Drones have become an integral part of modern battlefields. In particular, small and low-cost systems pose an increasing threat to soldiers, military installations, and critical infrastructure.

EOTECH is responding to this development with the new HWS CUAS (Counter Unmanned Aircraft Sight) – a holographic weapon sight specifically developed to support the engagement of unmanned aircraft systems.

The new EOTECH HWS CUAS is available on the proven EXPS3 and XPS3 platforms. At its core is a specially developed holographic reticle designed to support rapid target acquisition and the engagement of both stationary and moving drones.

Specialized CUAS Reticle for Moving Targets

For stationary drones, the CUAS reticle features a central aiming point surrounded by fractured outer circles. This design is intended to enable rapid target acquisition.

Additional lead references support the user when engaging moving targets. Depending on the distance and movement of the drone, the appropriate aiming reference can be selected intuitively.

EOTECH provides a specific example: If a drone is moving at approximately 30 mph (approx. 48 km/h) across the user's field of view at a 90-degree angle, the inner left or right dots can be used as lead references for a target at a distance of 50 meters.

At 90 meters, the outer chevrons serve as the corresponding reference points.

Why a Holographic Weapon Sight?

Holographic technology offers particular advantages when working with more complex and larger reticle patterns. According to EOTECH, the technology allows the various aiming and lead points to remain in focus on the target regardless of the size and shape of the reticle.

Todd Estes, Vice President of Engineering at EOTECH, also highlights that holographic optical elements provide a wider field of view while minimizing noticeable parallax compared with conventional optical solutions.

With the HWS CUAS, EOTECH is bringing the characteristics of its established Holographic Weapon Sights to an application that is becoming increasingly relevant on modern battlefields.

HWS CUAS Available as EXPS3 and XPS3

EXPS3 CUAS

The EXPS3 version features side-mounted control buttons, which are particularly useful when the sight is combined with night vision systems or magnifiers.

It also features an adjustable and lockable quick-detach lever for rapid mounting and removal. The EXPS3 provides a lower 1/3 co-witness height.

XPS3 CUAS

The more compact XPS3 features rear-mounted controls and provides a true co-witness height. It uses a 7/64" hex crossbolt, providing a more permanent mounting solution.

Technical Specifications

EOTECH EXPS3 CUAS

• Dimensions: 96.5 × 58.4 × 65 mm
• Weight: approx. 317.5 g
• Mount: 1" Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail
• Zero adjustment: 0.5 MOA per click
• Brightness: 20 daylight / 10 night vision settings
• Water resistance: up to a depth of 10 m
• Power source: 1 × CR123 battery
• Battery life: up to 1,000 continuous hours at nominal setting 4 at room temperature

EOTECH XPS3 CUAS

• Dimensions: 96.5 × 53.3 × 64 mm
• Weight: approx. 255 g
• Mount: 1" Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail
• Zero adjustment: 0.5 MOA per click
• Brightness: 20 daylight / 10 night vision settings
• Water resistance: up to a depth of 10 m
• Power source: 1 × CR123 battery
• Battery life: up to 1,000 continuous hours at nominal setting 4 at room temperature

Both models are Made in the USA.

EOTECH Responds to Emerging Threats

With the HWS CUAS, EOTECH expands the traditional application range of its holographic weapon sights with a solution specifically designed to address the growing threat posed by small unmanned aircraft systems.

Rather than developing an entirely new platform, EOTECH builds on the established EXPS3 and XPS3 systems and equips them with a specialized reticle for stationary and moving drones.

This means that the familiar operating concept, form factor, and key characteristics of the proven EOTECH platforms are retained.

EOTECH at IEA MIL-OPTICS

EOTECH products are available in Germany from IEA MIL-OPTICS.