US Army Orders BAE Systems' Laser Target Locators

BAE Systems has announced that it has received an order from the US Army for its advanced, lightweight laser target locator module (LTLM), TRIGR (Target Reconnaissance Infrared Geolocating Rangefinder) systems. The contract, worth $23.5 million, was announced 14 August 2012.

The TRIGR systems provide dismounted warfighters with the ability to quickly and accurately identify targets day or night, and deliver timely data to fire support, manoeuvre command and control, or intelligence systems. 

The system consists of an integrated, forward-looking advanced infrared optic, a 7x direct-view optic, laser range finger, digital magnetic compass, and a Global Positioning System, or GPS, receiver to locate targets of interest. The system works in all weather conditions, day or night, and is housed in a ruggedised package. It can be used in both a handheld mode or mounted on a tripod for easy use by forward observers, scouts, snipers, and small unit leaders.

According to BAE Systems, this marks the US Army’s third contract for the LTLM, and follows a February 2012 US Army contract for TRIGR devices. The company also won a $72 million contract for initial production of the system in 2009.