BAE Systems and Vectronix are to produce, maintain, and provide logistical support for up to 200 laser target locator modules (LTLM) per month under a five-year contract worth up to $347m (£208m).
The handheld laser target finders will enable US Army soldiers to identify targets while on foot at any time of the day, regardless of whether visibility is obscured by fog or smoke.
Dan Murray, LTLM programme director for BAE Systems in Nashua, New Hampshire, said: ‘These modules will enable soldiers to determine target co-ordinates quickly, safely, and accurately.
‘The system provides a much-needed capability in a single, lightweight package. Removing weight from soldiers’ packs makes their jobs easier and enables them to complete missions faster and with greater precision.’
Weighing less than 5.5lb, the LTLM consists of a direct-view optic system, a night-vision camera derived from the thermal cameras used in BAE’s advanced thermal weapon sights, a laser range finder, a digital compass and a GPS receiver.
The system will allow users to recognise targets more than 4.2km away in daylight and 900m in total darkness.
Deliveries are scheduled to begin this year.
A one-minute video of the LTLM in action can be viewed by clicking here.
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