Leading the Next Generation of Laser Transmitters for Military Use

Laser rangefinders and laser-guided scopes are highly sought-after by modern militaries worldwide. They play a crucial role in target acquisition and in precise data-gathering for targets such as tanks, cannon and attack-UAVs. The range data obtained are directly transmitted to the firing control system, ensuring exceptional accuracy and minimization of collateral damage to noncombatants. Optitask, an Israeli company at the forefront of laser-range measurement technology, is a major supplier to the IDF. Notably, all rangefinders in the IDF's Merkava tanks, from the Mark 4 onward, are equipped with Optitask laser transmitters, as are many IDF UAVs and drones. "We have further orders for Merkava laser rangefinders scheduled for delivery to the IDF from this September," says CEO Samuel Weiner. The company has an enviable reputation in international military electro-optics innovation, with its most recent aiming technology advances currently being tested byIDF special units. Approximately a third of Optitask's products (primarily its laser transmitters, with their eye-safe 1.54-micron wavelength) are exported — to India, Poland, Korea, Singapore, andUSA -- with plans to expand shortly to Germany as well. Its main global competitor is the American technology giant, the Harris Corporation. All Optitask exports are authorized by Israel's Defense Ministry and Department of Defense Export Control (AFI). Within Israel, the company markets its laser transmitters to the IDF and to major IDF suppliers such as Elbit and Rafael. It also provides comprehensive logistical support to every customer, stresses Weiner, training operators and technicians and resolving issues encountered. Founded some 30 years ago, Optitask specializes in electro-optics and is at the forefront of laser transmitter technology for rangefinders. Based in Netanya, it has a staff of 25, among them a dedicated R&D team of highly skilled physicists and engineers with significant military expertise. This team leads the industry in pioneering eye-safe laser transmitter technologies."Alongside our extensive experience developing, designing, field-testing, operating and servicing advanced laser systems, we have the facilities, resources and flexibility to fulfill complex requirements and specifications," says Weiner. "We are unshakably commited to delivering tested, reliable and high-quality products on short notice." The company is continually advancing its research and is currently focusing on product miniaturization. "There's significant global demand for miniaturization, with American companies particularly interested in compact transmitters," notes Weiner.A laser transmitter now in development at Optitask is significantly smaller than current products. The company is working on a laser microchip, which is probably the smallest in its field. "This is a particularly innovative technology," says Weiner. "It's compact and characterized by low transmission energy, yet it delivers at high speed, and is thus suited to applications typically handled by larger laser devices." He anticipates a further six months of development before moving onto production. The company is also developing a unique laser device, in collaboration with two prominent Israeli defense industry companies. "I cannot yet disclose or elaborate on details about this," says Weiner, but he does note that the partners will handle marketing once the product is developed.

Aiming for fast and accurate small arms

Another area which the company has been developing during the past four years is projectile sights for light weapons designed for soldiers, snipers, special units and infantry. "For snipers, we've achieved an optimal combination of sight and light weapon, customized to excel in short-range engagements and deliver precise, rapid shooting up to the weapon's effective range," says Weiner. "Compared worldwide, it sets up and shoots a consistent 12 to 30 percent faster (depending on shooter proficiency) than any other sight." The company has created X3 and X5 magnifiers for use with their sights, alongside a unique dual-channel laser marker — featuring both infrared for night use, and visible light for daylight operations — that facilitates target marking for others, such as commanders using optical equipment. This marker can also serve as a rapid shoulder-fired sight for close-range engagements. Optitask will showcase its innovations at ADEX 2024, the major defense industry exhibition set to take place during September in Baku, Azerbaijan. At last year's exhibition in Germany, there was significant interest in Optitask's advanced sight models, particularly on the part of German weapons manufacturers. The company is now in full-scale production of these sights in anticipation of orders from German and other companies worldwide.