US Army testing new MFAL
The US Army is testing a new Multi-Function Aiming Light (MFAL) to help soldiers acquire and hit targets quickly and effectively, the army announced on 31 May.
The MFAL uses both infrared and visible aiming lasers to enable soldiers to engage targets during night and day.
The new MFAL is smaller, lighter and more powerful than previous versions. Its lithium batteries enable MFAL to run for about six-to-eight hours. The maximum range for the visible and IR beams on the modular handgun MFAL is 25m. The daytime range for the M4 MFAL is up to 200m in sunlight with the IR beam reaching 600m at night.
As the user doesn't need to look through a night vision scope with the MFAL, firing from the hip or any other position becomes possible because the beam aligns with the bore and points to the target.
The army is planning to purchase a number of MFALs for its M16 rifles and M4 carbines, which are considered a higher priority over the MFAL variant for the handgun.
More from Land Warfare
-
![US Army chooses Textron Systems and Griffon Aerospace in final showdown for FTUAS]()
US Army chooses Textron Systems and Griffon Aerospace in final showdown for FTUAS
The US Army plans to procure a Future Tactical UAS (FTUAS) to replace the Textron Systems RQ-7Bv2 Shadow tactical UAV currently in service with the US Army's Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs). The FTUAS is being developed under the wider Future UAS (FUAS) programme.
-
![British Army’s Challenger 3 undertakes qualification firings in Germany]()
British Army’s Challenger 3 undertakes qualification firings in Germany
The Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank (MBT), which will be delivered to the British Army by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) under an £800 million (US$1 billion) contract, will stay in service beyond 2040.
-
![Lockheed Martin signs Australian air and missile defence system deal]()
Lockheed Martin signs Australian air and missile defence system deal
Air 6500 Phase 1, worth AU$500 million (US$326 million), will result in a sovereign system that can provide greater situational awareness and help to defend against hostile aircraft and missiles. It will sit at the core of Australia’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence programme.
-
![Rheinmetall wins communications deal that could be worth up to €400 million]()
Rheinmetall wins communications deal that could be worth up to €400 million
The systems have been purchased under a special fund which has already been tapped into for the purchase of 60 CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters worth up to €8 billion (US$8.7 billion) and thousands of Rheinmetall Caracal airmobile special operations vehicles worth €1.9 billion.
-
![Italy weighs up the challenge of its tank replacement plans]()
Italy weighs up the challenge of its tank replacement plans
The Russia–Ukraine war has continued to be the place the world’s militaries have been watching for lessons on both the EW and uncrewed front. Its conventional war aspect, however, has also been catching the attention of leaders.
-
![The Philippines looks to Israel for military equipment amid South China Sea tensions]()
The Philippines looks to Israel for military equipment amid South China Sea tensions
The southeast Asian country has been enhancing its military readiness by procuring advanced Israeli defence platforms and systems.
