DSEi 2011: Meprolight unveils wish-list for future optics family

Israeli optics specialist Meprolight outlined its desires for the next-generation of weapon sights at DSEi on 14 September.

Speaking to Shephard at the show on 14 September, Meprolight VP for marketing Golan Kalimi said his company would be looking to add more functions to its current inventory of image intensification and thermal imaging weapon sights.

Currently, Meprolight supplies a number of undisclosed customers in Brazil, Peru and India as well as the Israel Defence Force (IDF), most recently for its latest .338-calibre  H-S Precision Heavy Tactical Rifle.

Referring to its multi-purpose reflex sight which already includes two laser pointers (IR and red-dot), Kalimi disclosed how Meprolight was considering the addition of a torchlight and additional green-dot laser. He also admitted that the company was looking to significantly reduce the system's weight from 450g to make it 'as light as possible'.

'Size, weight and power will be the main issue in the next few years, especially for reflex and thermal imaging sights,' he added.

Describing the company's range of thermal imaging sights, Kalimi said there was a requirement to improve resolution by reducing micron levels from 25 to 17. 'This will provide a greater number of pixels,' he continued.

'The next-generation of thermal sights will be smaller and lighter but more capable,' Kalimi stated while describing how Meprolight was working on a laser designator which would be visible through the thermal sight itself- a development which has yet to be achieved in the market. However, he was not prepared to divulge details on how Meprolight would achieved such a feat.

He went on to mention that a laser rangefinder was also being considered as well as a capability to transmit live pictures by wireless. This could result in an integrated fire control system for such a weapon sight, he concluded. Such a move would be rolled out across its family of thermal systems which includes the NOA Dual Field, NOA 7X, NOA 4X and NOA NYX.