Vortex Selected To Produce Army NGSW Fire Control Optic

by
posted on February 8, 2022
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Vortex Optics

Family-owned Vortex Optics, which is based in Wisconsin, has been selected by the U.S. Army to produce and deliver up to a quarter million Next Generation Squad Weapons–Fire Control (NGSW-FC) systems over a 10-year production period. Contract terms begin this year with a minimum value of $20 million and maximum of $2.7 billion.

The Vortex Optics NGSW-FC, dubbed the XM157, was designed and built with the needs of the current and future warfighter in mind. Designed, invented and engineered entirely in house at the company’s headquarters, the Low Powered Variable Optic (LPVO) features a display overlay, laser rangefinder, ballistic solver, environmental sensors, aiming lasers, digital compass and wireless communication to provide for seamless connectivity on the battlefield.

The XM157 is built around a 1-8x30 mm LPVO with a glass-etched reticle on lenses made entirely in the United States. The fire control weighs less than many traditional LPVOs with current weapon-mounted laser rangefinders and mounts. The system allows our troops to engage threats quickly and effectively.

With an integrated Picatinny base that houses the Vortex Active Reticle system, the XM157 injects a digitally displayed image into the first focal plane of the optic and allows for intuitive displays to support ballistic drops, reticle shapes and sizes, and additional modes to display way points, identified threats and fields of fire. To account for a rapidly evolving battlefield and a broad range of climates and weather conditions, the optic withstood rigorous drop-testing, extreme hot and cold environments, immersion testing and tens of thousands of rounds of live-fire testing.

The combined technology enables the unit to range a target, send the information to an on-board ballistic solver, gather atmospheric information, and display an illuminated Active Reticle with the corrected aimpoint with wind holds in the sight picture. The solution takes tenths of a second and, despite the advanced technology, ease of use was a critical design feature. To provide flexibility in the field the XM157 can be controlled via an on-board keypad or a detachable remote.

Latest

Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web
Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web

Gun Of The Week: Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine

This week, we're on the range with the Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine, a rimfire variant of the AR-15 that's designed for reliability and gives enthusiasts a way to shoot affordably.

The Armed Citizen® July 11, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Japanese Last-Ditch Small Arms Of World War II

The crude assortment of fighting tools used by the Japanese during World War II give clues of an unprepared and unmatched last-ditch fight that ultimately lead to Allied victory.

Federal Ammunition Awards 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships

Federal Ammunition recently awarded the 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships to two 4-H shooting sports teen ambassadors.

2025 Optic Of The Year: Burris Eliminator 6

Even as new generation after new generation of Burris Eliminator continued to add more advanced technology and functionality, it remained odd-looking—until the launch of this year’s sixth-generation product, which is the first in the line that can mount atop a rifle using standard 34 mm scope rings.

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model B

Of the many Spanish-made firearms to emerge throughout the 19th and 20th century, one of the most recognizable is the Star Model B, largely due to its similarity to the Colt Model 1911.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.