The Israelis develop some of the best weapons systems and devices in the world. Previously, they had the CornerShot that allows them to shoot around corners without exposing themselves and now they have the ARCAS that allows them to do the same and even more, such as turning the weapon using it as combat information center.

Developed by Elbit Systems, ARCAS or the Assault Rifle Combat Application System is a gun sight system that also uses Augmented Reality (AR). When using the ARCAS that is mounted on a compatible weapons platform such as the M4 rifle, soldiers can also receive information about the target they are aiming it.

The ARCAS is comprised of an AI-powered computer that is mounted on the forward grip with an electro-optical (EO) sight that is seen in the under barrel rail of the weapon. The computer gets information that sight sees as well from combat information system of the soldier’s unit as well as other ARCAS-equipped devices from other members of the unit. This way, with more data available to the soldier in the middle of a mission, he/she can make better decisions and actions, which can lead to better outcomes.

With the gun sight system the soldier does not always have to raise the gun to eye level to aim at target. Since EO sight transmit what it sees to display monocle to attached to the helmet, he/she can aim and shoot from the hip or shoot around corners without the need to being exposed much.

Other features of the ARCAS are passive range measurement, automatic ballistic correction, detection of fire sources, and video motion detection. That’s a lot of features in the package that a networked warfighter of the 21st Century will
need.

Press release below from Elbit Systems issued early this month, gives more information of the capabilities of ARCAS:

Elbit Systems Unveils ARCAS: AI-Powered, Computerized Solution for Assault Rifles

The innovative system transforms assault rifles into digital networked combat machines

Haifa, Israel, September 9, 2021 – Elbit Systems announced today the unveiling of the ARCAS, a built-in computerized Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered system that interfaces with the rifle’s Electro-Optical (EO) sight, with a helmet mounted eyepiece and with the rifle’s assemblies, providing soldiers with real-time intuitive actionable combat information. ARCAS transforms assault rifles into digital, networked combat machines enabling a step change in the lethality, mission effectiveness and survivability of dismounted soldiers in both day and night.

ARCAS provides infantry and Special Operation warriors with combat capabilities that were not available for them before, including: passive range measurement, automatic ballistic correction, detection of fire sources, video motion detection, the ability to shoot around the corner and from the hip, interface with tactical Command and Control (C2), navigation assistance, friend or foe identification, tracking of stoppage and ammunition and weapon zeroing without the need for live fire.

An AI-powered computer is integrated into the assault rifle’s forward grip, running innovative software and a range of applications. The miniaturized computer unit receives and processes data collected from the soldier’s field of view (as perceived by the EO sight), tactical information from C2 systems, data from other ARCAS users in the team and the rifle’s mechanical information. The combat information is presented to the soldier as an intuitive augmented reality layer on top of the scenery that is seen through the EO sight or the helmet mounted eyepiece. Soldiers operate the system using a joystick button placed on the rifle’s forward grip and a Graphical User Interface inspired by the gaming world.

Oren Sabag, General Manager, Elbit Systems ISTAR, commented: “ARCAS is another important building block in our advanced portfolio of solutions for dismounted soldiers. The development of this new solution is part of our continuous effort and R&D investments aimed at enabling a step-change in the effectiveness and survivability of infantry and Special Forces”.

Designed in an open architecture approach, ARCAS has two configurations. It can include a thermal or low light sight as part of the system, and is capable of interfacing to any existing EO sight. ARCAS can run additional and third party applications depending on the customer’s operational needs and requirements.