Concern "Kalashnikov" is developing a fire control system for small arms
Promotional photo of the FN FCU Mk 3 complex
One of the most interesting and promising areas in the field of shooting weapons is the development of full-fledged fire control systems. Such devices, mounted or integrated into the shooting complex, should calculate the data for shooting and dramatically improve the accuracy of the fire. Recently it became known that a complex of this kind is being developed in our country, the Kalashnikov concern is engaged in its creation.
Current trends
On March 5, the Zvezda TV channel showed the next issue of the Military Acceptance program called the Gun Fair in the Persian Gulf. The theme of the issue was the February exhibition IDEX-2023 in the United Arab Emirates and the Russian exposition at it. The program demonstrated a number of modern domestic developments, as well as talked about new projects.
One of the topics of the program was new ways to improve the performance of small arms. So, the chief designer of the shooting direction of the Kalashnikov concern, Sergey Urzhumtsev, recalled that in the last 3-4 years there has been an interest in full-fledged fire control systems abroad. Such devices are intended to perform a number of tasks that are now assigned to humans. LMS are able to detect the target, accompany it, as well as calculate and make corrections.
Product FN FCU
Promising topics are being dealt with not only abroad. According to S. Urzhumtsev, the Kalashnikov concern has already launched a separate program of this kind. The project is still in its early stages, and the developments on it are not yet ready for a full-fledged demonstration to the general public. At the same time, the representative of the concern suggested that in the near future the new system will be brought to the market.
Due to the lack of an affordable domestic sample, "Military Acceptance" had to demonstrate promising solutions using foreign samples as an example. At the same IDEX-2023 exhibition, a shooting complex from the Belgian company FN Herstal based on the FN Elity ballistic calculator was found and shown to the viewer. Also at the exhibition were "smart sights" of the Israeli company Smart Shooter.
It is not known how soon the Russian enterprise will be ready to show its development of this kind. So far, his leadership speaks only of an indefinite near future. It cannot be ruled out that we are talking about the next few months. So, the premiere of the new rifle complex may take place at the future Army-2023 forum.
Rangefinder FN Elity
Ready developments
The concept of a "smart sight" or a full-fledged FCS, suitable for installation on a fighter's personal weapon, appeared a long time ago. However, until a certain time, the available element base did not allow implementing such ideas and obtaining all the desired results. Only in recent years have devices appeared that can solve several problems and replace a whole set of devices.
Some samples of this class have now reached mass production. They are shown at exhibitions and offered to potential customers. Devices with special capabilities invariably attract the attention of the public, but the army shows a restrained interest in them.
The armed forces of several countries have tested such devices and made conclusions, incl. positive for development companies. So, in 2018, a large number of sights were ordered by the Israeli army. In 2020, there were smaller orders from the US and India.
Elity device on the rifle
However, SLAs for rifle complexes are still not very popular. The number of real orders for them is small, and deliveries are made in small batches. Developers hope that this situation will change in the future.
Functions and Features
Actual foreign projects of control systems or sights are based on several basic ideas. In general, it all comes down to supplementing a rifle or machine gun with devices that take on the calculation of data for shooting. They unload the shooter, and also increase the accuracy and speed of aiming.
As one example of a "smart" shooting complex, "Military Acceptance" cited a rifle with an FN Elity device. The latter is a lightweight and compact device for installation on standard rails forearm or receiver. The common body contains a laser range finder, a ballistic computer and a small screen for displaying data. The operation of the device is controlled by a remote control mounted in a convenient place for the shooter. It also provides a wireless connection with devices on the Android platform for a more complete use of the sight.
"Smart sight" Smart Shooter SMASH 2000
The FN Elity product mounted on the weapon, at the command of the shooter, measures the range to the selected target (up to 1750 m for a growth target) and, knowing the type of ammunition, calculates corrections for firing. Next, the shooter must enter them into the sight on the weapon and open fire. It is also possible to work in the mode of a laser designator with variable power.
More advanced is the FN Fire Control Unit Mk 3 SLA / sight. This device is made in a body of a specific shape. Its left half contains a collimator sight with the ability to move the aiming mark. On the right side there is a laser rangefinder and a calculator. There are also control buttons on the case. There is a remote button for measuring range.
The FCU Mk 3 sight, on command, measures the range to the target (up to 1 km) and generates data for firing, along which the aiming mark moves in the collimator. Further, the shooter can only point the mark at the target and open fire. The FCU differs from the Elity in improved ergonomics and ease of use.
"Smart sights" of the SMASH series also have an optical part, laser rangefinders and computing tools. At the same time, the instrumentation is different. There are products based on a collimator or with an optical sight. Some modifications are equipped with a video system with a day and night channel - the picture is displayed on the built-in monitor and can be recorded. The latest models have added the ability to interact with gadgets and UAVs. Also, on the basis of sighting devices, an automated combat module was developed.
SMASH 2000 in the Israeli army
Despite all the differences, the devices of the SMASH line have similar functions and principles of operation. The shooter or optical system tracks the target; automation measures the range and calculates corrections. In accordance with the latter, the mark moves in the sight.
domestic project
As reported, the Kalashnikov concern is now developing its own version of the SLA for rifle complexes. It can be assumed that the project has already moved far enough, and thanks to this, the finished sample will be able to show in the near future. So far, the details of this development are not disclosed.
What exactly will be the "smart sight" from "Kalashnikov" is unknown. But it can be assumed that in terms of composition and functions it will be similar to already known foreign samples. At the same time, weight and overall parameters, design and layout, compatibility with different types of weapons and ammunition, and other features are in question.
US SMASH Trials
It should be noted that the domestic SLA will no longer be the first example of its class in the world. At the same time, such a lag behind competitors has its advantages. Russian specialists get the opportunity to study other people's developments and experience, thanks to which they can use the best ideas and insure themselves against possible mistakes. Consequently, the Russian "smart sight" will be at least as good as foreign counterparts.
The prospects for such a development are already clear. The SLA will be offered to the army and law enforcement agencies. It will pass the necessary tests and it cannot be ruled out that it will be adopted. Such devices are of interest to special forces and can be placed at their disposal. At the same time, the mass introduction of "smart sights" is not to be expected - due to their high cost and redundancy for most shooters.
However, so far we are talking only about versions and forecasts. At the moment, only the launch of a domestic project and the future demonstration of its results are known. The premiere of this product is planned in the near future, and then it can be fully appreciated.
- Ryabov Kirill
- FN Herstal, Smart Shooter Ltd.
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