Lockheed has received funding to develop the Dynamic Image Gunsight Optic (DInGO) scope. From the press release …

Lockheed Martin won a $3.9 million contract last week for the Dynamic Image Gunsight Optic (DInGO) program to develop an optical scope attachment for standard combat rifles like the M16 and M4 with field-of-view and angular magnification that can be automatically reconfigured and optimized based on the range to target.

Lockheed Martin experts will capitalize on recent developments in reconfigurable lenses, low-power large pixel-count digital imagers, foveated focal plane arrays, and low-power displays to produce revolutionary rifle sight capabilities.

Awarding the DInGO contract is the U.S. Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) in San Diego, on behalf of the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in Arlington, Va.

Lockheed Martin optical systems integrators are being asked to produce a prototype rifle sight with rapid, seamless, automated, or hands-free actuation to enable soldiers to keep both hands on their weapons as they use the rifle sight.

The scope must allow for a wide field of view for close quarters battle, as well as sufficient magnification and resolution to hit moving targets farther than a quarter mile away. Lockheed Martin designers will compensate for bullet drop and moderate winds to enhance marksman accuracy at long ranges.

The optical resolution of the DInGO prototype will be sufficient to enable the user to recognize targets at ranges as far away as 1,000 feet between dawn and dusk.

The DInGO rifle sights will operate for as long as eight hours continuous operation — or seven-day limited operation — with two AA batteries. Ultimately, SPAWAR is asking Lockheed Martin to develop a rifle sight that costs less than $600 in quantities of 50,000.

[ Many thanks to Mik for emailing me the link. ]