US Army issues JETS TLDS prototype contracts

The US Army has selected DRS and BAE Systems for the three-year engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase of the Joint Effects Targeting System (JETS) programme. The companies will develop Target Location Designation System (TLDS) prototypes under the contracts, worth $15 million each.

Systems delivered as part of the JETS programme will provide the dismounted forward observer and Joint Terminal Attack Controllers the ability to acquire, locate and mark for precision Global Positioning System-guided and laser-guided munitions. The TLDS component of this system will provide the dismounted forward observer with a common and light-weight handheld precision targeting capability.

The JETS programme is led by the US Army but is a joint interest programme with the US Air Force and Marine Corps. 

BAE Systems is offering its new Handheld Azimuth Measuring, Marking, Electro-optic imaging & Ranging (HAMMER) precision targeting system under its $15 million contract. HAMMER allows dismounted combat operators to locate and mark targets in all weather and lighting conditions, and was developed to support the missions of today’s warfighter while significantly reducing collateral damage and friendly fire incidents.

HAMMER builds on the company’s already-fielded Target Reconnaissance Infrared Geolocating Rangefinder (TRIGR) system, and adds enhanced precision targeting capabilities with the addition of a compact laser marker and a non-magnetic compass.

DRS has been awarded $15.5 million for its prototype development. The company said it will offer an integrated design that affordably improves soldier precision targeting capability, but did not offer any further information on its offering.