US Army uses state-of-the-art thermal imaging optical sights for its assault rifles

Name: US Army uses state-of-the-art thermal imaging optical sights for its assault rifles
Uploaded: 2020-07-04
Channel: Boyko Nikolov
Description: We're talking about the FWS-I thermal imaging sight (Family of Weapon Sights) with a wireless module for transmitting images to the latest model of the night vision device ENVG III (Enhanced Night Vision Goggle III).

By Boyko Nikolov On Jul 4, 2020

PANAGYURISHTE, (BM) – After we reported in recent days that the US Army is beginning a complete renewal of the armament of its soldiers, today it is time to introduce you to perhaps the most modern thermal imaging optical sight in the world, which is also in service in the US Army.

We’re talking about the FWS-I thermal imaging sight (Family of Weapon Sights) with a wireless module for transmitting images to the latest model of the night vision device ENVG III (Enhanced Night Vision Goggle III).

By pressing the button mounted on the weapon, soldiers can wirelessly transmit the image from the FWS-I sight to the screen of the night vision device ENVG III mounted on the helmet and quickly fire at the enemy.

“This is the first time we have consciously taken information from a weapon’s sight and combined it with the information from a detection sensor mounted on a helmet to enable quick target capture,” said Dean Kissinger, an engineer at Soldier Maneuver.

ENVG technology consists of a traditional infrared image amplifier as well as a thermal imaging camera. The system combines an infrared image with a thermal image on one display.

Soldiers can choose between infrared and thermal modes, or use both modes simultaneously as an effective tool for detecting an adversary at night or in daytime in difficult conditions, such as smoke, fog and sandstorms. The weight of the ENVG III is about 900 grams.

FWS-I offers three modes of operation to choose from: full scope, picture-in-picture, and fast target capture mode. “In main mode, you only see the gun’s scope,” said Major Kevin Smith.

According to him, the fast target capture mode is used to monitor several targets using a wide field of view of 40 degrees. Picture-in-picture mode can be used to increase situational awareness, but this mode is difficult to get used to. “Some soldiers like it, but some don’t,” said Smith.

Also, the system allows not only quickly detecting the enemy, but also immediately aiming at him, even if the fire is conducted “from the hip” or blindly due to shelter. True, army officials emphasized that this was not intended to replace basic shooting skills.

FWS-I weighs about 680 grams and allows for targeted shooting at distances up to 1100 meters. It can be mounted on an M16 rifle, an M4 carbine and an M249 machine gun.

Army officials conducted several tests of the reliability of the two systems, and also verified that they could work under conditions of using electronic warfare equipment.

As we reported back in 2017 the army plans to purchase 36,000 FWS-I and 64,000 ENGV III for commanders of infantry brigades, as well as for command of special operations forces. The Marines are also interested in buying the FWS-I.

The United States is developing significantly the C4ISR technologies

As we reported on June 19 US ground forces at the Syrian base at Tanf have tested the latest SMASH 2000 sight for downing drones.

Similar sights were previously used only by the Israel Defense Forces. US SMASH 2000 was tested in Syria for the first time. “US Special Forces bought this system for use in real-life combat situations,” said Dr. Abraham Mazor, one of the founders of Smart Shooter Ltd.

The SMASH system allows the shooter to open fire only when the system evaluates the hit on the target as highly probable. Moreover, it takes into account all possible external conditions.

In other words, the shooter first takes aim and fixes [marks] the selected target by pressing the red button on the weapon handle. After that, presses and holds the trigger. A shot is fired only at the moment when the sight “is convinced” of the perfect aiming of the weapon at the target.

However, when a soldier is ready to fire, the system determines whether his target is true, and if the target is “disabled”, SMASH 2000 will not allow to shoot, even if you press the trigger.

“The new sight automates the guidance process and increases the probability of hitting the target from the first shot four times. For this, the principles of display recognition and auto tracking algorithms that were previously used in homing missiles and fire control systems of military equipment are used,” Konstantin Makienko, deputy director of the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, explained to Gazeta.ru.

The built-in sight computer stores the necessary data from various types of small arms. According to the manufacturer, the system allows you to increase the probability of hitting from the first shot from 100 m to 80%, which practically equalizes inexperienced and experienced soldiers.

The United States will now have brand new assault rifles and machine guns

The United States Army began updating its small arms to a new generation of the German company SIG Sauer as part of a program to replace all rifles and machine guns, BulgarianMilitary.com reported on June 2.

The United States upgraded its army’s small arms to a new generation of German SIG Sauer as part of a program to replace all rifles and machine guns. The production and supply of weapons occurred on time, despite the coronavirus infection.

This program is the largest in the last 50 years. The received cartridges have an increased firing range and efficiency, as well as muzzle velocity.

Ergonomics and recoil of the new machine gun corresponds to the performance of the M-4 rifle. Weight is less than 7 kilograms. Thanks to the optimization of the muffler, the removal of powder gases significantly reduces the visibility of the shooter in infrared rays, and can also reduce their impact.

“The SIG SAUER Next Generation Squad Weapons system is the only submission entirely designed, engineered and manufactured by a single American company. We are proud to deliver this comprehensive solution to the U.S. Army, with new capabilities to enhance mission effectiveness for our soldiers on the battlefield,” began Ron Cohen, President & CEO SIG SAUER, Inc. “Our ammunition, machine gun, rifle, and suppressors far surpass the performance of the legacy weapons system in range and lethality, offer exponentially better maneuverability, and are significantly lighter in weight.”

SIG SAUER 6.8mm Hybrid Ammunition: designed to enhance mission effectiveness, this high-pressure, compact round combines a significant reduction in weight, with the ability to handle higher pressures resulting in increased velocity and greater penetration. Additionally, based on the cartridge design and the traditional manufacturing processes, the growth potential of the SIG 6.8mm ammunition is exponential.

SIG SAUER Lightweight Machine Gun (NGSW-AR): with an emphasis on significant reductions in soldier load and enhanced combat performance, SIG SAUER designed the NGSW-AR to be 40% lighter than current systems, and dramatically reduce felt recoil while maintaining traditional belt-fed operation to increase downrange capability. The MG 6.8mm machine gun features ambidextrous AR-style ergonomics, quick detach magazines, increased M1913 rail space, quick detach suppressor, and vastly improves upon the operation and function of the legacy M249.

SIG SAUER Rifle (NGSW-R): a lightweight rifle built on the foundation of the SIG SAUER weapons in service with the premier fighting forces across the globe combined with the added firepower of the 6.8mm round. Features include a fully collapsible and folding stock, rear and side charging handle, free-floating reinforced M-LOK™ handguard, fully ambidextrous controls, and quick-detach suppressor.

SIG SAUER Next Generation Suppressors: designed to reduce harmful backflow and signature that feature low flash with a quick detach design.

“I am very proud that every component of the SIG SAUER Next Generation Squad Weapons system was manufactured at our SIG SAUER facilities in New Hampshire and Arkansas and is entirely American made. Our engineers have worked in concert to optimize the system, ensuring that every component is synchronized, and our soldiers are equipped for the demands of the modern battlefield,” added Cohen. “Additionally, I would be remiss if I did not recognize the hard work and dedication of the entire team who worked tirelessly in these unprecedented times, in the face of a pandemic, to deliver the SIG SAUER NGSW system to the U.S. Army.”

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