21 Dec 11. The U.S. Army has named a system developed and produced by Raytheon Company to defeat improvised explosive devices (IEDs) one of “the most innovative advances in Army technology.” An article published Sept. 12 on the Army’s website (http://www.army.mil/article/65324) explains that the Counter IED (CIED) defeat system “provides significant capability to the Soldier and their mission and, more importantly, saves lives.” The CIED system was developed and produced by the Raytheon Technical Services Company LLC Customized Engineering and Depot Support (CEDS) business unit, headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., along with key supplier Communications and Power Industries (CPI), headquartered in Palo Alto, Calif., under an Army contract awarded in October 2010. Shipments of the systems began in April 2011 and were completed in October, just one year from contract award.
20 Dec 11. New Development of 6×36 Targeting Optics. Carl Zeiss develops targeting optics with particularly wide field of view. Based on the experiences of militaries around the globe, Carl Zeiss Optronics has developed new targeting optics tailored to the needs of its customers. Thanks to its wide field of view, the ZO 6×36 is far superior to other targeting optics. This is particularly beneficial for situational awareness. With a wide field of view little movements are required.
Shooters can react more quickly and focus on their targets. The ZO 6×36 also features a compact design and a low weight of just 697 grams. Thanks to its ultra-short configuration, it can be used with a night sight attachment without requiring an extra long Picatinny rail. It also features an illuminated reticle. Because the ZO 6×36 is equipped with six brightness levels for daytime use and three levels for nighttime operations, it can be easily used with night sight goggles. The reticle can be flexibly selected based on the needs of the user. The ZO 6×36 is one of the new optical highlights that will be on display at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas in January 2012. Visit us at booth 13913. Anyone interested will have the opportunity to test the targeting optics on 16 January 2012 during the Media Day at the Range.
23 Dec 11. Developed by Germany as an antitank weapon in World War II, the Panzerfaust shoulder-launched weapon (SLW), manufactured by Dynamit Nobel Defense, is becoming increasingly effective against a range of targets, both in its traditional role as a portable weapon and mounted on platforms on land and at sea. Dedicated antitank versions with fire-control systems such as the Panzerfaust 3 and bunker-busting Bunkerfaust have evolved into disposable multipurpose weapons with add-on devices. Examples include the lightweight RGW 60, the RGW 90 with different warheads, and the Effector 90 mm. Herbert Weisshaupt, director of business development at Dynamit Nobel Defense, says the weight of the weapon has been reduced to 10kg (22 lb.) from 12.8kg, and length to 1 meter (3.3 ft.) from 1.2 meters, which makes them easier to carry and operate. Accuracy is improved by a sustainer rocket motor in the projectile, which neutralizes crosswind and extends range to 1,200 meters without increasing thrust. Range figures quoted by the German military were 400 meters against a stationary target and 300 meters for a moving target. Since the weapons are recoilless, they can be fired from enclosures at close range—as little as 10 meters—making the SLWs suitable for urban operations. A variety of targets can be engaged by using multipurpose warheads with selectable modes, and fire-control units (FCU) can be added to increase range and hit probability. Night-vision devices are routinely used to provide targeting capabilities in low light and at night. (Source: Aviation Week)
15 Dec 11. UK Lynxes receive EO upgrade. The British Army Air Corps (AAC) has upgraded some of its AgustaWestland Lynx AH.9A battlefield utility helicopters with a new turret-mounted electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) s