IWTSD (Irregular Warfare Technology Support Directorate) is a government office, which is responsible for conducting research and development in support of USA based and allied organizations involved in Irregular Warfare. Although this includes Special Operations Forces (SOF), there is a variety of other government agencies with IW responsibilities who have similar needs in this area. As there is a need for a better sound and flash suppressor, the office contracted Strategic Sciences to develop new suppressor technology that doesn't resemble anything that had been created thus far.

The new suppressors were developed by Russ Oliver, and the entire project was kept a closely guarded secret. In addition to offering a unique shape, the design of the flow-through silencer is 3D printed. The muzzle device is mounted above the barrel, and the suppressor module is snapped into place at the front of the muzzle device. The downside for potential civilian users in the US is that the ATF will treat both components as suppressors, but the design in question was developed for military use, not for commercial sale. Additionally, because the muzzle device is mounted on the barrel of a weapon, it cannot be used with every rifle or carbine configuration.

The new silencers are available for weapons firing 5.56 mm, 7.62 mm, and .338 ammunition. According to data provided by Strategic Sciences, they reduce muzzle flash by 70 to 99% and shots volume by 15 to 36 dB. More details can be seen in the graphics below.

Will this new technology see some real use on the battelfields or will it me yet another interesting concept that will be soon forgotten? Write in the comments.

Photos: platforma X, soldiersystems.net