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The latest versions of SOF
Combat Assault Rifle (SCAR) were on display by FNH USA.
These included a sharpshooter configuration of the SCAR-L, displayed
with the long barrel, a Leopold sniper scope, and bipod. A shorter
version of SCAR-L was displayed with a short barrel chambered
for 5.56x46 mm, a holographic
sight from L3 EOTech, and the new Clip-On Night
Vision Device – Thermal (CNVD-T) from Insight Technology.
SCAR-H, configured for 7.62x51 mm ammunition, was shown with
the Elcan Specter
DR night sight. Also displayed was the 40mm LV grenade launcher.
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|  An
innovative device from MTC was the PARASCOPE,
displayed by CERDEC and MTC Modern Technologies. This is an
x1 optical sight coupled to a prism that allows the user to
view the target from the side of the weapon. It also has a rear
viewing port for alignment and conventional shooting. , The
sight mounts on the 1913 Picatinny rail, behind the weapon sight
enabling the user to operate red-tot, laser or holographic sights,
as well as simple iron sight.
 Specialized
weapon systems shown at AUSA 06, designed for Special Forces
included the magnetic and infrared-activated improved M4E1
SLAM, developed by ATK and the
FLY-K lightweight indirect fire weapon system, a portable
indirect fire weapon system designed to fire 52mm mortar bombs
from a quiet, low-signature launcher, at distances up to 800
meters. Other aspects of Special Operations support highlighted
were the logistical support of remote teams, utilizing covert
air delivery systems by air deliverable payloads dropped by
UAVs. Examples shown at AUSA 06 include the U-ADD
from Textron Systems, and QuickMEDs
from Dynetics. Heavier loads of 30 – 500 lbs can be delivered
from high altitude utilizing Altair's Onyx
guided parachute system.
Armoring the Special Forces
 A
prototype of the all-terrain Flyer
Light Tactical Vehicle was shown wearing the new ballistic
protection, based on Ceradyne's FlexKit modules. Two protection
levels are available, utilizing various materials formed into
modular kits, including ceramics, composites, steel and transparent
armor. The armored Flyer retains its air transportability inside
the V-22 aircraft, in support of special-forces operations.
Another all-terrain vehicle shown for the first time was the
Stealth Reconnaissance Assault and Transport System (SRATS),
developed by Utah based SRATS Inc. According to company sources,
the vehicle was developed as 'proof of concept' platforms, but
at least 10 examples are currently in production and will soon
ship to Afghanistan to support special operations forces there.
As a "rock crawler", the vehicle has an outstanding
mobility characteristics; it can be fitted with an armor kit
weighing about 2,000 pounds (907 kg) bringing its maximum weight
to 6,700 pounds (2.7 tons). Two SRATS vehicles can be lifted
by a single CH-47.
A different approach to the off-road mobility is pursued by
the Land and Sea Special Operations (LASSO) diesel powered all-terrain
vehicle (ATV). LASSO uses a unique chassis allowing it to transform
from a 4x4 tactical vehicle into 6x6 logistical vehicle, with
a quick removal of the rear wheel module. In the shorter configuration,
LASSO can transport cargo up to 1,500 pounds (680 kg). The diesel
powered LASSO is running on JP8 heavy diesel fuel.
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