Army Names Firms Selected to Make High-Tech Sighting Prototypes for NGSW
April 22, 2020
Part 2 of NGSW Series: Video by Task & Purpose Chris Cappy regarding update on NGSW program, focus on Sig Sauer animation
April 29, 2020
In its strategic plan to remain the world’s leading military power, the U. S. Army has announced its next phase of the Next Generation Squad Weapon – Fire Control Program (NGSW-FC). On April 23rd, 2020, the U.S. Army announced its selection of L3Harris and Vortex Optics as the two companies creating competitive prototypes for the new program.
The Army NGSW weapon and Fire Control programs fall under the Soldier Lethality Portfolio, one of the Army’s top 6 Modernization Priorities. The NGSW-FC is an advanced optic that contains a laser range finder, a ballistic calculator and provides the shooter with an automatic, adjusted aimpoint. This capability transforms the “average” shooter to “marksman” capability on the first shot, making him more accurate and lethal. When connected to the T-Worx Intelligent Rail platform, this “smart optic” can be connected to the tactical battlefield network. An Army formation outfitted with T-Worx Intelligent Rail® enabled weapons will operate with increased situational awareness and effectiveness as soldiers and squads are able to share information, such as target location, bearing and identification simply by looking through their Fire Control Optic and pushing buttons on the I-Rail controller node.
As the companion program to the Army NGSW weapon program (now in its own prototyping Phase I competition with three selected OEMs), the NGSW-FC optic is on track to begin fielding before the NGSW final weapons enter their production in early CY 2022. As the only Army-approved vendor for Smart Rail components, T-Worx expects to support these two primes with Smart Rail integration services and products. Listed below are the NGSW-FC program highlights:
- 250,000 NGSW-FC optics are planned for the production contract that is scheduled to begin in late—2021. This parallels the NGSW weapon’s program’s goals to create a total of 250,000 NGSW R and AR weapons.
- According to the program RFP, initial production quantities of the optic will be 200 per month, accelerating to 3,350 per month.
- NGSW-FC program requires OEM’s to plan for I-Rail (also called “Smart Rail”) integration and operation as part of the NGSW-FC product road map and production plan.
- Total NGSW-FC budget for research and development at $66.08 million over the next five years with $21.46 million is to be allocated for FY2020.
- Total NGSW-FC budget for procurement is $819 million over the next five years.
- An Army NGSW-FC optic that is I-Rail enabled will be able to mount to any I-Rail weapon, whether NGSW, M4 carbine, or other system, supporting T-Worx’s plans to address the existing weapon (e.g. M4) upgrade market opportunities in the US and NATO.
With its patented Intelligent Rail® technology, T-Worx continues to support these Next Generation Squad Weapons programs, and other development efforts designed to enhance soldier lethality and safety. T-Worx is also participating in several other programs related to weapon platforms, sensor fusion and integration, vehicle platform integration, soldier network connectivity, training, and NATO modernization efforts.
