One of the world’s largest U.S. defense contractors, Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT), won a $6.9 million contract to develop multiple One Shot laser-based sniper systems for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The defense agency, DARPA, pointed out that the existing sniper scopes lack the ability to measure wind at long distances.
One Shot laser-based sniper systems improve the accuracy of the snipers and reduces the possibility of detection. One Shot provides the warfighter with a distinct advantage by increasing the probability of hitting the target in the first round.
One Shot uses a laser and camera, together with sensors, to measure wind speed and direction within 1,500 meters, as well as track atmospheric conditions. It also uses direct-view optics for enhanced night vision capability. This enables clear identification of targets both during the day and at night.
The One Shot sniper system consists of a lightweight, stand alone spotting scope and an attachment that projects the precise point of impact into the rifle scope. The systems developed under the $4.5 million contract will be used for testing with DARPA and the U.S. military services.
Earlier, Lockheed Martin had received an 18-month, $9.7 million contract from DARPA, in 2008, to develop the One Shot system prototype. The developed sniper system was successfully tested in December 2009, hitting targets twice as quickly and increasing the probability of a first-round hit by a factor of two to four, based on their distance from the target.
Lockheed Martin is also working to develop Dynamic Image Gunsight Optic or DInGO, a rifle scope attachment, to enhance soldiers’ marksmanship, under a $3.9 million contract from DARPA. The attachment uses advanced digital imagers and displays to accurately view targets at varying distances. It also will account for bullet drop and local wind conditions.
Lockheed Martin also received a contract from the Army’s Aviation Applied Technology Directorate to incorporate One Shot technology into the Autonomous Rotorcraft Sniper System, which features a powerful rifle fitted into a highly stabilized turret mounted on board an unmanned helicopter or tower. Lockheed Martin plans to demonstrate a significant increase in the probability of hits with this system in the upcoming months.
Based in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security company principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The company’s major customers include the U.S. government, foreign governments, and other commercial buyers. Primary competitors include Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC) and The Boeing Company (BA).
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