05 Jul 2007 The latest optical combat sight by ELCAN is the SpecterDR and it combines the best features of a red dot sight with the advantages of a telescopic sight in one housing. ELCAN Optical Technologies (A Raytheon Company) has a tradition of optical excellence spanning almost 160 years. Over its history, ELCAN has set many benchmarks in the design and manufacture of sophisticated optical systems for industrial, commercial, military and aerospace applications. ELCAN is the world's leading supplier of precision optical systems for both civilian and defense customers. ELCAN manufactures a wide diversity of other optical products for the US Army such as the SpecterM145 machine gun optical sight, Electro-optical assemblies for the US Army's Thermal Weapon Sight, and laser rangefinders for the MIAI Abrams Tank. Since designing the ELCAN optical sight for the Canadian Forces C9 (M249) machine gun, C7A1 (M16) rifle and C4 (M4) carbine, ELCAN have manufactured and fielded well over 200,000 of these rugged sights for use worldwide.
The latest optical combat sight by ELCAN is the SpecterDR and it combines the best features of a red dot sight with the advantages of a telescopic sight in one housing. ELCAN developed SpecterDR to keep pace with constantly varying types of conflict and warfare missions. In terms of total weight, engagement speed and cost of carrying two riflescopes into battle, SpecterDR is a revolutionary improvement.
SpecterDR by ELCAN has been developed in close cooperation with the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC Crane), for their special forces SOPMOD kit designated SU-230/PVS Articulated Telescope NSN 1240-01-533-09039. In 2003 the US SOCOM started to upgrade its fire control accessories for the M4 Carbine. The key technological objective for the day optic was:
"to provide not only a long-range deliberate aiming capability, but also a short range, positive, rapid aiming capability for Close Quarters Battle…in a single sight"
ELCAN formed a Raytheon Six Sigma Product Development Team to design an optical sight that would dominate in this combat environment. ELCAN's vision was to deliver a product that would improve the warfighters' speed of engagement, target identification and lethality when confronting threats at distance and close range.
The benefit of this new technology is that potential targets can be more accurately identified in the 4X mode. That allows the Infantryman to approach an unknown building using the sight in 4X to closely ascertain and identify any potential threats. As the building is entered, the solider can instantly switch the sight to 1X for fast, close combat engagements. Once the building is safe and cleared the exit path can be examined in 4X to identify any further threats. Now soldiers can have the best of both worlds, 4x magnified for precision shooting and a 1x for close quarter battles. The inherent flexibility of the SpecterDR sight makes the infantryman better prepared for rapidly changing battle scenarios. Another key aspect of SpecterDR stems from the vulnerability operators experience when they are switching between optics and the act of switching always carries the risk of impairing bore sight accuracy. Using a CNVD (clip-on night vision device) eliminates the need to switch between a day optic and a night vision sight since the CNVD simply "clips-on" in front of the day optic. SpecterDR allowed SOCOM to realize the full benefits of its CNVD strategy – operators now never need to switch between optics and they never need to second-guess their weapon system accuracy.
In full and open competition with 5 Operational Trials against alternative sighting solutions, users favored the SpecterDR 9-to-1 over any competitive offerings while test data showed that it outperformed legacy solutions. As a result, NSWC Crane awarded the ELCAN SpecterDR 100% of the SOPMOD production requirements.
In September of 2006, ELCAN was awarded a President's Award for having one of the most successful Raytheon Six Sigma projects with Raytheon Network Centric Systems (NCS). This divisional award was following in October by a Corporate win of the Raytheon CEO's Award for best Mission Assurance.
The SpecterDR sight is in current high-volume production with a large order having been placed for the United States Special Forces, by the Navy Crane. In addition, the sight has been purchased by the Special Forces in the UK and is being evaluated by the US Army, Canadian, Dutch and Australian Forces.
For more information please visit www.ELCAN.com |
