PEO Soldier programme receives Blast Gauge system

The US Army PEO Soldier programme has received the Blast Gauges for 6 Brigade Combat Teams scheduled for deployment in the near future, marking a step ahead towards full adoption of the system in the US Military.

Currently in use in the Army under an extensive programme developed and spearheaded by DARPA, the technology is being utilised by PEO Soldier and building the Blast Gauge into their vision of the future soldier.

Designed to record a service member’s exposure to blast overpressure, the Blast Gauge System offers a visual cue to unit medics and leadership that further evaluation is required, which guides triage and treatment as a result of these concussive forces.

BlackBox Biometrics chief operating officer said, "More importantly, the expanded use of the Blast Gauge System provides an objective means for commanders to identify service members who have been exposed to a blast related concussive event, as well as supporting research efforts for blast induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI)."

The gauges were delivered by BlackBox Biometrics, under Phase I of the order, for approximately 6,250 deploying Soldiers while Phases 2-4 be completed over the next year and are planned to comprise Generation 6 of the Blast Gauge.

Generation 6 features several major improvements such as improved battery life and a High-G Accelerometer.

The BlackBox Biometrics-built Blast Gauge System has undergone two years of extensive field testing in Afghanistan.