Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/642978
In the recent time some buzz was generated by reports about laser-guided precision projectiles based on the .50BMG calibre. The DARPA EXACTO (Extreme Accuracy Tasked Ordnance) research project with the involvement of Lockheed Martin and Teledyne may here be mentioned as an ex- ample. Yet it should be kept in mind that the ef- fectiveness of such ammunition does not alone depend on high-performance optical sights and powerful multifunctional weapon-mounted la- ser modules like B.E. Meyers ILZID-product fam- ily, the L3 AN/PSQ-23 Storm or the Rheinmetall Tac-Ray-2000 but still imperatively requires the sniper's sound expertise. Optical sights and optoelectronics After all, another aspect has now been addressed that is taking on increasing significance: optical sights and optoelectronics. In the field of sniper copes the trend is towards shorter and more com- pact high-performance sights in order to facilitate the mounting of e.g. clip-on thermal or night vi- sion devices. Also these devices are getting lighter in weight, more compact and more powerful as is demonstrated by the AIM HuntIR Mark 2 or the L3 CRATOS. To what extent fire control sights will gain acceptance remains to be seen but they are already on the market as Hensoldt Sniper Auxiliary Module. More recent examples include the Meprolight MESLAS or the Tracking Point XS1. Schmidt&Bender again focuses on rifle scopes into which an external ballistics computer optically mirrors selected pa- rameters. Yet it goes without saying in this context: No optical system and no fire control computer will ever be capable of supplanting the sniper's sound basic knowledge and armament. Every soldier an accurate shooter On-target accuracy even at longer ranges is just a question of the appropriate mix of weapons, sights and ammunition. This short overview has shown that several appropriate options exist. Accordingly, it is particularly training that matters. Each soldier should learn the relevant basics at the earliest pos- sible stage already. However, out of sheer excite- ment about the (albeit quite rightly trained) close range firing capability the "basic classic shooting skills" like aimed single shots over long distanc- es and other virtues such as fire discipline must not fall into oblivion. Garrison firing ranges with 300-meter-lanes afford an adequate opportunity to develop and maintain these skills. While it holds true that not every soldier needs to be a sniper he should nevertheless be a good shooter who engag- es targets accurately at ranges of up to 500 meters at least with his service weapons. Handheld observation and location units like the Nyxus BIRD or here the Moskito TI of Vectronix/Sagem complement the equipment of sniper teams. (Photo: Vectronix/SAGEM) Sniper operations on urbanized terrain require special skills also when selecting the appropriate position and camouflage. (Photo: MOD Norway) ANALYTICS