Binoculars. The UK MOD potentially may have a requirement to purchase a Land System Binocular Capability (LSBC) to enable basic situational awareness for commanders, by allowing them to detect, recognise and identify objects from short range to a distance beyond the individual weapon sight in both normal and low light conditions. Potentially, the LSBC would replace all tri-service general purpose binoculars with the ability to visually interrogate large and small areas in addition to being a means of estimating size and distance.
The LSBC would be used in a deliberate fashion, i.e. it would be stowed for carriage, then quickly and easily extracted, used and re-stowed as required. During use the operator would need to move the system out of the way to allow other tasks to be conducted without the system being rested on a surface or falling to the ground. It would need to integrate with the Dismounted Close Combat equipment whilst being carried, extracted, used and would be required not to inhibit the operator due to bulk, weight or profile.
The LSBC would be required to be used in positions from standing, unsupported to the prone position without significant image shaking, eye or body fatigue. The LSBC would be required to be robust, simple, unpowered and require minimal logistical support and training and would be required to be as optically effective as the current Prismatic Ruggised 7x42 General Purpose Binocular L12A1; NSN 1240-99-965-6105.
The following are mandatory Key System Requirements from the LSBC System Requirement Document:
Search.
KSR-5: The systems shall be able to view an area of interest. The threshold Measure of Performance (MOP) being:
True Field of View (FOV) should be greater than or equal to 6.2 degrees (110 mils). Apparent FOV (product of true FOV x magnification) should be greater than or equal to 49 degrees. Over 80 % of the FOV, the acuity of the human-binocular system and recognition range shall be reduced by a factor no greater than 4 compared to the centre of the FOV.
Objective MOP: Apparent FOV (product of true FOV x magnification) should be greater than or equal to 60 degrees. Over 80 % of the FOV, the acuity of the human-binocular system and recognition range shall be reduced by a factor no greater than 2.5 compared to the centre of the FOV.
Recognise.
KSR-151: The system shall be able to recognise a man sized target in Full Daylight. The Threshold MOP being:
The system can recognise a man sized target at 1 400 m in Full Daylight.
Objective MOP: The system can recognise a man sized target at 2 380 m in Full Daylight.
KSR-16: The system shall be able to magnify the size of objects. The Threshold MOP being:
Magnification no greater than 10x.
Objective MOP: Magnification greater than 6.5x and less than 8.5x.
Locate.
KSR-29: The system shall be able to estimate the range of objects from the observer. The Threshold MOP being:
Fitted with British Army Graticule (As with L12A1).
Objective MOP: Additional width to graticule (more divisions).
Human factors.
KSR-41: The System shall not pose an additional physical burden for the User. The Threshold MOP being:
Weigh no greater than 0.8kg:
— With caps,
— With strap,
— Without pouch.
Objective MOP: Weigh no greater than 0.57kg:
— With caps,
— With strap,
— Without pouch.
A mandatory prerequisite for inclusion in this tender exercise would be for any potential solution to have a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 9 as per the following definition to be included in the competition: technology system qualified through successful mission operations.
In addition to the working sample required throughout the mini trial, and upon selection (as per III 2.1) twelve working sample systems, complete with all ancillaries, will be required from each economic operator for use in full user, scientific and environmental trials. Although sample systems will be returned after trialling they will be required to be provided to the UK MOD free of charge with any potential liability for damage during trialling remaining with the economic operators. Each economic operator may only submit one system which they believe best meets the System Requirements.
It should also be noted that potentially DSG may, for the purposes of this requirement, act as the contracting authority on behalf of DE&S.