Riflescope Selected for US Army SDMR
The US Army announced on 11 May its selection of SIG Sauer’s TANGO6 1-6×24 riflescope for their Squad Designated Marksman Rifle (SDMR). The optic is the final component to be selected for the complete SDMR system that will be put into service for the US Army’s Designated Marksmen.
The SDMR was revealed as an offshoot of the Compact Semiautomatic Sniper System (CSASS) programme by the PEO Soldier Program Office in September of last year, although reportedly it constitutes a modified version of the base M110A1. Accompanying the new weapon will be the new Advanced Armor Piercing (ADVAP) round coming in 2019 (the ADVAP is an improved tungsten cored anti-armour round that will replace the much harder to produce and much more expensive M993 AP round). In March, the army indicated that it selected the H&K G28 for the SDMR (selected as the M110A1 CSASS to replace the M110SASS).
“It’s truly an honor to be selected as the official optic for the Squad Designated Marksman Rifle, and it is very humbling to once again earn the trust of the US Army through this selection,” Ron Cohen, President and CEO, SIG Sauer, Inc, said. “SIG Sauer is committed to providing the highest quality equipment for the military that surpasses expectations in durability, accuracy, and performance, so they have tools they can rely on for every mission requirement in the defence of freedom.”
The ruggedised SDMR TANGO6 1-6×24 riflescope features a Flat Dark Earth (FDE) anodised aircraft grade aluminum maintube, .762 Extended Range Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC) illuminated front focal plane reticle, an ultra-bright red horseshoe dot for fast daylight target acquisition, locking illumination dial, Power Selector Ring (PSR) Throw Lever, and a laser-marked scope level indicator for mount installation. The TANGO6 1-6X24 SDMR optic is a variant of SIG Sauer Electro-Optics commercially available TANGO6. The main difference between the SIG optic chosen and its commercially available brother is the reticle. The army will use a reticle featuring a BDC that is specified to M80A1 ammunition.
“SIG Sauer Electro-Optics fuses superior optical designs, advanced electronic technologies, and ruggedised mechanical systems tested to MIL-STD-810G at our R&D and assembly facility in Oregon, USA,” Andy York, President SIG SAUER Electro-Optics, added. “We are firmly committed to supporting the US ARMY with this mission-specific riflescope that bridges the gap between close-quarters battle and mid-range tactical engagements.”
The Directed Requirement (minimum manufacturing requirement) for the selected SIG Sauer TANGO6 1-6×24 optic is 6,069 units. The complete SDMR package includes the G28 7.62 NATO rifle, a set of Harris bipods, and an OSS suppressor. Funding for the acquisition is set for FY2019.
