Renault provides French DGA with SLATE
Renault Trucks Defense has announced that it has provided the French defence procurement agency (DGA) with 80 SLATE (Acoustic Sniper Localization System) kits for integration with TOP 12.7 versions of the VAB armoured personnel carrier in Afghanistan. According to the company the delivery was part of an Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR) issued in November 2011.
The SLATE system consists of a PILARw acoustic antenna for detecting gunshots, produced by 01dB-Metravib, which is connected to the Kongsberg TOP 12.7 (Protector M151) remote control weapon system and an interface for the crew.
According to Renault, when integrated into the VAB, this assembly allows very fast response times against sniper attack. As soon as a gunshot is detected, the VAB’s crew can decide to cue the turret automatically in the direction of the danger. The target can be identified and fire returned immediately.
In partnership with the DGA and the French Army Technical Department (STAT), the system has been enhanced to improve the sensitivity of SLATE to allow the threat level to be determined by indicating whether the weapon used is small or medium calibre. At the same time, the SLATE system stores the geographical location of the attacking shooters in memory, even after the VAB has moved.
The VAB can therefore move into cover when engaged. Thanks to the added reach provided by the armament of the TOP 12.7 weapon station (a 12.7 mm machine gun or a 40 mm grenade launcher), the crew can move away from the threat while retaining the option of neutralising targets from a safe distance. Ultimately, the SLATE system could be connected to information and command systems to improve the sharing of information gathered at tactical level.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Hanwha awarded $482 million in major step for South Korea’s missile defence programme]()
Hanwha awarded $482 million in major step for South Korea’s missile defence programme
The deal to produce and supply launchers and missiles to South Korea follows a contract placed with Hanwha Systems last month for the manufacture of multi-function radars.
-
![China goes for ground-launched attack weapons as it strengthens deterrence strategy]()
China goes for ground-launched attack weapons as it strengthens deterrence strategy
China has been advancing its capabilities with a new generation of precision-guided artillery and loitering munitions, positioning ALIT’s WS-series as direct competitors with Western systems like the US’s M982 Excalibur.
-
![Land forces review: British Army vehicle programme stalls and company results land]()
Land forces review: British Army vehicle programme stalls and company results land
In the first monthly review of land forces stories, the Shephard team looks back to evaluate the major news events that have impacted the sector. The UK’s Land Mobility Programme was notable but another setback occurred when a market industry day was scrapped.
-
![Sweden boosts air defence capabilities with Diehl Defence, Saab and MBDA orders]()
Sweden boosts air defence capabilities with Diehl Defence, Saab and MBDA orders
The orders continue the country’s growing investment in its air defence systems across land and sea, coming months after previous investments by the government into IRIS-T SLM equipment.
