OIP Sensor Systems from Belgium to deliver optics for French army FN SCAR®-H PR Precision Rifles


OIP Sensor Systems from Oudenaarde, Belgium, and its co-contractor Telefunken-Racoms, Ulm, Germany, to deliver optics that will be fitted on FN SCAR®-H PR according to the contract won by the Belgian Company FN Herstal to deliver 2,620 FN SCAR®-H PR 7.62mm NATO caliber precision rifles to the French Army.


OIP Sensor Systems from Belgium to deliver optics for French army FN SCAR H PR Precision Rifles 925 001
Belgian Company OIP Sensor Systems will deliver optics for the French Army FN SCAR®-H PR 7.62mm NATO caliber precision rifle. (Picture source OIP Sensor Systems)


The FN SCAR®-H PR Precision Rifle will be equipped with PMII ShortDot Dual CC sights from Schmidt & Bender, new TIGRIS clip-on sights (two variants, I² and IR) in large quantities, as well as ammunition from MEN Metallwerk Elisenhütte GmbH. OIP’s TIGRIS clip-on sights will feature main components from the French industry: 4G image intensifier tubes from Photonis for the I² variant, and Device-ALab thermal cores with Lynred infrared detectors for the IR variant.

The PMII ShortDot Dual CC combines both close combat and precision marksman capabilities into one scope. It incorporates a first focal plane Mil Dot-based reticle for accurate ranging and compensation for hold-offs, hold-under, and hold-over. It offers an adjustable intensity illumination in the form of a distinctive and highly visible center dot in the second focal plane. The elevation and windage turrets are lockable to protect the zero position against unintentional adjustment. These combined features create the most advanced multipurpose close combat and mid-range day scope design.

The OPI TIGRIS-IR is a compact, lightweight, high performance clip-on thermal sight for sniper rifles which allows the user to move from day to night operation without the need of boresight realignment, for added combat value. It is weapon-mounted by means of a convenient quick mount/release mechanism, without the use of any tools or adapters. The system fits various day sights with magnification op to 8x.

TIGRIS-IR features an uncooled 8-12µ, 640-480 pixels, 17µm pitch detector, is powered from standard AA batteries and can be powered from an external power supply. Mounting and dismounting TIGRIS-IR from the weapon is done in seconds, no readjustment or alignment needs to be done by the gunner.

The contract entered into force on December 13th, 2019, and includes a qualification phase followed by several batches to be delivered over a period to be determined during the execution of the contract. The total investment for the French Ministry of Defence, including optional batches, represents almost 100 million euros.

The Belgian Company OIP Sensor Systems specializes in the design, development, and production of high-end electro-optical systems. Principal target areas for the company include defense and space markets. In addition to its wide range of products, OIP Sensor Systems works closely together with customers to design, develop and manufacture customized products.

OIP Sensor Systems offers a comprehensive range of unique products. These include a variety of portable and platform mounted night vision systems and weapon sights, ruggedized CCD cameras, day-night periscope sights, thermal observation devices, and fully integrated fire control systems.