02-07-2012, 01:14 AM
LRRPF52 Wrote:In other words, they have asked for it to function and perform its tasks without the soldier removing his hands from the weapon, to be viable in a CQB-to-further than 400m range on moving targets, compensate for bullet drop and moderate winds, with an 8hr battery life for a price of $600 per unit per 50,000 unit order.
They seem to correlate 40m with long range, which it isn't. If they can pull this off, keep the unit small and lightweight, like under 16oz., and integrate all those capabilities, they still will need a soldier who can hold the weapon steady enough to make the hits, and an 8hr battery life won't cut the mustard, I can assure.
There are a lot of tall orders in that stack, even with a 400m capable system. The price is almost laughable, even with the volume ordering. That's the price of an Eotech or Aimpoint, and this unit will have integrated LRF, BDC, Wind Compensation, variable magnification, and some type of limited visibility capability in hours of dawn/dusk? Can't wait to see it...
Prediction (and I honestly hope I'm wrong): The taxpayers are in for another fleecing on this one, while Lockheed Martin will profit from millions in R&D. Look for them to say that significant obstacles in integrating the technology have been encountered, if the weight and cost objectives continue to be non-negotiable, and they need more money if the program is to continue. The next beg will be for 3-10x the initial R&D budget. This all might be good for the actual ground taken towards such a sight, but I am doubtful at best that the will pull it off.
LR52:
This time I think the effort will pay off. Understand that this proposal has been around for fifteen plus years but fifteen years ago we did not have the micro technology and today we do.
Next step is to get the carbine and ammo combination to reliably hold a 20 inch diameter target at 600 meters.
I think this is great and hope they succeed ten fold.
LR55