We have been following the progress of the “Third Arm” project being developed by the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL). This project aims to augment the capabilities of the soldier by adding a “Third Arm” to the equipment used by the soldier in the field, which allows for muscle fatigue to be minimized as as it takes some of the weight off from the arms of the soldier when carrying a weapon as well as free an arm to more equipment.

Not needing a battery, the “Third Arm” is lightweight at less than 4 pounds and distributes its weight and the weapon evenly. In an update at the Army.mil website, Mechanical engineer Dan Baechle said that, "We've actually tested it with the M249 and M240B machines guns. The M240B weighs 27 pounds, and we were able to show that you can take the weight of that weapon completely off of the Soldiers' arms.”

Initial versions of the “Third Army” did not allow the soldiers to handle their weapons when lying prone. But with the latest version, they can now do it without any issue. Recent test at show a soldier sprinting with an M4 rifle then going prone, with the augmentation device providing better stabilization allowing for improved marksmanship. The video below shows that handling has improved and can allow the soldier to switch from right handed to left handed operation to allow them to minimize their profiles when shooting from corner or obstacle.

What was shown in the video is not yet the final device that might be used by soldiers if it gets a go signal from the higher ups as Baechle said, “What we have right now is a very specific device, but we can learn from that device. I hope in the future what we'll end up with is something that will help the Soldier. Whether or not it's in the form you see today, that's less important. Helping the Soldier is what I really hope for. I think this year is really going to be a good one and an important one in showing what this device can do."

Steadicam operators may want to share their experience how their extended arm vest systems for heavy cameras with the U.S. Army. They are way ahead in the game as they have doing this for years.

Top photo: Army Sgt. Michael Zamora uses a prototype "Third Arm" ( U.S. Army photo by Conrad Johnson)