement

Radiant barrel heat distracts even the most hardened soldier

No longer hold the weapon as trained or weapon designed
Dramatic loss of overall accuracy and combat effectiveness

Suppressor integration significantly intensifies heat problems

Creates Training Deficiency/Gap

Finally, a handguard that does what it’s supposed to do…

“Protect the Hand”

Manage Heat Transfer

– Insulate
– Mitigate Effect
– Control Flow and Venting

Weight Reduction

Maintain Capabilities

Shot Show Media Day 2016
6500rds fired, 120rds at a time full auto over a 3 hour period

Not a single heat complaint!!

Quad Series

M4A1 Standard Carbine

M4A1 13” Free Floating (FF)

(Also available in low profile gas block)

U.S. Army Soldier Enhancement Program (SEP) Select

Configurable Series

M4A1 7” FF Configurable

M4A1 12” FF Configurable

M4A1 15” FF Configurable

U.S. Army Special Forces Command (USASFC)

PM Soldier Weapons (M4A1E1)

HK 416 Series

HK 416 9” FF Configurable

Dutch and Swedish
Special Operations Forces

JSOC Prototype

Design Features

M4A1 - Standard Carbine

M4A1 - 13” Free Floating

Mitigates radiant barrel heat transfer

20% weight reduction

MIL-STD-1913 / NATO STANAG 2324

Allows rifle ventilation and cooling

Handle current and future mounting fixtures and attachments

Does not interfere with weapons function

Strength, ruggedness, operational durability and abrasion resistance equal to or higher than comparable aluminum forearms

nTHERM

Don’t Let Heat Ruin Your Shot - Protect it with nTHERMTM

Manage Heat Transfer

- Insulate
- Mitigate Effect
– Control Flow and Venting

Weight Reduction

Maintain Capabilities

Industry Testing

Remington Arms Test Facility
210 Rounds M855 Ammunition
Shoot Time, 30 Seconds

Remington Test Results

Barrel Temperature Comparison

Barrel Temp 90oF Cooler

Points of Contact Comparison
(nTHERM vs. Aluminum)

Shooter’s Thumb – 50% Cooler

Independent Testing

From the Field

“After six months of testing the Ascendance International hand guards at our facility in Moyock, NC, we have determined that this hand guard is superior to any of the other hand guards currently on the market in its ability to insulate the shooter from the heat of the barrel and gas system.”

David Northcutt

Director, Firearms and Explosives Control

Torture Test

Radix 556 Suppressor

Noise & Signature Reduction | Eliminates Blowback | Heat Mitigation | Excellent Bullet Stability | Reduces Contact Burns

Length	6.1”
Diameter	1.75”
Weight	13 oz
Sound Reduction	35db Objective (Threshold 28db)

Minute of Angle	< 1MOA (current testing minimal affect)
Maintenance	> 5000rds*
Durability	> 15000 rds (TBD)

*Design allows cleaning to maintain performance and extend life cycle

Integrated Upper

Integrated Thermal Suppressed Upper

Option 2: 12” Suppressor Tamer Configurable nTherm Handguard

TSWG Test

Technical Support Working Group (TWSG)

20 Day Quick Response Prototype M4A1 and HK 416

Fort Bragg Test Participants

Canadian SOF
1st Special Forces Command
UK MOD
Navy Special Warfare
USASOC
Ft. Benning
NSWC Crane
TSWG/TOS/CTTSO

Final After Action Review Conclusion

Only the Ascendance polymer rail system allowed normal handgrip after 4 mags with the suppressor under rail.
Currently technology does not exist beyond Ascendance prototypes.
All personnel agreed the viability and need for a polymer rail to accommodate a suppressor under the rail.
Unanimous desire to develop a full polymer 12” rail in the future.
Recommended across all participants that TOS take on requirement to develop polymer rails systems for carbines.

“Twice as good, for twice as long”

Risk

Technology Readiness Level: 8 (Handguards) / 7 (Suppressor)

Customize to meet Customer Requirements

DOTMLPF

Doctrine: Enhances operator performance but no change procedures

Organization: Unlikely to impact organizational requirements

Training: <10 min initial operator training

Materiel: Supportable by existing facilities, personnel, and tools

Leadership and Education: Understanding of the capabilities

Personnel: Unlikely to impact personnel requirements

Facilities:

– No environmental compliance requirements
– No special handling or transportation considerations
– No requirements for unit or depot support