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2020-04-01

Swiss Army Chooses Vario-Ray LLM

The Swiss Army recently placed an order with Rheinmetall for the Vario-Ray Laser Light Module (LLM), as part of its defence procurement programme. This involved signing a contract with Switzerland’s Federal Office for Defence Procurement (Armasuisse).

The delivery of the 9,640 devices is set to commence in May 2020 and will reportedly be completed by the end of 2022. The deal also includes accessories, spare parts and training support. Rheinmetall Air Defence AG is the general contractor for the project, while Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics GmbH is the manufacturer.

Advanced Technology

The laser light module Vario-Ray from Rheinmetall is the successor of the combat-proven LLM01 and is equipped with powerful lasers. The Vario-Ray technology enables the user to electronically focus the infrared illuminator, therefore, eliminating the need to manipulate the weapon in the dark. It is an advancement in combating safety and readiness, as the hands remain on the weapon at all times while operating the laser light module.

For eye-safety, the Vario-Ray employs the patented concept of colour-coded remote cables. Blue and white training cables ensure eye-safe Class 1 and 2 laser powers, while grey, brown and black combat cables release fully installed Class 3R and 3B laser power. The Vario-Ray is capable of holding a fourth laser system, a SWIR or DSID laser, for example.

Used for detecting, identifying and marking targets, the laser light modules – known as the LLM 19 in Swiss military parlance – will be mounted on soldiers’ assault rifles. Weighing approximately 240 grams, the Vario-Ray LLM can be mounted on a MIL-STD 1913 rail on any assault rifle, and operated via a trigger cable. Together with the night vision and thermal imaging devices, also acquired under the 2019 defence procurement programme, it will enable Swiss troops to perform their missions around the clock and in all weather conditions.

The Vario-Ray LLM forms part of Germany’s Future Soldier System-Extended System, or IdZ-ES, used by the Bundeswehr. The British Army, which calls it the Laser Light Module MK3, also employs the system.

Rheinmetall offers an extensive portfolio of infantry equipment, including numerous aiming and illumination modules. These were developed in order to enhance the tactical effectiveness of small arms. Among the most recent products is the Variable Tactical Aiming Laser (VTAL) module. This aiming and illumination module is compatible with all standard night vision devices and can be coupled with the separate modular Lumenator weapon lamp, also made by Rheinmetall. Another product is Tac-Ray Ballistic, a rangefinder/ballistic computer for snipers.

Visible target markers include a red and a green target marker. Years after red target markers have had their technical breakthrough and were available as mil spec, the technology of green lasers has evolved as well and such target markers are now readily available and meet the environmental requirements of military devices.

In the infrared spectrum, the company provides a regular Infrared (IR) target marker as well as a Short Wave infrared (SWIR) target marker. With the Vario-Ray LLM, Rheinmetall offers the world’s first mil spec serial product with an integrated SWIR target marker.

Typical Scenarios

There are five main scenarios to use LLM’s: close Quarter Battle (CQB), Low Light or no Light Scenarios, Target marking for Close Air Support (CAS), Crowd and Riot control (CRC) and Target acquisition.

CQB scenarios are characterised by shooting on shortest distances with no time for a proper aiming process. This includes street fighting and fighting from room to room. A powerful target marker facilitates the aiming process and may give the operator the split second that makes the difference.

There are two ways to use LLM’s in Low Light and No Light scenarios. In visual mode, the operator uses white light to illuminate the scene with a strobe effect. Here, the visible target marker (red or green) comes into play.

In covered action, the operator uses the IR illuminator and target marker in combination with a night vision goggle or a night vision sight. IR target markers are also used to guide Close Air Support (unguided bombs and other weaponry) to a target. This is in addition to target designation scenarios; in which forward air controllers lead laser-guided bombs to their targets by using modulated high power IR laser designators.

In Crowd and Riot control as well as in checkpoint scenarios, LLM can be used to direct people and to deter offenders. When there is a single individual inciting a crowd or a single offender acting out of an otherwise peaceful crowd, a visual target marker can help to de-escalate the situation while none of the bystanders will feel directly threatened.

When precision counts, operators rely on LLM with integrated laser range finders (LRF). Snipers, spotters, and Dedicated Marksmen Rifle (DMR) use these modules to hit their targets even more accurately.

Reference Text/Photo:

www.rheinmetall-defence.com

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