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Research and Development
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LIGHT MY FIRE DUSTER
The Viet Cong move primarily at night in the Mekong Delta, but soon
they may have that privilege taken away now that the 9th Infantry Division's
5th Battalion, 2d Artillery is using a new technique designed to expose the
VC's movement. The new weapon consists of M42 "Duster" with a Xenon searchlight
mounted on the gun turret. The searchlight can use either infrared light
or white light to search out the VC. Once VC are spotted, the Duster cannons
are used to engage the enemy. |
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ARTILLERY BOAT
A floating 105? Sounds unlikely, but don't tell the Mobile Riverine
Force, because that's exactly what they have. Mounted on a "Mike" boat, the
big tube is joined by two 20mm cannons, three 30 cal. Machine guns and two
40mm high velocity grenade launchers. Imagine staring down the barrel of
that thing while it is loaded with a "beehive" round. No thanks. |
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BIVOUAC BOOTIE
Want something a little stylish to wear on cold, wet ambush patrols?
Well, if you find your combat boots won't allow your feet to dry at night,
the Army may have the answer for you in the form of a canvas 'bivouac bootie.'
Looking like an OD tennis shoe, the bootie is to be worn when a unit has
stopped long enough to try and dry it's boots. The bootie will keep mosquitoes
out, keep feet warm, allow the boots to dry and provide protection in case
the soldiers have to move quickly during the night. And in the morning when
your boots are dry, you just fold the booties in two and put them in your
pocket. |
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ZIPPERED CLODHOPPERS
To make it easier to get out of those slimy boots and into your bivouac
booties, the Army is also developing a new boot. After going over the problems
caused by the old boots, a new one was designed that has a zipper which will
cut the time required to remove the boot from five minutes, to seconds. The
zipper, which is held in by the more normal laces, will not open by itself.
The boot also has more fabric to help it dry faster and fewer stitches to
prevent rubbing and causing blisters. A new coarse sole will improve traction
in the mud. |
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GET A LIFT FROM YOUR TRUCK
The 9th Division's 9th Supply and Transportation Battalion is utilizing
a new heavy-duty forklift, the first of its kind in Vietnam. Called a Materials
Handling Augmentor (MHA), or forklift, it is unique in that it is mounted
on a five-ton M-52 tractor. The tractor is capable of pulling its load, detaching
itself and unloading the trailer's contents. Built for areas where no off-loading
equipment is available, the lift can be raised to 14 feet and lift 4,000
pounds of equipment. |
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TALKING THEM OUT
There's no VC like a captured VC and that's the aim of hand-held bullhorns
how being carried by many Division units. Using, in many cases, prepared
messages, Tiger Scouts and interpreters use the small loudspeakers to try
and talk the VC out of their hiding places. The appeals are aimed at several
different circumstances and enemy units. The interpreter will tell the VC
what direction to walk in to meet U.S. troops and what to do once he gets
there. |
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