The Editor attended the Close Combat Symposium 2017 was held at The Defence Academy of the UK, Shrivenham from July 24-26 including a Range Day at COTEC Range in Warminster.
Close Combat Symposium Programme
Tuesday 25 July
Conference Administration
Michael Hewetson OBE, Director Symposia at Shrivenham
1010 – 1015
Welcome to the Defence Academy
Dr Matt Chinn, Head of Technology School, Defence Academy
Session 1 – The Future Role of Light Forces
1015 – 1020
Introduction to Symposium & Session 1 – The Vision for the Light Force
Brigadier Ian Gibb, Head of Combat, Capability Directorate, HQ Army
1020 – 1040
Assistant Head of Capability Close Combat – The HQ Army Perspective
Colonel Nick Cowey, AH Close Combat, Capability Directorate, HQ Army
1040 – 1055
Infantry Colonel Commandant – A Corps View
Lieutenant General Andrew Graham CBE
1100 – 1120
Light Forces Future Requirement: A Personal View
Dr Nick Stanbridge, Dstl
1120 – 1150
US Army Thinking on the Light Role Future Force
Lieutenant Colonel Joe Curtis, US Army LO at HQ Field Army
1220 – 1240
Light Forces Tactical Mobility Platform
Rob O’Connor, Pardus Defence & Security Ltd
1300 – 1310
Tactical Decision Making – Human Defensive Behaviour
Professor Jon Cole, University of Liverpool
Tuesday 25 July
Session 2 – Light Force Capability Development
1400 – 1405
Session Introduction by
SO1 HoC Close Combat
1405 – 1445
Modern Trends, Threats and Developments in Global Ordnance: (World Tour 2016-17)
Dan Shea, General Director Phoenix Defence & Editor-in-Chief of Small Arms Defense Journal and Small Arms Review
1445 – 1515
Optimising Ground Close-Combat capability Delivery (including questions)
Darren Stinchombe SEA and Charlotte Watson, Arke Ltd
1515 – 1535
Small Arms and Ammunition – Where are we heading?
Anthony Williams, Jane’s Weapons: Ammunition
1535 – 1550
Developments in Lethality and Survivability
Debra Carr, Cranfield Defence & Security
1550 – 1610
JAVELIN Overview
Pete Willett, Raytheon
1610 – 1625
A Less-Wrong Theory of Small Arms Suppressive Fire
Dermot Rooney, Wapentakes
1625 – 1630
Workshop Discussion Groups Briefing
1630 – 1645
Workshop Discussion Groups
A. Survivability – Maj David Howe
B. Small Arms and Support Weapons – Maj Mark Whitehouse
C. Tactical Mobility – Gareth Edwards
1715 – 1745
Range Day (See on)
Thursday 27 July
Session 3 – Situational Awareness
0900 – 0905
Session 3 Introduction by SO2 ITDU
0905 – 0950
Keynote Address on Light Forces Situational Awareness (including questions) Army HQ, Industry or Academic
0950 – 1015
How Can Mounted and Dismounted Situational Awareness be Merged to Support a Digital Picture That Will Enhance Combat Effectiveness?
Antony White and Bryan Maddams, Ultra Electronics
1015 – 1030
DSA Assessments from AWE17
Lieutenant Colonel Nick Serle , Commanding Officer ITDU
1030-1050
Soldier Systems Programs, Vision and Perspectives
Sebastien Loze, Rheinmetall (Canada)
1050 – 1110
A Combat Robust Imaging Lidar System (CRILS)
Patricia Tomkins, Defence Vision Systems
1110 – 1140
Rifle Sights and Innovations in Man Portable Sighting Systems
Jack Davidson, Raytheon ELCAN
1200 – 1245
Panel Discussion
1245 – 1400
1400 – 1405
Session 4 Introduction by HoC Close Combat Officer
1405 – 1425
Military Support to the Civil Powers for CT and Resilience
Colonel L J Drummond MBE, DACOS HQ SJC (UK)
1425 – 1445
OP SENTINELLE Case Study
Colonel Ghislain Huyghues Despointes, French LO to Army HQ
1450 – 1510
OP TEMPERER Case Study
Colonel L J Drummond MBE, DACOS HQ SJC (UK)
1515 – 1535
Non-lethal and Less than Lethal Approaches
David Luxton, United Tactical Systems,LLC
1535 – 1550
Psychology of Armed Confrontations
Professor Jon Cole, University of Liverpool
1550 – 1610
Utility of Light Forces 2030 and Beyond
Colonel James P Cook OBE, AH Concepts, Directorate of Strategy, Army HQ
1610 – 1700
Detail of Some Presentations
Dan Shea Presentation
This presentation was a whirlwind tour of observations and photos by international researcher/journalist/arms dealer Dan Shea. The presentation covered much of the information gathered by Dan in his yearly travels, this presentation is generally given to the AIM conference at Booz Allen Hamilton University, the SOCOM briefing in Henderson NV, and NDIA Small Arms Conference and is updated for each. The presentation concentrated on threat identification and analysis, most from first hand observation in many countries, in combat capture piles, as well as being observed at international trade shows. It is not a compilation of social media surfing. The majority of the items covered were small arms and ammunition, however some larger rocket innovation are covered, if observed.
SEA and Arke Ltd
“Optimising Ground Close Combat capability through a systems-based understanding of the capability need” – Darren Stinchcombe (SEA), Barrie Horton (SEA) & Chris Warfield (Arke Ltd)
This talk provided an overview of this approach to acquisition management and how it provides demonstrable benefit to capability delivery across the close combat domain.
In an era of squeezed budgets and increasingly complex, wide-ranging, operational needs, capability development and delivery has become ever more challenging. The impetus to ‘do more for less’ is growing and there is now, more than ever, a need to maximise capability benefits delivered to dismounted and mounted operational users.
Through the use of systems, cost and benefits engineering methodologies, a range of lifecycle based processes have been developed to help maximise capability delivery and avoid falling into costly ‘traps’. These processes enable the development of alternative capability delivery paths, whilst exposing and mitigating issues, dependencies and risks within the project, programme, portfolio and wider DLOD boundaries before acquisition funding is committed. These ‘battle-proven’ processes have been used on a range of programmes, from the assessment of dismounted obstacle breaching/crossing capabilities, the Generic Soldier Architecture and the Generic Vehicle Architecture, the assessment of utilising fuel cells for power generation in-theatre, to on-going work alongside LETacCIS.
Cohort plc company SEA, working with decision support specialists Arke Ltd, outlined a new procurement approach that will help decision-makers to define and deliver projects at the Close Combat Symposium to be held at the UK Defence Academy, Shrivenham between 25-27 July. The rapid advance in future soldier technology, from exoskeletons to increasing the effectiveness of weapons, helmets, torso protection and night vision systems, is placing additional pressure on choosing the right procurement route. Decision makers are wrestling with programme assessment as to whether the technology they are being offered is what is needed, provides value for money and can be delivered successfully within budget.
SEA and Arke, who have worked together on programmes including Future Dismounted Close Combat (FDCC), Delivering Dismounted Effect (DDE) and Reducing the Burden on the Dismounted Soldier Capability Vision (RBDS CV), have devised a method of “achievability” analysis which helps to establish exploitation barriers and therefore reduce programme delivery risk. SEA Principal Consultant Darren Stinchcombe and Principal Consultant Charlotte Watson from Arke will outline the new approach to an audience of military personnel (UK and overseas), MoD research community (Dstl), acquisition staff (DE&S) and industry representatives at the Shrivenham symposium, which has been organised by Cranfield University.
Stinchcombe says the approach integrates architectural, cost and benefits analyses with an assessment of achievability. In turn, this enables the early identification of issues relating to dependencies, constraints, cultural problems, industrial behaviour and capability management. The approach links Battlefield Missions to Use Cases in both training and operational activities. These activities can then be examined from a strategic, economic, financial, commercial and management perspective to determine the investment case. The outcome is an effective achievability assessment based on comprehensive modelling and simulation to deliver robust and grounded evidence to support decision makers. Stinchcombe explains: “The approach provides an agenda for programme risk reduction, allows realistic planning for capability exploitation and can be used to support the agile acquisition of capability. The approach is aligned to HM Treasury’s ‘5 Case’ approach, enabling project teams to develop business cases that can withstand robust scrutiny.” Page 2 of 2 He adds: “Using this assessment of achievability model identifies and manages ‘real’ programme risk from the outset, provides insights to ensure budgets are invested in deliverable capability, and helps to deliver optimised capability for least cost.”
Light Forces Tactical Mobility Platform
Rob O’Connor, Pardus Defence & Security Ltd
Launch of the HIPPO-X Light Tactical Mobility Platform. Light forces by their very nature have a high degree of strategic and operational mobility as they are capable of being deployed into and within theatres by air and aviation assets. They are optimised for complex terrain such as jungles, mountains and the dense urban environment where terrain prevents the deployment of armoured and mechanised platforms or speed necessitates the rapid deployment of forces by air. However, light forces are limited in their tactical agility and operational endurance by the quantity of equipment and combat supplies that they can physically carry.
In 1950 SLA Marshal published “The Soldier’s Load and the Mobility of a Nation.” It concluded that a soldier should carry no more that 1/3 of their body weight. UK research in the early 2000s in support of the Future Integrated Soldier Technology (FIST) project and the Platoon Combat Experiment 2013-15 reached similar conclusions. For the average British soldier that is a load of no more than 24 kg. However, the current assault load is more than 33 kg. Furthermore, soldiers are required to carry other equipment such as anti-armour weapons, radios, electronic counter measures, mortar ammunition, 40mm grenades, machine gun ammunition etc. The table below shows some of the equipment that a typical rifle platoon will be expected to carry. Distributing this combat load across a 29-strong platoon sees an additional 27 kg of load on top of the 33 kg of assault load – a staggering 60 kg. No wonder that musculoskeletal injuries are so prevalent among infantry soldiers. What is required is a Light Tactical Mobility Platform (LTMP) that has the payload to unburden the soldier, the terrain accessibility to go where the soldier goes and the on-board power generating capability that reduces the overall resupply burden.
The HIPPO-X LTMP addresses all of these issues:
- Payload
- Terrain accessibility
- Power generation
Payload
At the 2017 UK Army Warfighting Experiment (AWE) the HIPPO-X showed that it had the payload to carry an entire rifle platoon’s daysacks, spare ammunition and other supplies. The addition of a trailer gives the HIPPO-X the ability to carry an entire mortar section’s equipment – 3 x 81 mm mortars, 312 x 81 mm bombs and the section’s personal kit, a combined weight of over 2 tonnes. A single HIPPO and trailer can carry a Javelin anti-tank section with 8 missiles or a fire support group of 2 x Heavy Machine Guns (with 6000 rounds) and a Grenade Machine Gun (with 320 rounds) – a total load of over 1500 kg. The HIPPO-X can be fitted with racking to safely carry casualties on stretchers without impacting upon the cargo deck.
Terrain Accessibility
The HIPPO-X can be rapidly deployed by air and aviation assets – it is air droppable by parachute and can be internally transported by support helicopter. It can be underslung by utility helicopter. It has superb cross-country performance. During the Army Warfighting Experiment it successfully negotiated the demanding “bone yard” test facility in Aldershot. With its skid steering it can negotiate the tight twists and turns of wooded areas and narrow streets. What sets the HIPPO-X apart is the fact that it is amphibious with no preparation. During the Army Warfighting Experiment is successfully crossed water obstacles while still carrying a combat load. This amphibious capability means that not only can the HIPPO-X cross wet gaps, it could be used as part of a gap crossing solution. The addition of a track kit (user installed over the wheels) means that the HIPPO-X can negotiate deep snow – making it an ideal all year platform for mountain troops.
Power Generation
The last decade has seen an exponential growth in the number of electronic devices carried by dismounted soldiers – radios, ECM, GPS, night vision, situational awareness. While each piece of technology assists the soldier in their duties it comes at a price – weight. It also places a burden on the resupply chain. The HIPPO-X can generate 5 kW of electrical power. This allows it to constantly run battery charging but also to operate other electrical equipment eg a tethered UAS for surveillance and/or radio rebroadcast, a water heater for hot drinks and food, a water purification unit to further reduce the resupply burden. A high capacity Lithium Ion battery in the hull of the vehicle means that all electrical demand can be met without the diesel engine running.
HIPPO Multipower’s strong pedigree in power generation applications means that the HIPPO-X not only produces electrical output but can also produce hydraulic power and compressed air making it the ideal platform for air assault engineers and assault pioneers. The addition of a back hoe could ease the burden of preparing defensive positions – and events in the Ukraine have shown the threat of indirect fire to troops in the open; mine rollers and remote-controlled operation can provide an aviation delivered route proofing capability.
The Future
The HIPPO-X can be configured to meet individual customer needs – a weapons carrier, a low recoil mortar platform, an ISTAR platform, a light engineer vehicle. It is already “drive by wire” which means that it can be fitted with an autonomy kit for Robotic and Autonomous System (RAS) applications.
Summary
The HIPPO LTMP is the ideal platform to support light forces, delivering:
- Payload
- Terrain accessibility
- Power generation
Contact Us
HIPPO will be exhibiting at Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI), Excel Centre, London 12-15 September. Visit us at stand N8-398 and the HIPPO-X LTMP will be on display in the Land Zone Static Vehicle Park. To arrange a meeting at DSEI please contact Rob O’Connor at .
Dermot Rooney Ab- A less-wrong theory of small arms suppressive fire
One of the most frustrating problems in tactical psychology is accounting for the suppressive effect of small arms fire. The limitations of current operational analysis models have been known for over 20 years but the lack of even indirect operational data, the likely wide variation in effect and the lack of a common definition of suppression has demanded lead to reliance on source data derived from firing range trials where participants were not under threat (Cawkhill, 1996; Rooney et al, 1996). Recent Close Combat presentations (Rooney, 2014; Daniau & Williams, 2016) have shown how the limitations of these trials led to operational analysis models relying on an assumed relationship between muzzle energy, the perceived loudness of a near miss, and suppression. Subsequent developments in psychology, military historical analysis, ballistics and acoustics have identified the weaknesses in this chain of assumptions, notably a poor relationship to lethality and a lack of sensitivity to known differences between small arms calibres. This presentation outlines a new theory based on the hit probability of near misses, their actual (rather than assumed) loudness, historical data on lethality and suppression, and the known characteristics human perception of danger. The new model allows a more realistic and sensitive distinction between current NATO calibres and should provide valuable evidence for decisions on a future universal calibre
CRILS (Compact Robust Imaging Lidar System)
Defence Vison Systems – Compact Robust Imaging LIDAR system
The DVS presentation outlined a highly novel approach to a Compact Robust Imaging LIDAR system.
The technique exploited by CRILS has been demonstrated to be capable of target detection far beyond the limits of normal capabilities of eye and / or camera capabilities under conditions where visibility is highly challenged by mist, fog, or cloud. Since the scattering spectrum of atmospheric aerosols is virtually independent of wavelength (from near-UV through SWIR), a system operating in the near-UV has major advantages due to the combination of eye safety, the maturity of laser and imaging photon detector technologies. CRILS will thus employ a near-UV Laser with a short-duration pulse. A unique range-gating, image photon-counting detector is the heart of the system. The range resolution is at present determined by the 7 nsec pulse duration of the laser currently used – equivalent to 1 metre. In principle, a laser with a shorter-duration pulse could be exploited to provide improved range resolution – down to the 50 psec ( 1 cm) limit of the photon event time-tagging. The Image Photon Counting detector provides the ultimate in terms of performance (signal to noise ratio) allowing the reconstruction of precise information on targets that would otherwise be totally invisible and undetectable through mist, fog or cloud.
Laser power and receiver size are optimised to provide a maximum 10km operational range.
Light Forces Tactical Mobility – RC O’Connor, Pardus
Light forces by their very nature have a high degree of strategic and operational mobility as they are capable of being deployed into and within theatres by air and aviation assets. They are optimised for complex terrain such as jungles, mountains and the dense urban environment where terrain prevents the deployment of armoured and mechanised platforms or speed necessitates the deployment by air. However, light forces are limited in their tactical agility by the quantity of equipment and combat supplies that they can physically carry. This issue becomes particularly acute in the carriage of support weapons and their ammunition. With the proliferation of ground based air defence there will be an increasing requirement to land further from the objective. Light forces must have the ability to carry sufficient combat supplies to deliver tactical overmatch.
This presentation showed that to deliver “fight light” and keep the average rifleman burden below 30kg a rifle platoon needs a Light Tactical Mobility Platform (LTMP) that can provide 750kg of load carriage. A mortar section requires a lift capacity of 2100kg. The LTMP must be internally transportable by support helicopter and needs the terrain accessibility and power generation required to deliver operational sustainment (and therefore tactical relevance) to light forces.
Small Arms and Ammunition – Where Are We Heading? – Anthony G Williams
The future of infantry rifles, machine guns and their ammunition is currently uncertain due to changes in tactical requirements and technical solutions. This has led to contrasting decisions being made in recent competitions for new weapons as well as a rather confusing range of developments.
As little as a decade ago, the choices available to armies were very predictable. In NATO, 5.56mm reigned supreme at section/squad level, backed up by 7.62mm GPMGs and sniper rifles held at higher levels. Experience in Afghanistan led to the larger calibre weapons being allocated to sections, plus programmes to adopt light machine guns and DMR/Sharpshooter self-loading rifles in the same calibre. Sniper rifles have also become involved in the search for greater effective range, with new calibres being tested and in some instances adopted.
The USA is exploring calibre options for the next generations of weapons, plus new technologies, including polymer/metal hybrid cartridge cases and cased-telescoped ammunition, in the search to reduce weight.
Despite the new emphasis on long-range performance, a commonly-held view is that future combat is most likely to take place in the sprawling conurbations in which most people live: what implications does that have for weapons and ammunition?
Biographical information:
Tony Williams has been Editor of IHS Jane’s Weapons: Ammunition, the international reference for military and law enforcement ammunition, since 2005, and of The Cartridge Researcher, the monthly bulletin of the European Cartridge Research Association, since 2004.
He has been collecting and researching ammunition for nearly fifty years, with a particular interest in small arms and automatic cannon ammunition, the guns that fire it and how they are used. He has written or co-authored several books on this subject as well as many magazine articles. He has also given various conference presentations on military ammunition, including to the NDIA (2010-2016) and to the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom (Shrivenham, 2006-2016).
Wednesday 26 July
Range Day
Viking Arms demonstrated Colt Semi Auto and Colt Semi Auto to 100m and Colt C8 and Glock G17 (UTM Less Lethal Training Weapons)
LEI illustrated sound levels when a suppressor/silencer is used on M4 Rifle (5.56mm), L129A1 Rifle, Rifle M4 Rifle (.300 BLK), Minimi Machine gun and 9mm Glock pistol
Beechwood Equipment demonstrated SA80A3 at various ranges
DVS will demonstrate a 1550nm Laser System (see more below)
Qioptiq demonstrated H&K 416, H&K 417 and FN Herstal SCAR H(see more below)
GMK demonstrated Assault Rifle, Bolt Action Rifle and SLP
Speargroup demonstrated X95 Carbine
Aimpoint demonstrated their 557 site
Pepper ball demonstrated their Marker Round (Training)
Instro demonstrated Thermal Sights
Bapty & Co – HISTORIC Demonstration of .455 Gatling, Gardner, 1” Pom Pom (see more below)
COTEC is situated on the edge of Salisbury Plain at Gore Cross near to West Lavington in Wiltshire, England and is one of the five Centres within the Department of Engineering and Applied Science (DEAS) at Cranfield University’s Shrivenham Campus. DEAS is supported by some of the world’s leading experts from within Cranfield University’s Defence & Security Department, the Academic Provider to the UK Defence Academy at Shrivenham. COTEC is licensed by the MOD and other organizations and is accredited to EN ISO 9001:2008.
Although trials are primarily of energetic materials, ordnance and weapon systems, the facilities also allow the testing of non-explosive items (for example, Rapid Decompression). Customers include the UK MOD, Dstl, Foreign Defence Departments, the Atomic Weapons Establishment, Commercial Defence suppliers and manufacturers, as well a large number of smaller specialist companies.
No explosive limits are laid down but daily limits are determined by the use of a meteorological analysis programme, which takes into account prevailing weather, particularly wind and precipitation
Bapty & Co
Bapty & Co and the Light Weapons department, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom conformation included a ‘Victoria Machine Gun day’ a display of GATLING, GARDNER, VICKERS MAXIM and Super Pom Pom. Bapty & Co gave an excellent live firing demonstration of the No. 41 Gatling Gun which was used in action at the Battle of Aboukir.
Established in 1919 Bapty is Europe’s largest supplier of historic and modern weaponry to the Film, Television and Theatre industry. We have an extensive stock list ranging from Matchlock Muskets to ultra modern and up to date Assault Rifles and handguns. Alongside our handheld armoury we have one of the most renowned collections of early artillery weapons and cannons.
Bapty Armourers are renowned in the industry for delivering expert and professional service when on set, with the experience of having filmed in over 50 countries, working on small budget productions to large scale Hollywood blockbusters supplying our converted firearms. Our desire is to ensure that you get exactly what you need for your scripted firearms use.
Alongside the massive selection of firearms Bapty have an extensive collection of period weaponry including thousands of swords, polearms, spears, daggers, bows, crossbows, shields and military props.
Beechwood Ltd
Beechwood Ltd displayed their range of Trijicon sights including the Trijicon ACOG as in service with the British Army and the new VCOG.
Trijicon ACOG®
The Editor has fired weapons using Trijicon sights at a number of Range Days in the UK and USA. The new sights exhibited by Beechwood on the Range day clearly demonstrated the benefits of the improved lens quality and the new illuminated reticle which, as last year, gave the Editor 100% hit record!
The Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) is a fixed power, compact riflescope with an illuminated reticle pattern for use in bright to low/no light. The ACOG is designed to be extremely durable and reliable. Combining traditional, precise distance marksmanship with CQB speed, many variants include a bullet drop compensated (BDC) reticle. Every feature of its design was chosen for a single purpose: to provide increased hit potential in all lighting conditions.
Features
Superior Quality Glass Lenses
Rugged Aluminum-Alloy Housing
Combat Proven
Illuminated Reticle
Bullet Drop Compensating
& Ranging Reticles
Fixed Magnification
Both Eyes Open Design
Waterproof to 100 Meters (328 ft.)
The 4×32 LED Battery ACOG
Gen2 Compact ACOG
Trijicon VCOG®
The Trijicon VCOG (Variable Combat Optical Gunsight) is a rugged variable powered riflescope with an LED illuminated first focal plane BDC reticle. The VCOG is designed for extreme durability and features superior glass quality. The magnification range accommodates CQB and long distance marksmanship. The VCOG is a MIL-spec grade optic, robust enough for any application.
The VCOG is designed for extreme durability and features superior glassquality. The magnification range accommodates CQB and long distancemarksmanship. The VCOG is a MIL-spec grade optic, robust enough forany application.
Features
First Focal Plane Reticle
Superior Quality Glass
Rugged Aluminum-Alloy Housing
Adjustable Brightness Settings
Bullet Drop Compensating & Ranging Reticle
Quick Magnification Adjustments
Constant Eye Relief
Waterproof to 20 Meters (66 ft.)
No Rings Needed
Qioptiq – Engage, Enable, Excel
As well as a presentation during Close Combat Qioptiq also demonstrated on the Range.
The Editor hanfled Public Relations for Pilkington Optronics as it was then in the 80s and 90s and thus has seen the development of the range of products producced by Qioptiq from the Kite and Maxi Kite range to the new compact and lighter Sniper and Dragon sights on display on the Range Day.
The technology now in these systems clearly shows how Qiotiq has used ‘lessons learnt’ from the many systems the company has in service around the world and, importantly, combat proven in many different theatres across the world in different temperatures and climates.
In addition to the excellent technology developed by Qioptiq over the years. all its systems are easy to use and thus squaddie proof!
During the shoot on the range where the Editor achieved 100% success on target, it was confirmed by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and the National Trainers Federation that Qioptiq would be permitted to undertake trials of thermal filming of racehorses in action, thus showing the detailed movements of the animal, running up to a world first filming of racing (suitably edited) at the 2017 SSAFA Raceday at Chepstow on November 22nd, subject to final agreement by the National Trainers Federation and the BHA.
Products on Display on the Range and at Symposium
Qioptiq had Dragon (S) Sniper and Dragon (C) Compact at the firing point. Dragon S on the spotter tripod. JaguIR camera system running through the monitor.
The rifles they had on the point at CCS were the SCAR L and the H&K 417 A2
The Dragon was mounted onto the SCAR L and DSTI mounted onto the H&K 417 A2.
“Today’s peacekeepers face a multitude of threats whilst operating in a myriad of environments and conditions. Add to this the requirement to carry out missions in darkness and the difficulty increases exponentially. The development of new tactics and new equipment to help counter the adverse effects of weather, terrain and lighting are vital to assist the operator in completing mission critical assignments. But how does the User know what products are available to them and the benefits to be derived from the latest state of the art equipment.
At Qioptiq we take our responsibility to the End User very seriously. We know our equipment is vital to the men and women carrying out a difficult and dangerous missions all over the world and so it is important to be able to brief on the latest developments and gain insight from the people who depend on our products.” Craig Taylor, Marketing Communications Manager of Qioptiq said.
Qioptiq is part of Excelitas Technologies, an international provider to the defence and aerospace markets.
Qioptiq is known for providing advanced optical modules for Airborne, Vehicle, Man Portable and Naval applications as well as military & civil Head-up Displays, Head level Displays and Helmet-Mounted Displays. But some of our greatest advancements have been made in the areas of vision solutions for image intensified, uncooled thermal and fused surveillance, target acquisition and engagement equipment – and it was these sighting systems we demonstrated at Close Combat.
Kite In-Line (KiL) is a new compact Image Intensified Weapon Sight that is mounted on a weapon in front of a magnified day sight. The KiL has particular advantages compared to other similar equipment, in that it offers an excellent range performance-to-weight ratio, combined with superior product reliability that’s inherent to all Qioptiq weapon sight designs. This system has been selected for the Australian Defence Force Land 125 requirement.
Qioptiq is at the forefront of fused weapon sight development, which has recently culminated in the launch of the SAKER fused weapon sight for Assault Rifles and Sharpshooter weapon platforms. SAKER is a high performance in-line fused weapon sight combining image intensified and thermal imaging technologies to deliver enhanced 24 hr capability.
DRAGON-S (Sniper) is a Clip-On Thermal Weapon Sight providing snipers with 24-hour surveillance and target engagement capability for a range of optical dayscopes. It is factory set to eliminate the need for zeroing when the thermal sight is fitted and removed from the front of the dayscope.
Dragon Compact 640 is an ultra-lightweight, small, multipurpose thermal weapon sight. It uses the latest uncooled thermal cameras and optical technology to provide a compact sight capable of being used in a weapon mounted or hand held role.
Qiotiq showed a number of advanced products including the new range of Thermal continuous zoom cameras to service the ground vehicle, border surveillance and anti-aircraft markets. JaguIR is the latest ruggedised solution for challenging long range requirements with a rapid, continuous zoom function allowing surveillance of vast areas.
PanthIR is a 10:1 continuous zoom camera for mast mounted surveillance and remote weapon station applications. CougIR is a 6:1 continuous zoom camera for targeting and short range surveillance. PumIR is the next generation of dual field of view zoom lens assemblies, compatible with the latest generation of 17μm and 12μm uncooled focal plane arrays.
Qioptiq provides solutions to meet the individual requirements of its customers. Outstanding expertise has earned the company a worldwide reputation for innovation and excellence.
Qioptiq has been supplying weapon and surveillance sights for over 40 years to more than 56 countries worldwide, including UK MoD. With over 100000 sights in service our heritage speaks for itself. From boots on the ground to eyes in the sky Qioptiq capabilities are enabling mission critical systems and platforms in some of the harshest environments on the planet.
Raytheon Elcan demonstrated Raytheon ELCAN’s SpecterDR1-4x and SpecterOS4 sights. ELCAN’s Specter sights are designed to be compatible with a range of clip-on/in-line TI and I2 sights.