Uploaded July 2020 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
The Precision Optical Wind System (POWS) is a hand-held system designed by Sandia National Labs engineers for small arms, long-range engagements to support special operations and conventional forces snipers. One of the most significant challenges in long-range marksmanship is the effects of the wind on the projectile. POWS uses a laser to measure crosswinds and range-to-target, and a microprocessor to calculate a ballistic solution. As an example of its accuracy, POWS has provided data to successfully and repeatably hit a man-sized target in 20 mph winds, at half a mile.
POWS can also be used to estimate the wind and range to target for a wide variety of commercial applications. Wind generation companies could use POWS to estimate wind fields across a wind power farm. Firefighters could use this technology to determine local wind patterns in support of wildland fire fighting. Emergency response personnel could use POWS to determine prevailing winds when responding to a toxic industrial chemical release. And sports enthusiasts could use the lightweight, handheld device to measure wind for activities like sailing or golf.
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The Precision Optical Wind System (POWS) is a hand-held system designed by Sandia National Labs engineers for small arms, long-range engagements to support special operations and conventional forces snipers. One of the most significant challenges in long-range marksmanship is the effects of the wind on the projectile. POWS uses a laser to measure crosswinds and range-to-target, and a microprocessor to calculate a ballistic solution. As an example of its accuracy, POWS has provided data to successfully and repeatably hit a man-sized target in 20 mph winds, at half a mile.
POWS can also be used to estimate the wind and range to target for a wide variety of commercial applications. Wind generation companies could use POWS to estimate wind fields across a wind power farm. Firefighters could use this technology to determine local wind patterns in support of wildland fire fighting. Emergency response personnel could use POWS to determine prevailing winds when responding to a toxic industrial chemical release. And sports enthusiasts could use the lightweight, handheld device to measure wind for activities like sailing or golf.
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