According to a SOCOM spokesperson, the ECOS-O is intended to satisfy the operational need for a system that will allow SOF operators to engage targets in close quarter battle situations as well as providing a long-range high-powered optic system to engage targets at the full range of the weapon system's capability.
ECOS-O combines the Leupold Mark 6 3-18x44mm riflescope and an Aimpoint Micro T-1 (2MOA) mini red dot sight into a compact, night-vision compatible riflescope scope system. The device fulfills the requirement for an environmentally hardened sighting system that offers unmagnified targeting from 0-300 meters and magnified targeting from 300-1000 meters. The system was primarily developed for use with the M4/ M4A1 Carbine and Mk17 SCAR, though it can also serve on the M14, M16, Mk11 or Mk12 rifles.
The ECOS-O contract was originally let as a 5-year, $49.9m solicitation in August 2012. Since, the contract value increased $1.6m dollars and was split into two awards: $42.8m to Leupold for both illuminated and non-illuminated reticle versions of the Mark 6 3-18x44 riflescope with accompanying mounts and $8.7m to Aimpoint for Micro T-1's with accompanying mounts.
SOCOM has so far spent $27,104 on 10 units for user assessment and operational test and evaluation prior to their full rate production decision. The scopes and sights are due to be delivered May 23, 2013.
Leupold originally submitted their Dual Aperture Gunsight Riflescope (DAGR) in response to the Navy's solicitation. NSWC Crane liked the the Mark 6 and the Micro T-1 configuration, but chose to replace Leupold's secondary optic mount, made by LaRue Tactical. Instead, NSWC Crane will source a T-shaped bracket for the Micro T-1, along with the Micro T-1 itself, directly from Aimpoint and assemble the ECOS-O in-house.
Leupold submitted a Mark 6 variant, designated M5C2, featuring a lowered, zero-stop elevation turret and reversed focus knob. The turret knob was made shorter than the commercially available M5B2 version so the 12 o'clock-mounted secondary optic could sits as close to the main optic's boreline as possible without the turret obscuring use of the secondary sight. The 12 o'clock mounting position was a specified requirement. This configuration has a Horus TReMor2 milling reticle in the front focal plane.
While the Navy took the lead on this project, ECOS-O will be fielded by all four services through SOCOM.
Leupold will perform their work in Beaverton, Oregon, while Aimpoint will perform their work in Jagershillgatan, Sweden.
Leupold's Press release:
BEAVERTON, Ore. — Leupold& Stevens and Aimpoint® are pleased to announce they have been awarded five-year contracts by the U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division for Enhanced Combat Optical Sight – Optimized (ECOS-O) systems.
Leupold & Stevens' $42.8 million contract calls for the longtime supplier of military optics to provide Mark 6® 3-18x44mm riflescopes as the base for the next generation of integrated optical aiming systems for modern small arms. The Oregon-based manufacturer will also provide Mark 6 Integrated Mounting Systems (IMS®).
"This contract award reflects Leupold & Stevens' tremendous commitment to bringing cutting-edge technology to the U.S. military," said Kevin Trepa, Leupold & Stevens' vice president of global sales and business development. "Smaller, lighter, faster—and with more power—is now a reality."
The ECOS-O project integrates the Leupold® Mark 6® 3-18x44mm riflescope with the CQB-proven Aimpoint Micro T-1. With an overall length of less than 12 inches and weighing just 34.2 ounces, the ECOS-O system delivers an incredible field of view and rapid target acquisition at an unmatched length and weight. Adjustable diopter and variable 6X power magnification allows the operator to adapt the optic to any condition encountered in the field.
Aimpoint's $8.7 million contract for T-1 micro red dot sights and mounting brackets will go to the Navy Surface Warfare Center in Crane, Ind., where Crane armorers will integrate the system and deliver them to warfighters in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps.
Built in Leupold's Beaverton, Ore, facility, the Mark 6 3-18x44mm riflescope is the latest in the company's proud military history. Leupold is a leading supplier of long-range optics to the U.S. military and has provided key riflescopes and spotting scopes for all branches since the 1980s.
