The US Army has started field trials special device, helps soldiers to keep heavy weapons in the hands of long time. Device, named “third hand”, It can be used, for example with machine gun, said the press service of the US Army Research Laboratory.
As explained in the press-service, "Third hand" is a mechanical device, one end fixed on the belt, and the other end fixed to the arms serviceman. It is quite easy, because it is made of carbon fiber and weighs about 1,4 kilogram. The device allows you to distribute the weight evenly and to stabilize the weapon, as well as the hands-free fighter. When initial tests at the site drawback has been identified – while it is fixed to the body of a soldier, extremely difficult to fire from a prone position. Later this flaw has been corrected, but the device needs to be improved.
When testing device with automatic rifle M4 weight 3,4 kg. it was found, that the device improves accuracy and reduces fatigue military hands. Now there is a refinement of the device and testing with heavy machine guns and M249 M240V, which weigh 12,5 and 10 kg, respectively,.
