Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) integrated its BOOST power bank into the buttstock of M4 and AR-15 rifles with the aim of removing the need to carry disposable batteries.

The innovation offers a power source for electronic components used as part of the handheld weapon system – such as thermal sights, night-vision devices, laser designators, and other devices – with three to five times the operational runtime of existing weapon systems.

This is a notable improvement as these modern electronic devices are crucial to the operator. Target acquisition, another European rifle maker Beretta Defence Technology said, is the most vital component of modern marksmanship in a warfighting scenario.

IWI house a field-replaceable and rechargeable lithium-ion battery in the BOOST module. This is supported by an internal backup power bank, ensuring uninterrupted power delivery, even if the primary battery is depleted.

Soldiers at the unit armory level are able to install BOOST; they require no additional operator, trainer, or changes in field behaviour. Likewise, the compact system still preserves natural handling, sight picture and firing ergonomics while adding less than 340 grams to the weapon.

How it functions

BOOST is a complete system kit comprising the buffer-tube energy assembly, harness cabling (which is latched onto the weapon with connectors), charger, and spare battery.

The kit includes two rechargeable batteries: an AC (standard) charger and a field charger. The latter charges the batteries using power from RT (radio handheld transceiver) batteries or from the ground vehicles accompanying the unit.

So while the BOOST system significantly extends the operational runtime of the electronic devices on a rifle than has previously been the case, it is not self-sustaining in the strictest sense due to the potential reliance on other alternative power devices in a unit.

Nonetheless, the concept still eliminates the need to carry additional weight while providing sustained power across a tactical unit if not the individual dismounted soldier.

Signature

It is important to note that adversaries are still able to detect electromagnetic signature of electronically powered devices. Whether in a red dot sight, an illuminated reticle scope, a laser designator, or a smart-rifle system, these enablers involve the flow of an electric current; this current flow inherently generates a magnetic field and emits electromagnetic radiation.

Nevertheless, Ronen Hamudot, the vice chairman of IWI’s parent company SK Group said “every gram matters, every second counts, and every watt of power can make the difference between mission success and failure.

“BOOST is a tactical leap forward... reducing logistics and keeping soldiers focused on the mission rather than power management.”

Alternative power storage methods

The focus of tactical infantry modernisation is to maximise operational capabilities while reducing the load on the soldier. In this complex backdrop, BOOST is just one efficient solution albeit a useful one for powering specific electrical components on rifles.

Other nations are finding ways to integrate innovative power devices too. The US Army has developed a conformal wearable battery. The dismounted soldier attaches a flat, flexible, and safe lithium-ion battery almost anywhere on their ballistic vest, which acts as a central power source for the dismounted soldier.