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Archive for the ‘Optics’ Category

Army Launches IVAS Integration Into Aircraft

Monday, July 12th, 2021

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — Army researchers are expanding the reach of the high-tech Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) to deliver capabilities to Soldiers onboard aircraft.

IVAS integrates next-generation situational awareness tools and high-resolution simulations to enable Soldier sensing, decision making, target acquisition and target engagement. The device provides Soldiers with a single platform to fight, rehearse and train.

During the research and testing phases, the Army initially focused on bringing the technology to dismounted Soldiers. During the next step, scientists and engineers developed a capability for Soldiers to maintain situational awareness using IVAS during transport in ground combat vehicles such as the Bradley and Stryker.

Now, Army Futures Command (AFC) and Project Manager IVAS are testing the system to deliver the technology for aircrews and paratroopers in Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters.

“The Army is investing in resources to broaden the emerging capabilities of IVAS to improve effectiveness and safety of airborne Soldiers en route to their mission,” said Dr. Navin Mathur, IVAS platform integration project engineer with the Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center — a component of AFC’s Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM).

The first aircraft integration operational test with paratroopers using IVAS occurred in May at Experimentation Demonstration Gateway Event (EDGE) 21 — a precursor to Project Convergence 21 — with the 82nd Airborne Division aboard two Black Hawks. The same Soldiers finished testing IVAS weeks earlier during Soldier Touch Point 4 at Fort Bragg and incorporated what they learned in preparation for EDGE 21.

They received real-time video feeds to their IVAS headsets, from a camera mounted to the bottom of helicopters, while flying to the objective site. By pushing a button on the headset, they could toggle among the screens, making the images larger or smaller. Two squad leaders in separate Black Hawks also coordinated a mid-flight change of mission plans using the system.

Research is now focused on providing video feeds from Air-Launched Effects (ALE), small unmanned aerial vehicles released in flight from helicopters, to paratroopers and aircrew wearing IVAS. Soldiers could also use the headsets to control ALE instead of carrying a tablet.

“During the development phases for these current and future ground and air platforms, we’re focused foremost on the putting together the user experience,” Mathur said. “The team is getting their feedback during exercises like EDGE and making quick upgrades. We’re continually refining designs to meet their needs.”

By Dan Lafontaine, DEVCOM C5ISR Center Public Affairs

USAF First to Order on Army’s Direct View Optic Contract

Wednesday, July 7th, 2021

According to a source close to the program, the US Air Force has placed the first order on the US Army’s Direct View Optic program, obligating $49 million. This fulfills an Air Force requirement for a variable power optic that has been on the books since at least 2018, although at the time, the service stated that it desired a 1-8 optic rather than the 1-6 capability of DVO. DVO will replace the M68 Close Combat Optic and other systems within the service’s ground combat forces which number nearly 50,000 including the Special Warfare enterprise and around 40,000 Security Forces Airmen.

The Army’s requirement is reportedly still in draft status.

The DVO contract was awarded at the close of Fiscal Year 2020 to SIG Sauer Electro Optics for the 1-6×24 TANGO6T. There are currently three different versions of the TANGO6T adopted by the US military. The initial buy was for the Squad Designated Marksmanship Rifle, next was USSOCOM’s Squad-Variable Power Scope and finally, DVO.

The SDMR and S-VPS variants feature a standard tube length, but the DVO version is slightly shorter based on the Army’s OAL requirement. Some of this length is made up via a narrower diopter.

Each one of the optics features a different reticle. Here’s the breakdown:

DWLR-6 First Focal Plane: Dual Wind, Long Range 6 is currently fielded on the SDMR. Calibrated for the M118LR fired from the SDMR, the DWLR6 provides users with range estimation capability, holdovers for various distances and 5mph and 10mph wind holds out to 1000m.

DWLR-556 First Focal Plane: Dual Wind, Long Range 556 will be the DVO reticle. Similar in design to the DWLR6, the DWLR-556 is calibrated for M855A1. The reticle provides users with range estimation capability, holdovers for various distances and 5mph and 10mph wind holds out to 800m.

FL-6 Second focal plane: This is the SVP-S reticle. The FL-6 is calibrated for M855A1 fired from a customer specific rifle. The reticle provides similar range estimating capability as the others by using horizontal bars equivalent to 20” targets at various distances. When zeroed at 300m these holdovers represent 400, 500, 600 and 700m drops. The horizontal stadia provides directional indictors and holds for engaging moving targets of various speeds.

OCCAR Awards Consortium of HENSOLDT and THEON SENSORS with the Delivery of Binocular Night Vision Goggles for Belgian Defence and German Army

Friday, July 2nd, 2021

Wetzlar and Athens, 01 July 2021 – The multinational procurement organisation Organisation Conjointe de Cooperation en matière d’Armement (OCCAR) has contracted a consortium of HENSOLDT and THEON SENSORS for the production and delivery of Binocular Night Vision Goggles (BNVG) under the Night Vision Capability Programme. The first phase alone will amount to a high two-digit million euro value.

The contract includes 4,550 for Belgian Defence and 5,000 for the German Bundeswehr, as well as an option for another 20,000 BNVG for Germany. A full maintenance and repair service for up to 15 years is also included, as well as a series of accessories that will be delivered to the users. Deliveries will start in 2021.

Offering THEON SENSORS’ Mikron 16 mm BNVG, the consortium prevailed in an international open tender process.

Mikron is a spin-off from the well-known NYX family of THEON SENSORS. Using 16 mm tubes, the size and most importantly the weight of this binocular are reduced by up to 20 per cent without any major reduction in performance. Mikron is already in operation with various European end users. This is the first major contract that THEON SENSORS receives, through the consortium with HENSOLDT, for this new state-of-the-art system.

The consortium of HENSOLDT and THEON SENSORS is an ideal solution for the two states currently participating in the Night Vision Capability Programme, as both companies have proven track records in the field of image intensifier technology. With the combined production capacities in Wetzlar, Germany, and Athens, Greece, very large lot sizes can be produced in short time and on short notice. A transfer of technology from Athens to Wetzlar will enable HENSOLDT to not only assemble the BNVG locally but also to fulfil the contractual ILS obligations from a local site to Belgian Defence and the Bundeswehr, ensuring short ways and quick reaction times.

Andreas Hülle, Managing Director HENSOLDT Optronics GmbH, stated “The successful cooperation between HENSOLDT and THEON SENSORS is a win-win situation for Belgium, Germany and our two companies. This is undoubtedly a great success in an extremely important and great competition. This also opens the doors for synergies and co-operation in other areas within Europe. As a proud supplier to the German Bundeswehr with our sights and scopes for the Future Soldier Programme IdZ, we are happy to extend our portfolio with Binocular Night Vision Goggles and to continue to supply the Belgian Defence.”

Christian Hadjminas, CEO of THEON SENSORS and President of EFA GROUP, added: “THEON SENSORS’ consortium with HENSOLDT is in line with the vision of a strong and joint European defence industry and we will continue to work towards its development and implementation. This large contract is the culmination of THEON SENSORS’ hard work and effort in the field of Night Vision. Given that it is the largest contract ever signed for night vision equipment in the European market and, in general, the largest direct order to a Greek defence industry, we believe that this contract is a turning point for the Greek defence industry and its potential, but also for the country itself. At the same time, this contract is not only an important turning point for us in our history, but also a starting point for evolving THEON SENSORS from being a leading company in man portable night vision systems and thermal products, to a company also for integrated systems and platforms that enable interoperability and real-time information exchange with speed and security. Systems that drastically improve flexibility in decision-making in conducting military operations. This will be achieved through THEON SENSORS’ consistent policy of building strategic alliances especially in Europe.”

OCCAR’s Night Vision Capability Programme offers the possibility for other EU and non-EU countries to join via an established process.

ANR Design – UKON V2 Mounts for SIG ROMEO4T

Friday, July 2nd, 2021

The ANVL UKON V2 mount for the SIG ROMEO4T red dot optic incorporates a single focal plane absolute co-witness backup iron sight. The integrated rear sight is paired with a standard type AR-15 adjustable front sight post.

The user can adjust elevation to be point of aim, point of impact for subsonic rounds while still running the red dot for super sonic and vice versa.

The mount is constructed from 6061 aluminum with a type 3 hard coat anodizing.

UKON V2 Mounts now available at anrdesignkydexholster.com.

Bushnell Releases New Prime 1800 Laser Rangefinder

Thursday, July 1st, 2021

New LRF Serves as Milestone in Bushnell’s History of Laser Rangefinder Development

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – June 30, 2021 – Bushnell®, an industry leader in performance optics, has announced the introduction of the newest addition to its laser rangefinder lineup – the Prime 1800. Packed with added features such as Bushnell’s all-new ACTIVSYNC™ display system that fluidly morphs from black to red readouts based on lighting conditions, the Prime 1800 builds on the success of Bushnell’s 25-year legacy of laser rangefinder development.

With its all-glass, fully multi-coated optical path and extra-large laser aperture window, the Prime 1800 boasts double the light transmission over other competitive models. The Prime 1800 has also been designed for all day viewing capability made possible by the new ACTIVSYNC display. This intuitive display feature fluidly morphs automatically from black in the daylight to red in low-light conditions so users can always see their readings, whether at sunrise, midday, or dusk. The display can even show red and black simultaneously if the environment requires it.

“In order to fully leverage the excellent 2x brightness from our laser rangefinders, we knew adding an illuminated display would give users the ability to use it throughout the entire legal hunt time,” said Derek Osburn, Director of Optics for Vista Outdoor. “However, we also knew that we wanted to go further and apply our 25-year history of laser rangefinder innovation to this feature and have done so with the new ActivSync display. This intuitive design gives you a red or black display exactly when you need it, making it even easier to get an exact distance quickly and accurately.”

The new Prime 1800 offers effective ranging capabilities out to 1,800-yard on a reflective target and can reliably range trees out to 1,000 yards or deer out to 700 yards with +/- one-yard accuracy. The Prime 1800 comes equipped with Scan mode for fast ranging, as well as near/far target modes to allow users to home in on targets while ignoring objects in the foreground and background. The rangefinder also comes equipped with ARC (Angle Range Compensation) technology for angle readings in the field.

The Prime 1800 rangefinder includes a built-in tripod mount and lanyard holes, giving users multiple setup options to keep the rangefinder secure and stable. A threaded metal battery door can be found on the bottom of the rangefinder and a CR2 battery is included so the Prime 1800 is ready right out of the box.

Backed by Bushnell’s 5-year Lifetime Ironclad warranty, the Prime 1800 rangefinder is engineered and manufactured to withstand the ultimate test of years of use in the field. The Prime 1800 carries an MSRP of $249.99 and is available now.

To learn more about the Prime 1800, Bushnell’s 25th Anniversary of Accuracy or to see Bushnell’s full lineup of rangefinders and other optics, visit Bushnell.com.

Warrior West 21 – BOSS-Xe by Wilcox Industries

Wednesday, June 30th, 2021

In addition to being a red dot sight, the BOSS-Xe (Ballistically Optimized Sighting System – Enhanced) features a red visible laser, infra-red (IR) laser and fixed IR illuminator.

One of the big changes for the BOSS-Xe is that you can now swap between two preset ballistic trajectories with the flip of a switch-without having to re-zero the weapon (think .300 sub and supersonic). What’s more, the Lasers/illuminator/reflex all co-aligned with one adjustment.

It’s powered by a single CR123A battery, offering 10 Hrs on Dual High IR Laser only.

Wilcox products are available for unit and agency orders from ADS, Inc.

Introducing the Atibal S.A.P.

Monday, June 28th, 2021

SMALLEST AND LIGHTEST PRISMATIC SCOPE TO DATE

LASER ETCHED RETICLE :: SUB 6 OZ WEIGHT :: 2.2” LENGTH
The Atibal S.A.P. Micro Prism is the smallest and lightest prismatic scope on the market to date. The SAP is the ideal optic for short range and close quarters engagements, with its exceptionally small size and weight the SAP is extremely agile in tight spaces when speed and accuracy are paramount. Unlike a traditional red dot sight where your reticle is projected against a plane of glass the SAP features a laser etched illuminated reticle which is apparent with or without illumination. The laser etched reticle also has the added benefit of always being crisp and clear, as opposed to a red dot which may be prone to poor reticle experience, depending on the user’s vision. The SAP also features a reticle focus adjustment at the ocular lens to further ensure a perfectly focused reticle every time. We spent 2 years of extensive research and development to bring you the smallest and lightest 1x prism on the market to date.

Compact, Capable, and Purpose Built.

Take Your Short Game to the Next Level with the Atibal S.A.P.

The Circle Dot reticle of the SAP is not designed for engaging targets at various long distances, but more so for enhancing target acquisition and engagement at short distances and close quarters. The reticle is designed so that the 60 MOA outer ring can be used to rapidly frame the target until the center dot is realized and a confident shot can be placed. The uncluttered sight picture along with the both eyes open operation of the SAP enable the shooter to better observe the impact area and place accurate follow up shots rapidly when needed, all the while maintaining good situational awareness.

During the R&D of the SAP we were able to determine the best features and specifications that would ensure stable and reliable operation while lessening the overall footprint of the optic. Oftentimes products become so feature rich that they inundate the user with too many options all the while embedding elaborate components that are more apt to fail. We have removed all the unnecessary aspects that are currently trending in newer optic designs and have fortified all of our existing components to enhance performance. The Atibal SAP 1x Micro Prism comes standard with improved LED technology for brilliant illumination and long lasting battery life. The 4 hour auto shut-off will help to prolong the battery life, as well as alleviating the user’s worries of forgetting to shut their optic off. The SAP comes installed with a co-witness height mount and can be configured with a low profile height mount by simply removing the co-witness height spacer from the existing mount.


FEATURES:
? Parallax Free @ 50 yds
? Easy accessible battery compartment
? Low Power Consumption
? Lightweight
? Reticle Focus Adjustment
? Multi-coated lens to reduce glare
? Removable Co-witness Height Mount

SPECIFICATIONS:
? Magnification: 1x11mm
? Eye Relief – 2″- 8″, Optimal Eye Relief ~4″
? Dot Size – 3 MOA Dot, 60 MOA Outer Ring
? Adjustment – 1 MOA
? Windage Adj: 100 clicks
? Elevation Adj: 100 clicks
? Laser Etched Reticle, Red Illumination, 8 Brightness Settings, 7 Daylight / 1 NVG
? Battery – CR2032
? Battery Life: Up to 30,000 hours
? Exit Pupil: 10.6mm
? FOV: 68 FT. @ 100 YDS. Perfect for Close Quarters
? Fog Proof – Nitrogen Purged
? Waterproof – IP67 Rated
? Shock Proof
? Length 2.2″
? Weight 4.8oz w/ Low Pro Mount – 5.9 oz w/ Co-Witness Mount
? Lifetime Warranty

Bushnell Unveils New Fusion X Rangefinding Binoculars 

Monday, June 28th, 2021

10×42 Rangefinding Binoculars Usher in New Era of Laser Rangefinder Technology

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – June 24, 2021 – Bushnell®, an industry leader in performance optics, is excited to announce the release of its new Fusion X Rangefinding binoculars. The new rangefinding binoculars continue Bushnell’s 25-year legacy of laser rangefinder development while featuring 1 mile ranging capability plus an all-new ACTIVSYNC™ display system that fluidly morphs from black to red readouts based on lighting conditions. These full-size 10×42 binoculars not only feature the high-quality glass users have come to expect from Bushnell, but also boast the capabilities of a laser rangefinder into a single, intuitive optic.

At the core of the Fusion X is a sophisticated ACTIVSYNC display that allows users to maintain visibility in low-light and day-bright lighting conditions. The ACTIVSYNC display automatically changes color readings, meaning hunters can range targets just as well 30 minutes before sunrise as they can at midday. The display can even show red and black simultaneously if the environment requires it.

“As we continue to celebrate our 25th anniversary of the advent of the laser rangefinder, the new Fusion X maintains our commitment to bringing new technologies to the marketplace,” said Derek Osburn, Director of Optics for Vista Outdoor. “The Fusion X offers hunters the best of both worlds with a familiar 10×42 size that offers fantastic light transmission while providing them with all-day viewing thanks to the ground-breaking ActivSync display. These new ranging binos are simply amazing and arrive at a special time in our company’s history as we honor our 25 years of continuing innovation.”

The Fusion X binoculars boast one mile ranging capability with a +/- one-yard accuracy. To activate the binoculars, simply push the ranging button to power on the rangefinder, as well as to activate single range and scan mode.  For quick application setup, a second button on the bridge of the binocular offers users to select from multiple modes.

Near/far ranging modes allow users to home in on the target while ignoring objects in the foreground and background. Meanwhile, bow and rifle ballistics modes provide the right data for your next shot. Fusion X also features height mode, which uses two ranged points and the angle in between to calculate the height of an object (such as a tree).

For the best possible optical quality, the Fusion X is built around a High-Definition Optical System (HDOS) for clarity and low-light performance in the field. Fully multi-coated lenses give users increased clarity and performance in low-light conditions.

These binoculars are built tough, too. Rubber armor and IPX7 waterproof construction, as well as EXO Barriers on the lens surfaces, protect the binoculars from the roughest and wettest conditions in the field. In fact, Bushnell’s engineers test the waterproof bonds by submerging the binoculars in one meter of water for 30 minutes to check for any moisture penetration.

Backed by Bushnell’s Lifetime Ironclad warranty, users can pick up a pair of Fusion X binoculars knowing they’re engineered and manufactured to withstand the ultimate test – years of use in the field. Fusion X binoculars have a product lifetime of 20 years with 5 years on the electronic components. MSRP is $699.99 with units available in late July.

To learn more about Fusion X range-finding binoculars, Bushnell’s 25th Anniversary of Accuracy or to get eyes on the full lineup of Bushnell optics, check out Bushnell.com.