Last year, the Marine Corps sent out an RFI for a Squad Common Optic to equip infantrymen with a universal weapon optic. The RFI stipulated that the optic must meet the following requirements.
- Interoperability. The Squad Common Optic device should be interoperable with and cause no degradation in function to currently fielded host weapons. 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 as listed below: [Thermals, PEQs, GL Sights, Range Finders]
- 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
- Weight. The Squad Common Optic should be less than or equal to 2.1 pounds (T), 1.4 pounds (O). Weight is characterized as including the optic, mount, turret caps, and battery.
- Size. The Squad Common Optic length should be less than or equal to 10.5 inches (T), 10 inches (O). Length excludes the lens covers. Length is measured at the maximum extended range of adjustment.
- The Squad Common Optic should be able to positively identify and acquire targets at 600m (T), 900m (O). Positive identification refers to the range at which a potential target can be positively identified by facial, clothing, weapon and vehicle features, or an activity.
- Magnification Range. The Squad Common Optic should have no point of aim shift when adjusting through the entire magnification ranges. The Squad Common Optic should have a magnification range of 1X +0.05X to ≥8X magnification range.
- Adjustable diopter: The diopter should be adjustable from +2 to –2 diopters.
- Diopter Locking Mechanism. A locking mechanism should be provided on the diopter setting to prevent inadvertent movement (O).
- Adjustment Range. For all configurations, at least 15 Milliradian (mrad) (T), and 30 mrad (O) in Elevation and at least 12 mrad in Windage adjustment should be required. There should be hard stops at both ends of Windage and Elevation adjustment and no dead clicks. A dead click is defined as a tactile adjustment click that does not move the reticle.
- Adjustment Increments. Each Squad Common Optic configuration should have adjustment increments less than or equal to 0.1 mrad Elevation and Windage (E/W). Adjustment increments on both E/W should be consistent in movement, tactile, and have no dead clicks and require no settling rounds. Settling rounds are defined as host weapon live fire that causes the reticle to move initially but stabilize after the live fire event.
- Adjustment Accuracy. For Squad Common Optic, a less than or equal to 2% adjustment accuracy is required across the full travel in Windage and Elevation (T) and a less than or equal to 1% adjustment accuracy is required across the full travel in Windage and Elevation (O).
- Windage/Elevation Caps. For Squad Common Optic, the Windage and Elevation turret adjustments should be covered with a threaded cap.
- Field of View. At minimum magnification, possess a minimum field of view of 18 degrees (T), 20 degrees (O). At maximum magnification, possess a minimum field of view of 2.5 degrees (T), 3 degrees (O).
- Eye Relief. All Squad Common Optic configurations at any magnification should have an eye relief of at least 3.1 inches (T), 3.7 inches (O).
- Exit Pupil. All Squad Common Optic configurations at any magnification should have an exit pupil range of no less than 2.5mm to no more than 13mm.
- Resolution. The resolution for the Squad Common Optic should be 10 arc-seconds or less. The 30% contrast resolution for the Squad Common Optic should be 15 arc-seconds or less.
- Focus/Parallax Adjustment. The Squad Common Optic should have a fixed focus set at 150 meters ± 50 meters and be parallax free at the focus range.
- Focal Plane. Configurations should be first focal plane and/or second focal plane.
- Reticles.
- All Squad Common Optic reticle configurations should offer Mil-Reticle patterns vice a Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC) style of reticle pattern.
- All Squad Common Optic reticle configurations should offer an illuminated central aiming point no greater than 1.5 minute of angle (MOA) (T) or 0.5 MOA (O) that is visible during daylight conditions.
- All Squad Common Optic configurations should offer a variety of reticles (i.e., crosshair, German, duplex, Christmas tree, others).
- All reticles should be level with a cant of ± 1 degree (T) or no discernable cant (O) when installed in its MIL-STD-1913 compatible mount.
- Reticle should be usable in the event of degraded capability or no power situation.
- Future Reticles
- Reticle. The vendor should allow for future reticle designs and operational needs to be included in the Squad Common Optic: Mil Dot, Milliradian Line, Ballistic, Velocity, and Grid hybrids. Graduated grid should provide a method that supports the ability to use Windage hold offs and Elevation holds and holdovers accurately. There should also be coarse and fine methods to quickly range targets. A method to allow for rapid engagement of moving targets should be provided on the main horizontal.
- Configuration. There should be no changes to the Squad Common Optic design when changing to a new reticle other than the reticle itself.
- Reticle Illumination. The reticle illumination should be accomplished using side mounted rotary knobs. The Squad Common Optic should have multiple intensity settings, two night vision goggle compatible settings, and tactile illumination off positions after each on position. Reticle settings should be able to be locked in place to provide for inadvertent power cycling in the field. Reticle should be powered by a single commercially available battery for at least 96 hours at highest illumination setting. The Squad Common Optic should allow for battery changes without removal from the weapon and without specialized tools.
- Scope Mount. All scope mounts should be MIL-STD-1913 compatible. Various scope mount heights should be available. Any dissimilar metals should not interact and cause corrosion or damage when subjected to saltwater and other adverse environmental conditions.
- Magnification Change Capability. The Squad Common Optic should incorporate an attachable (T) or integrated (O) field-adjustable magnification change capability that will allow quick magnification changes from minimum to maximum magnification without passing between the eyepiece and rail interface, hitting the host weapon, or interfering with the function of the host weapon.
- Backup Iron Sights. The Squad Common Optic shall not require the removal of the host weapon’s front and rear iron sights. The front and rear iron sights shall be immediately useable upon removal of the Squad Common Optic.
- Lens Accessories and Protection. All Squad Common Optic configurations should be delivered with detachable protective front and rear lens covers or caps. The Squad Common Optic should feature lenses made of durable scratch resistant hydrophobic material and non-reflective lens coatings (T). All Squad Common Optic configurations should provide lenses with sufficient abrasion resistance that they do not require lens covers (O).
- Surfaces. External surfaces (except for light-transmitting elements) should be finished in a flat neutral non-black color that is non-reflective and corrosion resistant. All the exposed optics should have corrosion and scratch resistant coatings, which permit operation in salt sprays and blowing sand. All markings, coatings, finishes, and exposed O-rings should be resistant to paints solvents, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear contaminants, and Super Tropical Bleach (STB) decontaminant.
- Signature Reduction and Counter Detection. The Squad Common Optic should be a dull, non-reflective, neutral, non-black color. The Squad Common Optic should not have an audible or visible signature.
- Workmanship. All optics should be free of foreign matter such as dirt, fingerprints, dust, loose material, and moisture. All moving parts should move freely and not bind, creep, or stick.
- Markings.
- All Squad Common Optics should be etched or engraved with visually distinct markings to include the serial and model number to be easily read.
- The serial and model number should be sequential, unique, and easily visible when mounted to the weapon (T).
- All Squad Common Optics should have point of impact adjustment markings and witness marks on the scope body and scope mount for scope alignment.
- The Squad Common Optic serial number and manufacture date must comply with MIL-STD-130_.
- Point of impact (POI) adjustment markings should be on the scope body near the Windage and Elevation adjustments.
- The witness marks should allow the operator to quickly and easily align and level the scope and scope mount to within ± 1 degree.
- Labels should incorporate a Unique Identification (UID) code. The UID should contain both the 2D barcode and human readable serial number together. UID construct #2 will be required.
- The Squad Common Optic should not have any original equipment manufacturer (OEM) proprietary markings
If your head is spinning, don’t worry that’s a ton of info to digest.
In a nutshell, the USMC wants a super durable 3-gun-style variable magnification optic with a BDC reticle. The market is currently flooded with such optics, but most lack the durability necessary for the rigors of military service.
Thankfully, a company with a long history of building optics so durable they’re almost, “soldier-proof” had already developed an sight that met most of the requirements of the SCO RFI — Trijicon. And it seems their high quality design has won a bid for adoption by the Marine Corps.
The official release is below.
Wixom, MI — Trijicon, Inc., global provider of innovative aiming solutions for the hunting, shooting, military, and law enforcement markets, is pleased to announce the selection of the Trijicon VCOG (Variable Combat Optical Gunsight) 1-8x28 riflescope as the U.S. Marine Corps’ Squad Common Optic (SCO). The $64,000,000 contract award will begin with delivery of units in 2020. Trijicon will manufacture the SCO at its Wixom, Michigan factory.
“Our warfighters deserve the very best equipment in defense of our nation. The Marine Corps’ SCO evaluation process was extremely rigorous, and we are honored that the VCOG was selected to continue the tradition of battle-proven riflescopes that the Trijicon ACOG began in 2004 as the Marine Corps’ first Rifle Combat Optic,” said Stephen Bindon, Trijicon President & CEO.
Specifically designed for Close Quarter Battle and long distance marksmanship, the Trijicon VCOG 1-8x28 is forged from a nearly indestructible 7075-T6 aluminum housing and is waterproof to 66 feet. The first focal plane reticle allows subtensions and drops to remain true at any magnification. Featuring ruggedized electronics, the VCOG includes eleven user-selectable brightness settings, including two night vision settings. An integrated dial fin allows easy rotation through the magnification range, and a near-constant eye relief means no head or stock position adjustments are needed. An integrated mounting adapter eliminates the need for conventional ring mounts, allowing users to quickly and easily mount the VCOG to any rail system.
“We introduced the VCOG 1-8x28 to the commercial market in early 2019, but its design was inspired by requests from our warfighters. During design, development, and testing, we constantly challenged ourselves to produce a scope that would deliver the performance necessary in the most punishing of conditions,” said Chuck Wahr, Trijicon’s Global Vice-President of Sales & Marketing.
Trijicon is proud to count among its users every branch of the U.S. military, Special Operations Forces, U.S. Government agencies, state and local Law Enforcement, and many of America’s allies.
This is great news for the Marines, as these optics are absolutely top notch.
Combining the bright light reception of a fixed power optic with the versatility of variable magnification. Plus, these optics feature the excellent BCG reticle and excellent durability Trijicon is known for. For more information, visit www.Trijicon.com
