QinetiQ highlights force protection technology at AUSA - Booth 4145

With the ability to locate and quickly indicate a target to other members of a ground or vehicle mounted patrol, Pointer is an excellent example of technology being developed by QinetiQ to help save lives on the front line. This concept demonstrator is one of the solutions being featured in Booth 4145 at the AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, DC, this week.

In difficult and dangerous situations, being able to 'pass on' a target electronically means that the best "equipped" person can then deal with the threat, without drawing undue attention to the "spotter". By using almost any real-time sensor, the lightweight, battery powered Pointer system easily integrates with a variety of in-service scopes and even heavy weapons like machine guns.

The wireless link is achieved by using an existing personal radio, which already forms part of a soldier's kit. Information can then be directly fed into different user's sights and can cue multiple weapon systems onto a target quickly and silently. This means a dramatic reduction in reaction times and improvements to the overall operational tempo.

"The threats forces face in-theatre are constantly changing, so technology has to continually adapt to address these," stated Ron Finlayson, QinetiQ's UK defence strategic business director. "QinetiQ is increasingly helping the UK Ministry of Defence and the U.S. Department of Defense meet its needs by responding to the Urgent Operational Requirements with ongoing technology development that focuses on solutions which can quickly and cost effectively be delivered to the front line."

X-net is another force protection solutions on display at QinetiQ's stand. X Net is a man portable spike and net system that when deployed in a vehicle's path, will bring a range of vehicles to a complete and safe standstill, typically within 75 metres.