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BAE SYSTEMS Thermal Weapon Sight completes key soldier testing

17 Dec 2002

BAE Systems Light Thermal Weapon Sight (LTWS) successfully completed two weeks of soldier trials for the U.S. Army's Dismounted Battlespace Battle Lab (DBBL) at Fort Benning, Georgia, November 8.

The LTWS, an infrared (IR) targeting system developed by BAE Systems IR Imaging Systems (IRIS) business area, allows combat forces to acquire and engage targets with small arms weapons, both day and night, under adverse conditions. It is designed for use by unit leaders for surveillance and fire control and by weapons operators to detect, recognise, and engage targets in all visibility conditions. Mounted on the M4 and M16 series weapons and the M136 AT-4, the LTWS can be employed in light, airborne, air assault, ranger, and mechanised infantry squads.

According to Kris Furlonge, IRIS systems engineer, "the primary purpose of Battle Lab was to validate the operational effectiveness and reliability of the light thermal weapon sights in a demanding operational environment." He said the performance of BAE Systems sights "was outstanding and a direct result of the ongoing design collaboration between BAE Systems and the warfighter."

The LTWS weighs less than three pounds, is battery powered, with a single field-of-view, and uses BAE Systems MicroIR imaging engine technology. MicroIR imaging engines are based on uncooled, microbolometer, staring focal plane array technology.

Soldiers from the 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment, on temporary duty from the XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, N.C., received classroom and hands-on training from BAE Systems personnel during these exercises. Training objectives were focused on infrared theory, thermal weapon sight operation and maintenance. Soldiers then integrated the thermal weapon sights into their missions in order to validate the operational suitability of the sights in field exercises.

During the two-week period, the LTWS was subjected to human factors evaluations, individual movement techniques through a demanding obstacle course, and reconnaissance and ambush scenarios, including simulated live fire target engagements and target detection/recognition exercises. Soldiers also participated in squad-level tactical operations, including target engagements, land navigation, and extended tactical movement over rough terrain in day/night and clear/rainy conditions.

Steve Jamison, IRIS vice president and general manager, said, "With today's Army fighting in an asymmetric environment, this weapon sight provides our soldiers with a much needed see-first capability."

"The Battle Lab was a major success milestone for the IRIS business unit," said Barry Yeadon, LTWS program manager. "The test results show the excellent engineering work that incorporated product improvements to meet the warfighter's needs."

"The systems performed well -- without any problems," said Maj. Eric Glenn, from the Army's PM-Soldier Sensors. "I believe the DBBL was a good exercise that put these systems in combat-related missions and functions. Well done!"

The IRIS facility in Lexington is part of BAE Systems Information & Electronic Warfare Systems (IEWS) unit, headquartered in Nashua, New Hampshire.

About BAE SYSTEMS:

BAE Systems is a systems company, innovating for a safer world. BAE Systems employs nearly 100,000 people including Joint Ventures, and has annual sales of around 13 billion. The company offers a global capability in air, sea, land and space with a world-class prime contracting ability supported by a range of key skills. BAE Systems designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, space systems, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, guided weapon systems and a range of other defence products. BAE Systems is dedicated to making the intelligent connections needed to deliver innovative solutions.

BAE Systems North America is a high-technology U.S. company employing more than 22,000 Americans who live and work in 29 states and Washington, D.C. The company is dedicated to solving its customers' needs with both highly innovative and leading-edge solutions across the defence electronics, systems, information technology and services arenas.

BAE Systems Information & Electronic Warfare Systems (IEWS) employs more than 4,700 people at eight major facilities in six states. The business unit is a major producer of aircraft self-protection systems and tactical surveillance and intelligence systems for all branches of the armed forces. Other major business areas include microwave, mission and space electronics; infrared imaging; and automated mission planning systems.