General Dynamics, Colt develop networked rifle
General Dynamics Canada and Colt Canada have announced that they are working on a networked rifle weapon system that will be offered to the market as an alternative to radio-centric individual soldier systems.
The solution will see Colt's Sniper (Soldier) Weapon & Observer Reconnaissance Devices (SWORD) system integrated with ruggedized smartphone-like technology, to bring the solider critical situational-awareness information via his weapon.
Jeff MacLeod, general manager, Colt Canada, said: ‘SWORD makes sense as an integrated soldier system. By combining modern smartphone technology with weapon-mounted scopes and laser rangefinders, soldiers have all the information they need, literally at their fingertips. SWORD is not about simply delivering a computer or a display to soldiers; it delivers an entirely new capability centred on the rifle.’
David Ibbetson, vice president, General Dynamics C4 Systems International, added: ‘Cooperation between Colt and General Dynamics Canada builds on the strengths of both companies. Colt has worldwide expertise in developing and delivering rifles, while General Dynamics has the networking experience needed to connect individual soldiers. The combined solution gives soldiers the smartphone capability they have been asking for in the form of an Android-networked rifle.’
SWORD is based on commercial off-the-shelf components, and provides power, data and navigation infrastructure within the weapon, including GPS and inertial navigation for GPS-denied situations. Enhanced with smartphone technology and the ability to host battle management applications, these Android-networked rifles will deliver the information soldiers need to execute the mission.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Levelling up – how autonomous fire control tackles unmanned lethality head-on]()
Levelling up – how autonomous fire control tackles unmanned lethality head-on
As autonomous weapon systems proliferate, it is now essential to use the same core technologies to counteract and neutralise them.
-
![US Marine Corps force transformation on track, according to update]()
US Marine Corps force transformation on track, according to update
The US Marines Corps’ Force Design 2030 is about restructure, changes to operational concepts, a refresh of equipment and new categories of equipment. The review indicates a high level of success.
-
![BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90120 medium tank takes shape]()
BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90120 medium tank takes shape
The new vehicle will be based on the CV90 Mk IV chassis and turret, and will be armed with a Rheinmetall 120mm L44A1 low recoil smoothbore gun.
-
![UK government argues strife has little impact on steel supply but imports reign]()
UK government argues strife has little impact on steel supply but imports reign
Speaking in the UK Parliament, Defence Minister Luke Pollard said possible changes in the country’s steelmaking industry will have little impact on defence projects; while much of the steel in British vehicles and ships is imported.
-
![Ukraine receives more Patriot batteries as Centauros break cover]()
Ukraine receives more Patriot batteries as Centauros break cover
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced the arrival of more Patriot air defence systems in his country. The development follows the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha calling for 10 more systems last month and Zelenskyy reiterating the need for more.
-
![Norway orders improved NASAMS technology as more countries sign up]()
Norway orders improved NASAMS technology as more countries sign up
The country’s air defence batteries will be equipped with new command posts, wheeled communication nodes and radios. The system itself is in service with more than 14 countries with 13 systems in Ukraine.
