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BAE Systems secures Australian thermal weapon sight contract

17th February 2010 - 09:27 GMT | by Shephard News Team

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BAE Systems has secured a contract to supply a new targeting system for the Australian Army's new Carl Gustaf M3 weapons.

BAE Systems will provide more than 400 of its proven, uncooled AN/PAS-13C thermal weapon sights to equip the Army's crew-served Carl Gustaf shoulder-fired 84mm direct-fire weapons.

The sights can be used for both day and night operations, and in adverse conditions such as smoke and dust - enabling the user to track a round all the way to the target.

The sights also are self-contained and eliminate the need for cables and day/night mode switching, and can be readily used for surveillance off-weapon via a quick release mount, according to Ian Sharp, Director of BAE Systems Australia's Land Business Unit.

"They are a reliable, lightweight, and simple to use, combined imaging and sighting systems for all conditions. Users are able to rapidly convert to the new sight from the Carl Gustaf's current day-only sight," Mr Sharp said.

He said that the contract was another example of the company's ability to reach back to access the diverse capabilities of the global BAE Systems organisation, adapt them to a local requirement and support them with a comprehensive regional through life support solution.

"The sight is manufactured by our US-based Electronics, Intelligence & Support business. It is a proven military off-the-shelf (MOTS) advanced, uncooled thermal sensor, with more than 50,000 currently fielded on 12 weapon types operating across coalition forces.

"Our Australian team was able to contribute rapid and innovative engineering design to integrate the sight to the Carl Gustaf within just 90 days for program trials.

"The sight performed so well during trials on the Carl Gustaf launcher that it has now been adopted for other crew-served weapons in several other countries and has been fielded in theatre in Afghanistan through Urgent Operational Requirements," Mr Sharp said.

The contract is valued at AUD $16 million.

Source: BAE Systems