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04 Aug 14. US Army evaluates developmental handheld precision targeting device. The US Army’s Rapid Equipping Force (REF) has evaluated the capabilities of a developmental handheld precision targeting device (HHPTD) during testing at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico, US. Carried out in collaboration with the PEO Soldier and Project Management Office PM Soldier Sensors and Lasers, the testing included validation of a variety of technologies in varying terrain and temperatures. The observations and data were recorded by the soldiers to help set specific, detailed development goals and objectives for the programme. US Special Operations Command acquisition officer captain Dave Rolen said, “This terrain provides an outstanding environment to test the HHPTD under conditions and atmospheres very much like where we intend to deploy the system. “We can see the proper ranges and the proper elevations and elevation changes from a high point of view down to a low point of view, or up to the side of the canyons and mountains up here.” WSMR, with its mountainous terrain and wide ranging temperatures, is an ideal testing location for HHPTD, which requires changes in elevation or blocking terrain to accurately gauge the technology’s capabilities. HHPTD is a special targeting system designed to enable soldiers to engage targets with precision munitions, while providing digital connectivity to related units. Specifically, HHPTD is a joint US Army, Air Force and Marine Corps programme aimed at developing and fielding a one-man portable precision targeting system capable of reducing friendly fire and collateral damage. This can be done by improving the ability to differentiate between enemy and non-combatants who are operating in very close proximity to each other. The system is expected to serve as an interim capability for soldiers until the development of a larger joint-effects targeting system (JETS). (Source: army-technology.com)
05 Aug 14. US looking to upgrade ISR kit on Nigerien DA42MPP aircraft. The US government is seeking a supplier to upgrade the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities on two aircraft operated by Niger. The draft statement of work (SOW) issued by the US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) covers the upgrade of ISR equipment on a pair of Diamond DA42MPP (Multi-Purpose Platform) aircraft currently fielded by the Niger Air Force (Armee de l’Air du Niger). As well as the upgrade to the two aircraft, the draft SOW also calls for providing two fixed ground stations and two portable ground stations, as well as training. NAVAIR wants replies from interested parties by 18 August. Niger took delivery of its two DA42MPP aircraft in October 2008 as part of a wider enhancement of the African nation’s airborne surveillance capabilities that included the provision by France of eight Humbert Tétras microlights. The DA42MPPs are primarily tasked with counter-narcotics, -people, and -arms smuggling. The DA42MPPs are equipped with the Airbus Defence and Space Electronics Goshawk 350 airborne observation system incorporating day and night sensors, as well as a Scotty satellite datalink allowing real-time relay of video, voice, and data to ground stations. According to IHS Jane’s World Air Forces, the government of Niger said at the time of the original delivery that additional DA42MPP platforms would be procured, although to date there has been no evidence of this happening. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
07 Aug 14. Marine safety helmet offers secure infra-red comms capability. Link Microtek, the manufacturer of infra-red, RF and microwave products, has introduced a new marine safety helmet for use with the company’s Azdec infra-red communications system. Based on a Gecko open-face helmet, this new product utilises Azdec infra-red technology to provide t