Soldiers involved in urban operations are at a higher risk of receiving a bullet or fragment wound to the head or face
compared to other parts of their body. One reason for this vulnerability is the need for the soldier to expose their head
when looking and shooting from behind cover. Research conducted by DSTO Australia, using weapon-mounted
cameras, has validated the concept of off-axis shooting but has emphasized the requirement for a system that closely
integrates with both the soldier and his weapon. A system was required that would not adversely effect the usability,
utility or accuracy of the weapon. Several Concept Demonstrators were developed over a two-year period and the result
of this development is the Off-Axis Viewing Device (OAVD). The OAVD is an un-powered sighting attachment that
integrates with a red dot reflex sight and enables the soldier to scan for and engage targets from a position of cover. The
image from the weapon's scope is transmitted through the OAVD's periscopic mirror system to the soldier. Mounted
directly behind the sight, the OAVD can also be swiveled to a redundant position on the side of the weapon to allow
normal on-axis use of the sight. The OAVD can be rotated back into place behind the sight with one hand, or removed
and stored in the soldier's webbing. In May 2004, a rapid acquisition program was initiated to develop the concept to an
in-service capability and the OAVD is currently being deployed with the Australian Defence Force.
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