Riflecraft Ltd are a ISO 9001:2008 accredited UK based SME specialising in precision rifles and training in support of these weapon systems to both civil and tactical customers. The company was formed in February 1998 by Andrew Evans-Hendrick after 20 years’ experience with the UK armed forces and has since expanded to occupy over 10,000 sq ft (930m2) in Norfolk.

The Company provides a design service with local manufacturing capability, a fully qualified armourer service including armourer training and a large civilian retail unit. All workshop staff and instructors are fully qualified and regular shooters. The Company and staff specialise in rifles and accessories and can therefore provide a truly dedicated service to civilian and tactical customers alike.

Military Contracts

Riflecraft have been successfully supplying UK MOD and UK Police for a number of years and have a dedicated Department catering to the needs of the tactical community, headed by a fully qualified Contracts Manager with over thirty years’ experience with the UK Ministry of Defence.

Members of the Tactical team have military and operational experience and therefore a real understanding of the needs of the End User.

To date nearly 100,000 handguards for SA80 co-designed by Riflecraft have been successfully delivered to British Armed Forces.

Military Supply Chains and Partnerships

Many prestigious US Companies have selected Riflecraft as their UK distributor and these relationships are based on a mutual respect and desire for the End User to carry the best quality products with the best possible support. Barrett Firearms, Remington Defense, LWRC International, Daniel Defense, Smith Enterprise Inc , Abrams/Milkor, Leupold & Stevens, Nightforce Optics, and McCann Industries are amongst the companies represented not only at the point of sale but for full support solutions for all of their products including user/maintainer training, full through life support packages (including spares & special to type tools)  repair, development and mid-life improvement programmes.
The combination of operational awareness, a design and engineering facility and access to some of the best names in the business, means that Riflecraft are not simply a supplier but a provider of solutions whether these are an off the shelf option from a partner or a concept that requires development from grass roots through design and proof of concept to the production of prototypes and trials.

The Modern Light-Weight Non-magnetic Bayonet

In response to the UK Government’s desire to reduce the burden on the Dismounted Soldier, Riflecraft developed a new, light-weight, non-magnetic bayonet. It does not interfere with the normal operation of the weapon when fitted over the flash eliminator, will penetrate a standard stab vest with a single thrust and the non-magnetic properties enable it to be used as an improvised mine prodder. The scabbard has been designed to fit to the soldiers MOLLE or belt and both this and the bayonet itself are made entirely in the UK.

New M2 Barrel Support

The Riflecraft M2 (HMG) Replacement Barrel Support was designed for this tried and trusted machine gun for both QCB and Older models to provide collimated mounting for all light / laser combinations. It is a CNC machined part rather than the traditional cast version and is indexed from the barrel threads at 12 and 6 o’clock making all dimensions relative to those threads and all mounting platforms parallel to the bore.  The multiple mounting of lights and lasers enables the shooter to retain zero whilst switching between the various technologies and only one Allen or Torx tool is required to change configuration.  An extension is also available for use through most armour.

Sound Moderators/Suppressors

Riflecraft have been promoting the use of sound moderators for some years and now have their own light weight range to fit the whole range of military and civilian weapons. The reduction in both visual and audible signature provides improved protection for the soldier and the reduction in weight and size reduces the impact on the weapon as was experienced with older heavier moderators.

The Future
The Business objectives of Riflecraft include the expansion of the business through sales at home and abroad. All products are fully supported “through-life” giving the customer a fully supported system for the life of the product. Full training packages are available and can be tailored to a train-the-trainer format if required by the customer.

mb-microtec ag is the world’s leading manufacturer of Gaseous Tritium Light Sources (GTLS).  The family owned company with approx. 60 plus employees is situated in the village of Niederwangen; on the outskirts of the Swiss Capital of Berne.

Gaseous Tritium Light Sources (GTLS)

mb-microtec ag specialises in the development testing, manufacturing and supply of GTLS in various sizes and shapes for use in numerous products within the civilian, military and OEM industries.
The company provides GTLS to a large number of OEM worldwide for use in their products which includes products such as Watches, Compass, Map-Readers, Route Markers, Arch Markers and Gun sights.
The company also assists in the development and manufacture of products to customer specification, as well as acting as consultants for issues involving licencing, the safe handling, disposal and re cycling of Tritium.

GLTS are glass forms in various shapes, sizes and colors produced from borosilicate glass (Pyrex) the smallest being just 0.5mm in diameter and 1.6mm in length which are coated internally with phosphorescent material and then filled with tritium gas. The forms are extremely safe, are hermetically sealed and are not affected by water, oil and most other corrosive materials.

Tritium was discovered in 1934 by Ernest Rutherford, ML Oliphant and Paul Harteck, tritium (T, or H3) is the third isotope of hydrogen. It is unstable and disintegrates whilst sending out beta radiation (electrons) and has a half-life time of 12.3 years. During this transition, each atom emits just one electron, which leaves the core with a maximum energy of approx. 18 KeV. The energy is very low compared with other radioactive isotopes, which means the electron is unable to penetrate the human skin and can be stopped easily by a sheet of paper. This makes it extremely safe when used in combination with our GTLS. As the Tritium is in a gaseous form and lighter than air, should a GTLS break the gas disperses to the atmosphere at over 3m/sec

Trigalight® Technology

mb-microtec ag manufactures trigalights in a number of different shapes sizes and colours . A trigalight is a self-activated cold light source, requiring neither power supply nor wiring, formed from borosilicate glass, internally coated with one of a range of phosphors and filled with Tritium gas. Trigalight products are intrinsically safe, and are unaffected by water, oil and most corrosive materials. Additionally trigalights are also:

• Filament free are highly resistant to shock, temperature and vibration
• Maintenance free and intrinsically safe
• Chemically inert
• Completely maintenance free
• Electro Magnetic Pulse (EMP) proof
• Long in service life, guaranteed to glow for at least 10 years

Trigalight® Tactical Insert®

trigalight inserts are metal sleeved, sapphire crystal protected trigalights.
The so called tactical inserts find wide application within the gun sight illumination sector.

Their absolutely outstanding reliability which requires no external power source and they have even greater benefits when it comes to after sales costs, compactness and durability. All tactical inserts are tested to withstand extreme shock and weather conditions and come with a 10 year illumination warranty.
Tactical inserts can be used at temperatures ranging from -94 deg. to 250 deg. Fahrenheit, not only for a short period but for several years if needed.

Trigalight® Lynx System®

Optical Gun Sighting Systems

The patented combination of fibre optics and trigalight GTLS makes it possible. The lynx systems is always ready require no other power or energy source, or warm up time and never needs to be adjusted for brightness. Based on simple physic, one of the most reliable optical gun sighting systems ever invented.
The fibre optics collects the surrounding light and guides it to the end of the fibre where it shows up as an illuminated ring (red or green depending on the fibre colour).

As soon as there is not enough surrounding light the trigalight® GTLS starts to glow and shows up as a green dot on the sight.  This process happens in real time with absolutely no time delay.

There are no buttons, wheels, knobs, batteries or wires needed ... just a standard place and forget metal mount, as comes with every iron sight. You can holster or store your gun knowing that whenever you will need it again, your gun sight will be instantly ready for duty.

GTLS Technology - Traser® Watches

mg-microtec ag are proud to be the manufactures of the first ever watch containing the GTLS technology. Traser produce a large variety of watches variety including watches designed for Divers, Military, Police or Special Forces sector which are produced and tested according to the strict US MIL- G- 46374G.

As the watches contain the GTLS technology they are always ready to go and require no added light or energy source to make them glow which means you can see your watch anytime, anyplace and in any light conditions. The watches are also available as a so called “private label watch” giving you the opportunity to design your own unique personalized watches for your Unit, Company, Regiment or Corp. Please contact us at www.traser.com

Other Products Using Trigalights®

GTLS Map Readers and Compasses

Our GTLS are used by a number of different watch manufactures worldwide, As well as watches our GTLS can be found in Map readers, Compasses,  Defile markers, Bivy zip Markers, Kit Markers and Emergency Exit sign to name just a few. Further information can be found at www.fireflymarkers.co.uk

More than just Night Vision and Thermal Target Acquisition, Surveillance and Engagement Equipment

Qioptiq is one of the world’s principal designers and manufacturers of infrared and image intensified night vision equipment. The Company’s portfolio of products includes a complete range of equipment for use in the ground-based environment and for a wide range of applications.

They are designed to satisfy the most stringent requirements of international defence and security procurement authorities, and are all fully qualified for use in the most extreme environmental conditions.

Qioptiq now has a new leader, with Mr Fredrick Arp being appointed as chairman and CEO on 8 January 2010, bringing with him a vision to align the group’s activities and further establish Qioptiq as a group providing innovative photonics solutions to its customers around the world.

After several years of working as an international network of companies, in 2010, the Qioptiq Group’s 2,300 people across North America, Europe and Asia will begin working even more closely together under one name and one logo. Bringing together the LINOS Group and Point Source under the Qioptiq brand, the international Photonics provider will now boast a single identity worldwide.

Organised to deliver into its four main market sectors:

• Industrial Manufacturing
• Medical & Life Sciences
• Research & Development
• Defence & Aerospace

Qioptiq is your global one stop source for Photonic Solutions

Within the Defence & Aerospace Division, Qioptiq is focussed on maintaining a steady pace of development within the Dismounted Close Combat / Soldier Modernisation market sector in order to ensure that Qioptiq products remain state of the art and provide features and capabilities called for by the User community.

The Defence & Aerospace Division provides an excellent balance of Technology, Engineering and Manufacturing capabilities that can provide world leading DCC products with both reliability and affordability.

Weapon Aiming and Target Acquisition Sights

Qioptiq provides a range of world leading night weapon aiming sights for a wide variety of platforms including individual assault weapons, light support weapons, crew-served weapons, anti-tank/anti materiel weapons and specialised sniper applications, using visible image intensifying and un-cooled thermal imaging technology.

Military Sight Surveillance and Equipment Solutions

A range of military sight surveillance equipment is also available utilising both visible image intensifying and uncooled thermal imaging technology. Binocular and Monocular eyepiece variants are available providing maximum flexibility for surveillance applications.

Military Image Intensifier Sights

• Kite – Weapon mounted night sight In service in over 50 countries
• MaxiKite-2 – Weapon mounted night sight ×6 magnification

• MERLIN SR Assault Rifle sight
• MERLIN MR Sharpshooter Rifle sight
• MERLIN LR Sniper Rifle sight

• Kos / Maxikos – Hand held night surveillance sights Suitable for short to medium range surveillance, security search and rescue observation

Thermal Weapon Sights

• VIPIR-2 (CQB) – Thermal weapon sight Latest low powered uncooled technology
• VIPIR-2 – Thermal weapon sight Suitable for short to medium range weapons
• VIPIR-2+ – Thermal weapon sight Suitable for short to medium range weapons
• VIPIR-S – Hand held thermal surveillance sight Suitable for short range surveillance
• VIPIR-2S+ – Hand held thermal surveillance sight Fully qualified and ruggedised
• SVIPIR-2+ Thermal Weapon Sight 24 hour operational capability

• DRAGON Compact (C) lightweight, multi-use thermal weapon / observation sight
• DRAGON Long Range (LR) section level & heavy support weapon sight

PHOENIX-S – In Line Long Range Sniper Sight

Rugged Thermal Sniper Sight with high optical performance during day and night conditions, even in poor visibility. Utilizes high-resolution MWIR HOT technology to provide a 640x512 resolution image and compatible with a wide range of Weapons and Optical scopes for long range engagement of man and vehicle targets. Runs on commercial AA batteries

• Field of View: 3.6°(H) x 3°(V)
• System Optical Magnification: x1
• Objective Focus Range: 25m – Infinity

Range Performance

• Detect = Man Target 4500m / Vehicle Target 8800m
• Recognise = Man Target 1600m / Vehicle Target 3600m
• Identify = Man Target 800m / Vehicle Target 1900m

PHOENIX-H - Surveillance and Target Location

Designed for Dismounted Warfighters, featuring intuitive MMI and a range of connectivity options, PHOENIX-H delivers battle-winning capability by allowing early detection/identification of targets at extended ranges in zero light conditions.  A Digital Day channel provides increased Identification & Fusion. The integral LRF and sensors enable rapid target location. Wireless connectivity (eg to other PHOENIX assets) enables exchange of images and targeting data to support Collaborative Target Handoff capabilities. Uses commercial AA batterie

• Horizontal Field of View: 2º - 16º
• Staged Optical Zoom
• System Optical Magnification: x1.5 – x12
• Objective Focus Range: 25m – Infinity

Range Performance - Man Target 1.8m x 0.95m

• Detect = WFOV 1000m / NFOV 6250m
• Recognise = WFOV 400m / NFOV 2500m
• Identify = WFOV 200m / NFOV 1250m

Industrial Partnerships & International Organisations

Whilst Qioptiq is a worldwide organisation we also recognise that some nations wish to promote their own national industry capability and have a preference for encouraging local added production value for larger procurement contracts. The Qioptiq approach is to embrace this culture and form industrial partnerships where required. This open approach has lead to large contract success, with a number of potential collaborations ongoing around the world. Qioptiq is always on the lookout for opportunities to collaborate and partner with industrial players around the world in order to bring world class capability to national programmes.

Customer Services and Contract Logistic Support

Qioptiq know and understand the need for through life support of our customers equipment. Our mission is to deliver a fully integrated support service that totally satisfies our customers’ needs. We have the skills, experience and commitment to meet the challenges of Customer Services – today and in the future.

About Qioptiq:

Qioptiq designs and manufactures photonic products and solutions that serve a wide range of markets and applications in the areas of Defense and Aerospace, Industrial Manufacturing, Medical and Life Sciences, as well as Research and Development.

The company is known for its high-quality standard components, products and instruments, its custom modules and assemblies, its leading-edge innovation, its precision manufacturing and its responsive global resourcing.

Through a series of acquisitions, Qioptiq has an impressive history and pedigree, and benefits from having integrated the knowledge and experience of LINOS, Point Source, Spindler & Hoyer, Gsänger, Optem, Pilkingtons, and others.

Qioptiq has a worldwide presence with locations throughout the UK, Europe, Asia and the US, employs over 2,300 people and generated revenues of approximately US$400 million in 2009.