Northrop Grumman targets â??technology gapâ?? with TLM
Northrop Grumman has announced the successful demonstration of its new Target Location Module (TLM), a ‘key component’ of the man-portable Lightweight Laser Designator Rangefinder High Accuracy (LLDR 2H). The company made the announcement 17 May, 2012.
The company demonstrated the LLDR 2H at the White Sands Missile Range in support of the Stockpile Reliability Test programme. LLDR 2H allows troops to ‘perform surveillance, identify and engage threats at safe distances, accurately position troops, and engage enemies while limiting collateral damage and protecting troops being transported within hostile areas’.
During the demonstration, the LLDR 2H successfully acquired the locations of two separate tank-size targets from extended ranges from the observation post. According to the company, the targeting module reported grids commensurate with accuracies required for GPS guided munitions. The two Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles used the location data to score direct hits on both targets, demonstrating the high accuracy of the TLM.
According to General Dynamics, the LLDR 2H will address ‘a technology gap that exists today within the US Army’.
Gordon Stewart, vice president and general manager of the laser systems business unit, said, ‘Our hybrid sensor solution fuses data from a digital magnetic compass and celestial navigation sensors to provide highly accurate azimuth solutions supporting precise target location. The TLM delivers a near instant-on azimuth solution, is not susceptible to magnetic anomalies and requires no calibration.’
Northrop Grumman is producing the LLDR 2H under the terms of an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract with a not-to-exceed value of $661 million. Production deliveries will begin in August 2012 and will continue through June 2013.
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![World Defense Show 2026: Saudi Arabia’s record defence spend highlights uncertain times]()
World Defense Show 2026: Saudi Arabia’s record defence spend highlights uncertain times
Saudi Arabia’s investment in its land forces, notably in the area of air defence as recently as 30 January, is a sign of the challenges the Gulf State faces, particularly the threat from Houthi rebels in Yemen.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: ST Engineering’s Terrex s5 highlights hybrid power’s role in future warfare]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: ST Engineering’s Terrex s5 highlights hybrid power’s role in future warfare
Hybrid-electric drive technology may address the growing energy demands of land warfare in future.
-
![CAVS rides a wave and prepares for surge requirements as orders roll in]()
CAVS rides a wave and prepares for surge requirements as orders roll in
The Common Armoured Vehicle System is continuing to rack up orders as the British Army looks likely to become an operator of the vehicle, while Italy and Ireland are also contenders.
-
![US DoD task force’s DroneHunter acquisition lays groundwork for Replicator 2 CUAS strategy]()
US DoD task force’s DroneHunter acquisition lays groundwork for Replicator 2 CUAS strategy
As the US Department of Defense looks to counter the growing threat of uncrewed aerial systems to improve homeland security, the DroneHunter acquisition could point to future commercial innovation.
-
![Land forces review: Tanks, trucks and IFVs dominate but woes remain for Ajax]()
Land forces review: Tanks, trucks and IFVs dominate but woes remain for Ajax
This year has begun with main battle tanks taking the lead while orders for large logistics and support vehicles continued from last year. Additionally, two of the British Army’s most significant contracted vehicle programmes, Ajax reconnaissance vehicle and Challenger 3 tank, continued to make news in January.
