Rheinmetall to supply Laser Light Package for new KSK Assault Rifle

It was announced today that Germany’s procurement authority, the Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-service Support (BAAINBw), awarded Rheinmetall a contract worth approx. €5 million to supply a lightweight, assault rifle-mounted laser light package to meet the needs of German Army special operators (KSK). 

The order encompasses the manufacture and delivery of 1,745 laser light package sets for the KSK’s new assault rifle (Heckler & Koch HK416A7, story here). Delivery will commence in the first quarter of 2019.

Rheinmetall’s Variable Tactical Aiming Laser (VTAL) module is the core component of the new laser light package. Extremely robust and compact, the system is specially designed for today’s shorter assault rifles. Each set 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. All devices are made by Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics (RSE) in Stockach, Germany. 

Watertight, light and stable, the metal housing has a built-in MIL-STD 1913/STANAG 4694-interface. Because VTAL protrudes only approx. 25mm above the mounting rail, it does not interfere with the line of sight during conventional optical aiming. VTAL features an extremely strong visible red dot laser, a near-infrared (NIR) dot laser, and a NIR illuminator. The superior quality of the light rays and their consistency of form enhances the user’s situational awareness in all operating environments. It is compatible with all standard image intensifier (I2) devices. The fully integrated laser block is aligned at the factory, making adjustment on the weapon simple. More on VTAL here. 

Owing to the device’s modern design, the operator can 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, VTAL can be coupled with other tactical weapon lights such as Rheinmetall’s modular LUMENATOR weapon light mentioned above and can be operated using a combined two-button cable switch.

The robust design assures stability and dependability. The system can withstand the worst battlefield conditions and is waterproof to a depth of 30 metres. This way, operators know they can rely on the device at all times.