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Archive for the ‘Optics’ Category

Sneak Peek – SIG Machine Gun Optic & Weapons Attached Ranging Platform

Wednesday, February 5th, 2025

During a recent Global Defense Demo Day in Las Vegas, SIG SAUER unveiled several new technologies. In this article, I’m going to give you a Quick Look at the Machine Gun Optic and Weapons Attached Ranging Platform, both of which continue to be under development by SIG Electro Optics.

The prototype MGO features a disturbed reticle and uses the same technology as the ROMEO9T so there’s no forward light leakage.

Consider the MGO a technology demonstration at this point, so the final form factor will likely change significantly. Screen intensity is adjustable and the sight is powered by 2x CR123A batteries, but definitive run times haven’t yet been established.

There are no mechanical adjustments and you can establish as many zeroes as you’d like, but most will just resort to barrel A and barrel B.

The MGO is fed distance to target data for the disturbed reticle via the WARP (Weapons Attached Ranging Platform) which is also a prototype. You can see it mounted piggy back on the MGO. There is currently a Bluetooth remote switch under development which activates the laser.

The WARP lasers are 1550nm (mil only) with 905nm for a proposed civilian variant. WARP is powered by a single CR123C battery.

Both the MGO and WARP remain under development and won’t be available for sale until at least until next year.

DARK SYSTEMS – DarkFighter Gimbal K9 Camera

Tuesday, February 4th, 2025

Dark Systems is proud to present the DarkFighter Gimbal K9 Camera

This system is revolutionizing the standards of visual technology for tactical users requiring a tool that is as robust as it is advanced. This system addresses these needs with its cutting-edge stabilization and imaging capabilities, offering high-definition visuals that ensure no detail is missed in critical situations. This digital system remains economical and affordable for K9 units. 

What sets the K9 Camera apart is its advanced gimbal technology, which ensures that the video remains perfectly stable even in the most dynamic or unstable conditions. This level of stabilization is crucial for ensuring the accuracy of the captured content, allowing users to focus on their mission without being hindered by equipment limitations. Moreover, its compact design does not sacrifice functionality; rather, it enhances portability and usability, making it ideal for tactical use where quick deployment is often necessary. 

The Darkfighter Gimbal K9 Camera is a back-mounted system, no cable. The End User Device is capable of receiving video up to 200 meters away from the canine. This K9 camera is mesh capable, additional radios can be used to extend the operational range and user’s vision.

Dark Systems is the world leader in K9 helmets. Worldwide, over 3,000 of the company’s products have been deployed to the military and law enforcement agencies, SAR and K9 handlers. Each day, they use the DarkFighter K9 Helmet to protect their personnel. Dark Systems is a company of high-level engineers and professionals committed to listening, understanding and responding to our customers’ mission-critical needs.

www.darksystems.com

ZeroTech Optics Unveils the World’s First Variable Prism Sight

Monday, February 3rd, 2025

ZeroTech Optics is excited to introduce the world’s first Variable Prism Sight – a revolutionary new optic that is pioneering a new era for precision shooting. For the first time, shooters can enjoy the versatility of variable magnification within a prism sight, offering the flexibility that traditional fixed-power and binary optics have lacked. The new ZeroTech 1-4x Variable Prism Sight allows users to adjust magnification seamlessly between 1x all the way to 4x, providing both close-range accuracy and extended-range precision in one powerful optic – all at an unbeatable price point.

Introducing the ZeroTech 1-4x Variable Prism Sight

Traditionally, prism sights have been limited to a fixed magnification or a simple choice between two magnifications (e.g., 1x or 4x). With ZeroTech’s innovative approach, the 1-4x Variable Prism Sight provides shooters with the ability to adjust magnification on the fly, ensuring optimal performance in any scenario. Whether you’re engaging targets at close range or reaching out to extended distances, this sight gives you the flexibility and precision you need – all while offering an unbeatable value for its performance.

Why Choose a Prism Sight?

Prism sights have long been a favorite among shooters for several key reasons. Unlike red-dot sights, which rely on reflective lenses, prism sights feature etched reticles that provide better clarity and contrast, even in low-light conditions. They also offer exceptional durability and maintain zero accuracy in harsh environments, making them ideal for tactical applications and rugged outdoor use. Additionally, prism sights are etched so shooters with an astigmatism due not suffer from the common “startburst effect” contributing to more accurate and consistent aiming.

For a more in-depth look at the advantages of prism sights over red-dot sights, check out our full article here: What’s Best: 1x Prism or a Red Dot?

The Evolution of Variable Prism Optics

The ZeroTech 1-4x Variable Prism Sight represents a major leap in the evolution of prism optics. If you’re curious about how optics like these have progressed over time, we invite you to explore our article on The Evolution of Shooting Optics. It offers valuable insights into the development of variable prism scopes and their growing role in modern shooting, providing context to the groundbreaking advancements found in this new optic.

ZeroTech’s New Standard in Optics

The ZeroTech 1-4x Variable Prism Sight builds upon these established advantages while introducing new levels of adaptability. The optic offers:

• True 1x to 4x variable magnification for enhanced flexibility

• Premium etched reticle with adjustable illumination for fast, precise targeting

• Parallax-free at 100 yards for improved accuracy at distance

• Fully multi-coated lenses for superior light transmission and clarity

• Lightweight, rugged design that can withstand even the toughest conditions

• Quick, intuitive adjustments for a personalized shooting experience

And all of this comes at an unbeatable price point, delivering top-tier performance without breaking the bank. To learn more about this exciting optic check out our Tech Talk video.

Availability and Pricing

The ZeroTech 1-4x Variable Prism Sight is now available for purchase through ZeroTech Optics’ official website and select authorized dealers. To learn more about pricing and to place an order, visit www.zerotechoptics.com.

About ZeroTech Optics

ZeroTech Optics is a leading provider of high-performance optical products designed for shooters of all levels. With a focus on innovation and reliability, ZeroTech delivers advanced optics that enhance accuracy, confidence, and performance for professional marksmen and recreational shooters alike.

For inquiries, please contact:

ZeroTech Optics

Email: sales@zerotechoptics.com

Phone: 615 674 4755

SHOT Show 25 – Hoplite NVG Protection and Focusing Device in FDE

Thursday, January 23rd, 2025

You’ve been asking for it and Phokus Research Group has delivered. The Hoplite NVG Protection and Focusing Device is now available in FDE. Same great features of lens protection and instant focus to 18″

www.phokusresearch.com/collections/hoplite

TNVC Announces New Partnership with Swift Universal Optical Systems, Introduces FPG-21 Low Profile Night Vision Goggle Mount

Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025

Las Vegas, Nevada—

Since 2005 TNVC has sought to provide the best and most advanced mission and end-user focused products, technology, and systems integration solutions in the Visual Augmentation Systems (VAS) space to warfighters, law enforcement, and private citizens alike, which has led to numerous partnerships with industry-leading innovators.

TNVC is excited to announce our latest such partnership with Swift Universal Optical Systems and to introduce the Swift Universal FPG-21 Low Profile Night Vision Goggle Mount! The FPG-21 is no minor evolution of already-existing commercial off the shelf (COTS) NVG mounting solutions but an almost complete re-imagining of the NVG helmet mount and is on display at the 2025 NSSF SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, in the TNVC Booth #62211 in the Galilieo ballroom on the first floor of the Venetian Expo Center.

Originally funded through a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant in 2019 at the request of U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and developing into an active Program of Record, the FPG-21 sought to improve the stow angle of NVG helmet mounts to reduce torque and acute and potentially chronic, long term neck injuries in end-users, particularly when used with more advanced but heavier next generation headborne systems such as panoramic and fused goggle systems, and particularly the F-PANO Fusion Panoramic Goggle by moving the goggle’s center of gravity (COG) to a more neutral position when stowed.

The FPG-21’s improved stow angle rotates the goggle’s orientation almost 180obackwards, nearly sitting flat across the top of the helmet, placing the goggle’s COG lower and further to the rear than traditional BNVS helmet mounting solutions while Swift Universal’s patented “Tilt Agnostic Stow” ensures that no matter how the end-user adjusts the goggle’s tilt in the deployed position, the goggle will always stow at the optimum angle to reduce forward torque.

Taken together, the FPG-21’s unique stow properties not only reduce the risk of neck injury, but also significantly reduced “felt weight” in the stowed position, translating to reduced fatigue and greater comfort during prolonged wear, and increasing end-user performance, capability, and lethality. Moreover, the FPG-21 is exceptionally rigid and clearance for scoped weapons—all while reducing overall weight, resulting in an elegant yet rugged and extremely stable and rigid VAS mounting solution that has been developed and vetted with extensive end-user feedback, evaluation and field testing since the first prototypes were delivered in 2021.

While most users immediately notice the increased rigidity and reduced torque in the stowed position, the Swift Universal FPG-21 also possesses several unique features. Rather than relying on the legacy BNVS shoe, originally designed for the AN/PVS-7A, the FPG-21 relies on a larger and broader shoe design for the goggle-to-mount interface that also serves as an eye-relief adjustment “sled,” while the increased surface area and precision tolerances contribute to the systems notable rigidity. The new shoe / adjustment sled design can either be utilized as a direct replacement for OEM BNVS shoes or with an adapter plate that locks securely to existing, USSOCOM-spec BNVS shoes like those on the AN/PVS-31A, GPNVG, and F-BINO systems, requiring no modification to the goggle.

The FPG-21 interfaces directly with the Ops-Core Modular Bungee Shroud (MBS) included on the USSOCOM-standard FTHS helmet, featuring a new, interlocking, travel-limited adjustment system that serves as both the mount’s elevation adjustment and allows the mount to be completely removed from the helmet and dispensing with the legacy “universal” mounting interface used since the AN/PVS-7 and further increasing the system’s rigidity.

The FPG-21 is also fully environmentally sealed, meeting or exceeding MIL-STD-810H standards. The main assembly is machined from 7075 aluminum and Type III Hard-Coat anodized, while the internal mechanisms are machined from hardened corrosion resistant Stainless Steel and Grade 5 Titanium, resulting in an extremely strong but also lightweight system.  Weighing just 118 grams (not including goggle adapter plate or shroud) the FPG-21 is manufactured and assembled in-house at Swift Universal Optical Systems’ state-of-the-art facility in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

The Swift Universal Optical Systems FPG-21 Low Profile NVG Mount  will be available through TNVC to government, law enforcement, commercial dealers, and individual retail customers, with deliveries expected to begin in Q3 2025 with an estimated MSRP in the $1,500 range (inclusive of goggle adapter / direct-mount shoe) and interested parties are encouraged to contactgovsales@tnvc.com or dealersales@tnvc.com. Commercial pre-order details will be forthcoming shortly.

The FPG-21 is on display at the 2025 NSSF SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, in the TNVC Booth #62211 in the Galilieo ballroom on the first floor of the Venetian Expo Center.

Founded in 2005, Tactical Night Vision Company (TNVC) is a Veteran-Owned small business which specializes in providing industry-leading visual augmentation systems, modified-COTS solutions, and systems integration as well as training, education, and life-cycle support to government and commercial customers alike.

For all inquires please contact: marketing@tnvc.com

TNVC Introduces the Aether Optics Specter Panoramic Night Vision Goggle (PNVG) at SHOT 2025

Tuesday, January 21st, 2025

Las Vegas, Nevada

TNVC is proud to announce among the new releases debuting at the 2025 NSSF SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Aether Optics Specter Panoramic Night Vision Goggle (PNVG)!

tnvc.com/shop/aether-optics-specter-pnvg-panoramic-night-vision-goggle

Founded as a joint endeavor between a former USSOCOM capabilities developer and a JPL engineer, the Specter LWPNVG is the first U.S. developed, designed, and manufactured commercial production panoramic night vision goggle to be available on the market, and has undergone extensive testing by a wide range of professional and enthusiast end-users.

While panoramic goggles are not new to the VAS marketplace, with many companies attempting to replicate the success of the GPNVG to various degrees, the Aether Optics Specter PNVG is the first to be privately developed in the United States for individual users and enthusiaststhat is not simply an adaptation or copy of an existing panoramic goggle system.

The name, Specter PNVG, is derived from the Spectral Bat (Vampyrum spectrum), the largest predatory bat native to the Americas and an apex predator within its ecological niche. The Specter PNVG housing is built from a combination of high strength MJF polymer with aluminum and carbon fiber components for added strength and durability, the Specter PNVG is designed for rugged use, and easily serviced and maintained by qualified technicians and is compatible with all standard 18MM Gen. 3 MX-10160 format image intensifier tubes and based on user requirements, and is compatible with both standard, BNVS dovetail mounts as well as the Swift Universal FPG-21 advanced helmet mount.

The Specter PNVG is powered by a remote battery pack power supply that can be adapted to either ANVIS-style LEMO power supplies such as the LPBP-GO (Low Profile Battery Pack, Ground Optimized) or the USSOCOM standard BNVS connector utilized on the AN/PVS-31A BNVD. Among the Specter’s features are novel and intuitive method of IPD (interpupillary adjustment) that is simultaneously extremely secure, but resistant to impacts and damage that could result in breakage or binding in other fixed bridge goggle systems.

Like all TNVC in-house built systems, the AO Specter PNVG is built to order and lead times may apply. AO Specter PNVG systems are available to order now through TNVC and will be on display at TNVC’s Booth 62211 during NSSF SHOT Show 2025, January 21-24—swing by and check it out, along with our other exciting new releases!

tnvc.com/shop/aether-optics-specter-pnvg-panoramic-night-vision-goggle

Founded in 2005, Tactical Night Vision Company (TNVC) is a Veteran-Owned small business which specializes in providing industry-leading visual augmentation systems, modified-COTS solutions, and systems integration as well as training, education, and life-cycle support to government and commercial customers alike.

For all inquires please contact: marketing@tnvc.com

EOTECH Vudu 3-9×32 SFP

Saturday, January 18th, 2025

At just 6.8″ in length the new EOTECH Vudu 3-9×32 SFP is a super short variable power optic.

It is fog, water, and shock resistant, with capped ¼ MOA turrets and a second focal plane design. An illuminated reticle with 10 brightness settings runs up to 300 hours on a CR2032 battery and its integrated base is compatible with mini-ACOG mounts. For added versatility, a version with a ring mount and EFLX™ sight allows non-magnified targeting, mountable at the top or 45-degree angles for dynamic use.

Available this quarter.

www.eotechinc.com/eotech-vudu-3-9×32-sfp

Winchester Supreme Optics Debuts Thermal Optic Line At SHOT Show 2025

Thursday, January 16th, 2025

LOGAN, UT (January 20, 2025)—Winchester Supreme Optics is proud to announce the launch of its new line of thermal hunting sights. The entire line of Winchester Supreme Optics will be on display at booth #72349 in the Caesars Forum at SHOT Show 2025.

The Winchester Supreme Optics Thermal Hunting Sights combine advanced thermal imaging with exceptional value that deliver precision and reliability in diverse environmental conditions. Featuring high-performance sensors, these optics detect heat signatures through smoke, fog, and complete darkness, and deliver sharp, customizable visuals with multiple color palettes and reticle options. Built to be lightweight and rugged to appeal to serious hunters while maintaining long term durability and functionality.

The Winchester Supreme Optics Thermal Hunting Sights feature onboard recording, 50Hz frame rate, and a IP67 waterproof rating. They are also powered by a 12?m Pixel sensor that supports maximum clarity and extended battery life that projects the image to a SXGA 1280×1024 display.

The legendary Winchester brand continues its legacy of delivering best-quality products that endure the harshest outdoor conditions and meet the evolving needs of its customers. This new offering from Winchester Supreme Optics is backed by a 5year Limited Warranty.

THSX 640 Thermal Hunting Sight: MSRP $2,499

– 640×512 VOx Sensor

– 50mm Objective Lens

– 1865 Meter Detection Range

– 720 grams

– .300 Win Mag recoil rating

THSX 384 Thermal Hunting Sight: MSRP $1,649

– 384×288 VOx Sensor

– 35mm Objective Lens

– 1150 Meter Detection Range

– 680 grams

– .300 Win Mag Recoil Rating

THSD 384 Thermal Hunting Scope: MSRP $1,899

– 384×288 VOx Sensor

– 35mm Objective Lens

– 1150 Meter Detection Range

– 800 grams

– .300 Win Mag Recoil Rating

Retailers looking to become authorized Winchester Supreme Optics dealers can apply here: winchesteroptics.com/Dealers

To learn more about the complete product offerings from Winchester Supreme Optics, please visit winchesteroptics.com