WESCAM Eyes of new US Army IM-SHORAD solution
On 19 June, the US Army down-selected an industry consortium led by Leonardo DRS to satisfy an “Initial Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense” (IM-SHORAD) requirement with the aim of providing tactical ground units with improved air defence capabilities against emerging threats.
L3’s MX-GCS was down-selected as sighting and targeting system on this programme. This is first major down-selection for L3 WESCAM on US Army ground vehicle. “Our MX-GCS is featured at AUSA the on General Dynamics Land Systems’ STRYKER platform in support of this key milestone and will be available for viewing and discussion,” the company states at AUSA.
L3’s MX-GCS is featured on four key customer platforms at booth #8615 – Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform (RIwP) in US Army IM-SHORAD configuration; booth #2825 – Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) vehicle; booth #2047 – Gunsight and Commander Independent Viewer (CIV) option for 3000-series turret; and at booth #6027 – 50mm gun turret in support of a Cooperate Research And Technology Agreement (CRADA) with US Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (ARDEC).
In order to provide a next-generation protection capability to forward deployed units, the US Army’s selected IM-SHORAD solution will feature an integrated suite of mission systems including radar, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sighting system, electronic warfare package as well as non-lethal and lethal effects including HELLFIRE rockets; STINGER missiles; and 30mm M230LF cannon.
The IM-SHORAD prototype phase of the programme calls for an initial delivery of nine integrated solutions being fitted on board a STRYKER infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) due to be delivered to the army in July 2019. The current plan is for seven of the prototypes to be refurbished to production ready standard.
Already integrated into the Moog Reconfigurable Integrated Weapons Platform (RIWP) for multiple programs globally, L3 WESCAM’s MX-GCS will provide the “eyes” and target engagement for the IM-SHORAD Mission Equipment Package (MEP), which also includes Rada’s Multi-Mission Hemispheric Radar (MHR).
