Cubic to provide laser data link for sniper system
Cubic Defense Applications, the defense systems business of Cubic Corporation, has received a $2.5 million contract to provide an optical data link system to the contractor team developing a new small-caliber guided weapon system for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
The goal of the Extreme Accuracy Tasked Ordnance (EXACTO) system is to produce a guided, actively controlled 50-caliber sniper rifle system with significantly improved range and accuracy over current systems. Cubic is under contract to Teledyne Scientific & Imaging LLC, prime contractor for the EXACTO program, to develop optical command link components for the fire control and guidance subsystems.
"EXACTO will enable our ground troops to operate with greater precision at long range and under difficult environmental conditions," said Steve Sampson, vice president of Advanced Programs for Cubic Defense Applications. "Our optical link will be a critical piece of this new guided system."
The new endeavor draws upon the company's past research and development efforts in optical communications, including creation of two-way optical combat identification system designed to reduce the incidence of fratricide. Cubic developed the combat ID solution with funding from DARPA and the US Army.
Source: Cubic Corporation
More from Land Warfare
-
![DSEI 2025: Thales creating new remote weapon station and Storm 2 counter-drone jammer]()
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]()
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]()
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.
-
![In depth: Competition for British Army vehicle programme heats up, despite more delays]()
In depth: Competition for British Army vehicle programme heats up, despite more delays
The UK’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP) seems set to be delayed once again but industry is jockeying for position to partner in what would be one of the biggest ever buys for the British Army.
-
![DSEI 2025: AM General has partner lined up for British Army vehicle programme]()
DSEI 2025: AM General has partner lined up for British Army vehicle programme
AM General’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) A2 is in low-rate initial production and the company is looking for export orders, notably the UK’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP), to add to a recent approval for Canada to buy vehicles.
-
![DSEI 2025: IDV sets eyes on British Army vehicle deal as MD calls for “acceleration” of efforts]()
DSEI 2025: IDV sets eyes on British Army vehicle deal as MD calls for “acceleration” of efforts
The UK’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP) to replace thousands of vehicles is in flux as the tender for the Light Mobility Vehicle segment planned for November is set to be missed. IDV Robotics’ Dr Geoff Davis is calling for the UK government to focus broadly on indigenous capability for procurement and to do it faster.
