US Army orders additional TRIGR units from BAE

A soldier utilises the TRIGR target location system to

identify target locations while on foot. Photo BAE Systems

17 August 2012 army-technology.com

BAE Systems has been awarded a contract for the delivery of additional Target Reconnaissance Infrared Geolocating Rangefinder (TRIGR) laser target locator modules (LTLMs) to the US Army.

The latest $23.5m order represents the third contract for LTLMs by the army and follows previous $72m and $23m awards received in 2009 and February 2012, for TRIGR initial production and additional deliveries respectively.

BAE Systems LTLM programme manager Bruce Zukauskas said that the TRIGR system provides the deployed warfighters with a decisive advantage in locating enemy targets in the battlefield.

''Our single handheld unit weighs less than 5.5 pounds and has been qualified through rigorous testing and environmental conditions,'' Zukauskas added.

The TRIGR helps dismounted soldiers to rapidly identify target's locations during day and night operations, even in poor visibility conditions due to smoke or dust, and transmit the data to fire support, manoeuvre command and control and intelligence systems to aid in target engagement.

The LTLM features a direct-view optic system, night-vision camera based on BAE Systems' advanced thermal weapon sights, laser range finder, digital magnetic compass, and a global positioning system (GPS) receiver to enable accurate detection of far target coordinates, located at a distance of 4.2km in daylight and 900m in darkness.

Designed for use in either handheld mode or tripod mounted, the system can be easily operated by forward observers, scouts, snipers, as well as small unit leaders.

Manufacturing work under the contract will be carried out at BAE's facilities in Nashua, New Hampshire and Austin, Texas, US, while information regarding the delivery schedule and number of units remain undisclosed.