L42A1 Combat Simulation

Hi, back in the eighties the British army played around with combat simulation equipment which involved the soldier wearing a vest of sensors, vehicles were fitted with similar sensors along with smoke pots. Individual weapon systems were fitted with a laser firing system which when hit the sensor on the soldiers body set off an alarm denoting he had been hit.
I recently saw a list of UIN (unit identification numbers) for the L42A1 sniper rifle and in brackets next to one of the UIN was SIMEX. I know this to be an exercise for this equipment back in 87. Does anyone have pictures or any info on the laser firing equipment for the L42 rifle????

It was called MILES here in the USA at the time.

A lot of that stuff was trialled at Warminster for use on/in the CQB/battle villages. It's still(?) in use but the kit is very old and tatty. There were also modified L1A1's et al, used by 'umpires'. I was loaned to SAAB Techniks for a couple of weeks who were doing some trials and tests at W/minster until last year. Nice blokes who lived well and shared their lavish expenses.......... Their generosity didn't extend to a new SAAB car though!

Peter, I'm presuming the rifle had SIMEX next to its entry on the list because there was something specialist about it. would it have been fitted with a specific laser system for the L42? Would it have been a modified 32 scope? I recall the SUSAT on the SA80 was replaced with a sight/laser unit.

We did actually give them rifles to faff around with including those L85's used on the 'small bore' indoor but outdoor range simulator. But I don't ever remember an L42 used in that way as it was getting WELL past its sell-by date then.

There were some SIMEX L85/6's that came back after some trials but they were so badly trashed by the modifications that theyt were useless. I also remember that thet also had to be deactivated to the old spec too................. No wonder they failed!