Qioptiq’s new fused weapon sight (FWS) Saker was officially launched at Eurosatory 2012. Nominated by serving and former military personnel in two categories at the Soldier Technology Conference in London held on May 22 and having won the award for the “Best Situational Awareness Device”, Saker provides the dismounted close combat user with an ‘enhanced detect, recognise and identify’ capability. It combines image intensifier and uncooled thermal imaging sensors into a single sight unit. Designed with a low-power architecture and featuring a removable battery pack, Saker can be used as a stand-alone sight or as an in line/clip-on sight, providing flexibility and forward compatibility.

Saker is a clip-on in-line (COIL) fused weapon sight utilising and combining the latest image intensification and uncooled thermal imaging capability in one compact, lightweight package and delivering a flexible architecture to allow the user maximise the benefits of both technologies. This structure coupled with a number of other innovations taken from on-going technology development processes and the use of lightweight materials (exploited as alternatives to aluminium and plastics as an alternative to glass) assist with overall size and weight reduction. Saker is targeted at Special Forces users and urban environments in particular by providing a lightweight low light/zero light solution that will assist in target detection and recognition at ranges well in excess of most modern assault rifles. Saker is compatible with a range of optical sights and attaches via a quick release bracket, providing 24 hour capability with the ability to continue operating even during the harshest visibility conditions.