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
-
![Refresh of Romanian army vehicles speeds up]()
Refresh of Romanian army vehicles speeds up
Romania received its first Cobra MkII 4×4 light tactical armoured vehicles, ordered Abrams main battle tanks (MBTs) and VAMTAC light vehicles, and is set to invest billions-of-dollars in infantry fighting vehicles.
-
![Italy begins hunt for Puma replacement]()
Italy begins hunt for Puma replacement
The Italian Army operates Pumas in 6×6 and 4×4 configurations but the platforms are ageing and numbers have fallen with obsolescence also being an issue. Any replacement is likely to have a focus on the involvement of local industry.
-
![Orders roll in for VAMTAC tactical vehicles as first is delivered to New Zealand]()
Orders roll in for VAMTAC tactical vehicles as first is delivered to New Zealand
The VAMTAC (Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico or High Mobility Tactical Vehicle) 4×4 by Urovesa is in service with or has been ordered by eight countries, the most recent being Spain this month and Romania last month.
-
![CV90 user group signs agreement to improve procurement and commonality]()
CV90 user group signs agreement to improve procurement and commonality
The CV90 is in service with or ordered by ten countries. The agreement between six of these countries is designed to create commonality to provide economies of scale and a reduced training burden.
