US Space Force increases efforts to plug training capabilities gaps
The service has been seeking simulation and emulation solutions capable of reproducing multiple in-orbit threats.
DRS Technologies, Inc., A Finmeccanica Company, announced that its Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition (RSTA) Group has been awarded a five-year indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract, valued at up to $514.3 million by the US Army Contracting Command to qualify and manufacture the Small Tactical Optical Rifle Mounted Micro-Laser Range Finder (STORM-mLRF).
The contract calls for a minimum delivery of 150 and a maximum of 32,000 rifle mounted micro-laser range finders from DRS Technologies.
Integrated into a single system, the STORM sight combines a laser range finder with a digital compass and a processor that computes and displays targeting data, an infrared aiming laser, a visible pointer and illuminator, and the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES) to simulate tactical engagement in training exercises. It is designed to operate on an array of Army weapons including the M16A4, M4, M107 and M110-as well as on the Stryker Remote Weapon Station and the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS II).
DRS RSTA, based in Melbourne, Fla., and Dallas, Texas, will apply its expertise in system integration and systems engineering as the prime contractor for the project. RSTA will test and produce the STORM for the Product Manager Soldier Precision Targeting Devices unit of the Army's Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier, which develops and fields advanced equipment for the nation's warfighters.
"We are in the business of strengthening and broadening the capabilities of today's military forces through technology," said RSTA President Terry Murphy, "For nearly half a century, DRS has perfected the development of lightweight, portable, thermal-based detection and engagement systems to help protect hundreds of thousands of troops by enabling them to operate effectively. This contract is a welcome confirmation that our technologies provide value to our military customer."
Source: DRS Technologies
The service has been seeking simulation and emulation solutions capable of reproducing multiple in-orbit threats.
The service has been conducting several acquisition and upgrading efforts involving artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve communication, data analysis and ISR systems.
The Syracuse 4B communications satellite, developed by Airbus and Thales Alenia Space, was launched last year, bolstering secure military satellite communications for the French Armed Forces. Thales has now been selected to provide terminals for vehicles.
The growing importance of space in modern warfare, advancements in satellite technology, and increasing threats from rivals like China and Russia were among the topics of a Eurosatory 2024 panel on military space operations.
AN/ARC-232A is a Starfire radio that provides VHF/UHF communications to airborne platforms and the transceiver is software-programmable, allowing for multiple waveform support as well as optional national electronic counter counter-measure (ECCM) capability.
During the 18-month period of the contract, Lockheed Martin will apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques to create surrogate models of aircraft, sensors, electronic warfare and weapons within dynamic and operationally representative environments.