FWS-CS sight for US Army
A $384 million contract announced on 30 November will see BAE Systems deliver specialized crew served weapon sights to the US Army over the next seven years. The initial development order is valued at $10.5 million.
The Family of Weapon Sights – Crew Served (FWS-CS) system gives machine gunners the ability to quickly and accurately engage targets at extended ranges. The system combines high-resolution thermal imaging sensors with a lightweight laser range-finder and wirelessly transmits weapon sight imagery in real time to a helmet-mounted display.
The sensors operate during daylight, darkness, adverse weather, and obscured visibility conditions, providing advanced surveillance, situational awareness and engagement capabilities. Its automatic range-adjusted, targeting reticle eliminates the need for manual weapon offset calculations.
The FWS-CS long-range infrared sight is designed for the 0.50 calibre M2, 7.62 mm M240 machine gun, and the Mk 19 automatic grenade launcher.
Marc Casseres, director of imaging and aiming solutions at BAE Systems, said: ‘Supplying the army with crew served, gunner-specific weapon sights builds on our heritage as a long time provider of weapon sight solutions.
‘Our innovative 12-micron sensor technology allows us to provide soldiers with superior clarity and range to dominate the battlefield through increased situational awareness in all operational environments and conditions.’
More from Land Warfare
-
DSEI 2025: ST Engineering kicks off export drive for new Bronco 3
The original Bronco was developed to meet the requirements of the Singapore Army and subsequently built in large numbers and many configurations.
-
DSEI 2025: ST Engineering and ARIS discuss partnership to offer Bronco all-terrain carrier to Italian Army.
On the show floor at DSEI 2025, representatives from ST Engineering and ARIS, and retired Italian general Ivan Caruso outlined the background to the teaming agreement with land warfare expert Christopher F Foss.
-
DSEI 2025: As more possible CV90 orders loom, BAE Systems confident on production rates
The company is investing in increasing production while major subcontractors also push to keep up with demand, with Sweden’s recent Request for Information potentially adding another 500 to the order book.
-
DSEI 2025: Controp Discusses AI-Enabled Multi-Domain Surveillance Solutions
At DSEI 2025, Controp representatives outline how artificial intelligence is being integrated with electro-optical payloads to improve decision-making and operational efficiency across land, air, and maritime domains.
-
SCD highlights advances in infrared imaging for defence operations
Infrared imaging manufacturer SCD outlines its approach to enhancing visibility for defence forces operating in complex environments.
-
DSEI 2025: First mobility trials completed for British Army Challenger 3 tanks
The mobility trials saw the Challenger 3 main battle tank (MBT) tested at a variety of locations in the UK, covering a combined 760km across a variety of terrains including road and cross country.