Small, low-cost drones are a common sight on the modern battlefield. We are seeing them in real time at hotspots in Europe and the Middle East. To combat them, soldiers on the ground are relying on their standard-issue rifles and shotguns (what’s a better way to take down a mechanized bird?).
The EOTECH Counter Unmanned Aircraft System (CUAS) is a new reticle option that helps give troops on the ground an advantage. Let’s check it out.
SPECS
Available in both the EXPS3 and XPS3 models, the HWS CUAS includes a sophisticated aiming reticle that enables rapid engagement of both stationary and moving drones.
The standard specs are as follows:
- Model(s): EXPS3 & XPS3
- Dimensions: 3.8″ x 2.3″ x 2.6″ (EXPS3), 3.8″ x 2.1″ x 2.5″ (XPS3)
- Weight: 11.2 oz (EXPS3), 9.0 oz (255 g) (XPS3)
- Water Resistant: 33ft
- Mount: 1″ Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail
- Zero Adjustments: 0.5 MOA per click
- Brightness: 20 daylight settings, 10 NV settings (night vision compatible model)
- Battery: 1 x CR123 battery
- Battery Life: 1,000 continuous hours
- MSRP: N/A

FEATURES
The EOTECH HWS CUAS is designed to give individual soldiers a purpose-built aiming solution for engaging small unmanned aircraft. Available in both EXPS3 and XPS3 configurations, the holographic sight uses a specialized CUAS reticle with a primary aiming dot, fractured outer circles, and additional lead references for stationary and moving drones.
For a 30-mph drone crossing at 90 degrees, the reticle provides intuitive reference points for targets at 50 and 90 meters. Its holographic optical system keeps the large-pattern reticle in focus, reduces parallax, and provides a wider field of view.

The EXPS3 features side buttons for use with night-vision systems or magnifiers, a lockable quick-detach lever, and lower 1/3 co-witness with iron sights.
The XPS3 uses rear buttons, true co-witness height, and a 7/64 hex crossbolt. Both mount to Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rails and offer 20 daylight brightness settings, with NV models adding 10 night-vision settings. Powered by a CR123 battery, the sight provides 1,000 hours of runtime and is water-resistant to 33 feet.
ZOOMING OUT
The EOTECH CUAS is a solution to a problem troops face in real time: drones. The CUAS is designed to help them eliminate flying pests. Alternatively, it could be used to decimate your competition in a friendly round of sporting clays—dealer’s choice.
For more new release news, head over to the Cadre Dispatch.