Natick Engineers Help Take The Weight, Literally, Off of Soldiers

NATICK, MA — Engineers in Natick have developed a device to take the weight off airborne soldiers, literally.

Biomechanics Engineer Dr. John Ramsay from Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, or NSRDEC — along with Jonathan Kaplan, an NSRDEC biomechanical engineer, have invented the Low-Cost Airborne Soldier Load Assistance Device, said NSRDEC in a press release.

This device doesn't cost much, and can be reused. Its purpose is to alleviate weight from equipment for soldiers who are boarding a plane.

"It is specifically for the airborne Soldier," said Ramsay in the announcement. "They can be waiting many hours, and their packs can weigh up to 120 pounds, depending on what their job may be. While they sit, their equipment sits right along their knee caps. They are too uncomfortable to rest. When it's time to stand up, oftentimes their feet are numb. Their legs and backs are hurting. Then they have to board the plane and are expected to perform their mission at full capacity."

Read the full story by Jane Benson on NSRDEC/U.S. Army

Photo Credit: NSRDEC