Wireless targeting technology will soon be used on crew-served weapons in the U.S. Army if everything goes according to plan. This will allow the gunner to be able to provide effective and accurate support fire in under any environment.

According to BAE Systems , existing crew-served weapons lack the rapid acquisition and firing accuracy. But with their wireless weapons sight technology, what is seen from the actual weapon sight will be transmitted to a helmet mounted display wirelessly in real time. This way, the gunner does not need to actually look down the sights of the support weapon.

BAE Systems got awarded a contract by the U.S. Army in a deal that can be worth up to US$384 million to develop the Family of Weapons Sights – Crew Served (FWS-CS). This will be designed for the existing support weapons such as the .50 Caliber, M249 and the Mk19 Grenade Launcher. The imagery sent from the weapon system to the heads up display will be using a 12 micron sensor, giving a clearer image of the target even under adverse conditions.

The components of the FWS-CS are a high resolution camera and laser range finder that are in located in the weapon sight then the wireless heads up display. Scout Warrior mentions that this will give the correct range reticle and the gunner will be able to engage targets and lowers the risk of soldiers being exposed to enemy fire. The initial development will cost US$108 million will be developed alongside with the Family of Weapons Sights – Individual (FWS-I) which will be for individual soldier weapons such as the M4 assault rifle.

For the FWS-I soldiers do not need to shoulder their weapon all the time to get an accurate shot and they can fire their weapons without being exposed much while avoiding blind firing is wasteful and inaccurate.  This is seen to be operational in 2018.