US Army tests laser targeting system
The US Army has tested a new Joint Effects Targeting System Target Laser Designation System (JETS-TLDS) at the Cold Regions Test Center in Alaska, it was announced on 19 October.
The JETS-TLDS is a modular advanced sensor suite of three components: a hand-held target location module, precision azimuth and vertical angle module, and laser marker module.The system enables forward observers (FOs) to quickly acquire and locate targets for any given fire mission, and provides 24/7 all-weather precision targeting and target-acquisition in support of dismounted operations.
Soldiers carried out testing to collect operational data on the system, with each test day involving ten hours of operational use and averaging 40 target acquisitions per FO team.
The test provided the FO teams an operationally realistic approach to detect, recognise and identify targets in a tactical environment. The soldiers were dropped off at a release point where they moved on foot over the mountainous Alaskan terrain at elevations between 1,000-2,500m to several different observation posts (OP). Upon arriving at each OP, they set up the system and established their location by using system self-location methods.
JETS-TLDS helps to determine the category of accuracy for each target location acquired by the FO. The system weighs approximately 20lbs including tripod and batteries.
Results of the testing will help inform a full rate production decision for the system.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Australia invests $1.4 billion in additional AMRAAM buy]()
Australia invests $1.4 billion in additional AMRAAM buy
Some of the missiles ordered can be used on the F/A-18F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler and the F35-A Lightning.
-
![Armies turn to armour and self-defence as support vehicles near the frontline]()
Armies turn to armour and self-defence as support vehicles near the frontline
Combat losses of support and logistics vehicles in recent conflicts have highlighted the need for greater protection and even self-defence capabilities. What options are available to turn a basic truck into a survivor on the battlefield?
-
![German Army to receive third-generation Dingo protected patrol vehicles this year]()
German Army to receive third-generation Dingo protected patrol vehicles this year
More than 1,200 Dingo 1 and Dingo 2 models have been built and deployed by some 10 countries. The latest Dingo 3 pulls through from user inputs and, like earlier versions, is also based on a UNIMOG chassis.
-
![Hungary’s Gamma Technical expands vehicle range]()
Hungary’s Gamma Technical expands vehicle range
The company’s new variants of 4×6 and 6×6 vehicles are designed to be modular for a greater variety of missions and also flexibility at a subsystem level, for example transmission and engine.
-
![US Army seeks nearly $900 million to accelerate development and acquisition of CUAS capabilities]()
US Army seeks nearly $900 million to accelerate development and acquisition of CUAS capabilities
The branch plans to speed up the building and procurement of kinetic and non-kinetic systems for fixed, semi-fixed and on-the-move operations.
-
![Large 10×10 vehicles go in search of a role]()
Large 10×10 vehicles go in search of a role
Wheeled vehicles ranging in size from 4×4 to 8×8 provide high-speed at a good level of mobility compared to tracked. However, tracked can be larger and have a higher level of mobility in marginal terrain with a smaller turning circle. What are the possibilities for a 10×10?
