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THE RAAM GSS DEEP DIVE
Jaye is back with an in-depth demonstration of the Wilcox RAAM GSS™ (Rapid Acquisition Aiming Module). The RAAM GSS is lightweight fire control system that features a built-in ballistic computer that provides a shooting solution for distances selected by the grenadier. With its suite of near infrared lasers, customizable red-dot reflex sight, and quick ammo selector switch, the RAAM GSS offers grenadiers unparalleled flexibility and accuracy, increasing hit probability and decreasing engagement time both day and night. Watch now!
The Wilcox FUSION CLAW & Consortium Partners at AUSA
The Wilcox FUSION CLAW™ is a cutting-edge, AI-driven headborne system that offers a modular platform for warfighters to tailor their mission setups. With “plug-in” modules, it integrates seamlessly with HUD technology, night vision systems, communications, multi-spectral identification friend-or-foe (IFF), directional laser targeting, forward illumination, mission recording, and a power management system that ensures continuous operation throughout the mission. Designed to be lightweight and snag-free, the FUSION CLAW reduces cognitive overload for warfighters by consolidating power, data, and computing into a single platform. Its modular smart battery pack enhances control over connected devices and provides an additional downlink connection.
This innovative framework features Wilcox’s Universal Helmet Mount Adapter Rugged (UHMA-R) and G24-Xe, which connect to a smart battery pack that includes a visual augmentation pack computing module. This module enhances advanced night vision goggles and heads-up displays by providing digital information and augmented reality capabilities. KOPIN adds the DayVAS capability to the FUSION CLAW, offering a daytime-optimized, full-color augmented reality heads-up display for daylight operations, along with DarkWAVE, a night-optimized “clip-in” for standard night vision goggles. The Visual Augmentation Pack, developed with ARA, is easily interchangeable and upgradable to meet specific mission needs or adapt to new technologies. The modular smart battery pack supports various power sources, including the EXO Charge Small Tactical Universal Battery (STUB), AA, CR123a, and Conformal Wearable Battery (CWB), with the flexibility to integrate future battery systems. Additionally, Attollo and Wilcox have teamed up to implement multi-spectral laser detection for identification friend-or-foe (IFF) alerts, warning operators if they are being targeted.
The advanced power and data-enabled side rails are the result of a collaboration between AVON Protection and Wilcox, enabling modularity for both high and mid-cut helmet systems. This rail system offers a versatile interface for accessories such as the MOHOC recording system and SureFire multi-spectral illumination system, allowing them to draw power and communicate with the smart battery pack for enhanced functionality. Additionally, INVISIO contributes to the FUSION CLAW with advanced audio and communication capabilities, providing hearing protection, multiple power options, and active noise reduction.
FUSION CLAW offers a scalable and adaptable combat solution that equips operators with a tactical and technological edge, enhancing their capabilities without causing overload during operations. Its lightweight design promotes full situational awareness, optimizing efficiency while maximizing lethality on the battlefield. As part of the FUSION DELTA ecosystem, FUSION CLAW enables continuous, autonomous real-time monitoring and consolidates all activities within a secure network. This integration significantly boosts capabilities from command to the tactical edge, allowing operators to form agile, coordinated teams equipped with fully integrated sensors, information services, and weapon systems.
OPERATIONAL BENEFITS
• Predictive Maintenance
• Autonomous Replenishment
• Overwatch
• Force Readiness
• Tactical Awareness
The FUSION CLAW Headborne System Consortium Partnership
Wilcox and our partners will be available at AUSA at the Wilcox booth (#3607), to provide insight and information on this advanced system. Please stop by to learn more about this preeminent headborne modular technology platform.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE GSS: Part 3
The history and development of the US Army’s Grenadier Sighting System is a remarkable story spanning many years, resulting in a sighting system that is unmatched for this type of small arm. The Wilcox Grenadier Sighting System (GSS) day/night sighting system for the M320/ M320A1 grenade launcher (GL) is the result of over a decade of design refinement, development, developmental testing, operational testing, lessons learned, continuous improvement, and ongoing production in conjunction with the US Army; it is simply the most accurate, user-friendly, forward-upgradeable, and most heavily tested day/night sighting system for the M320/M320A1 GL in the world.
In Part 1 & Part 2, we covered the US Army’s search for a new 40mm M320 GL in 2009, their decision to choose the Wilcox GSS as the single production awardee in June 2019 and the GSS’s initial production and discriminating features.
SUCCESSFUL US ARMY GSS PROGRAM
The US Army’s competitive acquisition plan included 2 upfront phases of Developmental prototypes. With each set of prototype deliverables, there was a series of Soldier testing and feedback, as well as other tests. This forward-thinking was done at a time before Soldier Touch Points (STP) were a common US Army activity. The US Army spent three (3) years testing several sets of contractor prototypes from two GSS contract awardees before making a final production best- value decision. After obtaining feedback from multiple users and other tests during the developmental cycle, the US Army down-selected a single GSS awardee, Wilcox. Subsequently, Wilcox went through a First Article Test Acceptance (FAT) production qualification. At present, Wilcox delivers monthly production to the US Army with Government witnessing monthly lot acceptance testing.
“The GSS is a significant improvement to the M320 and tremendously increases the Grenadier’s capability in all environments.”
– COL Jason Bohanon
Project Manager Soldier Lethality ensures that Soldiers on the battlefield have overmatch capabilities in individual and crew-served weapons including M320/M320A1. PM SL supports Soldiers through the development, production, fielding, and sustainment of current and future weapons systems, as well as associated target acquisition/fire control products. As a result of PM SL’s efforts, Soldiers benefit from continuous improvement programs and are equipped with systems that enhance both survivability and lethality. Under PEO Soldier, Project Manager Soldier Lethality, Colonel Jason Bohannon had this to say about the Wilcox GSS after a recent visit to the Wilcox facility.
“After shooting the GSS at night….I’m sold on its capability!”
– LTC (R) Peter Stambersky
WILCOX GSS AVAILABILITY
The Wilcox GSS product is available through the US Army’s GSS production contract. Similar to the acquisition of the M320/M320A1 GL contract, other Services may acquire the Wilcox GSS through the US Army. By doing so, these Services will be leveraging the upfront investment of the US Army in time and expenses in nearly a decade of applying lessons learned, development, and ongoing production, as well as economies of scale under the contract.
Further, the Wilcox GSS is available from the US Government to friendly foreign nations through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process. The US Army Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier has a built-in infrastructure to leverage its existing US Army contracts to support these requests through a structured FMS process. More specifically, FMS requests are routed to the PM Soldier Lethality FMS office.
In addition, Wilcox makes similar commercial version alternatives designated by the company as the Rapid Acquisition Aiming Module Grenadier Sighting System (RAAM GSS). The Wilcox RAAM GSS™ is an exportable version of the US Army selected and current production Grenadier Sighting System (NSN: 1010-01-686-8798). By procuring the RAAM GSS directly from Wilcox, host nations can obtain systems sooner. The FMS sales process can take up to 2 years to trigger the acquisition process.
Similarly, the RAAM GSS has proven to increase hit probability by significantly enhancing daytime and nighttime grenadier accuracy, while simultaneously decreasing target engagement time.
CONCLUSION
In summary, the Wilcox GSS is the resulting product enhancement from years of investment by the US Army and Wilcox. Its increased accuracy, part of its added benefits, provides a supporting and justifying ammunition-saving payback rationale.
The Wilcox GSS product features and operational performance have proven through competitive and documented testing to be unsurpassed. Its smart logistically supportable design ensures customers’ investment will be maintained for years to come. Most notably, the Wilcox GSS operational benefits (decreased engagement time, increased accuracy, user acceptance) in a multi-year competitive process demonstrate the product is unrivaled by any other day/night sighting system for M320/320A1 GL and similar man-portable GL systems.
The history of the US Army’s Grenadier Sighting System (GSS) is a remarkable story that exemplifies a successful program collaboration between the US Army and the Wilcox Special Projects Team. The Wilcox Grenadier Sighting System day/night sighting system for the M320/M320A1 grenade launcher is the result of over a decade of design refinement, development, testing, continuous improvement, and ongoing production in conjunction with the US Army; it is simply the most accurate, user-friendly, forward-upgradeable day/night sight for the M320/M320A1 GL in the world.
Learn more about the Development of the Wilcox Grenadier Sighting System or download the GSS Case Study.
The BOSS Xe Zeroing Procedure
Jaye is back to demonstrate the zeroing procedure for the Wilcox BOSS Xe. A compact, feature-rich sighting system, the BOSS Xe’s unique dual trajectory switch allows the user to set two different zeroes for the unit, ideal for quick transfer between shooting distances, weapons platforms, or ammunition types. Watch now!
DEVELOPMENT OF THE GSS: Part 2
The history and development of the US Army’s Grenadier Sighting System is a remarkable story spanning many years, resulting in a sighting system that is unmatched for this type of small arm. In Part 1, we covered the US Army’s search for a new 40mm M320 GL in 2009. in brief, Contractors were afforded the opportunity to modify developmental GSS hardware at various points of the program plan based on written test results and Soldier feedback. The US Army was determined to ensure the program resulted in an effective GSS, which Soldiers wanted to carry and employ with their M320/M320A1 GL. The historical milestones are broken down as follows. In June 2015, the US Army issued its extensive GSS Request for Proposal. By August 2015, competitive offerers provided proposal responses and product samples. In April 2016, the US Army made two competitive awards with the intent of down-selecting a single production awardee. After three years of extensive development, testing, and evaluation in a competitive environment, the US Army chose the Wilcox GSS as the single production awardee in June 2019.
Soldier user feedback was included in the various Army test reports. Excerpts from the final US Army developmental test reports included these statements and comments specific to the Wilcox GSS:
“Favored use of the GSS with M320/320A1 GL”
“GSS Enhances our Mission”
“The GSS was very accurate, even perfect”
– Operational testing responses
It’s important to reference the stated operational testing evaluation criteria placed a high emphasis and focus on 1) Soldier in the loop Accuracy, 2) Speed of Engagement Time, and 3) Soldier Acceptance (based on usability, suitability, effectiveness, and human-system interface design).
The US Army’s Test report from 2019 highlights the enhanced accuracy and hit probability of the GSS. The Wilcox GSS enhances both soldier lethality and survivability. Also, GSS provides substantial ammunition cost savings through its proven Soldier-in-the-loop target hit rate. On the M320 standalone the hit rate of the GSS is 52% as compared to 25% for the standard M320 leaf sight. The Wilcox GSS produces more than twice (2X) as many hits for a given grenadier load. In the case of the M320 GL underslung (M320 with M4), the Wilcox GSS has a hit rate of 58% as compared to 17% for the M320 leaf sight. In this case, the Wilcox GSS produces more than three times (3X) as many hits for a given grenadier load.
The US Army’s comprehensive plan succeeded in developing and selecting a highly effective day/night sighting solution for the M320/M320A1 GL. Simultaneously, the Wilcox GSS is forward upgradeable by design. It allows the unit to download ammunition ballistic data tables for new 40mm rounds. This inherent design supports the entire weapon, ammunition, and sighting system (GSS) to remain relevant for years to come to further support the customer’s investment. The Wilcox GSS, under contract with the US Army, is the sight of choice for all new ammunition under US Army development, specific to the M320/M320A1. The US Army spent years of careful planning, applying lessons learned, developing, testing, and executing the GSS program production selection.
WILCOX GSS ENTERS PRODUCTION UNDER US ARMY CONTRACT
At its US-based facility in Newington, NH, Wilcox conducted exhaustive First Article Testing (FAT) with Government oversight. Subsequently, the company entered and maintains full-scale production of this highly effective day/ night sighting system for the M320/320A1 GL. At present, Wilcox is delivering monthly production to support US Army Fielding. The Wilcox facility comprises 220,000 square feet of design, development, and production space. The company is highly vertically integrated which translates into making many of its own components. The company is prospering and plans an additional 80,000 sq. ft. expansion.
WILCOX GSS DISCRIMINATING DIFFERENCES
Up to this point, most manufacturers had taken the easy route by bolting on a day sight atop a laser module to provide a hybrid product. Although such a systems approach was easier for manufacturers, it was full of compromises, such as multiple batteries/compartments and separate windage & elevation settings for day sight and lasers, etc. Wilcox engineers set out to make an integrated day/night sighting system. A solution designed, manufactured, and tested with the user in mind. This required a fresh approach, full of first-of-its-kind disruptive technology, as well as, new system design and manufacturing approaches.
Wilcox seized upon years of prior work in the field with its associated expertise and the opportunity to listen to the voice of customer inputs. The US Army provided comprehensive Developmental Test Reports, which included Soldier operational test results with added comments. Wilcox engineers sifted through these reports to extract important indicators, preferences, and associated test results. These Developmental Test Reports were supplied to both initial Development contract awardees for their own respective GSS, after Development Phases I and II.
As previously indicated, the operational testing evaluation criteria during the Development phases placed a high emphasis and focus on these critical criteria: 1) Soldier-in- the-loop Accuracy, 2) Speed of Engagement Time, and 3) Soldier Acceptance. It was on these important care-abouts, that the Wilcox GSS excelled. The US Army’s Request for Proposal (RFP) defined Soldier Acceptance as usability, suitability, effectiveness, and human-system interface design.
Here are a few examples of Wilcox system design that led to broader user acceptance. Based on an innovative optical bench, there is one windage and elevation adjustment for the day sight with backup iron sight and all lasers. This resulted in a system with ease of use and training as a feature, which ultimately benefited the user. Although it was not required, the inclusion of a visible day laser, in addition to the near-infrared (NIR) laser pointer and NIR illumination made the Wilcox GSS easier to boresight at any time, with or without night vision device(s). Combine the single optical bench approach described above for both the day sight with backup iron sight and lasers, the ease of use just multiplied exponentially. Other day/night sights are designed to require first boresighting the day sight and separately boresighting the near-infrared lasers while using a night vision device. Wilcox engineers designed and built the GSS to have increased usability.
The day optic for the Wilcox GSS contained some unique features including expanded reticle capabilities.
- Choice of 1 of 4 Selectable Reticles as shown
- Adjustable Reticle Brightness
- Quick Range Estimation, Circle full reticle designed for man-sized at 200 meters
- Unique Cant Indication to reticle allows Grenadier to maintain eyes on the target
Given the M320 GL ammunition has a much lower muzzle velocity than traditional pistol/rifle ammunition, the accuracy of the round is more susceptible to cant. The GSS is equipped with a cant indicator, which provides operational feedback. The Wilcox GSS has a truly unique method of illustrating cant that allows the grenadier to maintain eyes downrange on target with complete situational awareness. Other day/ night sights have a separate display indicator requiring the grenadier to break eye contact with the target downrange and look at a display on the rear of their day/night system. This method loses valuable time of engagement and requires the reacquisition of the sight picture and target. It is not practical, yet this is the cant indication methodology chosen by most other grenade day/night sights. The Wilcox GSS has the cant indicator integrated in both the day and night sighting systems.
For the day sight the aiming Reticle signals to the grenadier any excessive cant angle when preparing to fire.
During the day, the grenadier never has to break the line of sight with the target and be forced to reacquire/sight the target. This provides a significant tactical advantage while preserving precious time and situational awareness.
At night, the NIR aiming laser will blink if the weapon is canted and return to a steady continuous laser when in the proper position. During the night, the grenadier never has to break line of sight with the target while viewing through night vision goggles, to peak at a rear display on the system, to be aware of cant position. Again, this provides a significant tactical advantage, while preserving precious time and situational awareness for nighttime engagements.
The Wilcox GSS NIR Illuminator uses the latest Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) technology, which produces a clean uniform beam without artifacts, as seen in typical traditional weapon-mounted NIR illuminators. The integrated VCSEL technology helps to increase night vision goggle (NVG) recognition and identification ranges for traditional green phosphor and modern-day white phosphor image intensification tube assembly for NVGs. Another Wilcox GSS discriminating difference to support users.
The Wilcox GSS incorporates “On the Fly” power adjustments to increase/decrease reticle brightness and laser power intensity. When in the Red Dot “RD”, day optic mode, these two buttons allow the user to easily increase/ decrease reticle brightness. While the Wilcox GSS has an onboard light sensing system and can automatically set reticle brightness, users desired a quick manual method to change the brightness, if desired. For lasers, the Wilcox GSS has High and Low power settings with a mechanical blue lockout allen screw, a common mechanical visible safety for weapon-mounted laser mode switch. In addition, when the Wilcox GSS is set to one of the multiple laser modes, the same two triangular-shaped buttons shown allow the user to increase/decrease the laser power intensity within either the Dual High “DH” or standard low power mode settings for the Aiming Laser “AL” or Dual Laser “DL”. This provides users the capability to easily optimize the laser power settings to match environmental conditions more closely. For example, in a conventional competitor’s offering, if the High- power laser(s) are too bright and start to bloom or wash out surrounding objects, their option would be to revert to the Low Power setting; this may or may not be adequate for a given nighttime viewing condition. With the Wilcox GSS, the user can use the two buttons to decrease/increase within the High-power “DH” mode to optimize for NIR viewing within the NVG.
In summary, the Wilcox GSS is a compact and lightweight day/night sighting system selected after years of exhaustive and extensive testing. It is powered by a single integrated AA battery, which is widely available worldwide. It provides reduced Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP). Further, the GSS is the sight of choice to work with the US Army’s conventional ammunition as well as the XM1166 High Explosive Air Burst (HEAB) round of 40mm ammunition under development by the US Army. In addition to having discriminating feature advantages over others, it is designed with forward Capability and Compatibility in mind.
“The Wilcox GSS day/night sight is a tribute to the innovative approaches of its program management, engineering and quality team members. The Wilcox team leveraged Army report feedback and worked collaboratively with US Army program team to develop an effective and reliable day/night sighting system for use on the grenade launcher.”
– Jim Teetzel,
Wilcox CEO & Founder
The history of the US Army’s Grenadier Sighting System (GSS) is a remarkable story that exemplifies a successful program collaboration between the US Army and the Wilcox Special Projects Team. The Wilcox Grenadier Sighting System day/night sighting system for the M320/M320A1 grenade launcher is the result of over a decade of design refinement, development, testing, continuous improvement, and ongoing production in conjunction with the US Army; it is simply the most accurate, user-friendly, forward-upgradeable day/night sight for the M320/M320A1 GL in the world.
Learn more about the Development of the Wilcox Grenadier Sighting System or download the GSS Case Study.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE GSS: Part 1
INTRODUCTION
The history and development of the US Army’s Grenadier Sighting System is a remarkable story spanning many years, resulting in a sighting system that is unmatched for this type of small arm. The Wilcox Grenadier Sighting System (GSS) day/night sighting system for the M320/ M320A1 grenade launcher (GL) is the result of over a decade of design refinement, development, developmental testing, operational testing, lessons learned, continuous improvement, and ongoing production in conjunction with the US Army; it is simply the most accurate, user-friendly, forward-upgradeable, and most heavily tested day/night sighting system for the M320/M320A1 GL in the world.
Also, based on the capability of the GSS to download and select from a multitude of ballistic data tables, it can be easily programmed with relevant ballistic data table(s) to accurately work with other portable 40mm GLs. Wilcox has been designing and developing day/night sights for the Department of Defense and friendly foreign nations for over 25 years. This modern-day story picks up from when the US Army started replacing the M203 GL and fielding the M320 GL.
US ARMY STARTS FIELDING NEW 40MM M320 GRENADE LAUNCHER
In 2009, the US Army started fielding a newly selected 40mm grenade launcher to replace all existing M203 GLs. This newly selected GL was designed, developed, and initially produced by Heckler & Koch (H&K). The Technical Data Package was licensed to the US Government for its use and type, designated by the US Army as the M320/M320A1 GL variants.
While the new M320 GL came with a simple mechanical leaf sight with 50-meter (m) aiming increments up to 350m for day use, it did not take long for the US Army to begin the search for an improved day/night sight. There was a different barrel length and muzzle velocity for the same ammunition, as well as other differences between the current M320/320A1 GL and the former M203 GL. This meant users employing M203 ballistic trajectory data tables from previously fielded sights for various 40mm ammunition rounds were inherently inaccurate from the moment the round exited the M320 GL muzzle; this inaccuracy grows larger with increasing target range. This was true for the most sophisticated M203 day/ night sights at that time. The idea of simply using older M203 sights not designed for the M320 GL was unacceptable to the Army. Especially when responsible parties within the Army knew a more accurate, more versatile, and overall faster engaging day/night sight could be acquired, which would increase soldier mobility, lethality, and survivability.
Also, the US Army engineers knew and had the test data to show the same ammunition has different ballistic trajectory data dependent on whether the M320/320A1 GL was used in standalone, underslung with M16 Rifle or underslung with a M41A1 Carbine. To this point, as you will learn, ultimately the GSS would be preloaded with US Army ammunition ballistic tables for the M781 Target Practice (TP) and M433 High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP) for each of the three three aforementioned weapon configurations. The same ammunition has meaningfully different ammunition ballistic data tables for each weapon configuration for increased accuracy.
All of these essential calculations for increasing GSS accuracy will be done internally, the user would simply set the sight to the desired range and preselect the weapon/ ammunition configuration. To make it easier for users, the Army’s threshold will require a quick selection switch, so users can rapidly select between two preselected weapon/ ammunition configurations, seen in the rear of the GSS as “Ammo 1” and “Ammo 2.” This way, users can preset weapon/ammunition configurations for enhanced accuracy, speed of change, and ease of use purposes. Other preloaded weapon/ammunition ballistic data tables will be available through the onboard menu selection and display for current and future 40mm ammunition. Back to the case study history and unfolding events.
INITIAL COTS DAY/NIGHT SIGHTS FOR M320/320A1 GL DEEMED UNSUITABLE
In 2009, the US Army issued a request for information seeking commercial sources for a new day/night sight with an integrated laser rangefinder specifically for use with the M320 GL. The US Army sought Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) products that met its product met its product description. Subsequently, the US Army conducted a series of tests of acquired candidate’s product samples for its Grenade Launcher Rangefinder (GLRF) program in the 2010–2011 time period. The COTS offering was ranked and down-selected to two (2) candidates. Ultimately, the top-ranked GLRF COTS offering was found to be too heavy and large for effective use on the M320/320A1 GL by US Army soldier representatives. After determining a COTS solution was not going to adequately meet user requirements and needs, US Army material and capability developers jointly reassessed the approach.
APPLICATION OF LESSONS LEARNED TO DEVELOP & SELECT THE GSS
The US Army user representatives/capability developers issued a refined requirement, which removed the integrated laser rangefinder. Rather than using a COTS approach, the US Army product management and technical team developed a comprehensive program plan and product description in conjunction with user-representative capability developers. This included a multi-stage Development Effort for extensive developmental/operational testing to be followed by a Production Effort, all under the same US Army contracting effort.
The US Army engaged with Industry continuously to consider Industry inputs to a future competitive program plan. From 2012-2015, the US Army engaged with Industry publicly with no less than five (5) market surveys for Industry Response, two (2) Industry Days, and two (2) draft Request for Proposals for comment.
The GSS contractor would be responsible for Developmental Engineering, which would leverage initial candidate product samples with related improvements. The purpose is to provide test and evaluation support and manufacture prototype units to support testing and evaluation for this developmental effort.
As part of the US Army’s final Request for Proposal, the GSS developmental effort was broken into two (2) phases:
• Phase I – Candidate System Design and Evaluation
• Phase II – Developmental and Engineering Prototype Design and Evaluation.
Contractors were afforded the opportunity to modify developmental GSS hardware at various points of the program plan based on written test results and Soldier feedback. The US Army was determined to ensure the program resulted in an effective GSS, which Soldiers wanted to carry and employ with their M320/M320A1 GL. The historical milestones are broken down as follows. In June 2015, the US Army issued its extensive GSS Request for Proposal. By August 2015, competitive offerers provided proposal responses and product samples. In April 2016, the US Army made two competitive awards with the intent of down-selecting a single production awardee. After three years of extensive development, testing, and evaluation in a competitive environment, the US Army chose the Wilcox GSS as the single production awardee in June 2019.
The history of the US Army’s Grenadier Sighting System (GSS) is a remarkable story that exemplifies a successful program collaboration between the US Army and the Wilcox Special Projects Team. The Wilcox Grenadier Sighting System day/night sighting system for the M320/M320A1 grenade launcher is the result of over a decade of design refinement, development, testing, continuous improvement, and ongoing production in conjunction with the US Army; it is simply the most accurate, user-friendly, forward-upgradeable day/night sight for the M320/M320A1 GL in the world.
Learn more about the Development of the Wilcox Grenadier Sighting System or download the GSS Case Study.
RAPTAR Xe: INCREASED FIRST ROUND HIT CAPABILITY AND SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
Wilcox has expanded the revolutionary capabilities of the RAPTAR S within a lighter, smaller form factor which provides snipers and precision shooters with a complete package of enhanced ranging capabilities. The RAPTAR Xe allows the operator to illuminate a target out to 1800m and quickly generate a ballistic solution, all while keeping their eyes on the target.
INTEGRATION & NETWORKED COMBAT OPERATIONS
The RAPTAR Xe is compatible with multiple external devices including the Kestrel, and various thermal optics. The compatibility is possible through the onboard Bluetooth module, and various available cable solutions. Hard cable options are available through Wilcox that provide the user with a variety of solutions to display ballistic data onto external devices. Bluetooth provides the RAPTAR Xe additional modularity and ability to connect to and support future technologies. The RAPTAR Xe allows the operator to gather critical fire control data from beyond 1500m which enables enhanced targeting capability and accurately identify targets, structure, vehicles, etc., and “plot” them. This critical data gives the Command-and-Control [CNC] entity better situational awareness which can be leveraged to set and or expand mission parameters.
Leveraging BTAC, developed with our partner Blueforce Technologies, the RAPTAR Xe’s can provide actionable, task relevant information to and from networked teammates as well as share target data on a need to know basis over tactical networks to other elements involved in an operation. Onboard maintenance counter monitors the total amount of rounds fired from the weapon and can share data in real-time to ensure timely maintenance of the weapon and autonomous ammunition replenishment (additional components required for ammunition replenishment). The RAPTAR Xe’s Bluetooth capability also allows for future customization to support a multitude of networked combat scenarios.
INCREASED OPERATOR FOCUS
Wilcox has extended the RAPTAR Xe’s capabilities with the ERGOTCO Xe Activation Keypad. The 3 control buttons on the pressure pad are ergonomically designed to allow for accurate button identification and mirror the unit’s 3 main buttons [Laser/Up, Fire and Menu/Down]. The ambidextrous design allows attachment on either side of the weapon, including positioning in between the quad rails of rifle handguards. The ergonomic design allows for identification of each button without looking at the control pad, providing a constant “heads up, eyes out” posture.
TRANFORMATIVE LEGACY [SMALLER FORM FACTOR, EXPANDED CAPABILITIES]
With nearly a decade of operator use as well as 1st place finishes in dozens of sniper competitions around the world, the RAPTAR S has cemented its legacy as a transformative ranging and targeting system. The RAPTAR S continues to be a preferred ranging and targeting solution for warfighters engaged in critical operations.
The RAPTAR Xe’s optical bench is a multi-generation jump, giving operators 2 times the ranging illumination with a 65% increase in overall ranging capability all within a form factor that is 7 cubic inches smaller with a 15% weight reduction. The RAPTAR Xe represent a leap forward in capabilities while keeping the core philosophy of the RAPTAR S intact providing precision shooters with a complete package of enhanced ranging capabilities.
CONCLUSION
Military and law enforcement snipers and precision shooters, including special forces and SWAT, require accurate targeting, illumination and location data. Changing environmental and mission conditions can greatly hamper or threaten a successful outcome. The RAPTAR Xe aims to overcome these challenges by providing the operator with a robust optical bench, flexible illumination capabilities and accurate calculations at greater distances. These leading-edge features increase the operator’s lethality, situational awareness and significantly increases their first-round hit capability at extremely long ranges in any environment.
To learn more about the RAPTAR Xe, watch the RAPTAR Xe Capabilities Video or visit our RAPTAR Xe product page.
THE RAPTAR Xe DEEP DIVE
Wilcox has released the RAPTAR Xe demonstration video. Our customer service representative, Jaye is back to give a full deep dive on the Wilcox RAPTAR Xe™ (Rapid Targeting and Ranging Module – Enhanced). The latest in the RAPTAR line of products, this high power laser aiming device provides snipers and advanced tactical shooters increased accuracy, precision, and flexibility for target engagement at extremely long ranges. Watch now!
RAPTAR Xe: PROVIDING PRECISION SHOOTERS UNMATCHED ACCURACY AT DISTANCE IN ANY ENVIRONMENT
Wilcox has expanded the revolutionary capabilities of the RAPTAR S within a lighter, smaller form factor which provides snipers and precision shooters with a complete package of enhanced ranging capabilities. The RAPTAR Xe allows the operator to illuminate a target out to 1800m and quickly generate a ballistic solution, all while keeping their eyes on the target.
EXTENDED RANGE & ILLUMINATION IN CHANGING ENVIRONMENTS
Environmental conditions will inevitably change during various operations. Increased particles in the air from fog or precipitation can create less then optimal conditions for accurate engagements. The RAPTAR Xe’s adjustable divergence and scalable illumination settings allow the operator to personalize their output and quickly adapt to environmental changes repeatedly and with minimal input.
The integrated ballistic computer measures temperature, pressure, humidity, inclination, cant and heading. In addition, wind speed and direction may be entered manually or via Bluetooth to calculate a ballistic solution. These capabilities make the RAPTAR Xe optimal for precision small arms engagements in all environments providing illumination and accurate targeting out to 1800m [1500m on 10% reflective man-sized target, 2000m on 30% reflective man-sized target, 3000m on 30% reflective NATO-sized target].
ADVANCED OPTICS & EASE OF USE
The RAPTAR Xe provides a Laser Range Finder and integrated Ballistic Solver, IR flood, IR Pointer, and VIS Pointer on a single optical bench. The RAPTAR Xe unique windage and elevation adjustments allow operators to easily set zeroes for the entire optical bench with minimal adjustments. Having a single bench allows the operator to confirm a laser (visible or IR) is aligned to the point of aim which in turn confirms the rest of the lasers are aligned reducing the operator’s time spent zeroing.
Light quality is always a discriminating factor in operator reaction time. By advancing and pushing the capabilities of VCSEL laser technology, the RAPTAR Xe provides the operator with a true advantage over other ranging systems and older Edge technology. Achieving this high level of beam clarity improves situational awareness allowing for optimal target identification and engagement. Enhanced optics allow for the RAPTAR Xe to generate the most accurate ballistic solution at just a push of a button. The ballistic solution is then displayed on an easy to read, adjustable OLED display in MIL, MOA & INCHES with a user interface that is streamlined to allow for easier user inputs to the ballistic engine.
To learn more about the RAPTAR Xe, watch the RAPTAR Xe Capabilities Video or visit our RAPTAR Xe product page.