Deliveries in June 2018 for US Army Saab’s M4
Aimpoint is working up plans to supply an undisclosed number FCS13RE fire control systems (FCS) to the US Army in June 2018 as part of an effort to upgrade the targeting capabilities of Saab’s M4 anti-tank munition.
Speaking to MONCh at the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC) in Tampa, Florida on 23 May 2018, Thane Smith, Director of Military Sales, described how the initial delivery would initiate an initial fielding of weapon systems for evaluation.
Mr. Smith explained how the FCS13RE featured a Dynamic Universal Reflex Sight for multiple weapon platforms, with an integrated weapon selector making it ‘quick and easy’ to transition between firing systems.
The FCS13RE comprises a direct view optic with reflex sight, laser rangefinder and ballistic calculator designed to increase the first hit probability of firers while also reducing collateral damage. Measuring 19×9.1×15.7cm, the sight weighs a total of 1.82 kilogrammes.
“The FCS13RE automatically compensates for the ballistic drop of projectiles at measured distances, factoring in variables in such as rotational drift, propellant temperature and terrain angle,” Aimpoint documents read.
“The aiming reticle changes position in the optical channel electronically and very quickly. No motors or sensitive moving parts are used within the system. If ammunition type is changed and the target remains the same, the new ammo is selected and the ballistic table changes automaticaly, eliminating the need for a new distance measurement,” Mr. Smith added.
Furthermore, the industry expert explained how Aimpoint was positioning itself to be integrated on board the MK19 automatic grenade launcher to support next-generation airburst ammunition currently being designed by Nammo.
“We are waiting for the ammunition to come online so are in the process of marketing the FCS13RE at the moment,” he explained to MONCh. This is expected to start towards the end of 2019, he explained.
Andrew White