U.S. Army selects Kollsman for laser based sensor prototype.

Kollsman, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems of America, has been awarded a military prototype project agreement for the U.S. Army’s Multi-Domain User Sensor Architecture (MDUSA) targeting system, Optics.org reports. Elbit Systems' approach consists of laser marker designator, target locator and azimuth and vertical angle module. The company was awarded the prototype project through the Sensors Communications and Electronics Consortium (SCEC) other transaction agreement (OTA). Financial details of the contract were not disclosed.

The proposed solution is intended to "enable a dismounted soldier to identify and attack targets with true handheld targeting (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

As Elbit Systems announced, the proposed solution is intended to "enable a dismounted soldier to identify and attack targets with true handheld targeting, while increasing situational awareness in a small, lightweight, modular package." Ridge Sower, VP Ground Combat & Precision Targeting Solutions at Elbit, commented, "Our MDUSA prototype solution provides revolutionary advancements from current targeting products and equips U.S. Army Forward Observers with the information needed to dominate the battlefield." He added that "This next-generation system performs in GPS-denied and other contested environments, offering increased situational awareness in all battlefield environments."

Laser designator

The MDUSA OTA prototype project consists of a handheld target locator module, a laser marker designator, precision azimuth and vertical angle module, tripod and additional cutting-edge technologies. This system is designed to improve target acquisition ranges, reduces time to acquisition and to allow forward observers on the battlefield to adapt to new and unforeseen threats quickly. The specification adds, "the system also aligns with the U.S. Army's modernization efforts by enhancing lethality effects from the sensor to the shooter."

Elbit Systems and subsidiary Kollsman develop lightweight targeting systems for the U.S. military, such as the Common Laser Range Finder – Integrated Capability (CLRF-IC) and the Next Generation Hand-Held Targeting System (NGHTS). These systems are designed and produced in Elbit Systems of America's electro-optics and targeting Center of Excellence in Merrimack, NH. The company has recently completed a significant expansion of capabilities and infrastructure at the facility including a substantial increase in the engineering workforce dedicated to these solutions.