Why it’s Breakthrough: It’s a handheld laser target locator that enables soldiers to identify target locations while on foot, in daylight or at night, and in obscured-visibility conditions such as fog and smoke.

The Story: “These modules will enable soldiers to determine target coordinates quickly, safely, and accurately,” said Dan Murray, Laser Target Locator Modules (LTLM) program director for BAE Systems in Nashua, New Hampshire. “The system provides a much-needed capability in a single, lightweight package. Removing weight from soldiers’ packs makes their jobs easier and enables them to complete missions faster and with greater precision.”
 


Weighing less than 5.5 pounds, the LTLM consists of a direct-view optic system, a night-vision camera derived from the thermal cameras used in BAE Systems’ advanced thermal weapon sights, a laser range finder, a digital compass, and a GPS receiver. The system will allow users to recognize targets more than 4.2 kilometers away in daylight and 900 meters in total darkness.

About BAE Systems

BAE Systems is the premier global defense, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems’ sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.