By Brian McCombie

Defense contractor Lockheed Martin was recently awarded a $3.9 million contract to develop the Dynamic Image Gunsight Optic (DInGO) for the U.S. Military.

According to the publication Military & Aerospace Electronics, the DInGO program will, “develop an optical scope attachment for standard combat rifles like the M16 and M4 with field-of-view and angular magnification that can be automatically reconfigured and optimized based on the range to target….Lockheed Martin optical systems integrators are being asked to produce a prototype rifle sight with rapid, seamless, automated, or hands- free actuation to enable soldiers to keep both hands on their weapons as they use the rifle sight.”

The design specifications appeared daunting. As Military & Aerospace noted, “The scope must allow for a wide field of view for close quarters battle, as well as sufficient magnification and resolution to hit moving targets farther than a quarter mile away.

Lockheed Martin designers will compensate for bullet drop and moderate winds to enhance marksman accuracy at long ranges. The optical resolution of the DInGO prototype will be sufficient to enable the user to recognize targets at ranges as far away as 1,000 feet between dawn and dusk.”

One more substantial hurdle: the Pentagon wanted Lockheed Martin to develop the new optics for less than $600 apiece, in quantities of 50,000.

Source: Military & Aerospace Electronics