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
-
![Croatia orders Leopards and CAESAR howitzers as Lithuania orders more CAESARs]()
Croatia orders Leopards and CAESAR howitzers as Lithuania orders more CAESARs
The Leopard is becoming the tank of choice in central and eastern Europe as Croatia joins Lithuania, the Czech Republic and Hungary in ordering the platform. Lithuania and Croatia have also signed for CAESAR howitzers.
-
![Lockheed Martin to look further afield for GMARS rocket system opportunities]()
Lockheed Martin to look further afield for GMARS rocket system opportunities
The HX truck is already in use in many NATO and allied countries around the world as a logistics vehicle and carrier for high-value systems, including missile firing weapons, so its use for the Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System makes logistical sense.
-
![Lithuanian 1st Division to achieve initial operating capability in 2026]()
Lithuanian 1st Division to achieve initial operating capability in 2026
Lithuania is one of the countries stepping up its defences in the face of the war in Ukraine with a particular focus on its neighbour and Russian ally Belarus, which has been making incursions into Lithuania’s airspace with balloons and drones.
-
![Beyond Survivability: How Active Protection Systems Are Empowering Commanders (Podcast)]()
Beyond Survivability: How Active Protection Systems Are Empowering Commanders (Podcast)
As threats diversify and intensify, APS are proving essential not just for vehicle protection but also for enhancing operational freedom, effectiveness and mission success in contested environments.
-
![Medium knocked out of British Army LMP, with CAVS as heavyweight champion]()
Medium knocked out of British Army LMP, with CAVS as heavyweight champion
As the British Army seeks to modernise and consolidate its diverse vehicle fleet, yet another change in direction is underway.
