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
-
![Malaysia signs for two additional GM400α air surveillance radars]()
Malaysia signs for two additional GM400α air surveillance radars
The order is in addition to two systems ordered in 2023. It forms part of a family of systems which is becoming widely used and part of a growing demand for the capability, both in deliveries and requirements.
-
![US Army’s Precision Strike Missile moves into production phase after test successes]()
US Army’s Precision Strike Missile moves into production phase after test successes
Lockheed Martin’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) is a next-generation surface-to-surface missile system and is a planned replanned replacement for MGM-140 Army Tactical Missiles System (ATACMS). It is to be fired from M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers.
-
![British Army considers purchasing the NEMO 120mm mortar turret for the Patria 6×6]()
British Army considers purchasing the NEMO 120mm mortar turret for the Patria 6×6
Babcock is offering the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) 6×6 for one of the elements of the UK Land Mobility Programme (LMP). It would be a replacement for some of the UK’s existing armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) fleets including the FV432 which is now some 70 years old.
-
![Australia invests $1.4 billion in additional AMRAAM buy]()
Australia invests $1.4 billion in additional AMRAAM buy
Some of the missiles ordered can be used on the F/A-18F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler and the F35-A Lightning.
-
![Armies turn to armour and self-defence as support vehicles near the frontline]()
Armies turn to armour and self-defence as support vehicles near the frontline
Combat losses of support and logistics vehicles in recent conflicts have highlighted the need for greater protection and even self-defence capabilities. What options are available to turn a basic truck into a survivor on the battlefield?
-
![German Army to receive third-generation Dingo protected patrol vehicles this year]()
German Army to receive third-generation Dingo protected patrol vehicles this year
More than 1,200 Dingo 1 and Dingo 2 models have been built and deployed by some 10 countries. The latest Dingo 3 pulls through from user inputs and, like earlier versions, is also based on a UNIMOG chassis.
