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New Technology Enables US Soldiers to Keep Head Up, Eyes On Target and Hands On Weapon

Wednesday, February 12th, 2025

KordUSA Inc., a member of the Australian-based Kord Group of companies, announced today it secured an Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to provide its remote technology to the US Army.

The cutting-edge RACU System Technology equips soldiers with a centralised point of control for all their weapon-mounted and body-worn electronic devices. The groundbreaking technology significantly benefits soldier performance, lethality and situational awareness.

“Think of it as a simple, common remote for the soldier, which gives them quick, easy and intuitive control.” said Dr Peter Moran, Group Managing Director at Kord. “It’s a force multiplier, simple to learn, and rugged. It allows soldiers to keep head up, eyes on target and hands on weapon.”

The contract, awarded by Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH) as part of the EDITS Program, is valued at up to US$7m [AU$11m]. The Program provides warfighter solutions to a number of US Army agencies including PEO Soldier. Kord will supply its RACU System Technology for evaluation by the US Army as the Common Remote for the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW).

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RACU has been developed and tested over many years by the Australian Army and US Marine Corps. While the technology is Australian, it will be manufactured in the U.S. through Kord’s production office in Ogden, Utah, in partnership with a range of local industries.

“This is more than just about securing an important technology contract,” says Dr Moran. “It’s a wonderful example of the collaboration between Australia and the US across militaries, innovation and industry for the benefit of both countries. We’re proud to advance our AUKUS agreement goals and continue to strengthen the relationship between our two countries.”

Kord Group has a long-standing relationship with the United StatesCongress and Defense Force, including support for rapid procurement (National Defense Authorization Act 2019-2023); authorized US$20m in 2023 for operational evaluation, US$5m appropriated in 2024 budget (House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee).

Posted in Comms, International, Optics, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on New Technology Enables US Soldiers to Keep Head Up, Eyes On Target and Hands On Weapon

Meprolight Unveils MCO Sight and MVO Family of Variable Power Riflescopes, Enhancing Precision and Versatility in Combat Optics

Wednesday, February 12th, 2025

New Sights Offer Exceptional Performance Through Compact Design and Optical Precision

IDEX, 17 – 21 February 2025, Abi Dhabi, Booth # 02-A02

Enforce Tac, 24-26 February 2025, Nurmberg, Germany, Booth # 7A-520

IWA, 27 February – 2 March 2025, Nurmberg, Germany, Booth # 3A-308

Israel, February 11 , 2025 Meprolight (1990) Ltd., a member of the SK Group, founded by Mr. Samy Katsav, and a leading manufacturer of electro-optical systems, thermal and night vision equipment, as well as self-illuminated sights for military, law enforcement, and civilian applications, introduces two innovative optical sights designed to elevate operational effectiveness across diverse scenarios.

The MCO Meprolight Carbine Optic, a compact closed emitter optic for assault rifles, offers significant weight and size advantages. Engineered to meet the demands of rapid close-quarters engagements, it features a compact and lightweight design (5.23 cm x 5.8 cm x 4.05 cm and weighs only 151.7 grams). This closed emitter sight is particularly suited for assault rifles, offering a distinct advantage in size and weight, which is critical in variousscenarios. Its robust system ensures protection against sand, dust, and moisture, making it ideal for harsh environments. With 10 daylight and 2 night-vision brightness settings, the MCO adapts to various lighting conditions, providing flexibility for target acquisition in all circumstances. Powered by a long-lasting battery, the sight ensures extended operational readiness without the need for frequent replacements.

For mid-range engagements, the MVO 1-8X riflescope offers unparalleled versatility with seamless magnification transitions from 1x to 8x. A family of high-performance variable power riflescopes, the MVO 1-8X delivers outstanding optical clarity and precision across various magnification ranges. Designed formarksmen, and assault rifle operators, it provides exceptional optical performance, ensuring clear, distortion-free sight pictures even at long distances. The first focal plane reticle guarantees precise ranging and accurate holdovers at all magnification levels, which is crucial for long-range shooting. The optical continuity between 1x and 8x magnification ensures a high-quality visual experience, maintaining a clear, sharp sight picture for superior shooting accuracy.

“Meprolight continues to evolve in response to the changing needs of various forces,” said Golan Kalimi, SVP Marketing at Meprolight. “We are proud to develop sights that meet the diverse needs of operators in the field, offering precision and adaptability across different conditions. The MCO addresses the critical size and weight requirements for close-quarters operations.. The MVO 1-8X delivers exceptional performance and versatility for extended-range engagements. These sights ensure accuracy and effectiveness in the most demanding environments.”

www.meprolight.com

Posted in Enforce Tac, International, IWA, Optics, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Sneak Peek – ROMEO8T AMR Optic from SIG SAUER

Tuesday, February 11th, 2025

In addition to the Machine Gun Optic and Weapons Attached Ranging Platform unveiled during SIG SAUER’s recent Global Defense Demo Day in Las Vegas, they also showed off the ROMEO8T AMR. The AMR suffix denotes Automatically Modified Reticle.

Based on the current ROMEO8T 1 x 38 red dot optic, it is a closed system and has been modified for its new, expanded role, which makes it a good choice for use on LMGs and Carbines.

Despite its small size, the ROMEO8T AMR’s 40mm window Field of View is slightly bigger than the EOTech. Engineers tell me they can go up to a 52mm FOV with this footprint.

The reticle options offer a 2 MOA dot, Circle Dot, BDC, and ballistic holds. Additionally, there are 12 brightness level settings as well as three Night Vision settings.

It is paired with the JULIET3T Micro magnifier. There is a magnetic switch that detects when the Magnifier rotates into position which changes the the reticle in use to another preselected reticle and brightness setting and makes it smaller and less bright to ensure you can continue to see it in the magnified view.

Although the ROMEO 8T is more mature than the Machine Gun Optic we previewed last week, it is still a ways out from release.

Here is a video provided by SIG SAUER which highlights the new optics.

It covers the ROMEO-X enclosed pistol red dot featuring SIG-LOC, a revolutionary mounting system delivering unmatched zero retention and precision and well as the all-new FOXTROT pistol light. It also showcases the ROMEOBT AMR, featuring magnetic reticle switching paired with a flip-down magnifier and the groundbreaking ROMEO9T, one of the most advanced multi-reticle rifle optics ever built.

Posted in Advertiser, Optics | 1 Comment »

2025 Vortex Optics Catalog

Friday, February 7th, 2025

The New 2025 Product Catalog is here. Showcasing the latest and greatest in the Vortex lineup for the year ahead. Whether you’re looking for cutting-edge technology, must-have tools, or exciting new solutions, it’s all inside.

Snag yours here.

Posted in Catalog, Optics | Comments Off on 2025 Vortex Optics Catalog

SOFWERX – SBIR 25.4 Pre-release: Aviation Goggle Mount & Operator Portable Oxygen Generation Device

Friday, February 7th, 2025

The USSOCOM Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program will soon be accepting submissions for the technology area of interest:

Special Areas of Interest
Phase I:
SOCOM254-003: Aviation Goggle Mount

The objective of this topic is to research and develop an innovative Aviation Goggle Mount capability that will be employed on various aviator helmets with various night vision goggle systems (i.e. AN/AVS-6 and Wide Field of View Aviation Goggles (WFOVAG) and shall interface with an Aviation Night Vision Imaging System (ANVIS) mount that is used by Special Operations Forces.

Direct to Phase II:
SOCOM254-D002: Operator Portable Oxygen Generation Device

The objective of this topic is to develop applied research toward an innovative capability to improve oxygen therapy at point-of-need in an austere pre-hospital environment. The goal is to develop a field instrument that is rugged, compact, and able to provide oxygen to patients and oxygen generation capabilities as far-forward as possible to reduce the need for oxygen cylinders.

SOFWERX will host a virtual Q&A session for the areas of interest on 18 February at 2:00 PM ET.

Click Here to RSVP (RSVP NLT 17 February 2025 11:59 PM ET)
Submit your proposal: (Submissions open 26 February 2025 12:00PM ET (Noon))

Posted in Aviation, Medical, Optics, Research, SOF | Comments Off on SOFWERX – SBIR 25.4 Pre-release: Aviation Goggle Mount & Operator Portable Oxygen Generation Device

HRH The Princess Royal Opens New UK Thermal Imaging Optics Facility for Defence Sector and Presents King’s Award for Innovation to Thermoteknix

Wednesday, February 5th, 2025

Cambridge, UK, 04 February 2025.

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal today opened a new electro-optics facility at Thermoteknix in Cambridge, and presented the company with the King’s Award for Enterprise trophy for Innovation, in recognition of the company’s groundbreaking development in thermal imaging.

Employing 75 people, Thermoteknix was established in 1982 by Managing Director DrRichard Salisbury. The company manufactures a wide range of industrial and surveillance infrared based systems. With more than 40 years of milestones and groundbreaking innovation, the company made history in 2009 when its thermal imaging cameras were used by NASA on its successful LCROSS moon landing mission which identified the presence of lunar sub-surface water.

Thermoteknix has been the recipient of five such prestigious Queen’s and King’s Awards in recognition of its innovation and sales success in overseas trade, helping to promote the United Kingdom’s status as a world leader in design, manufacturing and customer success.

The Princess Royal toured Thermoteknix’ headquarters in Cambridge, during which Her Royal Highness was given demonstrations of the company’s thermal imaging products, including cameras and systems which reduce industrial Carbon emissions, and fused night vision goggles which deliver UK forces with superior situational awareness and Augmented Reality capabilities.

The Princess Royal, attended by Mrs. Julie Spence, Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridge, greeted Thermoteknix employees from each department, and formally opened the new electro-optics facility and presented The King’s Award for Enterprise trophy to Managing Director, Dr Richard Salisbury.

The Princess Royal then unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark her visit.

The new electro-optics facility will support the company’s growth and increased demand for its thermal imaging products by forces around the world.

Dr Salisbury commented: “It was an absolute privilege to host Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal at our headquarters in Cambridge, and to receive the King’s Award for Enterprise trophy form her. We are delighted to have had the opportunity to present our exceptional staff to Her Majesty. This Award is a testimony to their skills, dedication and commitment. The visit marks a crowning moment for Thermoteknix as we celebrate and prepare for the year ahead with new product launches and expansion of our work force.”

“The King’s Awards are one of the UK’s most prestigious awards, and to have had the pleasure of a visit from The Princess Royal for its presentation is a massive honour which will be a lifelong memory for every one of our team at Thermoteknix.”

For more information on Thermoteknix Systems Ltd., visit www.thermoteknix.com.

Posted in Industry, International, Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on HRH The Princess Royal Opens New UK Thermal Imaging Optics Facility for Defence Sector and Presents King’s Award for Innovation to Thermoteknix

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.

Posted in Advertiser, Lights, Optics | 2 Comments »

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

Posted in K9, Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on DARK SYSTEMS – DarkFighter Gimbal K9 Camera