You’re covered
Device offers a safe view of possible danger areas

Covered: The Off-Axis Viewing Device (above) allows the soldier to fire aimed shots from behind cover, unlike conventional sights (below). Photos by DSTO

Conventional sights.

Twisted: A soldier demonstrates the use of the device from a difficult position.

By Cpl Cameron Jamieson

THE problem of remaining totally behind cover while firing aimed shots has been solved.

And the Australian-designed solution is not an expensive prototype with many years of development ahead of it – it’s a relatively inexpensive device that is being used by our soldiers in Iraq.

DSTO’s Land Operations Division (LOD) has created the Off- Axis Viewing Device (OAVD), a small viewing unit that attaches to the weapon’s sighting system, allowing soldiers to scan and engage targets from a position of cover.

A reflected image from the weapon’s telescopic sight is transmitted through the device to the soldier, who can then position himself away from the line of fire and survey the terrain around corners, over walls or other available cover.

DSTO researcher Tom Chapman said that although the OAVD was similar in concept to the periscope rifle used by Australians at Gallipoli in 1915, the new device was far more compact and lightweight and did not impede the normal operation of small arms rifles.

“The OAVD was designed as an alternative to camera and display systems that had been tested for off-axis shooting research,” Mr Chapman said.

“I was interested in developing a robust, unpowered system that was modular and could form part of a ‘toolkit’ approach to weapon configuration.

“This would complement the range of small arms attachments currently in use and allow the soldier to configure his weapon for urban combat, where the frequency of bullet wounds to the head and upper torso were proportionally higher because soldiers need to look around walls and windows.”

OAVD instructor-trainer WO2 Michael Greenwood said the versatility and simplicity of the device was its strength.

“You can scan around a corner before committing to moving into a possible danger area,” he said.

“If necessary, you can remain behind cover and take aimed shots, or the device is quickly flicked out of the way to enable the user to fire through the main sighting system.

“All in all it’s a great piece of kit that’s easily understood and mastered.”

The OAVD concept was presented to Army late last year and shortly afterward underwent a rapid acquisition procedure.

The device is now produced by BAE systems in South Australia, and it has already been distributed to soldiers operating in Iraq, with further plans to see it distributed across the entire ADF.

OAVD at a glance