APOPKA, Fla., May 18 (UPI) -- A new component for a targeting system used by U.S. troops has been successfully demonstrated by Northrop Grumman at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.
The company's new Target Location Module is part of the man-portable, Lightweight Laser Designator Rangefinder High Accuracy, or LLDR 2H, that troops use for surveillance and identification and engagement of threats at safe distances.
"Bringing this capability to the warfighter will address a technology gap that exists today within the U.S. Army," said Gordon Stewart, vice president and general manager of the laser systems business unit.
"Our hybrid sensor solution fuses data from a digital magnetic compass and celestial navigation sensors to provide highly accurate azimuth solutions supporting precise target location. The TLM delivers a near instant-on azimuth solution, is not susceptible to magnetic anomalies and requires no calibration."
During testing the LLDR 2H, with the new module, identified two tank-size targets from extended distances. The module reported the target location grids with precision accuracy required for GPS-guided munitions.
The targets were subsequently destroyed by Army Tactical Missile System missiles, which used the data to score direct hits.
Northrop Grumman will begin delivery of the LLDR 2H systems with the new modules to the U.S. military in August.
