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In an effort to improve the accuracy and effect of small arms, modern
armies are equipping their infantry soldiers with optical weapon's
sights, previously used exclusively by Special Forces. These sights
improve firing accuracy, enable soldiers to effectively and
instinctively use their weapon in urban combat environment, while
minimizing the risk to non combatant and friendly forces. Optical
sights provide a clear view of the target area, and indicate the
precise point of impact, with options for range correction.
In past years, the two products that dominated the field were the "red
dot" optical sights enabling the soldier to aim the weapon with both
eyes open. The Swedish Aimpoint sight is recognized as the originator
of the "red dot" optical aiming device. The company supplied over
400,000 units to armies worldwide and is in US military service since
1997. Aimpoints' red-dot sight is used by US forces in Afghanistan and
Iraq. In the recent DSEi 05 exhibition, Aimpoint introduced a new
magnifying attachment that has been combat tested in Afghanistan.
 The non magnifying sight has unlimited eye relief allowing rapid
target acquisition, which speeds recovery in situations where
follow-up shots may be necessary. The sight can operate under any
lighting conditions including at night, with NVG. The new generation
sights introduced by Aimpoint use advanced circuit efficiency
technology (ACET), combines red dot accuracy at reduced power demand
enabling the unit to last up to 50,000 hours on a single DL 1/3N
battery. Recently awarded orders for 120,000 rifle sights were added
to the 280,000 already in use by US forces.
The new 3Xmag magnifying attachment is compatible with all the
company's sights, offering the operator a greatly extended range. The
company also unveiled a new generation of infantry weapon sights.
Aimpoint also unveiled the TwistMount, allowing the user to switch
from semi-sniping to close-quarter fighting in a split second. In this
way, the same firearm can be quickly adapted to different situations,
giving the user increased confidence and performance.
 A similar device was recently introduced by Elcan. The
Specter DR dual field
of view sight (1x/4x) enable troops to move safely through buildings
or confined areas using red-dot mode and then instantly switch to 4x
to accurately engage targets at extended range without changing
sights. Situational awareness in both magnifications is improved with
ultra-wide viewing angles. Specter DR is part of ELCAN Optical
Technologies Specter range of rifle sights, including daylight optical
sights (red dot and optical sights), IIR night and thermal sights.
 The USMC recently announced a new procurement program for Trijicon's
Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight (ACOG), a telescopic sight using
tritium illuminated reticle pattern operating under all light
conditions without batteries. For daylight operation the sight uses
the Bindon Aiming Concept (BAC) models featuring bright daytime
reticls using fiber optics which collect ambient light. The corps
refers to the Trijicon ACOG as a "rifle combat optic". (see
video).
EOTech took a different approach to a weapon's sight, with its unique
Holographic Weapon Sight
(HWS) used by the US Special Forces. To date, EOTech is gearing
for manufacturing of 70,000 sights of which 60,000 are on order for
the US Special Operations Command, 6,000 for the Army and 2,000 for
the USMC.
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