DRS Technologies has announced that it has received a $12 million order to produce Knight Precision Targeting Systems, mission equipment electronic units, cupolas and cables, and integrate the complete vehicle packages into more than 60 U.S. Army M1117 Armored Security Vehicles.
The order was received by DRS from the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) in Warren, Michigan. Work for this order will be accomplished by the company's DRS Sustainment Systems unit, located in St. Louis, Missouri. Delivery of completed vehicles is expected to commence in March 2008 and be completed in January 2009.
"Current military actions have reinforced the importance of ground-based precision targeting capabilities to the successful execution of both close air and fire support on the asymmetric battlefield," said Thomas G. Cornwell, president of DRS's Sustainment Systems Segment. "The need for 'eyes on the ground' to precisely locate, positively identify, effectively engage and rapidly acquire targets has never been greater."
The Knight is a precision targeting system consisting of a laser designator and rangefinder, thermal imager, digital command and control system, blended inertial/global positioning system (GPS) navigation and targeting capability, and a self-defense weapon. It provides far-target location and laser target designation for both artillery and air-delivered, general-purpose and precision-guided munitions.
Data received is automatically formatted within the fire support tactical data system for immediate digital transmission. Position and targeting data also can be incorporated into other battlefield command and control systems. The Knight system is designed to be both platform and sensor independent.
The M1117 Armored Security Vehicle is an armored wheeled vehicle equipped with an armament system designed to meet mission requirements. It provides protection for crew members against various ballistic threats.
