L3 Communications designed the XM116 to improve the combat effectiveness of fire support weapons, particularly the Mk19 Automatic Grenade Launcher. The system can be adapted to support 0.50 Caliber machine guns (M2HB) and other types of weapons and ammunition.
Designed for manned and remotely operated weapon applications, the system improves the weapon’s operator situational awareness and survivability, enables rapid target engagement and increased capability in day and night. XM116 uses an eye-safe laser rangefinder effective up to five kilometers.
The 3 lbs system incorporates a day/night full-solution fire control and a fuse setter for air-bursting 25mm ammunition used by the XM-25. The aimpoint, with ballistic correction, is projected on the viewer in day and night operation. Day channel consists of 2x magnification 640×480 sensor direct view optics, while night channel incorporates an uncooled, thermal Night sensor 320×240 (8-12u) 25um pixel pitch with an x4 digital zoom. The system incorporates an eye-safe laser rangefinder measuring distances at an accuracy of 1 meter. Both sensors feed images to a common 640×480 head-mounted video viewer, which also displays annotated system information and a ballistic solution reticle.
The ballistic computer calculates the ballistic correction for the target range, air temperature, weapon cant and atmospheric pressure. XM116 demonstrated an increase in the probability of hit [P(h)] from 3% to 54% at 1,000 meters, using military gunners and standard Mk19 grenade machine guns. By improving accuracy and first burst hit probability, the system contributes to reduce ammunition cost at about 80%.
