Cart
0
Marines Now Have a New Aiming Laser at School of Infantry
The United States Marine Corps have begun fielding the Squad Aiming Laser (SAL) at the School of Infantry-East at Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Squad Aiming Laser allows Marines to better locate, close with, and destroy the enemy at night. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)
Recently, Marines at the School of Infantry-East began training with the new Squad Aiming Laser (SAL). According to the Marine Public Affairs, the “SAL is an ultra-compact, all-digital, multi-function laser system. It provides both visible and near-infrared (NIR) aiming pointers and illumination, allowing Marines to locate, identify, and engage targets in the most contentious environments and harshest conditions.”
The SAL will replace the AN/PEQ-16, which the Marine Corps first began fielding and using around 2009 to 2010.
Gear Spotlight- What Our Readers Are Picking Up
Harry Mandeles, a project officer, stated, "The NIR beam and illuminator clarity is a generational leap. Infantry Marines will notice significantly less eye strain and a much clearer target picture through their Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) compared to the legacy PEQ-16."
The Marine Corps stated the 3 biggest improvements to lethality this upgrade offers are weight reduction, beam quality, and engagement range. Furthermore, the SAL offers improved weapons balance, and a cleaner beam for faster target identification. Adding, the lighter weight will allow Marines to employ the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR) better in high-tempo environments.
An official announcement claims that by “leveraging SOCOM’s Small Business Innovation Research efforts and small-business agility, the SAL program moved from a stated requirement to a major contract award with remarkable speed. This rapid acquisition model ensures that Marines are not waiting years for technology that is available today.”
Last year, Envision Technology, LLC (Envision) was awarded a $249M firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract by the US Marine Corps for the procurement of the SAL. The contract also included spare and repair parts, test article refurbishment, and contractor logistics support.
The Mini Integrated Pointing Illumination Module (MIPIM) or AN/PEQ-16 was manufactured by Insight/L3Harris and was the successor to the widely used AN/PEQ-15. Before the AN/PEQ-16 and AN/PEQ-15, many GWOT troops deployed with the AN/PEQ-2, which itself succeeded the Gulf War era AN/PAQ-4C.
Disclosure: Pop Smoke Media is owned by Aspetto, Inc., a defense contractor referenced in this story's industry. Please see Editorial Disclosure — Pop Smoke Media & Aspetto, Inc.
