Raytheon UK expands IED detection capabilities
Raytheon UK has announced the expansion of its counter-improvised explosive device (IED) products, with the launch of a new vehicle-mounted stand-off IED detection and confirmation technology, called Soteria. The system has been developed alongside UK company Laser Optical Engineering.
The Soteria system uses innovative optical processing technology to provide high definition IED detection, confirmation and diagnosing capability, with a very low false alarm rate.
The system works from a significant stand-off distance to determine the shape, size, orientation and exact location of hidden IEDs and associated components. In the manned vehicle configuration, Soteria can confirm and diagnose threats from a safe distance to ensure maximum protection of troops and vehicles.
Crucially, Soteria is completely agnostic to target makeup, giving it the flexibility to be used against future battlefield threats.
The system has undergone comprehensive theatre simulated field trials during which it was able to detect and classify the full array of explosive devices including those with low and zero metal content, which pose the biggest problems for current technologies such as ground penetrating radar.
Bob Delorge, chief executive of Raytheon UK, said: ‘Soteria is a world leading technology that demonstrates the power of innovation that can be harnessed in the UK. The system can be applied to a wide range of scenarios including minefield clearance, which remains a significant menace in various world regions, as well as in other operations such as disaster relief.’
More from Land Warfare
-
Rheinmetall wins communications deal that could be worth up to €400 million
The systems have been purchased under a special fund which has already been tapped into for the purchase of 60 CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters worth up to €8 billion (US$8.7 billion) and thousands of Rheinmetall Caracal airmobile special operations vehicles worth €1.9 billion.
-
The Philippines looks to Israel for military equipment amid South China Sea tensions
The southeast Asian country has been enhancing its military readiness by procuring advanced Israeli defence platforms and systems.
-
NSPA signs new helmet system framework deal and agreement for C-UAS systems
The Caiman helmet has been designed to be scalable for dynamic operations with mission-specific accessories and can incorporate electronics, communications headsets and other critical equipment.
-
US Missile Defense Agency’s budget could be cut by $2.6 billion over the next three years
The reduction would impact several acquisition and development programmes, creating capabilities gaps in US missile defence architecture.
-
Israel ramps up Arrow-4 development following Iranian attack
Israel’s Ministry of Defense has fast-tracked the development of the Arrow-4 ballistic missile interceptor in response to recent Iranian ballistic missile attacks.