Marine Corps picks optical rifle sight from Trijicon to provide electro-optical guidance for infantry rifle
QUANTICO, Va. – U.S. Marine Corps infantry weapons experts needed a common optical sight for the M27 and other infantry assault rifles. They found their solution from Trijicon Inc. Wixom, Mich.
Officials of the Marine Corps Systems Command at Quantico Marine Base, Va., announced a potential $64 million five-year contract to Trijicon on Friday for the Squad Common Optic (SCO) system.
The SCO is to be a magnified optic for infantry rifle systems to improve target acquisition and probability of hit at ranges from zero to nearly 2,000 feet. The Marines want to buy between 18,000 and 30,000 systems.
The SCO will include a non-caliber-specific reticle, is variable power, and will have a user selectable illuminated or non-illuminated aim-point.
The SCO will have 1 to 8x zoom lens; will weigh no more than 2.1 pounds, including battery; a diopter adjustable from +2 to –2 diopters; windage and elevation turret adjustments via a threaded cap; and a minimum field of view of 18 to 20 degrees at minimum zoom, and 2.5 to 3 degrees at maximum zoom.
The optical sights will have eye relief of 2.1 to 3.7 inches; offer mil-reticle patterns vice a bullet drop compensator style of reticle pattern; and have an illuminated central aiming point that is visible during daylight conditions.
These electro-optical systems will offer a variety of reticles, such as crosshair, German, duplex, and Christmas tree; and will be usable in degraded-capability or no-power situations.
The Marine Corps is asking Trijicon to allow for future reticle designs; changes in magnification; and allow for attachable or integrated field-adjustable magnification change capability for quick magnification changes.
On this contract Trijicon will do the work in Wixom, Mich., and should be finished by February 2025. For more information contact Trijicon online at www.trijicon.com, or Marine Corps Systems Command at www.marcorsyscom.marines.mil.
John Keller | Editor-in-Chief
John Keller is the Editor-in-Chief, Military & Aerospace Electronics Magazine--provides extensive coverage and analysis of enabling electronics and optoelectronic technologies in military, space and commercial aviation applications. John has been a member of the Military & Aerospace Electronics staff since 1989 and chief editor since 1995.
