US Army tests laser targeting system
The US Army has tested a new Joint Effects Targeting System Target Laser Designation System (JETS-TLDS) at the Cold Regions Test Center in Alaska, it was announced on 19 October.
The JETS-TLDS is a modular advanced sensor suite of three components: a hand-held target location module, precision azimuth and vertical angle module, and laser marker module.The system enables forward observers (FOs) to quickly acquire and locate targets for any given fire mission, and provides 24/7 all-weather precision targeting and target-acquisition in support of dismounted operations.
Soldiers carried out testing to collect operational data on the system, with each test day involving ten hours of operational use and averaging 40 target acquisitions per FO team.
The test provided the FO teams an operationally realistic approach to detect, recognise and identify targets in a tactical environment. The soldiers were dropped off at a release point where they moved on foot over the mountainous Alaskan terrain at elevations between 1,000-2,500m to several different observation posts (OP). Upon arriving at each OP, they set up the system and established their location by using system self-location methods.
JETS-TLDS helps to determine the category of accuracy for each target location acquired by the FO. The system weighs approximately 20lbs including tripod and batteries.
Results of the testing will help inform a full rate production decision for the system.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Romania opens the chequebook and reorganises as it watches Russian aggression]()
Romania opens the chequebook and reorganises as it watches Russian aggression
Romania is retiring old systems, some Soviet, and replacing them with western equipment from countries such as Sweden and Turkey and boosting existing modern fleets.
-
![Milrem picks Texelis for partnership in drive to develop large UGV]()
Milrem picks Texelis for partnership in drive to develop large UGV
Milrem has delivered or is building a total of 200 Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System UGVs and has chosen Texelis as partner in its effort to develop a UGV.
-
![Sweden takes delivery of first M3 amphibious bridge and ferry system]()
Sweden takes delivery of first M3 amphibious bridge and ferry system
The most recent nation to join NATO has joined other member nations in using the M3 system.
-
![CV90 delivery to Slovakia imminent]()
CV90 delivery to Slovakia imminent
Slovakia is undergoing a radical refresh of its equipment, like many central and eastern European countries, and the arrival of new vehicles will form a substantial part of this.
-
![Mortar mobility: Patria’s TREMOS takes aim at the modern battlespace]()
Mortar mobility: Patria’s TREMOS takes aim at the modern battlespace
In conversation... Patria’s Lauri Pauniaho talks to Shephard's Gerrard Cowan about how high mobility levels are essential for mortar systems in the face of modern counter-battery fire, and how a new platform-agnostic module can combine existing vehicles and mortar barrels into a cost-effective new weapon system.
