US Army Awards Leonardo DRS Major Contract for Next-Gen Thermal Weapon Sights.

On August 27, 2024, Leonardo DRS, Inc., a leader in defense technology, announced that it has secured a significant order worth $117 million to continue the production of next-generation thermal weapon sights for the US Army. This order is part of the ongoing Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for the Family of Weapon Sights – Individual (FWS-I), ensuring the continuous supply of these essential systems.

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Leonardo DRS Next-Generation Thermal Weapon Sights (Picture source: Leonardo DRS)

The FWS-I utilizes Leonardo DRS's cutting-edge uncooled thermal imaging technology. Designed as a standalone and removable weapon sight, it integrates seamlessly through wireless connections with helmet-mounted vision systems, such as the Enhanced Night Vision Goggles and next-generation Integrated Visual Augmentation Systems. This technology enables rapid target acquisition, allowing soldiers to effectively identify targets in various conditions, day or night, and even in degraded environmental scenarios.

Jerry Hathaway, Senior Vice President and General Manager of DRS Electro-Optical Infrared Systems business unit, emphasized the strategic importance of this technology. "This advanced technology ensures that our soldiers have the most cutting-edge weapon sight systems available today," Hathaway stated. "We are proud that the US Army recognizes Leonardo DRS as a trusted partner in providing this vital technology to our warfighters."

Leonardo DRS’s expertise extends beyond thermal sights, with a robust portfolio of electro-optical and infrared technologies widely deployed across the US military. The company continues to focus on advanced sensing capabilities, providing top-tier detection and laser technologies that support a variety of defense applications, from aircraft protection to mounted and dismounted sensors that enhance the operational capabilities of US Armed Forces personnel.

The FWS-I system from Leonardo DRS is a leading example of detachable infrared weapon sight technology. Utilizing field-proven thermal sensor technology, the FWS-I is designed for harsh environments, offering a lightweight, modular design paired with superior thermal imaging technology. This advanced system enables warfighters to maintain unwavering performance in both day and night operations, as well as in challenging conditions such as smoke or fog. The Rapid Target Acquisition (RTA) capability of the FWS-I significantly enhances offensive operations in close-quarters battle (CQB) by accelerating target identification and engagement without relying on active lasers.

At the core of the FWS-I's performance is a highly sensitive vanadium oxide (VOx) focal plane array (FPA), which operates independently of visible light and remains unaffected by direct light exposure, ensuring no shutdown or glare. The sight operates silently, emitting minimal heat and radiofrequency (RF) energy, making it ideal for covert reconnaissance missions. This silent operation is complemented by the sight's versatility in magnification, ranging from 1x to 3x, and its ability to function as a standalone sight or in conjunction with a Day Vision Optic (DVO) on various weapon platforms.

In terms of physical specifications, the FWS-I measures 129 x 80 x 82 cm and weighs 525 grams with batteries included. It is compatible with multiple weapon platforms, including the M4, M16A4, and AT4, and easily mounts via a MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny or NATO/STANAG rail system. The sight is powered by three AA L91 lithium batteries and features a USB digital video output, with a 640 x 480 detector resolution in an uncooled VOx configuration, operating in the 7 to 14 µm infrared band.

The operational parameters of the FWS-I are robust, capable of functioning in temperatures ranging from -40°C to +49°C and being stored in conditions ranging from -46°C to +71°C. It is immersible up to 1 meter of water, and the display operates in monochrome black and white, allowing image polarity in white-hot and black-hot modes. The device powers on and becomes operational in under six seconds, ensuring rapid readiness. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only external cleaning, underscoring the FWS-I's emphasis on reliability and ease of use in field conditions.