NASHUA, N.H., Feb. 20 (UPI) -- A man-portable precision targeting system by BAE Systems for dismounted troops has successfully passed the U.S. Army's Critical Design Review.
The system is called HAMMER -- or the Handheld Azimuth Measuring, Marking, Electro-optic imaging, and Ranging targeting system – and is aimed to provide troops with targeting capability in all types of weather.
The U.S. Army is considering it for its Joint Effects Targeting System Target Location Designation System program, and BAE says passing the critical design review is a key milestone as the company works toward providing a lightweight and cost-effective solution.
"Precise man-portable targeting is a mission-critical capability for our dismounted soldiers," said Dr. Mark Hutchins, director of Targeting Programs at BAE Systems. "Our HAMMER solution will provide forward observers and joint terminal attack controllers with the lightweight, compact, and highly advanced system they need to be successful."
JETS is an Army-led program with the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps. A contract in support of the JETS program was awarded to BAE Systems last year. The result is the HAMMER, which the company says is half the weight and cost of the targeting systems currently in the Department of Defense inventory.
BAE and the Army will continue testing of HAMMER through early next year under the JETS program, the company said.
