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View Full Version : CROSSHAIRS counter-shooter system deployed to Afghanistan



Wrench3516
10-08-10, 10:26 PM
:evilgrin:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 5, 2010

DARPA’s CROSSHAIRS counter-shooter system deployed to Afghanistan

Troops to receive new warfighting tool

U.S. troops deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom are about to receive a new tool that enhances warfighter survivability by increasing protection to ground vehicles and convoys. The Counter RPG Shooter System with Highly Accurate Immediate Responses (CROSSHAIRS), funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the Army’s Rapid Equipping Force protects against small arms, Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs), Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) and other advanced threats.

CROSSHAIRS uses multiple sensors to:

detect and classify the types of threats incoming at U.S. ground vehicles;

track the threat and determine its point of impact; and

identify the location of the assailant and broadcast that location throughout the convoy.

The system geolocates and displays shooter location on an interactive map in the vehicle and distributes the data to other vehicles via a network radio in real-time. It also provides slew-to-cue assisted turret control for vehicles equipped with Remote Weapons Systems (RWS). CROSSHAIRS also offers threat cueing for an Active Protection System (APS) to safeguard vehicles.

“CROSSHAIRS introduces a significant force multiplier to the battlefield,” said Karen Wood, DARPA program manager. “The system applies a radar with signal processing to detect large projectiles to another DARPA technology—the Boomerang II—which uses acoustic sensors to identify the shockwave and muzzle blast generated from small arms fire. This system provides situational awareness for multiple incoming threats with 360 degree coverage around a vehicle.”

CROSSHAIRS systems were deployed recently to Afghanistan. Prior to deployment, the CROSSHAIRS system was integrated onto two Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) Cougar vehicles that successfully completed testing by the Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC). The prime vendor for the CROSSHAIRS program is Mustang Technology Group, L.P., headquartered in Allen, Texas.