Ascendance International

Innovative Solutions to Unique Problems

303 284-3615
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Ascendance Handguards

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

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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

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Suppressor integration significantly intensifies heat problems
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Creates Training Deficiency/Gap

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

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“Protect the Hand”
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Manage Heat Transfer

  • – Insulate
  • – Mitigate Effect
  • – Control Flow and Venting

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Weight Reduction
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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
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Mitigates radiant barrel heat transfer
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20% weight reduction
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MIL-STD-1913 / NATO STANAG 2324
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Allows rifle ventilation and cooling
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Handle current and future mounting fixtures and attachments
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Does not interfere with weapons function
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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

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Manage Heat Transfer

  • ­- Insulate
  • ­- Mitigate Effect
  • – Control Flow and Venting

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Weight Reduction
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Maintain Capabilities

Industry Testing

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

https://ascendanceintl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/media2.mp4
https://ascendanceintl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/media3.mp4

Remington Test Results

Barrel Temperature Comparison
Barrel Temp 90oF Cooler
Points of Contact Comparison
(nTHERM vs. Aluminum)
Shooter’s Thumb – 50% Cooler

Independent Testing

https://ascendanceintl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/media4.mp4

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

  1. Only the Ascendance polymer rail system allowed normal handgrip after 4 mags with the suppressor under rail.
  2. Currently technology does not exist beyond Ascendance prototypes.
  3. All personnel agreed the viability and need for a polymer rail to accommodate a suppressor under the rail.
  4. Unanimous desire to develop a full polymer 12” rail in the future.
  5. 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)
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Customize to meet Customer Requirements
DOTMLPF
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Doctrine: Enhances operator performance but no change procedures
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Organization: Unlikely to impact organizational requirements
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Training: <10 min initial operator training
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Materiel: Supportable by existing facilities, personnel, and tools
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Leadership and Education: Understanding of the capabilities
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Personnel: Unlikely to impact personnel requirements
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Facilities:

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

Ascendance International, LLC
1221 W. Mineral Ave, Ste 101
Littleton, CO 80120

303-284-3615
info@ascendanceintl.com

Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday
9AM - 5P MST

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