Selected Industrial Views with Jeff Murphy, President, Meggitt Training Systems
On the occasion of SHOT Show 2017, MILITARY TECHNOLOGY publishes the Second Annual Rugged Tactical Tools for Extreme Conditions (RTTEC) Series that conveys the thoughts and messages of the world’s tactical equipment leaders, according to the question: “As soldiers and Special Forces operators expect their gear to be 100% reliable, how do you step up to offer extremely durable, rugged gear to keep operations running?”
In an era of rapid deployments, troops often lack time to train in stateside facilities. Consequently, military training often happens in uncontrollable unpredictable environments close to the theatre of action. That is why Meggitt Training System designs and builds its equipment to endure the test of real-world combat environments. The company plans both its CASWELL live-fire and FATS simulation equipment for long-term operation in any area where trainees and instructors prepare for engagement.
For example, Meggitt builds reliable and rugged live-fire target systems that perform day in and day out in the harshest climates. Their longevity attests to their durability: some target systems have functioned in the field for more than 30 years. For realistic training, these ruggedised systems serve a wide variety of purposes: stationary and moving infantry targets; heavy stationary, stationary and moving armour targets; and entry control point moving targets. There is even a SHOTT House (Shoot House Optimised for Tactical Training) that carefully replicates urban warfare, where distinguishing foes from civilian populations challenges combatants.
In this latter situation, where the soldier’s judgment is critical, instructors can make use of Meggitt’s new Live-Fire Screen. This new unique technology lets one train on the FATS 100MIL virtual training system in a SHOTT House or firing range using real weapons and ammunition. The Live-Fire Screen integrates directly into the FATS 100MIL with the same software and courseware scenarios. In addition, the screen has proven durability up to 50,000 rounds.
For live-fire training, students and instructors can further rely on control systems that withstand the onslaught of wind, sand and rain. In fact, Meggitt’s Rugged Portable Laptop provides lightweight, convenient control of range operation, independent of a Range Control Computer (RCC) located inside a range control facility. The laptop simply converts from a powerful notebook PC with a backlit keyboard to a convenient tablet PC with one quick swivel of the monitor. Instructors can also use the touchscreen display in direct sunlight and communicate wirelessly to the individual range targets.
The specifications of ruggedisation and reliability also extend to Meggitt’s new portable simulation equipment. The FATS 100P, which is ideal for marksmanship and judgmental training for military police units, brings portable training to the field. It delivers solid weapon handling and shot placement analytics, marksmanship automatic coaching tools and enhanced graphic capabilities for an all-encompassing immersive training platform. Yet a fundamental requirement is protecting this portable and light device in the field. Towards that end, Meggitt developed a ruggedised hand carry case the size of a large range bag allowing one person the ease of transportation, set up and operation.
In a dangerous world, where training and logistics are both vital considerations, Meggitt’s dedication to rugged, reliable equipment can help enable battlefield success.
SHOT Show is showcasing the future of innovation across the tactical gear and weapons arena and https://monch.com/mpg/news/shot-show-2018.html brings together key developments from the show. For more information and a print version of the RTTEC series, please see MILITARY TECHNOLOGY #1/2018, available at the show; and frequently check back for more NEWS FROM THE FLOOR.
