Thanks to William at the Feral Jundi FB page for finding this optic and sending me the link. Every once in awhile I will get word of a cool little weapons related deal that I think has merit, and let the readership out there know about it. I am also a former 0351 anti-tank guy in the Marines, and I have a special place in my heart for stuff like this. lol
But you are probably wondering why would contractors be interested in a recoilless rifle/rocket launcher optic? lol Well first, many of my readers are not just contractors, but a whole slew of industry and government professionals. They also include military folks from all over the world, and optics like this are a great way to upgrade older weapon systems like the Carl Gustav in the picture below.
Although this optic could conceivably be used on any rocket launcher or recoiless rifle equipped with a picatinny rail or similar. What I really like about this optic is that it has a integrated laser range finder, and you can set up to ’50 different ballistic algorithms’ so that your optics and weapon can be matched to the munitions.
That is an important feature that I really like, because technically speaking, you could probably ask Aimpoint to send you ballistic algorithms for RPG munitions or SMAW munitions, if you were to mount this optic on those weapons. Or maybe those ballistics are already in the device?
Here is the other point I wanted to make with this optic. Anything that takes an older weapon or munition, and makes it more accurate, is a good thing. It increases the first round hit probability in a fight, and will allow a unit to efficiently use what little ammunition they are carrying for that weapon platform. There is no such thing as an ‘ammunition fairy’ on the battlefield handing out a steady supply and at all times. Murphy’s Law says otherwise, and a unit should strive to make every round count.
I also like that this optic makes it ‘easier’ for the gunner to get on target and take full advantage of that weapon system in a fight. Or if that gunner is killed, a team mate could pick up the weapon system plus optic, and get back into the fight knowing they have a simple to use/aim system in their hands. Especially if they are engaging an enemy at some distance, and that is the only weapon that can reach them.
On the downside, I don’t know if that wireless remote is a good idea. If it is wireless, then I tend to think in terms of how it could be hacked or be disrupted? But maybe it is milspec enough to be a non-issue? I am also interested in the durability of such an optic, and it would be nice to reduce it’s power requirements so you don’t have carry a bunch of AA batteries for the thing. This is a unique deal from Aimpoint, and there is not a lot out there about it. Although I am sure they are getting user feedback and we will see future versions that address those issues.
As to how this applies to contractors directly is pretty much the training angle. If a contractor is tasked with training a foreign military on how to use a Carl Gustav or similar, and the soldiers they are training are limited health wise (vision sucks) or are limited in training time and the amount of available ammo, then a weapon with this optic could be the answer to bring up their capabilities as gunners. Of course you would want to train them on the basic weapon sites that do not require batteries, but if you are wanting to get them to a competent level in a short period of time, then an optic like this could be the answer. The question to ask is does this make a gunner’s life easier, and are they able to get on target fast and with accuracy?
It is a lot like the debate with putting red dot optics on rifles in the US military. Of course you want to train folks to use iron sites, but with the help of a red dot or reflex optic, you are able to reduce training time and make it easier for soldiers to hit targets. Especially targets in different light conditions. And funny enough, Aimpoint has provided quite a few red dot sites to the US military over the years.
So could this optic do the same for other US military weapons, like the M-3 MAAWS (Carl Gustav), or the SMAW? Or even a picatinny equipped AT-4? Or put this on other support weapons that require ranging capabilities?
On a side note, in the video I posted below, it looks like those are contractors training US military folks in Afghanistan on the use of their Carl Gustav? Check out the range of the weapon in the video and know that this weapon can really reach out there. (about a 1000 meters depending on ammo according to wikipedia). You can also see why a good range finding optic like the FCS 12 might come in handy? Interesting stuff. –Matt
The Aimpoint FCS12 is a Fire Control System for weapons like the recoilless Carl Gustav and Panzerfaust as well as Automatic Grenade Launchers and other support weapons. The operator aims at the target on a direct line-of-sight, which allows both eyes open. The optical axis between the eye and the target is not broken or linked by use of prisms.The sight contains an eye safe 1550 nm LRF (Laser Range Finder), a ballistic computer with the capability to store up to 50 different ballistic algorithms, and a parallax free optical channel with unlimited eye relief.
The FCS12 compensates automatically for the ballistic drop of projectiles at measured distances, factoring in variables such as: rotational (spin) drift, propellant temperature and terrain angle.
The system consists of two separate modules — the sight and a remote grip interface which transmit commands to the sight via a wireless link. The remote grip interface is designed to control the most important functions for operating the system during combat.Conception
The Aimpoint FCS12 is the result of many years of intensive studies, research, and state-of-the-art technical design. The system’s solid-state design (no moving parts) ensures reliable operation and sustainability during field use.
Features
• Small and very rugged design.
• No moving parts.
• Compatibility with all generations of Night Vision Devices (NVD). The optical channel is designed to have an optimal eye relief of approximately 180 mm to allow the use of NVD.
• Digital push button interface located on the rear of the sight allows for setting advanced features, as well as providing a backup interface for standalone.
• User-friendly electronic controls and graphical interface displays.
• More than 3 days continuous operations including 100 range findings on one battery pack.
• Quick change battery power packs containing six standard AA batteries (Alkaline or Lithium).
• Manual override controls allow the operator to manually toggle range.
• Selectable language feature.
• Storage of up to 50 different ballistic algorithms.
• A short list of up to 5 different ballistic algorithms (types of ammunition) can be chosen directly from the remote grip interface.
• Terrain angle compensation measured by an integrated inclinometer.
• The LRF measurement button overrides all other functions and returns the system to ready mode from any other point in the menu.
• Selectable weapon feature.
Specifications
Electronic Data
Battery: 6 AA battery, accepts 1.2-3.6V
Battery life: More than 4 days of continuous operations
including 300 range findings on one
battery pack. One pack includes 6 batteries
Intensity regulator: Manual rotary switch
16 settings: 1 off, 7 NVD and 8 daylight
Information available: Tilting indicator
Auto compensation of terrain angle
Optical Data
Optical magnification: 1X, unlimited eye relief
Optical coating: Anti Reflex coating, all surfaces
Multi-layer coating objective lens
Band Pass coating for NVD compatibility
Designer Company
Aimpoint
Dimensions
Length 185 mm
Width 90 mm
Height 155 mm
Sub System Data
LRF (laser range finder) 1550 nm
Eye safe
Non detectable with NVD
Capacity: 1000 m against NATO target with 10% reflection
1800 m against vegetation
1m resolution
Weight
1.6 kg
Environnemental data
Full functional between -40º C till +55 º C
Mechanical Data
Material housing High Strength Aluminum
Surface treatment/finish Anodised, matt
Color housing Black