Vortex XM-157

[atomic41]

This thing is awesome. The range and save feature around 26 min is crazy.

 

[rhsc]

I'll take one in a 2-12x36 configuration, please.

 

[tangloppen]

First I was like, mnjeh - not different from the commercial smartscopes.
But then you notice that handsome man’s enthusiasm, the joy, excitement, and then you start to understand - this is a serious game changer. Combined with the extended range capabilities of the XM5, well fuck.
This is going to change ground warfare.

Amazing.

 

[WindstormSCR]

Some thoughts I posted elsewhere, but will copy here:

1. They made the system modular, and first focal plane, so that means not only can the laser box be upgraded as advertised, but it also means they can make other optics capable of taking the same approved LRF/Computer design. I can see them gunning for contracts for Sniper, Antimateriel and CSASS platforms simply by changing the underlying optic.
2. Because of the above, there will be no problem for them making civilian versions of the laser box to comply with anything classified in the issued box, potentially adding additional features like AB integration and bluetooth to grab data from things like vortex fury LRF binos, etc.
3. Again with the modularity, there is nothing stopping them from making a version of the UH Holo series with the display built in, so while the XM-157 won't be going on entry guns, a very close cousin might
4. Because this is a government contract, the interface between parts (like LRF box to optic) should become relatively standardized, along with the expandability using a common 5-pin interface. this opens up room for other companies to innovate and provide new solutions built off the tech, much like picatinny rails revolutionized "how the fuck do clamp shit onto gun"
5. Any future US adversary watching this should be shitting their pants
   
   Steiner was the first to field with these kinds of things, but they've just had their lunch eaten in a very serious way. Wilcox, Steiner, and Envision are going to have to push hard to claw back the advantage they have just lost, and at the moment they have a very small window to do that by embracing commercial sales for a change (Steiner might, the other two probably won't)

 

[atomic41]

Some thoughts I posted elsewhere, but will copy here:

1. They made the system modular, and first focal plane, so that means not only can the laser box be upgraded as advertised, but it also means they can make other optics capable of taking the same approved LRF/Computer design. I can see them gunning for contracts for Sniper, Antimateriel and CSASS platforms simply by changing the underlying optic.
2. Because of the above, there will be no problem for them making civilian versions of the laser box to comply with anything classified in the issued box, potentially adding additional features like AB integration and bluetooth to grab data from things like vortex fury LRF binos, etc.
3. Again with the modularity, there is nothing stopping them from making a version of the UH Holo series with the display built in, so while the XM-157 won't be going on entry guns, a very close cousin might
4. Because this is a government contract, the interface between parts (like LRF box to optic) should become relatively standardized, along with the expandability using a common 5-pin interface. this opens up room for other companies to innovate and provide new solutions built off the tech, much like picatinny rails revolutionized "how the fuck do clamp shit onto gun"
5. Any future US adversary watching this should be shitting their pants
   
   Steiner was the first to field with these kinds of things, but they've just had their lunch eaten in a very serious way. Wilcox, Steiner, and Envision are going to have to push hard to claw back the advantage they have just lost, and at the moment they have a very small window to do that by embracing commercial sales for a change (Steiner might, the other two probably won't)

Exactly, they were thinking several steps ahead with the modular design and it makes me wonder what else is coming. It was entertaining watching GT's reactions to all the stuff this thing can do. Daddy want!

First I was like, mnjeh - not different from the commercial smartscopes.
But then you notice that handsome man’s enthusiasm, the joy, excitement, and then you start to understand - this is a serious game changer. Combined with the extended range capabilities of the XM5, well fuck.
This is going to change ground warfare.

Amazing.

Yup, I started watching and thinking meh...just another smart scope to...holy crap this is serious!

 

[PistoleroJesse]

GPS and ATAK Integration is probably already in development.

Imagine having one (or more) loiter drones pinpointing heat signatures into your scope as they do a 1k orbit of your position.

I wonder how hardened the electronics are friendm a sunspot/emp perspective.

 

[rlsmith1]

Came to post this link in the other thread but glad I found this one. Best video to date as far as showing capabilities. It's insane! And it is only more exciting that Vortex is the company making it because they started in the commercial world and already have those distribution channels set up to sell these. The future is bright (and expensive)!!!

The open interface and modularity is music to my ears and solves the scope / LRF / CNVD puzzle in a unique way (and I think the best way). Integrated IR laser is wonderful and the ability to upgrade / refine is perfect.

My question is what is the limitation of this type of optic?

I think it is important to remember the use case of this LPVO: an efficient intermediate cartridge engaging targets. The NGSW program states area targets should be suppressed to 1200m and accurate fire to 610m. How hard is it to engage out to 600m with a 6.5 CM? Doesn't require much precision. It will be interesting to see what the limits are for this optic. I do not see a 6-36 version of this bringing much to the table other than the integrated LRF and ballistics. Wind is variable so the wind holds will be irrelevant for the majority of shots past 1000m (and certainly at 1500m+) in my opinion. On the other hand, the 300 Norma is a laser and this system could do some very interesting things inside 1500m for that cartridge...

If you watch to the end, the optic is able to save targets in the FOV so no doubt this works with ATAK and eventually we will have enough information to replicate this for civilians (hooking this to a drone / fusion bino system for teams would be legit).

I'll start saving my pennies so I can afford one in 2027.


ETA: the Vortex rep's comment that HUD and dynamic reticles are the future of optics has me excited

 

[wade2big]

I’m in when Vortex offers one of these in their Diamondback line out of China for $350.

 

[Glassaholic]

US made glass, just like AMG. I've been following this one since it was first introduced and excited to see this coming to fruition.

Didn't realize Tom Cruise was only 4'8"

Garand Thumb (Mike), "I would like to sell my other optics at this time..." 'nuff said. And where is he that there is no wind in the middle of the day?!?

To see him so giddy was pretty funny, I haven't seen him do that before, clearly he's pretty impressed with the simplicity of this kit.

Three enabler interfaces:

1. Remote plug at front of optic
2. Front of remote - 5 pin connector (flood, IR, white light - open interface)
3. Pogo pin interface front and rear (rear interface connects the LRF and atmospherics)

Future use case for front pogo pin interface - Thermal!

Ballistics - GBSSA (Government Ballistics Software Small Arms) Army owned ballistics solver. Pre-programmed weapon profiles, but can build out custom for specific weapons - If using a riser it can account for that (height over bore)..

Battery life is several weeks - with a lot of ranging and lases, two CR123A

Weight - cannot say at this time but less than straight 1-8 LPVO with mounted LRF

They will address Army demand first (250,000 units), once initial demand is met, Vortex will reevaluate selling to civilian market.

Similar to zeroing a PEQ-15, maybe a little simpler with the display.

Saving targets Mike mentions leaves a indicator (like Battlefield) so as you move away or come back it lets you know what the solution is as you scan by.

Paul Allen (Vortex Project Manager for XM-157) - "Don't belittle people for something they never had the opportunity to learn." Brilliant statement and one worth passing on.

Finally, why couldn't the Razor Gen 3 be THIS color?!?

 

[powdahound76]

I’m in when Vortex offers one of these in their Diamondback line out of China for $350.

Holosun is working on it…..

 

[rlsmith1]

US made glass, just like AMG. I've been following this one since it was first introduced and excited to see this coming to fruition.

Didn't realize Tom Cruise was only 4'8"

Garand Thumb (Mike), "I would like to sell my other optics at this time..." 'nuff said. And where is he that there is no wind in the middle of the day?!?

To see him so giddy was pretty funny, I haven't seen him do that before, clearly he's pretty impressed with the simplicity of this kit.

Three enabler interfaces:

1. Remote plug at front of optic
2. Front of remote - 5 pin connector (flood, IR, white light - open interface)
3. Pogo pin interface front and rear (rear interface connects the LRF and atmospherics)

Future use case for front pogo pin interface - Thermal!

Ballistics - GBSSA (Government Ballistics Software Small Arms) Army owned ballistics solver. Pre-programmed weapon profiles, but can build out custom for specific weapons - If using a riser it can account for that (height over bore)..

Battery life is several weeks - with a lot of ranging and lases, two CR123A

Weight - cannot say at this time but less than straight 1-8 LPVO with mounted LRF

They will address Army demand first (250,000 units), once initial demand is met, Vortex will reevaluate selling to civilian market.

Similar to zeroing a PEQ-15, maybe a little simpler with the display.

Saving targets Mike mentions leaves a indicator (like Battlefield) so as you move away or come back it lets you know what the solution is as you scan by.

Paul Allen (Vortex Project Manager for XM-157) - "Don't belittle people for something they never had the opportunity to learn." Brilliant statement and one worth passing on.

Finally, why couldn't the Razor Gen 3 be THIS color?!?

View attachment 7983074

Thermal will be legit.

1-8x is great because I think it won't force them to make some optical / reticle compromises.

Since he's at Vortex, I think he's in Wisconsin (flat with lots of trees). I was up there last weekend on a four wheeler trip and we never had wind but could hear 30mph wind up top.

What was the unspoken comment at about 6:30 regarding American made lenses?

 

[Glassaholic]

Thermal will be legit.

I will have died and gone to heaven if they get a thermal overlay right in the view.

1-8x is great because I think it won't force them to make some optical / reticle compromises.

I agree, will be interesting to see if a 6-36 style scope (not necessarily the Gen3) with similar mount and LRF unit makes its way into a SOCOM submission in the near future.

Since he's at Vortex, I think he's in Wisconsin (flat with lots of trees).

I figured Wisconsin, but never heard of Wisconsin having no wind

What was the unspoken comment at about 6:30 regarding American made lenses?

I caught that too, after Paul mentions US glass Mike says "I'm not going to say it...", maybe inferring why more US manufacturers aren't looking for more US sourced materials. There is a difference between assembled in the USA and "Made" in the USA. I think it is safe to say the reason we have not seen much in the Vortex AMG development is because they moved to this project. Hopefully there is a new AMG team who have been at work for some amazing civvy products coming soon...

 

[Fred @ Bison Tactical]

My first thought was how long is the battery life. After the IFS I ran needed batteries every single time I went to use it (my guess some parasitic drain of some kind), I gave up on the Steiner version.

Since I have been thinking about the new weapon mounted offerings coming to market - this seems a pretty good option. Any idea what laser wavelength this is on? 905 or 1550?

 

[rlsmith1]

Since it’s aimed at military use, I would be very surprised if it was a 905 laser. Maybe the civilian version will have the 905 as an option to keep cost down but that will also sacrifice performance

 

[CSTactical]

I want one!

 

[Peloton]

 

[WindstormSCR]

Shut up and take my money!

I’m hoping that they'll take the time while they fulfill the initial army contract to reduce the production overheads, so that when it starts to hit civilian sales it will be reasonably priced. Also hoping for a 2-16 option to put on my 6.5 Creed gasser so that I’ll have sufficient magnification for my hunting applications.

its not just the military this will help, being able to take ethical shots more reliably will be great for hunting.

 

[redrad]

ATAK integration, friend or foe system, thermal, downlink from drones, sensors and team mates cameras. This will be something. Probably built in mission recorder/body cam with real time streaming.