The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) is seeking commercially available Squad Common Optic (SCO) usable with the M4 carbine, M4A1, and M27 infantry automatic rifle.
According to a recent request for information (RFI) published on the Federal Business Opportunities website, Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) said it has a requirement industry input to new infantry rifle optic allowing to engage targets at close range and at distances of up to 600 meters.
Among a list of detailed requirements for the optic are an illuminated central aiming point visible in daylight conditions, a minimum field of view of 18 degrees at minimum magnification, and no point of aim shift when adjusting through the magnification range.
Major Components. Each Squad Common Optic should include the following major components:
- Day Scope;
- Lens Covers;
- Reticle;
- Elevation Turrets/Caps;
- Windage Turrets/Caps;
- Operator’s Manual (hard and digital copy);
- Quick Reference Guide;
- Required Tools;
- Scope Mount;
- Reticle Battery;
- Magnification Change Device;
- Soft Protective Carrying Case;
- Lens Cleaning Kit with Bush and Lens Cloth,
In published notice stated that the Squad Common Optic device should be interoperable with and cause no degradation in function to currently fielded host weapons. Also, Squad Common Optic should be compatible with current visual augmentation systems, weapons accessories, lasers, and clip-on night vision devices using a MIL-STD-1913 rail interface.
Squad Common Optic should be less than or equal to 2.1 pounds, less than 1.4 pounds including mount, turret caps, and battery.
According to The Firearm Blog, currently, the weapons in the USMC rifle squads use a combination of 4x magnification Rifle Combat Optics (RCOs) based on the Trijicon TA31 ACOG, as well as 3.5x magnification Squad Day Optics (SDOs) based on the Trijicon TA11, on the M249 SAWs and M27 IARs.
“A new variable power optic would allow the replacement of both of these scopes with a single device, and the unmagnified setting would substantially improve close range target engagement speed for close quarters battle scenarios,” said Nathaniel F. on the page of The Firearm Blog.