L42A1 Combat Simulation

[chosenman]

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????

Information

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[Brian Dick]

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

[Peter Laidler]

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!

[chosenman]

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.

[Peter Laidler]

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!