New weapons sight to be qualified

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Aug. 3 (UPI) -- A new rifle-mounted laser range finder and sight is to be qualified and manufactured under a contract awarded by the U.S. Army.

DRS Technologies, Inc. said indefinite-delivery/indefinite quantity award to its Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition Group is for five years and carries a maximum value of $514.3 million.

The contract calls for a minimum delivery of 150 and a maximum of 32,000 rifle-mounted, micro-laser range finders from DRS Technologies.

Integrated into a single system, the Small Tactical Optical Rifle Mounted Micro-Laser Range Finder sight combines a laser range finder with a digital compass and a processor that computes and displays targeting data, an infrared aiming laser, a visible pointer and illuminator and the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System to simulate tactical engagement in training exercises.

It is designed to operate on an array of Army weapons, including the M16A4, M4, M107 and M110, as well as on the Stryker Remote Weapon Station and the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station.

"We are in the business of strengthening and broadening the capabilities of today's military forces through technology," said RSTA President Terry Murphy, "For nearly half a century, DRS has perfected the development of lightweight, portable, thermal-based detection and engagement systems to help protect hundreds of thousands of troops by enabling them to operate effectively."