After delivering the initial batch last year, HENSOLDT, a solution specialist, is now supplying the German Armed Forces with an additional 90 units of the Spotter 42 observation optics, the company said in aa press release Wednesday.
This upgraded model complements HENSOLDT's existing Spotter 60 units currently deployed with the troops, and it replaces an earlier model.
Compared to the Spotter 60, the Spotter 42 offers a starting magnification of six times instead of twenty times. This adjustment makes the Spotter 42 particularly suited for use with night vision and thermal imaging attachments (NSV and IRV), significantly enhancing observation capabilities in low visibility conditions.
Responsible Sales Manager, Josef Reif, said: “The optical performance of the Spotter 42 is outstanding. It represents a milestone in the compact observation optics device category with its large field of view, high edge-to-edge sharpness and brilliant image quality across the entire magnification range of 6-42x.”
The observation optics have been redesigned to achieve a more compact form, the press release noted, thanks to an updated optical concept. This redesign has resulted in a broader magnification range, starting with lower initial magnification, while also reducing overall weight. The Spotter 42 meets Bundeswehr standards and includes features such as steplessly adjustable reticle illumination. Additionally, it incorporates an integrated laser filter that mitigates the increased radiance of harmful laser radiation due to magnification, all without significantly affecting visual transmission quality.
The Spotter 42 comes equipped with a long mounting rail featuring a Picatinny profile on both sides, allowing for the attachment of accessories at varying heights. Additional rails on the device enable the mounting of various additional devices such as target pointers or rangefinders.
“The initial feedback from users has been exceedingly positive,” Reif noted.
The Spotter 42 significantly enhances the night combat capabilities of snipers by improving their ability to observe in conditions of limited visibility, thereby playing a crucial role in enhancing the operational readiness of the German armed forces. It garnered strong approval from users and procurement officials from military authorities across Europe at EnforceTac 2024 in Nuremberg and will be available as a standard device.
Future plans include further enhancements to broaden its functionality and expand its utility in subsequent development stages.
