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Archive for the ‘Optics’ Category

SIG SAUER Announces the ROMEO8T-AMR and JULIET3T-AMR System

Saturday, June 21st, 2025

NEWINGTON, N.H., (June 19, 2025) – SIG SAUER, industry leading manufacturer of cutting-edge firearms, optics, and ammunition announces its latest optic innovation, the ROMEO8T-AMR and JULIET3T-AMR System, featuring SIG SAUER’S all-new Automatic Modified Reticle (AMR) technology. 

“Our products are engineered to exceed the demands of elite warfighters around the world and our latest optic innovation does just that,” said Andy York, President, Electro-Optics. “Our elite end-users expect innovative, battle-tested products like our new ROMEO8T-AMR and JULIET3T-AMR System. These innovative optics provides shooters the SIG SAUER precision they need in dynamic environments.”

Inspired by SIG SAUER’s original ROMEO8T red dot, the ROMEO8T-AMR™ is a powerhouse optic pushing the technological envelope while reducing overall size and weight by over 30% compared to traditional holographic sights. 

Developed alongside the all-new JULIET3T-AMR™ micro magnifier, the ROMEO8T-AMR leverages SIG SAUER’s revolutionary Automatic Modified Reticle™ technology to instantly transition between user-selectable reticle configurations as the magnifier is engaged or disengaged. The speed and versatility of the patented AMR™ system allows shooters to maintain absolute precision while quickly transitioning between reticle configurations best suited for close-range engagements and mid-range engagements. 

Despite its compact build, the ROMEO8T-AMR boasts a massive 40MM objective lens for unrivaled situational awareness, while the high-performance coatings and lens system deliver remarkable performance under night vision. 

Engineered to exceed the demands of elite warfighters around the world, the ROMEO8T-AMR and JULIET3T-AMR system meet MIL-810-STD protocol, are IPX8 waterproof and fogproof, and fully covered by SIG SAUER’s Infinite Guarantee™.

Product Details:

AMR™ – Automatic Modified Reticle (Patented)

Massive 40MM High-Performance and Multi-Coated Lens

30% Smaller than Competitive Holographic Sights

Dedicated NV Override Control

50,000 Hour Runtime On CR123 Utilizing MOTAC™

MIL-810-STD Durability

IPX8 Waterproof and Fogproof Certified

Assembled in Oregon, USA

The ROMEO8T-AMR and JULIET3T-AMR system was previewed at SIG NEXT 2025, a one-of-a-kind innovation showcase and immersive product and brand experience that can only come from SIG SAUER, the defense contractor of the future.

The ROMEO8T-AMR and JULIET3T-AMR system is now shipping and available at retailers nationwide. To learn more, visit sigsauer.com.

New Machine Gun Optic Tested by 10th Mountain Division

Friday, June 20th, 2025

FORT DRUM, N.Y. — Explosions echoed through the training area as Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division (LI) trained with their newly issued XM152 Mounted Machine Gun Optic for the Mark 19 40 mm grenade machine gun.

Designed to enhance situational awareness and survivability, the XM152 MMO allows gunners to neutralize threats more effectively through accurate, controlled fire at various distances.

Before heading to the range, Soldiers received hands-on instruction from the Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command on the optic’s capabilities and operation.

“This optic is important because we need first-round hit probability,” said Tyler Griffeth, a training instructor with TACOM. “A lot of times with the Mark 19 using the iron sights, the Soldiers are really focused on the iron sight when we really need the big picture, and that’s the battlefield.”

The optic enhances engagement capabilities in two key ways: first, by offering a wide field-of-view holographic reticle for rapid, close-range target acquisition, and second, by incorporating a three-times magnifier to extend the effective range and improve accuracy.

“This now switches it to where the Soldier can be more threat-focused, which will increase their first-round hit probability and their overall lethality,” said Griffeth. “Now that technology like this becomes available to the Soldier, we’re going to get out there and get more lethal.”

After familiarization, Soldiers headed to the range the following day to engage targets using the new optic. TACOM instructors joined them to ensure proficiency and understanding of the equipment.

“I feel like with this new optic, I’m very confident in the Mark 19 system, it was much easier to hit the farther ranges and was able to destroy the target as needed,” Sgt. Trever Linberg, a helicopter repairman with Delta Company, 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (LI). “With this optic, I could qualify much easier, it took a lot less rounds.”

With new knowledge, experience, and confidence, these Soldiers can return to their units as subject matter experts and bring their fellow Soldiers up to speed on the latest equipment, making the 10th Mountain Division even more capable.

“I wish I had something like this back when I was in the service,” Griffeth said. “I wasted a lot of ammo that could have been right on target the first time.”

By SGT Matthew Connor

SSD Note: The MMO capitalizes on COTS optical technologies to provide a rugged, low-cost optic for the mounted Soldier in Combat Support and Combat Service Support formations. It has three variants, one each for the M2/M2A1 (MMO XM155), M240B/H/L (MMO XM156), and the MK19 (MMO XM152).

Sneak Peek – Tigerstripe and & Woodland GWA Micro NODs Vault from OP Tactical

Monday, June 16th, 2025

Very soon, OP Tactical will offer Tigerstripe and Woodland versions of the the popular GWA Micro NODs Vault.

Features:
– Fits in your helmet (most sizes)
– Fits most bino NODs (DTNVS, PVS31, etc)
– Low pro carry handle
– All sides are padded, includes a removable padded top divider
– Removable padded flap to keep items separate and protected
– Interior zip compartment for docs
– Mesh pockets for batteries, lens covers, etc.
– YKK GOV Aquaguard zippers
– 500D Nylon Cordura w/ DWR
– Weather resistant
– Dimensions: 6? x 5? x 4?
– Weight: 6oz
– Made in the USA; Berry Compliant

Check www.optactical.com/product/gwa-micro-nods-vault to see the new colors populate.

RTK, LLC Offers World’s first Anti-Bloom GPNVG from L3Harris

Friday, June 6th, 2025

Southern Pines, NC (June 5, 2025)- Research Technology Keystone, LLC., introduces the L3Harris GPNVG with Anti-Bloom tubes.

The L3Harris Anti-Bloom tube (10160UW-SA-C00-24UMH/1225) was manufactured briefly at L3Harris and discontinued due to the high cost of manufacturing.  RTK, LLC secured an allocation of L3Harris Anti-Bloom High FOM (2376+) Unfilmed White Phosphor Aviation Spec tubes and scheduled the upgrade of several GPNVG units for these special tubes, and they just started delivering this month.

NVG users know that when viewing bright sources of light with standard night vision tubes, the lights will appear to “bloom” with a halo around the light, making it impossible to observe anything behind the halo.  L3Harris ANTI-BLOOM tubes do exactly what the name implies- they will not “bloom” with a halo, so you can see beyond the light source.  

RTK has a limited number of units available in both ANVIS and BNVIS configuration for the most discriminating of GPNVG users.  These are the only known GPNVG units in this configuration, and because the tube is discontinued, it will not likely ever be seen again.  Price on request- serious inquiries only. 

Please direct inquiries to cs@rtkllc.com

Now Shipping from Magpul – The Maztech X4 System

Tuesday, May 27th, 2025

The Maztech X4 Optical System is now available for order from Magpul. It’s a modular appliqué that accepts your existing 30mm LVPO and turns it into a smart optic, offering an augmented-reality display with a precise, ballistic-compensated offset aiming point.

The foundational product of the X4 System is the Maztech X4-FCS, a fire-control system providing real-time ballistic calculations for first-shot impacts on target.

When the X4-FCS is paired with a Maztech Laser Rangefinder (X4-LRF), instantaneous range information is provided to the onboard Applied Ballistics software for immediate target engagement.

Four other X4 accessories provide support and connectivity to the system, including an LRF Diving Board Mount, remote controls with low-profile or rail-mounted options, and an FCS-to-LRF Cable. This suite of X4 accessories provides multiple options for how you’ll want to run your system. Combine your hardware with the tools available on the Maztech mobile app and you can quickly configure your system from your smartphone and start hitting targets faster and farther than ever.

magpul.com/maztech

SCD USA Announces Design-In Wins for MIRA SWIR Camera Across Multiple North American Defense Programs

Thursday, May 22nd, 2025

MIRA Short-Wave Infrared Camera Delivers Advanced CST and Event-Based Imaging for Enhanced Threat Detection; Initial Orders Secured for Airborne Application

Colorado Springs, Colorado – May 21, 2025, – SCD USA proudly announces the successful design-in of its MIRA Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) camera into several major defense programs across North America. These integrations span a variety of defense platforms, including man-portable systems, armored fighting vehicles, loitering munitions, and counter-UAS systems.

In a key milestone, SCD USA has also secured an initial low-rate production order for airborne deployment, reflecting the MIRA camera’s technological maturity and growing relevance in advanced defense applications. This integration marks the beginning of broader adoption, with MIRA poised to become a standard imaging solution in future procurements across these platforms.

MIRA is powered by SCD’s advanced SWIFT-EI InGaAs detector, offering exceptional SWaP-C (Size, Weight, Power, and Cost) SWIR sensor, with VGA resolution, multi-spot Asynchronous Laser Pulse Detection (ALPD), and ultra-high-speed frame rates up to 1,500 fps. The SWIFT-EI also integrate event-based, neuromorphic imaging, which reduces bandwidth requirements by detecting and transmitting only scene changes—critical for high-efficiency SWIR imaging in real-time battlefield scenarios.

Additionally, MIRA incorporates Coded Spot Tracking (CST), providing unmatched operational flexibility for a wide range of missions. With its 10µm pixel pitch, compact design, and low power consumption, MIRA is ideally suited for integration into small payloads, missile seekers, vehicles, and hand-held devices. Its enhanced background-independency improves situational awareness in complex environments.

“The integration of MIRA into these defense programs underscores its essential role in enhancing operational effectiveness across modern military platforms,” said Mark Fydenkevez, CEO of SCD USA. “We remain committed to delivering next-generation SWIR technology that empowers our customers to achieve mission success with unmatched performance and innovation.”

Thales Unveils Its Panoramic Quad-Tube Night Vision Goggle

Wednesday, May 21st, 2025
  • Presented for the first time at SOFINS1, PANORAMIC is a lightweight, compact night vision goggle equipped with four light intensification tubes to provide an extra-wide field-of-view. It is particularly well-suited to the needs of special operations forces and specialised units conducting sensitive missions such as counter-terrorism and hostage rescue operations.
  • Fully funded by France’s defence innovation agency (AID), the development of the PANORAMIC goggle was completed in just over two years by Thales’s centre of excellence for soldier optronics.
  • The PANORAMIC binocular is currently being evaluated by the French Army’s Technical Section (STAT) and Special Forces.

The PANORAMIC night vision goggle provides a field-of-view approaching the capabilities of the human eye to enhance situational awareness in low-light conditions. With four tubes instead of two, soldiers can quickly perceive their entire operational surroundings without moving their heads, enabling them to react more quickly to potential threats in their peripheral field of vision.

PANORAMIC’s patented architecture offers the best combination of performance, ergonomic design and volume currently available on the international market. It weighs just 740 g and is no wider than the soldier’s helmet. As well as the conventional helmet flip-up feature, each of the outer tubes can be raised independently, powering off automatically to guarantee discretion. Designed for optimum energy efficiency, this revolutionary new product is battery operated, with an available external battery pack for longer periods of operation.

The PANORAMIC night observation device is fully compatible with night sights such as the XTRAIM weapon sight. It is a compact, robust unit designed to accommodate future technologies and functionalities, and includes an optimised maintenance plan to maximise operational availability.

PANORAMIC unveiled for the first time at the 2025 edition of SOFINS, offering a further illustration of Thales’s 30-year track record of innovation in the design and development of night observation solutions to meet the full range of requirements of land forces personnel.

Specifically designed for special operations forces and specialised units in France and internationally, the PANORAMIC goggle is 100% made in France and ITAR-free.

“SOFINS is the ideal opportunity for us to present PANORAMIC, our new extra-wide field-of-view night observation device. Thales’s team technical expertise allowed the development of a ground-breaking night vision solution offering the robust design and outstanding performance needed to support the success of night-time missions and protect our soldiers at their most vulnerable moments.”

– Alexis Morel, Vice President, Optronics, Missile Electronics and Unmanned Air Systems, Thales

1 SOFINS: Special Operations Forces Innovation Network Seminar

FN Issues Optics Mounting Service Bulletin for FN Reflex MRD Pistols

Tuesday, May 20th, 2025

(McLean, VA — May 20, 2025) FN America, LLC recently discovered a condition on the FN ReflexÒ MRD pistol that, in very limited circumstances when using the incorrect set of screws to mount specific optics, the pistol could experience binding, cycling issues, or interference with the firing pin safety block. The condition was first identified on a Reflex MRD with a Viridian RFX11 optic installed using the incorrect FN-provided screws labeled “604” which were too long. In this case, the screws labeled “603” should have been used.

When mounting any optic to the Reflex MRD, it is imperative to use the correct FN-supplied screw and only the correct FN-supplied screw. Do not use the screws provided by the optics manufacturer because those screws were not designed to interface specifically with the Reflex MRD and could cause damage to the slide.

The chart in the Reflex Owner’s Manual explains which size screw to use. It has been updated to include the Viridian RFX11 Optic. When installing the Viridian RFX11 optic, make sure to use only the FN-provided “603” screws to ensure proper function of the pistol (Top of Figure 1). Before installing all other optics, refer to the chart in the owner’s manual for the correct-sized screws. If your optic is not listed, please contact the FN Customer Service at 1-800-635-1321, or by email at customerservice@fnamerica.com.

Figure 1

Screw 603 on top. 604 on bottom.

To ensure that the correct FN-supplied screws are being used: while holding the optic separately from the pistol, place the screws through the screw holes in the optic and measure or count the threads protruding from the bottom; there should be no more than .045 inches, or 3 threads visible (Figure 2). The screws should also be installed to the correct torque (6 – 8 in/lbs), regardless of what may be recommended by the manufacturer of the optic. Take care not to overtighten beyond the correct torque settings as this may deform or compress the optic housing.

Figure 2

No more than 3 threads or .045 inches below the surface of the miniature red dot (MRD).

To view and read the FN Reflex Owner’s Manual or Optics Mounting Guide, please visit fnamerica.com/customer-support/owners-manuals.

For questions about this service bulletin or assistance in returning an FN Reflex pistol for a repair or evaluation, contact FN Customer Service at 1-800-635-1321, or by email at customerservice@fnamerica.com. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday.