Greater accuracy for DFSW on the way
Heavy-weapon operators may soon be more accurate at longer distances after a new DFSW optic was trialled by Project Land 159 in Singleton earlier this year.
CAPTION: Australian soldiers from the School of Infantry prepare to fire an 84mm M3 Karl Gustav fitted with an Aimpoint Fire Control System. Uncredited ADF photo. Story by Sergeant Sebastian Beurich
The risk-reduction activity, which put the Aimpoint Fire Control System in the hands of 84mm M3 Carl Gustaf and M2 .50 cal operators, aimed to inform a potential acquisition after it was demonstrated at Army Innovation Day 2016.
AHQ SO1 Lethality Lieutenant Colonel Cameron Fraser said the evaluation sought to demonstrate the options for a common sighting system, across multiple weapon systems, while improving probability of hit for crew-served weapons.
“AHQ is focusing on improving collaborative engagement with users and industry to ensure we acquire the best weapon systems that are concept led and threat informed,” Lieutenant Colonel Fraser said.
“The results from such activities are critical to inform us as we seek to enhance lethality and simplify our future weapon systems under Land 159.”
The activity looked to verify manufacturer claims, evaluate the optic’s performance and suitability for service, including probability of hit, and time-to-engage a target compared to in-service sights.
As well as the 84mm and .50 cal, the sight can also be fitted to the Mk 47 automatic grenade launcher and Mag-58, swapping ballistic profiles for each weapon.
AHQ SO2 Lethality Major Jeff Wharton said School of Infantry was a natural partner for this activity, with experienced, skilled staff such as Master DFSW Instructor WO2 Andrei Mazourenko, who did an exemplary job of coordinating the activity as chief safety officer.
“The school was acutely aware of the need for integration and collaboration and was able to provide up-to-date expertise on the potential employment of new technologies,” Major Wharton said.
“Their soldiers, especially Privates Jordan Enright and Isaac Lacey, were particularly adept at hitting both the static and moving targets.”
New mobile targets, manufactured by Australian company Raider Targetry, were also being tested during the activity.
Major Wharton said feedback from participants indicated the targets were an “effective training aid”.
In regards to the sight, Major Wharton said results from the report indicated a significant improvement in probability of hit and overall increase in rounds on target.
“Future tests will seek to stretch the 84mm to longer engagements and demonstrate how
the sight can be fitted to other weapons.”
Originally published in ARMY Newspaper
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