Northrop Grumman wins US Army HHPTD contract

Northrop Grumman will supply Hand Held Precision Targeting Devices (HHPTDs) to the US Army under a new contract announced on 14 January. The contract, worth $9.2 million contract, will see the systems supplied over a three year period.

The HHPTD is an advanced targeting system that allows forces on the ground to relay accurate targeting data to aircraft and command centres. The device incorporates a celestial navigation module to supply the accurate information needed on the modern battlefield. The system weighs under 5.5 pounds and – according to the company - provides a greater degree of precision than previous systems.

Gordon Stewart, vice president and general manager of the laser systems business unit, said: ‘With the Hand Held Precision Targeting Device, we have used the experience we gained from the production of the Lightweight Laser Designator Rangefinder IIH to create a smaller, more lightweight targeting system. The HHPTD puts the targeting accuracy needed for today's precision GPS munitions in the hands of the warfighter.’