EOTech announces Marine Corps contract

Ann Arbor, Michigan - The U.S. Marine Corps recently selected EOTechÕs HOLOgraphic Weapon sight (HWS) in response to an urgent requirement for a close quarter battle optic for use on the Marine CorpÕs M4 Carbine. The contract award made by the Marine Corps Systems Command (Quantico, VA), is a one-time purchase of 1,930 HWS sights for Marine Corp units deploying into active war zones in the next few months.

EOTech invented and manufactures the worldÕs 1st holographic sighting system to interface with tactical small and medium caliber weapon platforms. Adapted from the fighter jetÕs Heads Up displays, the HWS achieves significant target acquisition speed gains while maintaining complete vision control of the tactical engagement zone. The HWS is fully compatible, as a passive weapon aiming device, with existing night vision systems.

Cooperation between EOTech and the Marine Corps enabled the weapon sight to be fielded in record time, and is an example of the flexibility and adaptability the Marine Corps is known for. In fact, suggestions by many Marines and other military users have led to direct improvements of the weapon sight. The US Marine Corps and EOTech look forward to a successful partnership that enhances the performance of, provides tactical advantages to, and increases lethality of the Marine rifleman.

Dingell helps Ann Arbor Company Win 2 Big Defense Contracts and Create New Jobs

Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (MI-15) is pleased to announce two large U.S. military contracts for Ann Arbor-based EOTech Inc. The company will produce more than 60,000 HOLOgraphic Weapon Sights (HWS) for U.S. Special Operations Command and close to 2,000 for Marine Corps units deployed in active war zones. The total value of the two contracts comes to more than $17 million dollars.

Already many of the soldiers in the Iraq and Afghanistan theatres are using weapon platforms equipped with the EOTech weapon sight. Their reviews, as well as successful deployments and usage in the field, were major reasons for the military's decision to make the large order of additional sights and move toward standardization.

"This is a product helping our troops in our current conflicts," Dingell said. "With national security a top priority, I think this is a good purchase for our soldiers. We already know the product works and can do the job we need. Anything that will make our troops more effective and safer is worth the money spent."

According to the company, the HOLOgraphic Weapon sight delivers lightning quick speed gains in tactical close quarter, firefight situations where fractions of a second mean live or death. Additional key benefits include: un-compromising use of the soldierÕs peripheral vision, compatibility with fielded night vision systems, leaves no muzzle side, position revealing signature, and is packaged in a compact, durable unit. Now deployed with elite Special Forces and SWAT teams the world over, the HWS delivers vastly improved shooting performance for all level of operator. The sight even works when covered in mud and snow or when the viewing window is broken.

Besides the benefits for national security, the contracts will also create new jobs in Ann Arbor. In the next 6 months EOTech expects to hire as many as 40 more people, increasing the companyÕs employment roles by more than 50 percent and all hires will be into the Ann Arbor factory.

The HOLOgraphic Weapon Sights are made in Ann Arbor, and 70 percent of the parts and components in the weapon sight are made by workers in Michigan and Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

"I am very pleased about EOTech's success," Dingell said. "This is a company creating innovative products, made here in America. EOTech's work will also help our Marines and U.S. Special Forces in the war zones of Iraq and Afghanistan do what they need to do. I think we will hear more about EOTech in the years to come."

Congressman Dingell and EOTechÕs CEO also praised Pennsylvania Congressman John Murtha (PA-12) and Michigan Senator Carl Levin for their help in getting the funding that has been vital to EOTechÕs success.

Richard Berger, President & CEO of EOTech said:Ê ÒEOTech is very proud and very excited to have been selected for important contracts with the United States Army and the United States Marine Corp. Without the tireless efforts and support of Congressman Dingell, Congressman Murtha and Senator Levin - who all ensured that funds were made available for this important mission - EOTech would have been unable to supply our fighting men and women with the Ôstate of the artÕ product that they need and deserve. These contracts will not only help to create well paying jobs in southwestern Michigan but will help to save the lives of our troops as well as help them to conduct their jobs more efficiently. EOTech, as well as our fighting forces, thank Congressmen Dingell, Murtha and Senator Levin for their support."

Senator Levin added: "EOTech's HOLOgraphic Weapon Sights are greatly assisting our soldiers engaged in combat. The Pentagon's contract with EOTech confirms what we have long known - that EOTech's advanced technology and skilled workforce play a vital role in the defense of our nation."

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Adopts EOTech HOLOgraphic Weapons Sight

Ann Arbor, Michigan Ð EOTech announces that it has been awarded a 5-year contract by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to outfit its new .223-caliber carbines with the EOTech HOLOgraphic Weapon Sight (HWS).

After extensive testing of various optical sights, the DEA has selected the 550 Series HWS for its .223 Caliber Carbine program. The HWS was chosen over competitors for its superior speed, extra wide field-of-view, the dual-use reticle and rugged design, according to a DEA official.

More than 2,000 of the Model 550 ÒAAÓ version of the HWS were acquired by the DEA so far under this contract.

The HWS provides incredibly fast and accurate target acquisition under any lighting conditions, offers outstanding night-vision compatibility, utilizes standard AA batteries, and is now submersible in water to a depth of 33-feet.

The HWS will be mated to the Rock River Arms M4 Carbine and issued to DEA agents across the country. Packaged together, the HWS and the Rock River Arms carbine will offer DEA agents superior weapons capability in a compact, reliable, and accurate package.

This is the second major U.S. federal law enforcement contract awarded to EOTech for the HWS. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) purchased more than 1,000 HWS on a 2-year contract in 2001 and 2002

U.S. Army awards contract to EOTech

Ann Arbor, Michigan Ð The U.S. Army, under its Rapid Fielding Initiative, has awarded EOTech, Inc. a contract for immediate supply of optical weapon sights. Under the specific approval of the PEO Soldier, the contract acquires in excess of 6,000 units for immediate deployment for use by Army units being rotated into the Iraqi theater. The approved weapon optic is EOTech standard commercial off-the-shelf, HOLOgraphic Weapon Sight for use on M4 weaponry. The specific version is the night vision compatible, AA battery model.

EOTech invented and manufactures the WorldÕs 1st holographic sighting system to interface with tactical small to medium arms weaponry called the HOLOgraphic Weapon Sight (HWS). Adapted from the fighter jetÕs Heads Up Displays, the HWS achieves significant target acquisition speed gains while maintaining complete vision control of the engagement area.

The U.S. Army and EOTech look forward to a successful partnership that enhances the performance of the operators within the Army community