Safran Optics 1 Inc. announced Friday that the U.S. Marine Corps will be buying its Integrated Compact Ultralight Gun-mounted Rangefinder for its snipers.
The I-CUGR is a small, lightweight, and rugged weapon-mounted laser rangefinder with integrated illumination and aiming lasers that will give the Marine Corps the ability to quickly range targets without taking hands off their rifles — providing more accurate first round hits, the company said in a release.
“We appreciate the opportunity to continue working closely with the U.S. Marine Corps in providing the Marines with superior technology that provides precise and accurate targeting solutions,” said Jose Andrade, Optics 1 business development manager and a retired Marine Corps sergeant major. “The selection of the I-CUGR solidifies the confidence in our commitment to providing technologies that are light yet powerful and are critical to the success of the USMC’s mission requirements.”
The I-CUGR was designed by Optics 1 leveraging rangefinder technology from Safran Electronics & Defense. Production will take place in Bedford at Optics 1. The initial order is for 315 units with deliveries beginning this year.
Safran Optics employs about 80 people at its Bedford location and nearly 100 companywide. Production takes place inside of a three-story, 51,572-square-foot building housed at 2 Cooper Lane.
Originally known as Optics 1 , the company was founded by Robert Fischer, a California-based optical engineer, designer and former chief scientist for Hughes Aircraft. The Safran Group acquired Optics 1 through Vectronix in 2009 to pursue more opportunities in the U.S. market. Last year, Vectronix Inc. merged with Optics 1 Inc., its U.S.-based research and development subsidiary, and now the company is known as Safran Optics 1, a wholly owned subsidiary of Vectronix AG and a part of Safran Electronics & Defense, a Safran group company.