Lights | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘Lights’ Category

The New XC3-B! X300 Power. Half the Size.

Monday, September 14th, 2026

Fountain Valley, CA—SureFire, LLC, manufacturer of the world’s finest—and most innovative—illumination tools and tactical products, is proud to announce a new XC3 with significantly increased performance!

Building on a proven formula, the latest XC3 is fueled by a new rechargeable SFRCR123 battery that increases output to 1,000 lumens and 13,000 candela, nearly double the output of the original. The next-generation XC3 now delivers performance that rivals our gold-standard X300U duty light at roughly half the size and weight but with the same rugged reliability. Compatible with a wide range of commercially available holsters, the XC3 is robust enough for professional use and compact enough for everyday concealed carry.

Our hybrid beam projects an intense white light with a focused hot spot for positive target identification to 228 meters, while also providing a healthy amount of spill for situational awareness. Intuitive, ambidextrous switching provides both momentary and constant-on activation with ease. A quick press gives you constant on, and a press and hold will activate the momentary function.

The battery is front loaded into the XC3, and you do not have to remove the light from your firearm to replace it. The included SFRCR123 can be recharged via the USB-C port on the battery or with any commercially available charging dock. A 123A lithium battery can also be used to deliver 550 lumens, 7,200 candela, and longer runtime!

We’ve machined the XC3’s robust, compact body from lightweight, strong aerospace aluminum, then Mil Spec hard-anodized and sealed it to repel the elements. The result is a compact weaponlight that excels in the line of duty or any concealed carry applications.

Specs:

XC3-B COLORS: Black
OUTPUT: 1,000 lumens (SFRCR123) / 550 lumens (123A)
PEAK BEAM INTENSITY: 13,000 candela / 7,200 candela
DISTANCE: 228 meters / 170 meters
CONSTRUCTION: Aluminum
FINISH: Hard Anodized (MIL-A-8625 Type III, Class 2)
WEIGHT: (w/batteries) 2.65 oz (75 g)
LENGTH: 2.6 in (6.6 cm)
BEZEL DIAMETER: .945 in (2.4 cm)
BATTERIES: (1) SFRCR123 rechargeable lithium-ion (incl.)
SWITCHING: Ambidextrous toggle switches
LIQUID INGRESS PROTECTION: IPX7

For more information on the XC3-B please visit surefire.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Lights, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on The New XC3-B! X300 Power. Half the Size.

PAE Marine Corps Fields Squad Aiming Laser

Tuesday, August 11th, 2026

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. —

Program Manager Ground Weapons Systems (PM GWS) within PAE Marine Corps began fielding the Squad Aiming Laser (SAL) to the School of Infantry-East at Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 27 and 28, equipping infantry, reconnaissance and special operations forces with a compact, high-precision tool for the modern battlefield.

SAL is an ultra-compact, all-digital, multi-function laser system. It provides both visible and near-infrared (NIR) aiming pointers and illumination, allowing Marines to locate, identify, and engage targets in the most contentious environments and harshest conditions.

Harry Mandeles, the project officer for the Optics Team at PM GWS, said the transition to SAL represents more than just a hardware update; it is a fundamental shift in how small units dominate the night.

“The NIR beam and illuminator clarity is a generational leap. Infantry Marines will notice significantly less eye strain and a much clearer target picture through their Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) compared to the legacy PEQ-16.” Harry Mandeles, the project officer for the Optics Team at PM GWS.

The benefits to the Fleet Marine Force (FMF) are rooted in three primary tactical advantages: weight reduction, beam quality, and engagement range. By reducing the front-end weight of the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR), the SAL improves overall weapon balance, making the platform more maneuverable during high-tempo operations. The use of Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL) technology produces a uniform, clean beam for faster target identification enabling squads to fully utilize the extended-range capabilities of modern NVGs, pushing the lethality of the squad further than ever before.

Beyond its technical specifications, the SAL program serves as an example of the Marine Corps’ commitment to rapidly delivering capability through leveraging commercial technology. By leveraging SOCOM’s Small Business Innovation Research efforts and small-business agility, the SAL program moved from a stated requirement to a major contract award with remarkable speed. This rapid acquisition model ensures that Marines are not waiting years for technology that is available today.

“The biggest success with SAL was competitively awarding an IDIQ [Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity] contract, securing a higher-power laser in a package smaller than any laser in our inventory, and we did it at an extremely competitive price.”

As the Marine Corps continues to refine its Force Design initiatives, the fielding of the SAL ensures that the individual rifleman remains the most lethal element on the battlefield. With its digital interface, lightweight design, and superior optical clarity, the Squad Aiming Laser provides the precision necessary for the complex, low-light engagements of 21st-century warfare.

By Adam Vernon | Portfolio Acquisition Executive Marine Corps

Posted in Guest Post, Lights, USMC | No Comments »

Streamlight Launches ProTac 2.0 Ducks Unlimited Headlamp

Wednesday, August 5th, 2026

Limited-Edition Rechargeable Headlamp Combines High-Performance Lighting With Outdoor Heritage

EAGLEVILLE, PA, August 4, 2026 – Streamlight®, Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting, announced the launch of the ProTac® 2.0 Ducks Unlimited headlamp, a limited-edition, co-branded rechargeable headlamp designed for hunters, outdoor enthusiasts and anyone who requires dependable, hands-free lighting in low-light environments.

Featuring the same high-performance capabilities as Streamlight’s ProTac 2.0® Headlamp, the Ducks Unlimited edition comes in a Desert Tan finish and includes a custom Ducks Unlimited elastic head strap, a green filter for enhanced visibility in outdoor environments, Streamlight’s SL-B50® rechargeable battery pack that charges directly via an included USB-C charging cord, and a free trial membership to Ducks Unlimited.

Jeremy Smith, Ducks Unlimited’s Senior Director of Corporate Relations, shares: “Ducks Unlimited is proud to partner with Streamlight, offering an exclusive co-branded headlamp built to withstand the harsh elements waterfowl hunters endure. A portion of every sale directly benefits DU’s wetlands conservation efforts to ensure waterfowl for future generations.”

The ProTac 2.0 Ducks Unlimited headlamp offers three output levels to match a range of lighting needs. On High, it delivers 2,000 lumens, 14,500 candela, a 241-meter beam distance, and a 2.25-hour run time. Medium provides 650 lumens, 4,200 candela, a 130-meter beam distance, and a 4.5-hour run time. Low offers 110 lumens, 750 candela, a 55-meter beam distance, and up to 25 hours of run time.

The headlamp features Streamlight’s TEN-TAP® programming, allowing users to choose from three operating programs (High/Medium/Low; High Only; Low/High) to suit their preferences. Its one-handed push-button switch offers both momentary and constant-on operation.

The light is powered by an SL-B50 Streamlight proprietary 4,900mAh Lithium Ion USB rechargeable battery, accessed by the light’s sliding sleeve. It features LED status lights to indicate charging status, including red for charging and green for fully charged.

“The ProTac 2.0 Ducks Unlimited headlamp combines Streamlight’s proven lighting technology with a design that reflects the heritage and passion of Ducks Unlimited supporters,” said Allen Lance, Streamlight’s Vice President of Sales. “Users will appreciate its powerful output, rechargeable convenience, and dependable durability.”

The headlamp measures 4.92 inches in length and weighs 10.48 ounces with battery. Its durable aluminum construction, IP64-rated dust-tight rating, 2-meter water-resistant design, and 2-meter impact resistance ensure reliable performance in rugged outdoor and work environments.

The ProTac 2.0 Ducks Unlimited headlamp has an MSRP of $229.60 and is backed by Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

For more information, visit www.streamlight.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Lights, Press Release | No Comments »

Sneak Peek – Pilot Finger Light by Princeton Tec

Wednesday, June 17th, 2026

Coming soon from Princeton Tec is the Pilot Finger Light. Exhibited at SOF Select, it offers White, Blue, Green and Red light at 6 lumens. In addition to dual fuel ((1) CR1 / 3N or (2) LR44) this American made light has an IP68 environmental rating.

Posted in Advertiser, Aviation, Lights, SOF Select | 1 Comment »

Ghost X Tactical MPLS Headlamp from Princeton Tec

Tuesday, June 9th, 2026

New for 2026 is the Ghost X Tactical MPLS Headlamp from Princeton Tec is compatible with MOLLE as well as helmets thanks to an inculded NVG and ARC rail adapter.

I’m really excited about this light. It offers 300 lumens dimmable light and 320 mWr IR output, with an IP68 rating. What’s more, the Ghost Mode switch only allows activation of IR High, IR Low, or IR Strobe settings, so no accidental white light incidents.

Light colors include white, red, blue, green and IR.

Offered in Black, MultiCam, OD, and Tan as a headlamp only, or as a full MPLS kit.

princetontec.com/product/ghostx-mpls

Posted in Advertiser, Lights | 1 Comment »

Further Major Contract: Rheinmetall to Supply Further Laser-Light-Modules for the Bundeswehr’s New Assault Rifle – Contract Worth Several Hundred Million Euros

Wednesday, May 27th, 2026

The Bundeswehr has once again awarded Rheinmetall a major contract for Laser-Light-Modules. Following budget approval by the German Bundestag’s Budget Committee in December 2025, a further definitive call-off has now been made under the framework contract, which was concluded in June 2021 and extended in December 2025. Between 2026 and 2032, and additional six-figure quantity of ‘LLM-VarioRay’ Laser-Light-Modules is to be delivered to the troops. This second definitive call-off represents a further net order intake of several hundred million euros for Rheinmetall. It will be booked in the second quarter of 2026. The devices are ‘made in Germany’ and are manufactured by Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics in Stockach at Lake Constance. Numerous other small and medium-sized German businesses will also benefit from the contract as suppliers.

“Our versatile and battle-proven LLM-VarioRay is a key tactical combat enhancer for dismounted soldiers”, said Dr. Timo Haas, Head of Rheinmetall’s Digital Systems division. “This further major contract from the Bundeswehr demonstrates the troop’s confidence in our capabilities and underlines the constructive cooperation between industry, procurement authorities and the armed forces”.

The Rheinmetall LLM-VarioRay Laser-Light-Module is part of the latest generation of devices of this type. The Laser-Light-Modules are primarily used on the small arms carried by infantry and dismounted forces, and serve to detect, identify and mark targets.

Weighing approximately 250 grams, including its mount, the LLM-VarioRay can be attached to any assault rifle via a MIL-STD 1913 rail/STANAG 4694 and can be operated via a trigger cable. It features a powerful white light LED, a red-light laser marker, an infrared laser marker and an electrically focusable infrared illuminator. The light source can be selected and adjusted stepless using a rotary switch. The device is equipped with a fully integrated, factory-aligned laser block. This laser block allows for easy adjustment and alignment of the visor and the weapon. Equipped with night vision and thermal imaging devices, the German Armed Forces can thus accomplish their missions across the entire spectrum of operations, regardless of day- or night-time and in all weather conditions.

The LLM-VarioRay product family is also part of the German soldier system ‘Future Soldier – Extended System (IdZ-ES)’ and is likewise used in the British Army as the Laser-Light-Module MK3 and in the Swiss Army as the Laser-Light-Module 19.

Rheinmetall’s product portfolio encompasses a wide range of infantry equipment, including various targeting and illumination modules. These were developed in order to increase the tactical value of modern small arms. The LM-VTAL (‘Laser Module – Variable Tactical Aiming Laser’) has been used by the Bundeswehr’s special operators for several years.

Posted in Contracts, International, Lasers, Lights, Press Release | Comments Off on Further Major Contract: Rheinmetall to Supply Further Laser-Light-Modules for the Bundeswehr’s New Assault Rifle – Contract Worth Several Hundred Million Euros

The VSLAP-V1 from B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. at SOF Week 2026

Monday, May 18th, 2026

B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc., a Defense Technology Manufacturer specializing in advanced photonic solutions for military, law enforcement, consumer, and aerospace applications worldwide, is proud to highlight their new VSLAP® series a compact high-power near infrared target pointer and illuminator. The VSLAP®-V1 is the latest device in production from the B.E. Meyers & Co. line of high-power lasers designed to enhance air-to-ground pointing, illumination, and communication. Its superior design provides increased output, ergonomic form factor, and better integration with weapon systems.

B.E. Meyers & Co. will be at Booth 1153 at this year’s SOF Week in Tampa, Florida from 18-21 May 2026.

Since the 1993 release of the IZLID®, B.E. Meyers & Co. has set the standard for high powered Near-Infrared laser pointers and illuminators. The IZLID®series is used in TACP, CCT, JTAC, SOTAC, ANGLICO and JFO applications and for other air-to-ground integration and communication needs. It’s now a widely used product by military agencies around the world chosen for its high power, ergonomics, ruggedness, and weapon system adaptability. Learning from decades of battlefield experience with the IZLID®, B.E. Meyers & Co. has further innovated with the introduction of the VSLAP®. The VSLAP® will continue to support warfighters with the same capability as the IZLID®, but with continued innovation to ergonomics, power output and weapon system integration.

At the core of the VSLAP® is B.E. Meyers & Co.’s patented DeathStar™ technology that co-aligns six individual laser diodes into a single concentrated beam, outputting up to 1.21 Watts of power. These co-aligned beams diverge over long distances and create the perception of a single beam with a much larger profile than traditional laser systems. The increased size of the beam profile increases its long-range visibility for high altitude aircraft communication. On-target illumination clarity is also improved by the six lasers in the DeathStar™ system. As the beams diverge downrange, they begin to overlap each other, which removes the inconsistencies in each of the individual defused Edge Emitting Lasers (EEL). This is vital for situational awareness when using the VSLAP®s 2.5º flood for target illumination.

The design of the VSLAP® allows for single handed operation and manipulation of the systems controls. The power lever allows users to choose between four power settings with just their thumb: Off, Low, Medium and High. These settings provide a wide range of power outputs, allowing the user to select the appropriate output for the environment. The top of the device has two fire buttons which sit in a natural position of the users’ fingers. An easily distinguishable constant on fire button, a secondary pulse fire button with settings at 2Hz, 5Hz, 10Hz and an unmistakable arrhythmic setting. Beam divergence is quickly adjustable by turning the front collar 1/8 turn to transition from a pointer to a 2.5º flood.

The VSLAP® can also be utilized on various weapon systems from Crew Served Weapons to rotary wing aircraft platforms. For these uses the device supports azimuth and elevation adjustments for precise targeting alignment. The built in proprietary Wakizashi® port allows simultaneous remote control and power supply, allowing a single operator to activate the laser while firing. Additionally, the Wakizashi® port supports data transfer, allowing users to remotely control the laser’s settings.

The VSLAP® is the next evolution of high-power, long-range combat communication and situational awareness. Its revolutionary DeathStar™ technology creates a substantial battlefield advantage to help our warfighters ensure mission success and bring them home safely.

For more information on the VSLAP® and other B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc products, please visit our video here: www.youtube.com

For specifications, please visit our product page here:
www.bemeyers.com/products/pointing-illumination/series/vslap/vslap

Posted in Advertiser, Lights, Press Release, SOF Week | Comments Off on The VSLAP-V1 from B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. at SOF Week 2026

Streamlight Launches Litebox 1Million

Tuesday, April 28th, 2026

High Intensity Search and Scene Light Shines Over a Mile Away

EAGLEVILLE, PA, April 24, 2026 – Streamlight®, Inc., a leading provider of high-performance flashlights, launched the LiteBox® 1Million®, the ultimate long-range search light. Engineered for demanding professional uses, the LiteBox 1Million delivers 1 million candela with a beam distance of over one mile. This rugged, rechargeable, next-generation scene light is both lighter and more compact than its predecessor, the HID LiteBox®. It has been updated to modern technology standards and is compatible with existing LiteBox accessories.The new light was introduced at FDIC International, April 23-25 in Indianapolis, IN.

The fully portable search light emits a powerful, long-range beam that can illuminate objects over 1.25 miles away, while also providing broad peripheral illumination for scene lighting uses.The light is perfectly suited for firefighting and other emergency response tasks, utility and industrial inspections, perimeter scanning, boating and marine uses, as well as long-distance outdoor navigation. Its articulating head pivots 135 degrees and rotates 270 degrees, enabling precise placement on elevated or hard-to-reach targets like power lines and high rise structures, improving situational awareness in complex environments.

The LiteBox 1Million uses three white high power LEDs and a deep dish parabolic reflector to provide its long-range beam and ultra-bright light. On high, the light provides 3,300 lumens, 1 million candela and a run time of 4 hours; on low, it delivers up to 20 hours of run time, 500 lumens and 175,000 candela.

“The LiteBox 1Million provides outstanding reach, powerful brightness, portability and extended operation to help first responders, industrial crews and other professionals illuminate accident or fire scenes, roads or job sites,” said Streamlight President Michael F. Dineen. “It’s built tough, keeping the rugged performance users expect, and it seamlessly integrates with the LiteBox charger ecosystem.”

The scene light uses two 7.2 volt 6.8Ahr Li-Ion battery packs which are rechargeable up to 500 times. The light’s translucent boot switch features an intuitive integrated red/green battery status indicator that also flashes red when 15 minutes or less of battery life is remaining.The scene light fully recharges in 9 hours with provided power supplies.

The LiteBox 1Million measures 12.5 inches in length, 6.8 inches high and weighs 7.0 pounds with battery. Other features include:

– Weatherproof, high-impact ABS thermoplastic housing

– Cushioned grip handle

– Reinforced D-rings for attaching the included heavy-duty shoulder strap

– Vehicle Mount System

– Available in Orange

The LiteBox 1Million has an MSRP that ranges from $659.00 to $715.00 depending on the configuration. Each comes with Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

www.streamlight.com

Posted in Advertiser, Lights, Press Release | Comments Off on Streamlight Launches Litebox 1Million