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
-
UK and US militaries advance mobile directed energy weapon systems
Recent tests have demonstrated how the UK and US armed forces have been scaling DEWs for mobile field-based operations.
-
GDLS plans to deliver prototype armed Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle in 2025
General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) is building the Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) Command, Control, Communications, Computers/Uncrewed Aerial Systems (C4/UAS) for the US Marine Corps (USMC). Approximately 500 ARV 30mm autocannon (ARV-30) are expected to be procured by the USMC.
-
Future of the US Army’s IVAS programme remains unknown
Despite recently releasing an Request for Information (RfI) under the IVAS programme, it remains unclear if the US Army will recompete the initiative.
-
Italy aims for $26 billion vehicle investment and prepares for cyber defence
Italy’s Armoured Infantry Combat System (AICS) system began seven years ago in an effort to replace older vehicles such as M113s and the force is also looking to replace its C1 Ariete Main Battle Tanks (MBTs).
-
Germany signs work agreement for Patria 6x6 vehicle under CAVS programme
The agreement is a further development in a programme which has seen dozens of vehicles ordered by partner countries in the last year.