Sensor to Shooter conference, Silver Spring, MD. USA

FFW Experimentation To Support Land Warrior

Active-Mirror, Laser Employed in new  IFF SCOUT Technology

The U.S. Army is funding the development of a new combat identification device called SCOUT that will be able to warn dismounted troops, pilots, tank gunners or missile operators as they aim their weapons on friendly troops. The new system will identify between Friend and Foe (IFF) utilizing a low-power active optical device that can be patched on the uniform, helmet or around the vehicle's sides. This new technology was developed by the MEMS specialist Boston Micromachines Corporation and research partner Boston University, The program is scheduled to mature over the next 12 months and be ready for implementation in within two years.

Canadian Forces to Get Vanguard Mk2 EOD Robot

Canadian bomb disposal units will receive the Vanguard Mk2 bomb disposal robot, Under the five year "MINI-ROV" program Canada is buying an initial order worth C$3.7 million plus $1.6 million option. The robot is produced by Ottawa based Allen-Vanguard Corporation. The new EOD robots are scheduled to be delivered within eight months.
 

Germany is seeking Patriot PAC-3

The Government of Germany has requested a possible sale of 72 PAC-3 Cost Reduction Initiative (CRI) missiles, plus 12 each Missile Round Trainers, and their logistical support. Germany has already fielded Patriots with 32 fire units in four air defense wings. The new missiles are expected to enhance remaining squadrons and become part of the future MEADS air defense system. The estimated cost is $298 million.

U.S. Army Gets Initial Supplies of ESBI Side Armor

In an effort to improve the protection of its warfighters, the U.S. Army and USMC are procuring Enhanced Side Ballistic Inserts (ESBI) to augment side protection of the Interceptor Body Armor. The inserts made of ceramic and composite materials, are produced by ArmorWorks and Ceradyne. Both companies expect multiyear orders, totaling US$543 and $611 million, respectively. ArmorWorks started shipping ESBIs in August. Ceradyne's deliveries are scheduled to span from July through November.

New Wireless Network to Support Joint Forces Deployments

The new Wireless for the Warfighter (W4W) wireless network, developed by the Joint Forces Command, provides an advanced wireless capability for faster setup, communication and dissemination of critical data. The initial system will consist of local wireless connectivity but an enhanced system, expected by May-June 2007 will improve coverage, by employing a metropolitan area network (MAN) wireless capability.

Air Force to Deploy F-15E with SDB

USAF F-15Es recently received the new 250 pound Small Diameter Bomb I weapon, offering precision-guided accuracy within 1.2 meters of the aim point. The weapons fielded ahead of schedule with the USAF 494th Fighter Squadron scheduled to deploys to Southwest Asia later this year. The squadron will be the first to use the Air Force's new Guided Bomb Unit-39 bomb fitted with diamond-back wings that enable the weapon to glide to its target from a stand-off distance.

BAE Systems Bofors Wins Swedish Artillery Order

BAE Systems Bofors has received a contract worth SEK 40 million (US$5.5 million) from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration for detailed design work on the Archer self propelled, truck based 155mm artillery gun program. The contract includes an additional option worth up to SEK 50 million (US$6.8 million). BAE Systems Bofors previously delivered two demonstrator guns that are now undergoing testing by the Swedish Armed Forces. Order of the final development of a series of 24 guns, to equip two artillery battalions is planned for 2007-2008 with the first delivery in 2009. Final delivery is scheduled for two years later.