29 January 2021

L3Harris unveils Next Generation Squad Weapon Fire Control System

by Andrew White

L3Harris Technologies has unveiled its candidate for the US Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapon Fire Control (NGSW-FC) system, which is running in parallel with the service’s quest to replace its M16 and M4 assault rifles.

L3Harris’s NGSW-FC system is designed to be interchangeable with Trijicon’s legacy Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight (ACOG) and Rifle Combat Optic (RCO) on board the army’s NGSW-Rifle programme, which is in the midst of considering weapon designs from Textron Systems, Sig Sauer, and General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems. L3Harris’s NGSW-FC solution is competing against Vortex Optics.

L3Harris’s candidate for the US Army’s NGSW-FC system is shown mounted to a rifle. (L3Harris)

According to the US Army’s solicitation, the NGSW-FC’s objective is to provide a “ruggedised fire control that increases accuracy and lethality for the dismounted warfighter on the battlefield” via variable magnification, a ballistic calculator, an atmospheric sensor suite, and a laser rangefinder.

“Combining these features with an in-scope digital display produces an adjusted aim-point for the soldier within the field of view. The system will provide the weapon system [with] an accurate range to target along with an adjusted aim point for the selected weapon/ammunition combination,” the document stated.

L3Harris’s NGSW-FC was designed to provide soldiers with an “integrated approach” to increase accuracy and decrease the time required to engage a threat, the company said.

The system features a magnified direct-view optic with a digital reticle, a laser rangefinder, a ballistic computer, and environmental sensors capable of measuring air pressure and temperature. The system was designed in collaboration with US optics manufacturer Leupold & Stevens.

L3Harris Technologies has unveiled its candidate for the US Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapon Fire...

Jane's Find unrivaled intelligence, consultancy and advertising solutions to the defence and national security sectors.