NEWTOWN, Conn. - The Electro-Optic Fire Control System-Thermal (EFCS-T) day/night fire control system is typically installed into a Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station CROWS unit (although other fire control systems have been installed by some CROWS users). The EFCS-T seems to enjoy two advantages. First, it is capable of land operations, making it well suited to operations in Afghanistan and, in the past, Iraq. Second, it appears to be the only fire control system fitted to CROWS, CROWS II, CROWS III (and likely CROWS Low-Profile, currently under development and being readied for production). It has been promoted in the U.S. as an effective tool for keeping American soldiers safe while performing the increasingly dangerous task of urban security and combat against a guerrilla insurgency.

The CROWS family of systems would appear to be at the heart of the EFCS-T's future and is enjoying considerable support. Manufacturer EOS Fire Control Systems is also fitting its Lightning Stabilized Remote Weapon Station (SRWS) with the EFCS-T. (Lightning is a system similar to CROWS.) The EFCS-T is also being considered for European and Middle Eastern programs, and is currently fitted to Singapore's Bionix infantry fighting vehicle. It is reasonable to expect newly produced Bionix IFVs to carry an SRWS, and Singapore will likely retrofit the full Bionix inventory with the system as funding allows.

The EFCS-T production forecast is primarily founded on the two known platforms: the U.S. Army's CROWS and Singapore's Bionix IFV. Current U.S. CROWS orders are expected to average 240 to -250 units per year to around 2018, at which time procurement will likely drop to 100 units or less for spares and maintenance. Further decreases can then be expected as the EFCS-T technology becomes obsolete and is replaced by newer, more capable systems yet to be developed. The second- largest user is believed to be Singapore, which is expected to complete its main procurement by the end of 2017 and then transition to limited spares and maintenance.

Source: Forecast International
Associated URL: http://www.forecastinternational.com
Author: R. Sterk, Electro-Optical Systems