US Army receives first Digital Range Training System
Lockheed Martin has announced that it has delivered its first Digital Range Training System to the US Army and has begun development on a third range under a $13.8 million contract award. The system will now undergo live fire gunnery qualifications by armoured vehicle crews.
The Digital Range Training System provides a realistic combat environment for Abrams, Bradley and Stryker crews. Lockheed Martin was awarded the five year contract in 2011 to modernise training ranges with digital instrumentation, including cameras, targetry systems with audiovisual effects, scenario development technology and range control centres. During individual and crew qualification exercises and platoon-level collective training, the system integrates live fire with threat, neutral and friendly simulations.
According to the company, the initial range is now operational at Fort Bliss, Texas, and a second range is due for delivery to the Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, in early 2013. The US Army awarded Lockheed Martin a contract for a third range in September 2012 for delivery to Fort Bliss by the end of 2013.
Jim Weitzel, vice president of training solutions for Lockheed Martin's Global Training and Logistics business, said: ‘The quality of feedback a soldier and platoon receive about their decisions can make the difference for survivability and mission success in the field. The Digital Range Training System is designed to capture imagery and audio inside and outside vehicles from multiple angles, providing commanders and soldiers with actionable data.’
More from Land Warfare
-
DSEI 2025: Thales creating new remote weapon station and Storm 2 counter-drone jammer
Thales launched Storm-H in 2012 as an EW system equipping individual dismounted troops, and a decade later revealed details to develop the improved and more powerful Storm 2.
-
The integration between drones and land vehicles is accelerating
Drones and military ground vehicles are increasingly being designed to operate together as a single platform or even to convert crewed systems to automated ones.
-
Denmark shuns US platform as it settles on SAMP/T air defence system
The acquisition, which is part of the country’s broader defence package worth DKK58 billion (US$9.2 billion), goes against the grain with many other European countries opting for the US’s popular Patriot platform.