Elbit Systems develops new Android-based rifle smart-scope
Meet Elbit's new XACT rifle smart-scope: based on Android software, it can broadcast live stream to other soldiers, commander via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, allowing for better operational and tactical decision-making on the battle field.
The "XACT" is a new rifle scope for sharpshooters and snipers. It is based on Android software and broadcasts a live feed of what the soldier sees through his sights to his commander and comrades.
The scope is based on the company's pre-existing technology, but its updates turn it into a "smart scope" of sorts.
The system interface is similar to that of a Smartphone and is considered especially efficient, as a senior commander sitting in a war-room or command post can observe and decide which fighter will carry out which task in accordance with tactical and situational conditions.
Whether sitting in a distant ambush or at close-range combat, the live stream a soldier gets can be viewed through his comrade's scope or via a small tablet in the hands of his commander via Bluetooth or secure Wi-Fi.
The scope works by thermal imaging and is primarily meant to be used at night, but some models also include a daytime scope that can be clipped on to an M-16, Kalashnikov, Tavor or a sniper rifle.
The scope does not use cooling nor does it make use of light from the stars as in older night vision models. It can therefore be used in totally dark spaces such as tunnels and windowless rooms.
Both warm and cool objects are clearly visible through the scope to the soldier, allowing him to determine for instance whether a terrorist's parked car has been idling for long or has just arrived.
The scope is considerably lighter than current night-vision models used by the IDF, and its battery lasts about eight hours. It can also record to an extractable memory card and the contents can be downloaded to a computer for later viewing whether for investigative, intelligence or tactical reasons.
For riflemen, the scope's range is 300-600 meters and even better for sharpshooters. The sniper version allows target identification of up to two kilometers.
The product is already on the market and was purchased by the Australian military. The price, tens of thousands of shekels, depends on the quantity purchased.
At the Elbit/Elsec factory in Sderot, where hundreds of models are produced a month, production includes four stages: hundreds of small parts are connected by hand; Android software is uploaded to each device; all the parts are integrated; and quality assurance testing is carried out.
