Why artificial intelligence has secured its place in special forces' operations
The diverse use cases of Artificial Intelligence (AI) have been turning it into a critical tool for Special Operations Forces (SOF).
Rheinmetall receives laser light contract
Rheinmetall has received a contract from Germany’s procurement authority to supply a lightweight, assault rifle-mounted laser light package for German Army special operators, the company announced on 5 July.
Under the contract worth around $5.82 million, the company will manufacture and deliver 1,745 laser light package sets for the Bundeswehr’s Special Forces Assault Rifle.
The Variable Tactical Aiming Laser (VTAL) module is the core component of the new laser light package. Each set also includes two Lumenator weapon lights – a standard version with a dual LED head and a special version for hostage rescue operations. It also comes with various accessories such as a cable and tactical switch. Typically, the VTAL and both weapon lights are mounted on the weapon.
The VTAL features an extremely strong visible red dot laser, a near-infrared dot laser, and a near-infrared illuminator. It is designed to enhance the user’s situational awareness in all operating environments. The VTAL is compatible with all standard image intensifier devices. The fully integrated laser block is aligned at the factory, making adjustment on the weapon simple.
Watertight, light and stable, the metal housing has a built-in MIL-STD 1913/STANAG 4694-interface. Because the VTAL protrudes only about 25mm above the mounting rail, it does not interfere with the line of sight during conventional optical aiming.
The device’s design allows operators to adjust the intensity of both dot lasers with the aid of a colour-coded cable switch. The illuminator can be focused using a separate control knob. Furthermore, the VTAL can be coupled with other tactical weapon lights such as Rheinmetall’s modular Lumenator weapon light and can be operated using a combined two-button cable switch.
The system is designed to withstand extreme battlefield conditions and is waterproof to a depth of 30m.
Delivery of the sets will commence in the first quarter of 2019.
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