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Archive for the ‘Optics’ Category

USSOCOM Selects SIG SAUER To Provide Squad-Variable Powered Scopes (Second Focal Plane)

Thursday, October 11th, 2018

Late last year, Naval Surface Warfare Center – Crane, working as the weapons procurement arm of the United States Special Operations Command, released a solicitation to industry for Squad-Variable Power Scopes to be used on M4 carbines out to 600m.

The plan was to buy First Focal Plane Scopes and other associated items as a 100% set-aside for small business, while a Second Focal Plane Scope and other associated gear would be full and open competition. SIG Optics replied to the Second Focal Plane Scope portion of the solicitation.

Today, they announced the Second Focal Plane contract, awarding a little over $12 Million to SIG SAUER for the same optic selected by the US Army for the Squad Designated Marksman Rifle.

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We first wrote about the Tango 6 earlier this year, during Enforce Tac.

This 6x optic is a variant of their commercially available Tango 6 optic, with final assembly in their Oregon plant. You can lock out the red dot on the custom BDC reticle between settings and the optic comes equipped with a throw lever. It also includes a SIG mount, manufactured there as well.

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SIG plans to offer the Tango 6 for both government and commercial sale.

www.sigoptics.com

AUSA 18 – Aimpoint CompM5s Makes American Debut

Wednesday, October 10th, 2018

Aimpoint openly displayed the CompM5s for the first time in the US.

Essentially, it’s the same as the CompM5, but the Comp5s has a low battery compartment.

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Features:
2 MOA Dot
AAA battery
5 years constant on use with one battery
Advanced internals and lens design

www.aimpoint.com

AUSA 18 – Stalker by Safran Optics 1

Wednesday, October 10th, 2018

In 2016 the Stalker, by Safran Optics 1, was selected as the US Army’s Laser Target Locator Module II and has recently entered production. Safran Optics 1 has a long history of supporting DoD, having delivered over 30,000 handheld laser rangefinders.

The heart of the Stalker is a laser rangefinder with a range of 5,000m on harsh environmental conditions. It also integrates a digital magnetic compass, SASM GPS, 6x Direct View Optic and Low Level Light imager, and LWIR Thermal Imager.

In addition to increased capability, the Stalker offers a 3 lbs, or 40% weight reduction over the LTLM it replaces.

Holosun Showing at AUSA 2018

Friday, October 5th, 2018

City of Industry, CA (October 1, 2018)

Creating innovative optic and lighting solutions since 2013, Holosun is at the forefront of optic, laser and infrared technologies for tactical shooters and hobbyists alike. Holosun is attending the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) conference in Washington, DC from October 8-10 this year. Holosun will be available at booth #2948.

Army personnel place the highest demands on their equipment and Holosun has introduced technology and features to address their specific needs. Among these innovations are Advanced Solar Fail Safe, Shake Awake technology, Multiple Reticle System (MRS), and titanium bodies in select models to protect these revolutionary technologies. Available with red or green LEDs, the soldier now has even more options to enhance accuracy and advance their marksmanship.

Army personnel attending the AUSA conference trade show should stop by the Holosun booth #2948 to see all of these features, options, and technologies in person as well as have any questions answered by the knowledgeable Holosun staff.

For more information, please visit www.holosun.com

USSOCOM Selects Nightforce For Squad-Variable Powered Scopes (First Focal Plane) Contract Worth Up To $21 Million

Monday, October 1st, 2018

Late last year, Naval Special Warfare Center – Crane, working as the weapons procurement arm of the United States Special Operations Command, released a solicitation to industry for Squad-Variable Power Scopes to be used on M4 carbines to to 600m.

The plan was to buy First Focal Plane Scopes and other associated items as a 100% set-aside for small business, while a Second Focal Plane Scope and other associated gear would be full and open competition.

Today, they announced the First Focal Plane contract, awarding a little over $15 Million initially to Nightforce. Ultimately, the contract could be worth as much as $21 Million.

The Optic is the ATACR (Advanced Tactical Rifle) 1-8x. It is similar to the commercial variant except that it will be in FDE and utilize a custom BDC reticle specified by USSOCOM.

This is the DoD announcement:

Lightforce (sic) USA Inc.,* Orofina, Idaho, is awarded a $15,760,499 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the production of Squad-Variable Powered Scopes (S-VPS) in support of U.S. Special Operations Command.  This procurement is for the S-VPS, spare parts and training. The S-VPS is a low-profile, wide-field-of-view, passive scope for near-range engagements out to and beyond the maximum effective range of the weapon system, for small arms employed by special operations forces. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to $21,172,435. Work will be performed in Orofino, Idaho, and is expected to be completed by September 2023. Fiscal 2018 procurement (Defense-wide) funding in the amount of $1,512,000 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with five offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Indiana, is the contracting activity (N00164-19-D-JQ31).

US Marine Corps Uses the GLARE HELIOS For Subterranean Training Exercise

Monday, October 1st, 2018

U.S. Marines illuminate a tunnel with the high power yet EyeSafe® green laser ocular interruption capability from B.E. Meyers & Co. as part of a subterranean training exercise in the Nevada desert.

SUBTERRANEAN FOCUS

With the U.S. Military accelerating its efforts to effectively address subterranean threats, it has become increasingly apparent that new and innovative applications for existing technology are necessary to maintain dominance on the battlefield, both above and below ground. Recently, the USMC performed a subterranean training exercise in the Nevada desert and observed that the illumination capabilities of the B.E. Meyers & Co. GLARE®  HELIOS™ Hail and Warning device far outweighed those of their white lights in the long, dark tunnels.

GLARE® FAMILY OF HAIL AND WARNING DEVICES

The 250 mW GLARE® HELIOS™ is the class 1M variant of the GLARE RECOIL®, the official Hail and Warning laser currently in use by the USMC as part of the Ocular Interrupter System (OIS) program (JETDS identifier LA-22/U). The LA-22/U was originally procured for EOF scenarios, however, it’s long-range illumination capabilities, and patented SmartRange™ technology make it the ideal illumination and designation system for a variety of other applications as well. The GLARE® HELIOS™ boasts the same potent dazzling and illumination capabilities as the LA-22/U, and is the only Hail and Warning device authorized by the FDA for use with Federal Agencies.

EXTENDED ILLUMINATION RANGE

Unlike white light illuminators, the divergence of the laser emitted by the GLARE® HELIOS™ is controlled by a motorized zoom and retains its illumination capabilities over extremely long distances. Compact white light systems that are currently available to soldiers are not sufficient for illuminating long stretches of pitch-black tunnel, and their low power keeps potential EOF scenarios within ranges that could pose a hazard to the operator.

Below is a GLARE® HELIOS™ compared against a weapon mounted white light illuminating a potential threat at over 100 yards. The extended standoff and illumination capabilities provided by the HELIOS™ are unmatched. With its patented EyeSafe® technology, and a divergence adjustment capable of 0.23° at its narrowest setting, the green beam is an ideal solution for any branch of military or law enforcement looking for compact, long-range illumination.

Pictured: Potential target is obscured at 100 yards with only white light illumination.

Pictured: Potential target is now illuminated at 100 yards with GLARE HELIOS™ laser.

The LA-22/U is available for procurement as NSN 5860-01-657-3893. It  is currently in production and being delivered by B.E. Meyers & Co., the sole source provider to MARCORSYSCOM for the $49M IDIQ Ocular Interruption System (OIS) program, contract number M67854-14-D-1040.

USSOCOM Replaces EOTech Sights With EOTech Sights

Saturday, September 29th, 2018

Naval Surface Warfare Center – Crane Division, acting as the program office for special operations weapons procurement on behalf of United States Special Operations Command has announced a $23,637,320 contract to L-3 Communications EOTech for Close Quarters Battle Sights. We do not yet have verification of which model was selected.

As you may recall, in September, 2015, we broke the story of severe issues with EOTech Holographic Weapon Sights. Ultimately, many (but not all) units within USSOCOM withdrew the sights from service and the US Department of Justice charged L-3 Communications with fraud. L-3 settled for over $25 million. This led to a massive commercial refund program by EOTech, taking back virtually any EOTech sight identified by customers.

SOF units tested and fielded various interim replacements and USSOCOM undertook a formal program to identify a replacement as part of their Miniature Aiming System – Day suite of optics. This contract award is a result of that effort.

Internally, EOTech cleaned house, fixed their production issues, and introduced the VUDU line of telescopic sight. It’s a testament to the dedication of EOTech that they were able to turn themselves in three years and win the business back. I’m impressed.

Tom Cruise Spotted With MAWL/GIGN

Monday, September 24th, 2018

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Last July, while on a promotional tour through France for Mission Impossible: Fallout, Tom Cruise paid an unplanned visit to the National Gendarmerie Intervention Group (GIGN) in Versailles. These photos from the GIGN’s Twitter account showcase Cruise on the range with GIGN operatives, shooting various weapons from their arsenal, including their primary weapon, the CZ Bren 2 equipped with the B.E. Meyers & Co. Modular Advanced Weapon Laser – Direct Action (MAWL®-DA).

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The MAWL®-DA is the most end –user centric high powered NIR/VIS aiming and illumination laser available for individual weapons. It was designed from the ground up to provide improved ergonomics, interface, and performance for night fighters across the globe. After rigorous testing, the GIGN selected the MAWL®-DA as the superior choice for formal procurement and deployment within the unit.

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Known for missions including counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, surveillance of national threats, protection of government officials, and targeting organized crime, it makes sense that the Mission Impossible star would want to meet with the elite unit that helped inspire the action in Fallout, and try their gear firsthand.

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