QinetiQ has announced a $9.95m order from the US Army’s Rapid Equipping Force (REF) for SWATS soldier-wearable acoustic targeting systems.

This is the US army’s first large-scale deployment of soldier-wearable gunshot and sniper detection solutions and will be deployed to US Army troops in both Iraq and Afghanistan this year.

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The sniper detection units use Ears gunshot localisation systems to allow military personnel to use low-profile, acoustic sensors coupled with operator interfaces designed for individual soldiers and vehicles to cue the wearer as to the direction and distance of a gunshot, without being confused by surrounding sounds.

The palm-sized, 6.4oz core sensor needs only one gunshot to accurately locate snipers in a 360° view, even when in use in a moving vehicle.

Director of technology marketing and transition for QinetiQ, Don Steinman said that the system had been tested using extensive soldier feedback.

“The result is a powerful, rugged, and lightweight gunshot localisation system that helps the individual war fighter rapidly respond to dangerous situations,” said Steinmann.

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