After less than three years of development, Smartshooter has reached the final milestone of the Individual Weapon Overmatch Optic (IWOO) program, successfully passing the system’s Technology Readiness Review (TRR).
The program began in February 2020, as the Department of Defence ASD SO/LIC’s ’Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD) selected the Israeli company Smartshooter to develop the solution for IWOO. The goal was to provide tactical operators with overmatch capability against long-range static and moving targets, both in daylight and at night.
“A few minor adjustments are being made to optimize performance; we are pleased with the progress demonstrated and look forward to conducting operational testing and evaluation using the dual-capabilities of IWOO prototypes in 2023 against ground targets at increased ranges and to take down drones,” said Michael Trexler, Special Operation Forces Combat Support Coordinator / Tactical Offensive Support Program Manager. Following the final design configuration approval, the IWOO will move into low-rate production, increasing orders for more systems as IWTSD exercises the contract procurement options.
As part of this TRR, two prototype systems were taken through a series of live-fire tests by IWTSD to ensure the system met the contract performance requirements. The systems performed well and fired day and night, using clip-on night vision devices.
