M4, M9 and M27 Weapons to Increase Utility of ISMT
Meggitt Training Systems (Suwanee, GA) has won a $2.6 million (€2.4 million) contract for additional BlueFire wireless virtual weapons for the US Marine Corps, the company announced on 14 May.
The BlueFire M9 pistols, M4 rifles and M27 Infantry Automatic Rifles will be used in the USMC’s Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer (ISMT), also delivered by Meggitt as a programme of record, at several locations around the US. Deliveries to Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany will begin within the next 90 days and should be completed by December 2020.
“This order for additional BlueFire weapons demonstrates the value they and ISMT deliver in terms of virtual firearms training for Marines who must be ready to deploy anywhere at any time,” commented Andrea Czop, VP of Strategy, Sales and Marketing. “Only Meggitt Training Systems can engineer and deliver weapons that so closely match form, fit and function of the originals, paired with our FATS-based trainer that features military-certified ballistics for the highest accuracy in marksmanship training.”
Meggitt was originally awarded the $32 million, five-year ISMT contract in 2014, delivering and installing 490 systems installed at locations worldwide. ISMT trains new and experienced Marines in marksmanship, collective engagement and judgmental video scenarios. Each mode provides essential training, based on the skill level of the individual or unit.
BlueFire weapons use commercial wireless technology to communicate with ISMT and other FATS-based virtual training systems, giving the same control as tethered weapons, but retaining full range of movement. These patented weapon simulators can be used in conjunction with other tethered simulators without modification. For enhanced, more realistic visuals, Meggitt’s BlueFire weapon simulators feature a 3D marksmanship training environment. The after-action review allows engagement and shot assessment in a 3D virtual environment, while providing detailed trainee diagnostics for skill reinforcement or correction.
