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Marine Corps Awards Contract for New Night Vision Goggles

Tuesday, September 10th, 2019

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. —

Less than 11 months after seeking industry proposals for a new helmet-mounted night vision system, Marine Corps Systems Command has awarded a contract to provide an updated system to Marines.

Harris Corporation of Roanoke, Virginia, was awarded a maximum $249,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract Sept. 6, for the purchase of the Squad Binocular Night Vision Goggle system. Approximately 14,000 systems will be delivered, and the work will be completed by September 2024.

The SBNVG combines two systems: a binocular night vision device and enhanced clip-on thermal imager. It is lighter than the current Army/Navy Portable Visual Search devices, or AN/PVS-15. The SBNVG also has improved depth perception, and the ability to detect and recognize targets in extreme low light, in inclement weather and in the presence of obscurants.

“Additionally, the use of white phosphor provides a greater capability to see at night with more clarity, giving Marines enhanced situational awareness,” said Lt. Col. Tim Hough, program manager for Infantry Weapons at MCSC.

The Corps previously used an existing Defense Logistics Agency contract to procure 1,300 systems to see how an interim solution could best meet the capability requirement.

“We made the investment to procure the 1,300 systems and fielded them to two infantry battalion, so we already had a good, robust understanding of the technology we were chasing,” said Roberto Gonzalez, team lead for Combat Optics at MCSC. “That allowed us to quickly get through the source selection process [for this contract].”

Using full and open competition, MCSC also realized approximately $70 million in savings across the Future Years Defense Program.

Marine infantry units will be the first to receive the new night vision goggles when fielding begins in the spring of 2020.

“Awarding this SBNVG contract and fielding these systems to the warfighter is one more step toward increasing the command and control, lethality and ability of the infantry squad to overwhelm our adversaries,” said Hough.

Story by Monique Randolph, MCSC Office of Public Affairs and Communication | Marine Corps Systems Command

U.S. Marine Corps photos by Joseph Neigh

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DSEI 19 – Pathfinder Fused Thermal/Color NVIS Viewer by Carson Industries

Tuesday, September 10th, 2019

During SOFIC we have you a sneak peek of the new handheld Pathfinder Fused Thermal/Color NVIS Night Vision Viewer by Carson Industries.

Pathfinder offers both color digital night vision and LWIR thermal cameras in a single, handheld unit. Controls are located along the top of the Pathfinder and are very easy to use.

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The user can move from full NV to full thermal with varying degrees of fusion along the way. The system also offers digital zoom capabilities at 2x and 4x. The screen is 400 x 400 color OLED.

Pathfinder allows digital and still image recording via 16 GB onboard storage or via Bluetooth and can be mounted to a tripod. It can also be integrated with GPS.

Expected to retail at $1500 this is a great option to either augment more capable Mil-Spec systems for those who have them or serve as an entry for those who don’t. It weighs less than half a pound and at 2″x3″x6″ easily fits in a pocket. Battery life is more than four hours thanks to an onboard Lithium Ion Battery.

www.carson-industries.com

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Elbit Systems Unveils New Wearable Technologies for Infantry Commanders and Soldiers

Tuesday, September 10th, 2019

Haifa, Israel, September 10, 2019 – Elbit Systems DSEI 2019 display (booth S-2 120 and Royal Navy booth) will include new wearable devices for the dismounted warrior. As warfare becomes increasingly networked, Elbit Systems’ new devices address the requirement from infantry commanders and soldiers to enhance their interface with Command and Control (C2) applications, with other force members and with external sensing assets, thereby stepping-up situational awareness and combat effectiveness.

Expanding the Company’s DOMINATOR warrior combat suite, the newly launched set includes four devices that integrate seamlessly with radio systems and with Battle Management Systems: SmartEye – a head-mounted C2 display; Smart WristView – a wrist-strapped C2 display; SmartSight – a C2 add-on to weapon sights; and SmartNVG – a C2 add-on to Night Vision Goggles (NVG).

SmartEye is ballistic eyewear that provides dismounted commanders with a geo-oriented head-mounted C2 display. Projecting a see-through Augmented Reality (AR) symbology on the visor and enabling real-time image detection, SmartEye provides users with instant situational awareness. SmartEye interfaces with multiple visual sources, including weapon sights, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and input from reconnaissance units.

Smart WristView is a compact, low-power, rugged wrist-strapped C2 display, providing warriors with a quick and convenient view of operational data in combat situations without altering weapon’s hold , further enhancing situational awareness and team-level C2 capabilities.

SmartSight is a C2 add-on to most existing day and night weapon sights, projecting see-through AR symbology, laser rangefinder data and a compass onto the soldier’s weapon sight, greatly improving target acquisition capabilities and combat effectiveness.

SmartNVG is a C2 add-on to most existing NVGs providing superimposed AR navigation and operational symbology on any vision imaging system, significantly improving effectiveness in night operations. SmartNVG is compatible with both HDMI and Android.

The complete DOMINATOR warrior suite includes also the recently launched SmarTrack – a situational awareness system for dismounted forces in GPS denied environments.

www.elbitsystems.com

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Atibal Introduces The Atibal Xs 1-10x30mm Second Focal Plane Scope

Saturday, September 7th, 2019

ONCE AGAIN ATIBAL PUSHES THE LIMITS OF HIGH QUALITY AFFORDABLE LOW POWER VARIABLE OPTICS WITH THE ALL NEW ATIBAL Xs 1-10x30MM SFP

Mesa, Arizona, September 5, 2019 – Atibal has built a reputation of providing premium quality optics at mid-range prices and Atibal continues to push that envelope with the all new Atibal Xs 1-10x30mm Second Focal Plane scope for under $800.

In the past Atibal has developed innovative new products to further enhance the shooting experience all while maintaining a very reasonable price point and we back our products with exemplary customer service and an honest lifetime warranty.

Atibal introduces the all new Atibal Xs 1-10x30mm Second Focal Plane low power variable optic. We have adapted the already popular Atibal X 1-10x30mm FFP scope into a second focal plane configuration. Featuring an intuitive second focal plane “Christmas Tree” style illuminated MIL reticle, locking target turrets, 1/10 MIL per click adjustments, an integrated low-profile magnification adjustment tab, fully multi- coated lenses, extra low dispersion high definition ED Glass, and 10x magnification to make the Atibal Xs an exceptionally versatile low power variable optic. At Atibal we continuously push the envelope of affordable and dependable optics for almost every application. With insight from sportsmen and competitors in the world of firearms we work to develop superior optics with practical and sensible features. The Atibal Xs is our latest offering in the world of low power variable optics.

Find out more about the Atibal Xs 1-10x30mm SFP scope by clicking here.

Posted in Optics, Press Release | 5 Comments »

Marine Corps Awards Contract for Squad Binocular Night Vision Goggle To Harris Corp

Saturday, September 7th, 2019

The Marine Corps has made the following Announcement:

Harris Corp., Roanoke, Virginia, is being awarded a maximum $249,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the purchase of Squad Binocular Night Vision Goggle systems; spare and repair parts; contractor logistics support; and test article refurbishment. Work will be performed in Roanoke, Virginia, and is expected to be complete by September 2024.Fiscal 2019 procurement (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $328,203 will be obligated at time of award and funds will expire the end of fiscal 2021.This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with six offers received. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity (M67854-19-D-1501).

Seen here is the Harris F5032 Lightweight Night Vision Binocular.

Features:
• Fixed or adjustable diopter lenses to minimize eye strain
• Single, self-contained AA battery with an alert when running low
• Auto and manual brightness available
• Auto shut-off functions only when the goggles are in the stowed position

These systems are intended for the Marine Corps’ Close Combat Force, consisting primarily of its Infantry.

Harris Corp’s night vision business is currently being purchased by the US subsidiary of Israel-based Elbit Systems (Elbit Systems of America). Harris recently was acquired by L3 Technologies, Inc and now goes by the name L3 Harris.

Posted in Contracts, Optics, USMC | 2 Comments »

DSEI 2019: RP Optical Lab Launches the Lightweight, High-Resolution MicroCORE 250HD Cooled Thermal Camera for Defense & HLS Applications

Saturday, September 7th, 2019

The company will also reveal for the first time the ZENITH lens for long viewing ranges

DSEI 2019, September 10-13, London, Israel Pavilion, Stand S5-220

2 September 2019, RP Optical Lab – a leader in the field of thermal and SWIR electro-optical solutions – will launch its latest microCORE 250HD cooled camera with a high resolution that was developed for use in various defense and homeland security applications, at DSEI 2019.

The lightweight camera has a x16 continuous optical zoom, 1280×720 resolution with small 10µ pixel size that allows long viewing ranges and providing the ideal solution for systems and applications that require low weight and compact size, together with long ranges and high-resolution imagery.

The microCORE 250HD features auto focus and delivers high-quality image processing. Ruggedized for use in harsh environments, it also offers open-frame and IP-sealed configurations.

ZENITH lens will also be launched at DSEI. The ZENITH is a modular lens for HD 10? sensors, which features wide/long range capabilities with the widest FOV (field of view) being 40 degrees at ZENITH400 and the narrowest being 0.7 degrees at ZENITH100. The ZENITH features a very high optical zoom ratio of X22, with focus maintained throughout the entire zoom range, providing fast zoom and focus response. It is also actively athermalized to maintain a focused image through temperature changes.

“At RP, we specialize in the development and manufacture of high-performance LWIR, MWIR and SWIR lens assemblies, thermal cameras and modules,” says Ran Carmeli, CEO of RP Optical Lab. “Our cameras and lenses are installed in defense systems around the world, where they actively contribute to mission success. While having an extensive off-the shelf product range, many projects are tailored to customers needs.”

Other RP solutions to be featured at the exhibition include the company’s cooled and uncooled IR-based thermal imagers for surveillance and tracking at various ranges, reaching over 40 km. Among the best-performing cameras in the world, RP’s systems are able to withstand all weather conditions.

www.rp-optical-lab.com

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Riton Optics Announces John Piscione as Vice President of Sales

Friday, September 6th, 2019

Tucson, AZ (5 September 2019)- With almost 20 years of firearms industry experience, John Piscione accepts the Vice President of Sales position at Riton Optics. Piscione will be joining the current team at Riton Optics to facilitate the sales environment and build upon the company’s mission to provide high quality, affordable optics backed by industry leading customer service.

As an enthusiast and avid shooter himself, Piscione is focused on bringing more of Riton’s optics to those with his same unwavering passion for uncompromised quality and affordability.

“It is an understatement to say that I am excited and proud to be working with a veteran owned company that offers a variety of high quality, price conscious optics. Riton has created a winning product for everyone, from the novice to expert level hunting and shooting enthusiasts. I should know, I use them myself. We have a top-notch team that knows and understand customer needs. It’s truly an exciting time to be with Riton Optics.” – John Piscione

Through his extensive industry experience, Piscione will provide Riton with a unique sales perspective, allowing the company to continue its expansive growth in the market. Piscione not only utilizes and supports the Riton products on a personal level, but his own beliefs support the customer service motivations of the company.

According to Riton Optics Founder and CEO, Brady Speth, “John was a natural fit for our company and we’re honored to have another employee who is so personally and professionally invested in this industry. We are confident that his experience and talent will support the continued growth of Riton.”

John Piscione, along with the Riton team, will undoubtedly continue to take the market by storm, providing a new level of quality, value and service that the market desires in optics.

www.ritonoptics.com

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Meprolight to Exhibit at TACCOM Canada

Thursday, September 5th, 2019

Meprolight will display its newest products for the North American market at the second annual Tactical and Competitive Shooting Sports (TACCOM) show to be held in September in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Or Akiva, Israel (September 2019) – Meprolight®, a world leader in a variety of optic solutions from electro-optics sights, thermal sights and devices, self-illuminated sights, and innovative pistol sights, will be exhibiting at TACCOM Canada, a premier event for the tactical and competitive shooting sports community. Meprolight will share its booth with IWI, that will display its newly released Masada pistol, and other innovative firearms. TACCOM Canada will be held Sept. 6 – 8, 2019 at The International Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The largest firearms show in Canada, it features over 450 exhibitors in 100,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space and a series of Shooter Development Seminars featuring some of the top names in the competitive shooting sports, international military and security fields.

Meprolight USA will be showcasing a variety of their newest products at booth #337. Unveiled at the 2019 SHOT Show, the MEPRO FORESIGHT, the first-of-its-kind augmented weapon sight capable of projecting essential tactical data right on the transparent optical lens in real-time. Utilizing Bluetooth interface to connect with the FORESIGHT’s mobile app for Android or iPhone, the user can store up to 10 zeroing firearms profiles or user profiles, so the sight can be removed and replaced without ever having to re-zero. It also has access to a large database of reticles for tactical scenarios and to receive firmware updates and new features, as they are released to market.

The MEPRO RDS PRO V.2 electro-optical red-dot sight is the latest generation featuring an optimized combination, more brightness positions (16 brightness levels compare to four brightness levels in its predecessor), and supports both red and green aiming patterns and multiple selections of aiming patterns all through a large crystal clear, transparent display window.

The MEPRO MicroRDS, is a small, rugged, energy efficient, electro-optical red dot sight designed for handguns, shotguns, and rifles with a large display window and a clearly defined red-dot for fast target acquisition with both eyes open. The MicroRDS Kit includes a patent-pending dovetail adapter with a quick detach mechanism that allows mounting and dismounting the MicroRDS on the gun with a click of a finger. The adapter includes high-quality Meprolight Night Sights that allow accurate and fast shooting under any lighting conditions when the MicroRDS Optic is removed. Meprolight will unveil its Picatinny QD rail for the MicroRDS series at TACCOM along with, their new Optics-Ready-Guns QD rail plate for GLOCK, Smith & Wesson M&P pistols and the new IWI Masada pistol.

Besides Meprolight’s innovative optics, on display will also be their FT Bullseye for the IWI Masada pistol (and other pistol models). It is similar to an optical sight, but in a small, low profile with an aim point in the form of an illuminated dot and circle bullseye. The Fiber-optic and Tritium Bullseye allows for fast and intuitive target acquisition day or night, and doesn’t need a battery or any switches to be powered on. Also available for the Masada pistols (and other popular brands) are Meprolight’s self-illuminated HVS night sights using new day and night bright dot technology that allows users to reference three solid dots, identical in appearance and location under all light conditions.

Stay current with Meprolight USA at www.meprolight.com.

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