DSEi 2011: Meprolight unveils wish-list for future optics family
Israeli optics specialist Meprolight outlined its desires for the next-generation of weapon sights at DSEi on 14 September.
Speaking to Shephard at the show on 14 September, Meprolight VP for marketing Golan Kalimi said his company would be looking to add more functions to its current inventory of image intensification and thermal imaging weapon sights.
Currently, Meprolight supplies a number of undisclosed customers in Brazil, Peru and India as well as the Israel Defence Force (IDF), most recently for its latest .338-calibre H-S Precision Heavy Tactical Rifle.
Referring to its multi-purpose reflex sight which already includes two laser pointers (IR and red-dot), Kalimi disclosed how Meprolight was considering the addition of a torchlight and additional green-dot laser. He also admitted that the company was looking to significantly reduce the system's weight from 450g to make it 'as light as possible'.
'Size, weight and power will be the main issue in the next few years, especially for reflex and thermal imaging sights,' he added.
Describing the company's range of thermal imaging sights, Kalimi said there was a requirement to improve resolution by reducing micron levels from 25 to 17. 'This will provide a greater number of pixels,' he continued.
'The next-generation of thermal sights will be smaller and lighter but more capable,' Kalimi stated while describing how Meprolight was working on a laser designator which would be visible through the thermal sight itself- a development which has yet to be achieved in the market. However, he was not prepared to divulge details on how Meprolight would achieved such a feat.
He went on to mention that a laser rangefinder was also being considered as well as a capability to transmit live pictures by wireless. This could result in an integrated fire control system for such a weapon sight, he concluded. Such a move would be rolled out across its family of thermal systems which includes the NOA Dual Field, NOA 7X, NOA 4X and NOA NYX.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Denmark shuns US platform as it settles on SAMP/T air defence system]()
Denmark shuns US platform as it settles on SAMP/T air defence system
The acquisition, which is part of the country’s broader defence package worth DKK58 billion (US$9.2 billion), goes against the grain with many other European countries opting for the US’s popular Patriot platform.
-
![In depth: Competition for British Army vehicle programme heats up, despite more delays]()
In depth: Competition for British Army vehicle programme heats up, despite more delays
The UK’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP) seems set to be delayed once again but industry is jockeying for position to partner in what would be one of the biggest ever buys for the British Army.
-
![DSEI 2025: AM General has partner lined up for British Army vehicle programme]()
DSEI 2025: AM General has partner lined up for British Army vehicle programme
AM General’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) A2 is in low-rate initial production and the company is looking for export orders, notably the UK’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP), to add to a recent approval for Canada to buy vehicles.
-
![DSEI 2025: IDV sets eyes on British Army vehicle deal as MD calls for “acceleration” of efforts]()
DSEI 2025: IDV sets eyes on British Army vehicle deal as MD calls for “acceleration” of efforts
The UK’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP) to replace thousands of vehicles is in flux as the tender for the Light Mobility Vehicle segment planned for November is set to be missed. IDV Robotics’ Dr Geoff Davis is calling for the UK government to focus broadly on indigenous capability for procurement and to do it faster.
-
![DSEI 2025: Avon Protection provides first sight of new goggle and details on half mask]()
DSEI 2025: Avon Protection provides first sight of new goggle and details on half mask
Avon Protection has been growing and improving its integrated systems offerings. Last year the company released its Exoskin total protective suit system and earlier this year the MITR-M1 half mask.
-
![DSEI 2025: Elbit Systems set to field joint fires systems as it looks to large UK requirements]()
DSEI 2025: Elbit Systems set to field joint fires systems as it looks to large UK requirements
Elbit Systems UK was awarded the Dismounted Joint Fires Integrators (D-JFI) programme in January 2021, which will integrate with the UK’s army, marines and air force. The parent company has decades of heritage in the UK and is looking to compete for the Watchkeeper drone replacement.
