The OWEK was one of three Picatinny technologies recognized as the Army's 10 greatest inventions this year. All team members will be formally recognized by the deputy assistant secretary of the Army for Research and Technology at the Army Science Conference, Nov. 29 in Orlando, Fla.

The Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center, known as ARDEC, led the design effort for the OWEK in 2008, in response to an urgent request from U.S. Soldiers. The team sent a working prototype to Soldiers in Afghanistan within one month of the request.

"The warfighters were pleased with our solution and asked for immediate production and fielding of these kits," said Sanjay Parimi, ARDEC project officer.

"After receiving this feedback, ARDEC worked with the Project Manager for Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicles, to produce and deliver 500 systems. U.S. Special Operations Command also requested 200 kits for Operation Enduring Freedom, which were fielded shortly thereafter."

The OWEK is a two-piece kit that consists of a bearing sleeve spacer and a ballistic skirt. The sleeve spacer interfaces seamlessly with the M-2 common crew-served weapon mount to raise the entire weapon assembly by 5.25 inches, while the ballistic armor skirt covers the gap between the front gun shield and the vehicle roofline.

"By increasing the mounting height of the M-2 machine gun, the kit improves the maximum elevation from 67 degrees to 80 degrees, enabling warfighters to engage super-elevated threats without exposing themselves to enemy fire," Parimi said.

Used in Afghanistan to support Operation Enduring Freedom, the OWEK integrates with all major tactical vehicles, including M1114s, M1151s, M1152s, and the suite of MRAPs that use a standard crew-served weapon's mount and an Objective Gunner Protection Kit (OGPK).

"The innovative design of the elevation kit is integral with the OGPK, so it doesn't require any modifications to the weapon or mounts," Parimi said. "It's a modular design with minimal dynamic components. It's robust, effective, and conducive to high-rate manufacture. It was entirely designed, developed and produced by Soldiers and government personnel at government facilities."

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