Why Middle Eastern markets demand bespoke AFV solutions
In this expert analysis, Christopher Foss looks at how armoured vehicle suppliers to the Middle East are increasingly tailoring platforms for the region’s specific operational requirements.
Lockheed Martin receives IR/DRTS contract
Lockheed Martin was awarded a contract to provide the Instrumented Ranges / Digital Range Training System (IR/DRTS) by the US Army's Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation. The indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract award includes an initial $17.6 million delivery order, with a maximum estimated value of $450 million over a five-year base ordering period.
"The DRTS program is an integrated solution that will provide flexible training at a lower lifecycle cost," said Jim Craig, vice president of training systems at Lockheed Martin Global Training and Logistics. "We look forward to working with the Army and continuing our support of its Live Training Transformation initiative to promote reuse and standardization across the suite of live-fire training systems."
The IR/DRTS program will support range modernization by replacing aging live-fire training infrastructures with modernized, digital instrumentation capabilities that will record weapons system information and provide enhanced after-action-review tools. Instrumentation includes cameras, targetry systems with audio/visual effects, data recording equipment, range control centers and scenario development technology. The system will provide armor vehicle crews with collective gunnery training and qualification for Abrams, Bradley and Stryker platforms.
Ranges included in the initial task order are the Digital Range Multi-Purpose Range Complex at Fort Bliss, Texas, and Battle Area Complex at the Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii. The Lockheed Martin-led team includes Riptide Software, Inc., Senspex Camera, Strategic Range Solutions, Inc., and Tactical Micro, Inc.
Lockheed Martin currently provides a wide range of targetry, indoor / outdoor range instrumentation, counter-improvised explosive device training and equipment integration capabilities to support live fire training across the US Department of Defense forces. The IR/DRTS program fully supports the US Army's Live Training Transformation, an initiative that helps maintain consistency within its training programs and decreases lifecycle costs.
Source: Lockheed Martin
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