Nioa trials gun rail for Australian Defence modernisation
T-Worx's smart rail system allows faster decision-making for men and women on the frontline. (Photo: NIAO)
Nioa is trialling T-Worx’s smart gun rail system, which could be brought into use with the Australian Defence Force.
Nioa is currently trialling a smart rail system, Intelligent-Rail (I-RAIL), that transforms rifles into real-time data nodes, linking soldiers on the battlefield with tactical leaders and commanders.
T-Worx developed the I-Rail under US Army funding and guidance, and it was selected by NATO as the basis for the NATO-powered Rail STANAG 4740/AEP-90.
The I-Rail provides the user with a fully integrated sensor platform with a single source of power and connectivity between weapon ancillaries including sensors.
It captures information from sensors on the weapon to create a data package that can include video, radio communication, ammunition usage and location logistics.
The system is already fully integrated within the Colt M4 family of weapons. Colt is a key partner of Nioa, which provides the Colt M4 as the primary weapon for Australian SOCOM units.
The I-Rail technology will be a key enabler for Land 159, Land 125-4, Land 53 and Land 200 programmes for the Australian Defence Force. Nioa is currently bidding for the next tranche of the Land 159 Lethality Systems programme.
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