US Army tests new LW CLU Javelin antitank missile sight system.

On August 23, 2023, infantrymen from the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, part of the 3rd Brigade (Grey Wolf), 1st Cavalry Division, participated in an intensive training exercise in the Arizona desert. The exercise was conducted to evaluate the new Lightweight Command Launch Unit (LW CLU) sight system for the Javelin missile. Designed to explore the enhanced capabilities of the new optics, this exercise marked a significant step in modernizing the equipment and increasing the lethality of Infantry troops on the battlefield.
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2-7 CAV troopers testing the new Javelin missile system at Yuma Proving Ground (Picture source: US DoD)

The introduction of the LW CLU sight system represents an advancement in the Javelin's capabilities. The new optics offer increased range, higher definition imaging, and an innovative autofocus feature. These enhancements allow soldiers to detect, identify, and engage targets at much greater distances, with a level of detail previously unattainable.

The first view offers a 4× magnification day view, mainly used to scan areas for light during night operations, as the light is not visible in the thermal views. The second view provides a 4x magnification night view, showing the gunner a thermal representation of the area, making it the primary view due to its ability to detect infrared radiation and find hidden troops and vehicles. The third view is a 9x magnification thermal view, similar to the automatic zoom feature on most modern cameras.

The new sight system's hand positions and controls have been redesigned for comfort, allowing for more natural holding positions during extended use. The lightweight and compact nature of the LW CLU also makes it more portable and maneuverable in combat zones.

Infantrymen from the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, who were among the first to receive training on the LW CLU with the new sight system, praised its ease of use and effectiveness. "With the lightweight version, you can tell a major difference compared to the Javelin Block 1; you can scan out farther with higher clarity. Everything was crystal clear. It's like watching television in high definition as opposed to TV in the 90s," said Staff Sgt. Tom Magsino.

The FGM-148 Javelin is a man-portable anti-tank-guided missile system developed by a joint venture between Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. Compact and lightweight, it's designed for one-soldier operation and has been combat-proven in Afghanistan and Iraq by U.S. and allied forces. The system has been selected by eleven countries and has secondary capabilities against helicopters and ground-fighting positions. It is also heavily used in Ukraine and is considered the preferred weapon for destroying Russian tanks and other armored vehicles in Ukraine; Ukrainian soldiers have even nicknamed this weapon St-Javelin.

The missile has a small thermal imaging TV camera in the nose and a computer sophisticated enough to follow a tank autonomously once locked onto it, even if it is moving. The missile is designed to attack the topside of a tank where the armor is thinner. After launch, the missile climbs to an altitude of 330-660 ft and dives at a 45-degree angle. The warhead is a tandem-shaped charge for penetrating explosive reactive armor. The first charge detonates the armor, and the second penetrates the vehicle. The Javelin can defeat any known enemy armor. Its long-wave IR seeker enables it to engage in obscurants and reduced visibility and resists countermeasures. Its versatility makes it effective against tanks, bunkers, buildings, small boats, and slow-moving helicopters. It is adaptable to many platforms, including tripods, trucks, light armored vehicles, and remotely piloted vehicles.