Imagine an innovative accessory that revolutionizes the practice of sport shooting by providing optimal handling and single-handed loading ease. Discover a solution that enhances shooters’ performance and allows them to fully concentrate on their target.
As a Digital Transformation Consultant, I am convinced that technological advancements should benefit not only industry but also the field of sports, especially for Paralympic athletes. With the Paris 2024 Games approaching, Airbus has responded to a specific need identified by the National Sports Agency (ANS) by creating a revolutionary support for sport shooting.
A Response to a Specific Need
The goal was to design an accessory that allows athletic shooters to handle their pistol well with one hand. Aware of the specific challenges these athletes face, Airbus incorporated feedback from shooters and their coach to develop an innovative and tailored product.
“We were asked to imagine, for one-arm shooters, a support that allows for a good grip on the pistol before each shooting session, adjustable for both standing and sitting use, and that facilitates one-handed loading of bullets,” explains Christophe Debard, an engineer at Airbus.
Technical Features of the Support
At the base of the support, metal spikes ensure a solid attachment to the table, guaranteeing stability. The height orientation is adjustable, providing the flexibility to shoot sitting or standing. A clever mechanism composed of notched wheels also facilitates bullet loading into the magazine while minimizing the risk of errors, such as a bullet being placed upside down.
Benefits of the Support for Athletes
The benefits of this accessory are numerous:
- Improvement of weapon grip, reducing the risk of errors during handling.
- Reduction of stress during the loading phase, which is crucial for shooter performance.
“It’s a step for which athletes only have a minute. Without the support, there’s a risk that a bullet will end up upside down in the magazine. When that happens, athletes have to empty everything to redo it all, which causes stress that can impact their performance,” adds Christophe Debard.
The Legacy of Airbus Innovations
Airbus is not new to this. During the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, engineers had already developed a custom chair for world badminton champion David Toupé, aimed at maximizing his performance. Building on this successful experience, Airbus continues to commit to innovation in service of Paralympic athletes.
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