Applied Ballistics/Wilcox Industries RAPTAR-S (RAPid TArgeting and Ranging Module-SABER) Weapon-Mounted Tactical Aiming Laser Sight/Laser Range Finder (LRF)/Ballistic Computer and Wilcox RAPTAR and for Snipers and Military Special Operations Forces (SOF) (Video!)

By David Crane
david (at) defensereview (dot) com

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May 7, 2014
Last updated on 5/09/14.

Travis Mitchell of Wilcox Industries was kind enough to take DefenseReview (DR) through both the legacy Wilcox RAPTAR (Rapid Targeting and Ranging Module) IR (Infrared)/visible tactical aiming laser (laser sight)/laser rangefinder/IR illuminator and brand new prototype Wilcox RAPTAR-S (Rapid Targeting and Ranging Module-SABER, formerly RAPTAR-M) that combines all the legacy RAPTAR features/functions with a ballistic computer, environmental sensor, GPS and Bluetooth capability, at SHOT Show 2014.

The Wilcox RAPTAR, billed as the smallest weapon-mounted tactical aiming laser (visible and IR)/laser rangefinder and IR laser flood, weighs in at approximately only 10.5 ounces (10.5 oz.) to 10.8 ounces (10.8 oz.), or a little more than half a pound. All of those features are powered by a 3V CR123 lithium battery, like the SureFire SF-12BB battery, for example, which also powers the 4×32 BROWE Combat Optic (BCO). The RAPTAR can effectively lase a man-sized target at 1400 meters, and NATO vehicle-sized targets at 2500 meters.

And, it’s factory-repairable if damaged. The operator can test the RAPTAR in the field with the built-in test function.

The Wilcox RAPTAR comes with a remote (tethered) keypad/pressure switch that allows the operator to choose laser intensity and other functions. It also offers two mounting options: a clam mount and a fixed rail mount.

The new AB/Wilcox RAPTAR-S is the product of a joint venture with Applied Ballistics and employs their AB Solver ballistics software program, which tracks the G1 and G7 curve of the bullet’s flight to target, courtesy of Bryan Litz’s formula. “They’ve [Applied Ballistics] been doing this for about 8-10 years, and they’ve profiled a lot of different rounds on a Doppler Radar, so all the curves, everything in there is already transmitted. So, basically, once you fire the laser, you’re gonna’ get a solution in minutes or mils for the sniper,” says Mitchell.

Editor’s Note: Speaking of Bryan Litz, you can buy his book titled Applied Ballistics for Long-Range Shooting at the Brownells online store, here.

And, that’s not all, Monty. “The unique thing also is [it has] built-in GPS, it also has Bluetooth, so you [can] have all your guns profiled on your Android [smartphone]. You hit ‘Send’ on your Android, and it uplinks to this [RAPTAR-S ballistic computer], and now it’s already profiled for the gun,” says Mitchell. Watch the embedded video below to see all the ballistic computer settings and functions.

Defense Review really digs the AB/Wilcox RAPTAR-S (SABER), since it’s essentially the ultimate mini weapon-mounted long-range-interdiction/sniping aid in one lightweight, compact little package. If you want to cancel an enemy combatant like a stamp, the RAPTAR automatically and electronically turns you (or any competent long-range shooter) into the Deathmaster General. The great Carlos Hathcock would have definitely killed for one of these little electronic honeys, which would have most likely enabled him to kill a lot more, and more consistently.

PRG Defense (Patomic River Group Defense) is Wilcox Industries’ master distributor for the various RAPTAR models, including the new RAPTAR S. The RAPTAR is currently listed at $6,500.00 USD on the PRG Defense website as of this writing, land the RAPTAR-S will, according to Mitchell, probably come in at approximately $7,500.00 to $8,000.00 USD, when it becomes available.

The following information comes directly from the Wilcox Industries RAPTAR-S (SABER) Data Sheet:

“WILCOX RAPID TARGETING & RANGING – SABER (RAPTAR-S™)

Wilcox’s Rapid Targeting & Ranging Module – SABER (RAPTAR-S™) utilizes the same
proven technology as the original RAPTAR™ with an Infra-Red (IR) Laser, Visible Laser,
IR Flood, and Laser Range Finder (LRF). In addition, the RAPTAR-S™ features an Applied
Ballistics Solver for precise accuracy at extremely long ranges.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

– Extremely accurate Fire Control Solutions for long range target engagements using the Applied Ballistics Solver.
– Select either G1 or G7 Ballistic Coefficient or use one of the custom drag curves as measured by Bryan Litz for the most accurate solutions at extreme long range.
– Accounts for all contributing environmental variables including Coriolis, spin drift, and aerodynamic jump.
– “Train” (or calibrate) the software to match your specific rifle based on observed impacts at long range.
– Expandable with emerging technology, producing an overall cost savings throughout the lifecycle.

FEATURES:

– Laser Range Finder (LRF)
– Infrared Aiming Laser/ Visible Aiming Laser
– Variable Infrared Illuminator (Flood to Spot)
– Intuitive User Interface
– Integrated Ballistic Engine
– Temperature/Humidity Reading
– Inclination, Cant, and Heading Reading
– Optional GPS and Bluetooth capability

PART NUMBERS:

57300G01-B RAPTAR-S, (Black)
57300G01-T RAPTAR-S, (Tan)
57300G02-B RAPTAR-S, ES (Black)
57300G02-T RAPTAR-S, ES (Tan)
57300G03-B RAPTAR-S, HP (Black)
57300G03-T RAPTAR-S, HP (Tan)

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS:

1. IR laser, VIS Laser, IR Flood, & Laser Rangefinder.
2. Menu Input & Selection Control Pad
3. Internal Battery Compartment houses One (1) CR123
4. Hooded OLED Display
5. Mode Selector Knob
6. 12” Remote Cable

USER INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS:

Display: 128×32 OLED
User Interface: 5 Button Keypad
SENSOR SPECIFICATIONS
Temperature: +/- 1 degree C
Pressure: +/- 0.02 inHg
Humidity: +/- 3 %RH
Inclination Measurement Accuracy: +/- 1 degree
Cant Measurement Accuracy: +/- 1 degree
Heading Measurement Accuracy: +/- 2 degrees
GPS Accuracy: +/- 2 meters

BALLISTIC COMPUTER SPECIFICATIONS:

Ballistics Solver: Full bullet flyout via 3DOF Solver
Accuracy: 0.1 mils through Supersonic and Subsonic Flight
Display: MILS, MOA, Clicks, Inches
Units: Metric, English, Mixed/Dual
Coriolis and Spin Drift: Computed using Heading and GPS Coordinates
Drag Curve Support: G1/G7/Applied Ballistics Custom Drag Curve
Ballistic Calibration: Muzzle Velocity and Drop Scale Calibration

SPECIFICATIONS:

OVERALL SPECIFICATIONS:

Total Operational Weight (Includes Battery and Remote): 2000 Ranges

LASER RANGE FINDER SPECIFICATIONS:

Laser Range Finder: Eye Safe 1550 nm
Minimum Range: 5 Meters
Max Range: Target Size Reflectivity 50%
0.5m x 2.0m 1500m
Range Accuracy: 1m
Detection Probability: 90%
Continuous Ranging: 1 Hz
Range Acquisition Time: 1 Sec.
(Refresh Rate can be improved upon request)

LASER SPECIFICATIONS:

RAPTAR-S (G01):
Visible Aiming Laser Red (635) IR Aiming Laser IR Illuminator RAPTAR-S, ES (G02):
Visible Aiming Laser Red (635) IR Aiming Laser IR Illuminator RAPTAR-S, HP (G03):
Visible Aiming Laser Red (635) IR Aiming Laser IR Illuminator

Approved for Public Release by DoD”

Company Contact Info:

Applied Ballistics LLC
1411 Lakeshore Drive
Medway, OH 45341 – View Map
Phone: 937-776-1209
AB Website: http://appliedballisticsllc.com
AB Kestrel Website: http://www.appliedballisticsllc.com/kestrelwab.html
AB Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AppliedBallisticsLLC

Wilcox Industries Corp.
25 Piscataqua Drive
Newington, NH 03801 USA
Phone: 603-431-1331
Fax: 603-431-1221
Website: http://www.wilcoxind.com

VIRGINIA BEACH FACILITY:
One Columbus Center, Suite 680
Virginia Beach, VA 23462 USA
Phone: 757-490-7864
Fax: 757-490-7804
Website: http://www.wilcoxind.com

Potomac River Group, LLC. (PRG Defense)
19775 Belmont Executive Plaza, Suite 525
Ashburn, VA 20147-7608
Phone: 703.771.3003
Fax: 703.858.7353
Email Orders: orders@prgusa.net
Website: http://www.prgdefense.com

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