02-06-2012, 06:35 PM
Quote:LOCKHEED MARTIN TO DESIGN NEW RIFLE SIGHT TO HELP EVERY SOLDIER BE A MARKSMAN: Military optical sensor experts at the Lockheed Martin Mission Systems & Sensors segment in Akron, OH, are developing an experimental advanced rifle sight that helps every soldier be a marksman by enhancing the ability to hit targets at ranges from 3 to 2,000 feet. Lockheed Martin won a $3.9 million contract last week for the Dynamic Image Gunsight Optic (DInGO) program to develop an optical scope attachment for standard combat rifles like the M16 and M4 with field-of-view and angular magnification that can be automatically reconfigured and optimized based on the range to target.
Awarding the DInGO contract is the U.S. Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command in San Diego, on behalf of the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Lockheed Martin optical systems integrators are being asked to produce a prototype rifle sight with rapid, seamless, automated, or hands-free actuation to enable soldiers to keep both hands on their weapons as they use the rifle sight. The scope must allow for a wide field of view for close quarters battle, as well as sufficient magnification and resolution to hit moving targets farther than a quarter mile away. Lockheed Martin designers will compensate for bullet drop and moderate winds to enhance marksman accuracy at long ranges. The optical resolution of the DInGO prototype will be sufficient to enable the user to recognize targets at ranges as far away as 1,000 feet between dawn and dusk. The DInGO rifle sights will operate for as long as eight hours continuous operation - or seven-day limited operation - with two AA batteries. Ultimately, SPAWAR is asking Lockheed Martin to develop a rifle sight that costs less than $600 in quantities of 50,000. (Military & Aerospace Electronics, 05/09)
In other words, they have asked for it to function and perform its tasks without the soldier removing his hands from the weapon, to be viable in a CQB-to-further than 400m range on moving targets, compensate for bullet drop and moderate winds, with an 8hr battery life for a price of $600 per unit per 50,000 unit order.
They seem to correlate 400m with long range, which it isn't. If they can pull this off, keep the unit small and lightweight, like under 16oz., and integrate all those capabilities, they still will need a soldier who can hold the weapon steady enough to make the hits, and an 8hr battery life won't cut the mustard, I can assure.
There are a lot of tall orders in that stack, even with a 400m capable system. The price is almost laughable, even with the volume ordering. That's the price of an Eotech or Aimpoint, and this unit will have integrated LRF, BDC, Wind Compensation, variable magnification, and some type of limited visibility capability in hours of dawn/dusk? Can't wait to see it...
Prediction (and I honestly hope I'm wrong): The taxpayers are in for another fleecing on this one, while Lockheed Martin will profit from millions in R&D. Look for them to say that significant obstacles in integrating the technology have been encountered, if the weight and cost objectives continue to be non-negotiable, and they need more money if the program is to continue. The next beg will be for 3-10x the initial R&D budget. This all might be good for the actual ground taken towards such a sight, but I am doubtful at best that the will pull it off.