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.’