BAE snares Oz thermal M3 weapon sight deal
BAE Systems has won a contract to supply its new thermal weapon sights to the Australian Army's Carl Gustaf shoulder-fired M3s.
In a deal thought to be worth around AU$16m, the company will provide more than 400 of its uncooled AN/PAS-13Cs, which can be used day and night and in smoke and dust, enabling the user to track a round all the way to the target.
The sights also are self-contained and eliminate the need for cables and day/night mode switching, and can be readily used for surveillance off-weapon via a quick release mount, according to Ian Sharp, Director of BAE Systems Australia's Land Business Unit.
"They are a reliable, lightweight, and simple to use, combined imaging and sighting systems for all conditions. Users are able to rapidly convert to the new sight from the Carl Gustaf's current day-only sight," Mr Sharp said.
He said that the contract was another example of the company's ability to reach back to access the diverse capabilities of the global BAE Systems organisation, adapt them to a local requirement and support them with a comprehensive regional through life support solution.
"The sight is manufactured by our US-based Electronics, Intelligence & Support business. It is a proven military off-the-shelf (MOTS) advanced, uncooled thermal sensor, with more than 50,000 currently fielded on 12 weapon types operating across coalition forces.
"Our Australian team was able to contribute rapid and innovative engineering design to integrate the sight to the Carl Gustaf within just 90 days for program trials.
"The sight performed so well during trials on the Carl Gustaf launcher that it has now been adopted for other crew-served weapons in several other countries and has been fielded in theatre in Afghanistan through Urgent Operational Requirements," Mr Sharp said.