The U.K. Ministry of Defence has selected Rockwell Collins [COL] to provide significant additional FireStorm(tm) targeting systems to help UK Forward Air Controllers and Forward Artillery Observers to accurately direct aircraft and artillery to their targets. The order also includes spares to support overall system deployments in Afghanistan.
“This is the second major FireStorm contract awarded to Rockwell Collins by the MoD this year, which indicates their growing confidence in the enhanced targeting and air support capabilities provided by the system,” Al Caslavka, vice president and general manager of C3I Solutions for Rockwell Collins, said. “Originally, FireStorm was developed in direct response to the MoD’s urgent need to rapidly develop a highly accurate, fully digitized system to enhance situational awareness for their solders. We’re now seeing the proven success of this project evolve into longer term opportunities for Rockwell Collins.”
The Rockwell Collins FireStorm system provides combat-proven situational awareness through integrated precision targeting, enabling ground personnel to seamlessly operate with airborne assets. Dedicated to supporting the dynamic and changing warfighting environment, the FireStorm system offers flexible solutions for ground targeting, air support and call for fire missions.
The FireStorm system is comprised of a lightweight, fully integrated, mission configurable suite of hardware and software including tablet PC, Laser Range Finder, real-time video receiver, a Rockwell Collins Azimuth Augmentation system, Defense Advanced GPS Receiver (DAGR) and tactical radio.
Rockwell Collins was initially selected to provide the system in 2007.