The British Army is mastering the SMASH X4 “smart sights”
British fighter with an L85A3 rifle equipped with a SMASH X4 scope, 2022.
The British ground forces began to receive and develop previously ordered “smart sights” for small arms. weapons produced by SmartShooter. With the help of these devices they are going to improve the overall accuracy and efficiency of fire of existing automatic rifles. At the same time, the main task of the new sights will be to combat small unmanned aerial vehicles.
A modern solution
As one of the main allies of the Kyiv regime, Great Britain carefully monitors the progress of the current hostilities, and also collects and analyzes various information. In particular, already in 2022, the British military drew conclusions about the state and prospects of light unmanned aviation. In addition, they came to the conclusion that it was necessary to create or acquire specialized means to combat it.
In mid-2022, a possible solution to a new problem was found. As an air defense system, it was proposed to use standard L85A3 army automatic rifles, additionally equipped with computerized sights of the SMASH series from the Israeli company SmartShooter.
The British Army soon acquired several SMASH X4 devices for testing and evaluation. The tests took place at the base of the Yorkshire Infantry Regiment. Rifles with new sights were tested at shooting ranges and firing ranges. Test fighters fired at stationary and moving targets on the ground and in the air, independently or in groups.
Based on the results of such tests, foreign-made “smart sights” received high marks. Devices capable of independently calculating firing data have increased the accuracy and accuracy of fire in all conditions and situations. It was noted that with their help, even military personnel who are not required to have special skills in handling weapons according to the staffing schedule show good results.
Supply contract
Having shown good results in tests, the SMASH X4 sights received a recommendation for adoption. In the first half of 2023, the British Army carried out the necessary bureaucratic procedures, which resulted in the first contract for the supply of new devices. Its signing was announced at the end of June.
Due to the peculiarities of British legislation, the supplier under the new contract was not the SmartShooter manufacturer itself, but an intermediary in the person of Viking Arms Ltd. from Yorkshire. By the end of 2023, this organization was supposed to purchase 225 sights from SmartShooter and deliver them to the customer. The total cost of these products was 4,6 million pounds sterling (approx. 5,38 million euros) - 20 thousand pounds or 24 thousand euros each.
The first batch of 225 sights is intended for permanent readiness units of the ground forces. In the future, new purchases to equip other army units and formations are not excluded. In addition, SMASH X4 or similar devices in the future may enter service with the Marine Corps or rifle units of the RAF. Apparently, such prospects for “smart sights” will depend on the results of use in the ground forces.
At least some of the new sights were placed at the disposal of the 16th Airborne Brigade of the Ground Forces. Now its personnel are mastering new equipment and using it at the shooting range. Recently, photos from such a training session were published on the brigade’s official accounts on social networks. In particular, they showed shooting from a standard L85A3 rifle with a new sight at a small quadcopter.
Given the role of the 16th Brigade and its place in the British armed forces, we can expect that in the near future rifles with SMASH sights will appear on foreign training grounds as part of certain NATO exercises. In addition, such weapons can also be used in overseas operations of the British army. It is still unclear what results the new sights will show during exercises or other events.
Material part
SmartShooter Ltd. from the Israeli kibbutz Yagur has been working on the topic of computerized sights for small arms since the beginning of the tenth years. By the middle of the decade, it presented its first developments of this kind, suitable for use, and soon managed to receive orders for mass production and supply of sights.
To date, the company has developed and brought to market several “smart sights” under the general name SMASH. Products in this family are based on common solutions, components and algorithms. Moreover, each of them has its own characteristics and in one way or another differs from the others. Due to this, they are trying to expand the circle of potential buyers and increase their chances of winning new contracts.
The UK-procured SMASH X4 is an electronic small arms sight designed to improve accuracy and accuracy in all conditions. It is made in the form of a device in a complex-shaped body, mounted on a standard rifle rail. In addition, there is a remote control button for controlling the operation of the sight, placed on the forend. The length of the sight exceeds 200 mm, width (depending on the configuration) – 90-100 mm, height – 83 mm. When fully equipped, the device weighs 1,25 kg.
UAV shooting training
SMASH X4 is built on the basis of an optical sight with x4 magnification. This device is complemented by an optical-electronic system, a computing unit and a laser rangefinder (optional). At the shooter’s command, the automatic system tracks the target, measures the range to it and develops corrections for shooting. The result of the calculations in the form of an aiming mark at the optimal point is displayed in the main sight through the collimator.
The X4 Smart Sight is similar in functionality to other products in the SMASH series. However, it is distinguished by the use of an optical sight with magnification. According to the developer, the sight allows you to attack and hit ground targets at ranges of 400 m day and night. Provision is made for firing at air targets from a distance of up to 250 m.
The product runs on a built-in lithium-ion battery. One charge is enough for 72 hours of operation or 3600 shots using computing tools.
Sights for the troops
The first customer of “smart sights” from SmartShooter in 2018 was the Israeli ground forces. They purchased a number of devices of early modifications and introduced them into special forces and line units. Various sources previously mentioned the combat use of such devices, but the details are traditionally not reported.
In 2020-21 The Pentagon purchased a batch of SMASH products for testing and evaluation. Its tests included solving various fire tasks, incl. shooting at stationary and moving air targets. In general, Israeli sights confirmed their potential, and the possibility of their full-scale purchase for certain units and formations was considered.
SMASH X4 scope on an AR-like rifle. The device itself and the remote control are clearly visible
The second real customer for “smart sights” to be put into service is now Great Britain. Last year it issued an order, and now its troops are mastering new equipment. Interestingly, the British Army has its own views on the role and purpose of computerized sights. SMASH X4 products are considered, first of all, as an opportunity to combat the current threat in the form of UAVs.
This concept is of great interest. Light UAVs pose an obvious danger to troops, and effective and simple means are required to combat them. Nowadays, various electronic devices and weapons are used for this. As another way to solve this problem, small arms with special aiming devices are proposed, and the potential of such an idea has already been confirmed by tests.
Promising direction
The British military tested Israeli sights as a means of controlling anti-aircraft fire and were pleased. Now the devices are being introduced into combat units and will have to confirm their potential during future exercises. The appearance of the following contracts depends on these events. If SMASH X4 shows good results beyond the first tests, then new orders will appear for the supply of such products to other branches of the military.
The positive experience of the 16th Airborne Brigade and other units of the British Army may also be of interest to foreign armies. All developed armed forces, observing the events in Donbass, are now looking for ways to protect themselves from UAVs of all existing classes. The British Army, with its “smart sights,” can set a good example for them, which will spur the development of an interesting and promising direction.
Information