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Liemke Introduces Keiler Thermal Monoculars

Tuesday, April 20th, 2021

San Antonio, Texas (April 20, 2021) – Liemke, a leader in high-definition thermal imaging for hunting and nature observation, is now shipping its popular Keiler 13 Pro and Keiler 35 Pro thermal monoculars in the United States. Designed as hand-held devices, these compact and rugged spotters can detect heat signatures in all light conditions – nighttime, daytime, dawn, or dusk – giving hunters a clear edge in the field for observing and tracking game.

The pocket-size Keiler 13 Pro features heat signature detection up to 500 yards while the Keiler 35 Pro has detection capability up to 1,350 yards. Heat sources can be displayed in various color modes in both models and can be enlarged digitally to show even finer detail when viewing game.

These high-performance monoculars are built to withstand the heaviest downpours and have 50 Hz frame rates ensuring fast refresh rates for unsurpassed image quality and easy viewing. They also have recording capability with internal data storage of 16G. Video and photos can be transferred via cable from the Keiler 13 Pro. The Keiler 35 Pro has integrated Wi-Fi allowing live image data to be transferred to an Android® or Apple® device up to 54 yards away.

“Liemke thermal devices are at the forefront of technology, delivering proven German engineering,” said Jason Evans, CEO, Blaser Group. “This reputation for unparalleled performance is why the Liemke brand has long been the top choice among European hunters, and we are excited to offer these advanced thermal optics to American hunters and others who require state-of-the-art thermal imaging.”

Keiler 13 Pro (Forest)

Features:
• 13mm objective lens
• Ceramic VOx detector with 240×180 pixel resolution
• 17µm pixel pitch
• LCOS display with 720×540 pixel resolution
• Shutter / Calibration is Auto / Manual
• Optical Zoom 1.2x
• Fixed Focus
• Digital Zoom 2x
• Field of View 18 x 13?
• Field of View 50M at 100M
• Lithium-ion rechargeable battery
• Battery Run Time – up to 12 hours of continuous operation
• Weight: 11.64 ounces
• Backed by a 3-year warranty
• In accordance with strict regulations, the thermal imaging scope is certified according to IP66 standards to provide optimal protection against dust and heavy rain.

MSRP: $1,332.00

Keiler 35 Pro (Forest / Field)

Features:
• 35mm objective lens
• Ceramic VOx detector with 384×288 pixel resolution
• 12µm pixel pitch
• LCOS display in QVGA format with 1,280×960 pixel resolution
• Shutter / Calibration is Auto / Manual
• Optical Zoom 2.5x
• Manual Focus
• Digital Zoom 2-4x
• Wi-Fi Live
• Field of View 11 x 8?
• Field of View 13m at 100m
• Lithium-ion rechargeable battery
• Battery Run Time – at least 7 hours
• Weight: 14.81 ounces
• Backed by a 3-year warranty
• In accordance with strict regulations, the thermal imaging scope is certified according to IP66 standards to provide optimal protection against dust and heavy rain.

MSRP: $3,332.00

liemke.com/en

Posted in Optics, Press Release | No Comments »

Overwhelm the Enemy by Volume and Accuracy: A New Optic to Aid Mounted Machine Gunners

Saturday, April 17th, 2021

FORT BENNING, GA, –

Accuracy by volume has been a long-standing sarcastic remark towards the shooting style of machine gunners. However, that is about to change with the new Family of Weapons Sight – Crew Served (FWS-CS) machine gun optic that provides Soldiers increased accuracy and lethality by leveraging the most up to date weapon sight and wireless technology.

Project Manager Soldier Maneuver and Precision Targeting (PM SMPT) held a Soldier Touchpoint (STP) with Soldiers of the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Benning the last week of February. The Soldier feedback from the STP ensures end users are involved throughout the development of the FWS-CS and it has marked advancements in capability compared to legacy equipment.

“With a program as complex as ours, we need feedback early and often in order to ensure we get our machine gunners what they need in the final product,” said Maj. John Nikiforakis, PM SMPT Assistant Product Manager. “Mounted machine gunners have the difficult task of providing guidance to the crew, ensuring protection of their vehicle, and most importantly providing lethal effects on the enemy. The FWS-CS ensures that the gunners in turrets have the best optic for all battlefield conditions and one that mounts to any crew served weapon in the Army’s inventory.”

“We’re comparing shooting data from the current M145 Machine Gun Optic (MGO) to the FWS-CS to see if we can engage targets at unknown distances faster and more accurately,” said 1st Lt. Anthony Ramirez, 2-325, 82nd Airborne Division. “The biggest benefit of the FWS-CS is that there’s a built-in laser rangefinder and ballistic calculator, so it determines the range and adjusts the reticle. All we have to do is put the reticle on the target and engage.”

The FWS-CS is the first machine gun optic to utilize the ‘disturbed reticle’ technology. Along with calculating the range to the target, the ballistic calculator can adjust for air density and works with any of the Army’s current machine gun systems.

“Typically you have to walk your fire on target, but with the FWS-CS you have impact on the first burst,” said Sgt. Jose Perez, 2-325, 82nd Airborne Division. “It’s a really cool system that can be used with multiple firearms, including the M240, MK19, and .50 Cal.”

In addition to the disturbed reticle, the FWS-CS can be used day or night and in limited visibility conditions which provide Soldiers greater lethality on the battlefield.

“It is a day and thermal sight. So it allows us to operate in a multitude of environments and be able to engage under more conditions than the M145 is capable of,” said Ramirez. “It has the capability to look through fog and other inclement weather conditions that the old M145 wouldn’t be able to reach out and see.”

“It’s extremely awesome, like Call of Duty kind of equipment that usually just goes to elite units.”
PFC Brown,
2-325, 82nd Airborne Division

The FWS-CS utilizes long-wave thermal technology and a high-definition digital day display that provides users with an extremely detailed field of view and many options for customizing the reticle and display.

“The thermal and daytime displays are both extremely clear,” said Pfc. Benjamin Brown, 2-325, 82nd Airborne Division. “It’s customizable to the shooter’s preference, changes from white hot to black hot, there’s different reticle colors, and up to a 4x zoom which makes identifying and engaging targets faster and more accurate. I would love to have this in the field.”

“It allows you to discriminate targets based on what the individuals look like,” said Ramirez. “You can determine the target’s weapon system or if they’re wearing body armor.“

In addition to its stand-alone performance, the FWS-CS is one of many programs within PM SMPT to utilize wireless technology. The Intra-Soldier Wireless (ISW) system allows the FWS-CS to connect to a Helmet Mounted Display (HMD).

“You have an eyepiece attached to your helmet, so you don’t even have to be down behind the gun with your eye in the scope,” said Pfc. Jake Ongar, 2-325, 82nd Airborne Division. “You can look through the HMD to see what you’re shooting at while staying behind cover, I think it’s a pretty cool feature.”

The effort to integrate capabilities and drive weight reductions are part of Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier’s vision of treating the Soldier as an integrated combat platform.

When asked when the FWS-CS is planned to be fielded Nikiforakis said, “The first Soldiers will see the FWS-CS in FY23. We still have a few modifications to make and several more tests to meet the demands of gunners.”

“I think this weapons sight has the potential to drastically improve Soldier lethality,” said Ramierz. “Being able to engage the enemy faster and more accurately is going to allow us to overtake the enemy and accomplish our mission.”

By Justin Sweet PEO Soldier

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Optics, PEO-Soldier | 3 Comments »

Sneak Peek – Nocorium TigerStripe Wraps

Friday, April 9th, 2021

Nocorium is expanding their line of night vision device wraps with TigerStripe.

Posted in Camo, Optics | No Comments »

Meopta MeoPro Air Binoculars Now Shipping

Thursday, April 8th, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, FL, April 7, 2021 – Meopta Sport Optics is now shipping its long-awaited MeoPro Air binoculars. Available in 8×42 HD and 10×42 HD, the Air elevates the MeoPro line to a new level of performance with its advanced optical system, ergonomic open-hinge design, and handsome new body style built to withstand the harshest hunting environments.

Featuring high-definition, extra-low dispersion fluoride glass with Meopta’s proprietary MeoBright lens coatings, the Air delivers maximum resolution and contrast with bright images and vivid colors throughout the entire field of view. This exceptional low-light performance – a hallmark of all Meopta optics – allows hunters to see fine detail more clearly at dawn and dusk when it matters most. Meopta’s MeoShield anti-abrasion lens coating offers added protection to exterior lenses in the field, and the MeoDrop hydrophobic lens coating easily repels rain, dust, and grease from exposed lens surfaces. The body is made from lightweight magnesium-alloy and protected by durable rubber armoring that provides a secure, non-slip grip.

“The Air takes the MeoPro line to the next level of performance,” said Pavel Stastny, Senior Director of Sales and Marketing at Meopta. “It has a new, modern look and feel. The open-bridge design is extremely comfortable and easy to hold for prolonged periods while glassing, and the optical performance is simply unparalleled at this price point.”

The diopter adjustment is integrated into the top end of the focus knob. Twist-up eyecups are easily removed for cleaning and designed for use with or without eyeglasses. Both models are tripod adapter ready, nitrogen purged, and fully sealed for fogproof and waterproof performance in the most demanding conditions. Like all Meopta optics sold in the United States, they are backed by Meopta’s Lifetime Transferrable Warranty.

MeoPro Air Binocular Specifications:

Retail Pricing:

MeoPro Air 8×42 HD: $979.00

MeoPro Air 10×42 HD: $999.00

www.meoptasportsoptics.com/us

Posted in Optics, Press Release | No Comments »

Brownells New Scope Establishes New Light Transmission Standard

Thursday, April 1st, 2021

Brownells Newest MPO Scope Gives Dangerously High Light Transmission

GRINNELL, Iowa (April 1, 2021) –Brownells newest optic in its very popular Match Precision Optic line – the MPO LT – disruptively shifts the light transmission paradigm out of the box to synergistically become a next-level shiny object brighter than the noonday sun.

Labeled the “LT” because of its dangerously-high light transmission rate, the MPO LT scope simultaneously transmits and focuses light so intensely the scope can be used as both an effective optic in low light, or a tactical energy weapon in full sunshine, able to start fires or sear retinas at up to 100 meters.

“We wanted a scope that would really move the needle in the optics world” said Director of Product Management Paul Levy. “Once we figured out how to transmit enough light through a scope to make it an almost-laser, we knew we were on to something big. Our people sacrificed – literally – to help make the MPO LT a reality.”

Each MPO LT will come with a professional-grade tactical welding helmet to prevent the user from blinding himself in bright light conditions. The first 100 MPO LT scopes will also come with a free advanced burn treatment field kit, an industrial sized jar of aloe vera cream, and a tactical eye patch should the worst-case scenario occur.

The MPO LT will retail for $6,999.95.

To learn more, visit www.Brownells.com.

Posted in Optics | 2 Comments »

ePIG Group Presents – World First: HOLOSUN 510 BSW

Thursday, April 1st, 2021

Holosun is always working to improve their products to achieve the maximum in performance and fail-safety. In terms of high reliability and maximum runtime, the Holosun 510 BSW is an absolute game changer that will make the competition tremble!

www.holosun.eu

Filmed and cut by www.stefan-czech.info

Posted in Guest Post, Optics | 3 Comments »

IVAS Production Contract Award

Thursday, April 1st, 2021

FORT BELVOIR, VA – On 26 March 2021, the United States Army awarded Microsoft Corporation a fixed price production agreement to manufacture the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS).

This award transitions IVAS to production and rapid fielding to deliver next-generation night vision and situational awareness capabilities to the Close Combat Force (CCF) at the speed of relevance. The unique and innovative partnership between the Army and Microsoft accelerated prototype system development through the Soldier Centered Design approach to deliver an unprecedented system to our CCF.

The IVAS aggregates multiple technologies into an architecture that allows the Soldier to Fight, Rehearse, and Train using a single platform. The suite of capabilities leverages existing high-resolution night, thermal, and Soldier-borne sensors integrated into a unified Heads Up Display to provide the improved situational awareness, target engagement, and informed decision-making necessary to achieve overmatch against current and future adversaries. The system also leverages augmented reality and machine learning to enable a life-like mixed reality training environment so the CCF can rehearse before engaging any adversaries.

The Army’s partnership with Microsoft redefined the timeline for rapid development and production of a major defense program by taking advantage of the Middle Tier of Acquisition and Other Transaction authorities, and partnering with a non-traditional defense contractor that is an industry leader in developing innovative technology.

The partnership between the Army and Microsoft illustrates areas that the Department of Defense and industry can work together towards achieving modernization priorities in the interest of national security.

David Patterson, PEO Soldier Director of Public Affairs

Posted in Contracts, Optics, PEO-Soldier | 8 Comments »

SMART SHOOTER Moving Forward on IWTSD Individual Weapon Overmatch Optic (IWOO) Program Using Advanced Fire Control System

Wednesday, March 24th, 2021

Unveiled for the first time – New IWOO system combines an advanced optical system, including automated detection and targeting of traditional ground targets as well as small UAS hard-kill capability, all to make the force stronger, faster, more accurate and lethal

[March 24, 2021]: In February 2020, the US Department of Defense’ Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD) selected SMART SHOOTER, a world-class designer, developer, and manufacturer of innovative fire control systems, to develop the solution for its Individual Weapon Overmatch Optic (IWOO) project.

Last November, SMART SHOOTER reached an important milestone in successfully completing the IWOO Critical Design Review. This means the IWOO design has been approved by IWTSD and will now move to prototype production with delivery of the first functional system next Fall.

The IWOO program was initiated by IWTSD to provide tactical operators overmatch capability against long range static and moving targets, both day and night. SMART SHOOTER won the competition and began development using proven technologies from its SMASH line of Fire Control optics and inserting new capabilities such as a variable x1- x8 zoom – all stitched together with combat-proven fire control algorithms to assure the hit.

The IWOO system automatically detects, highlights, and tracks potential targets – including drones – using a see-through display which enhances the user situational awareness. Built-in fire control processing continuously calculates the optimal firing solution to provide the user with clear, discreet guidance, firing only with the best chance of neutralizing the target, delivering first-round hit capabilities time after time.

“We value this important opportunity to partner with IWTSD to develop the IWOO system, and are honored to provide operators with an unmatched optic capability against modern threats and the types of terrorist attacks that we are increasingly seeing on streets and battlefields around the world” Ms. Michal Mor, CEO of SMART SHOOTER said.

“We are very pleased with the progress SMART SHOOTER has made with the IWOO design” said Michael Trexler, Special Operation Forces Combat Support Coordinator / Program Manager, at IWTSD. “We look forward to conducting operational testing and evaluation using the dual-capabilities of IWOO prototypes in 2021 against ground targets at increased ranges and to take-down drones.”

Posted in Contracts, Optics, Press Release | No Comments »