BAE Systems has been presented with a contract worth $23 million by the U.S. Army, to deliver lightweight handheld Laser Target Locator Modules (LTLM).
Weighing less than 5.5 pounds, the LTLM consists of a direct-view optic system, a night-vision camera, a laser range finder, a digital compass, and a GPS receiver. (Photo: BAE Systems)
The TRIGR target location system of BAE Systems is based on the latest targeting technology. With this targeting technology-based system, soldiers can detect target locations while walking at night or during the day, and even in obscured-visibility conditions including smoke or fog.
According to the LTLM program manager, Bill Ashe, the proprietary laser target locator modules enable soldiers to locate target coordinates with precision, more rapidly. The system integrates the functions of the equipment’s multiple components, thereby streamlining the applications into a single, lightweight package with improved mission-critical capability.
The device encompasses a laser range finder, a direct-view optic system, a digital compass, a night-vision camera based on the advanced thermal weapon sights of BAE Systems, and a GPS receiver. All these functional components are incorporated into a single package with minimal weight less than 5.5 lb. The system enables users to identify the distant targets up to 900 m in darkness and up to 4.2 km in daylight.
Ashe added that this lightweight LTLM will contribute to a more convenient and improved performance from soldiers as they will be free of heavy loads, thereby allowing them to achieve the missions rapidly and accurately.
Following the U.S. Army’s Program Executive Office Soldier contract worth $72 M in 2009 for the initial production of the LTLM systems, the company has achieved this new contract. BAE Systems' facilities in Nashua, New Hampshire, Lexington, Massachusetts, and Austin, Texas will accommodate the operations. Initial fielding of units is scheduled in February 2012.