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Northrop tests new laser rangefinder

APOPKA, Fla., April 10 (UPI) -- A new laser rangefinder/designator for U.S. Army hunter-killer helicopter teams has been demonstrated in flight testing at the Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona.

The Mast Mounted Sight-Diode Pumped Laser Rangefinder/Designator was developed by Northrop Grumman DRS Technologies and allows helicopter crews to illuminate targets and fire laser-guided munitions from much greater stand-off distances than before.

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It is designed as a "drop-in" replacement legacy MMS LRF/Ds made by Northrop Grumman.

"With the ability to easily replace legacy systems that have been in use for 25 years and commonality in the core design that supports other Army platforms, we are confident this system will meet a variety of needs," said Gordon Stewart, vice president of Northrop Grumman's Laser Systems business unit. "With the flight testing now complete and pending final approval by the government, we are prepared to move into production and deliver initial units."

The new system uses advanced diode pumped technology, which provides greater reliability in range-finding and targeting but with lower power consumption.

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