U.S. Army Places $9.95 Million Order for QinetiQ North America's Next Generation of Soldier-Wearable Sniper Detectors

Oct. 6, 2008

MCLEAN, Va. , Oct. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- QinetiQ North America's Technology Solutions Group, a global developer of innovative technology solutions for national defense, today announced a $9.95 million order from the U. S. Army's Rapid Equipping Force (REF) for SWATS(R) Soldier-Wearable Acoustic Targeting Systems. Part of the Ears(R) Gunshot Localization System product family, SWATS(R) soldier-worn units will be deployed to U.S. Army troops in both Iraq and Afghanistan this year. The deployment is expected to be completed by early next year.

This is the Army's first large-scale deployment of any warfighter-wearable gunshot and sniper detection solution.

According to Don Steinman , Director of Technology Marketing and Transition for QinetiQ North America's Technology Solutions Group, QinetiQ North America worked directly with the United States military to extensively test Ears(R), both in-theatre and in stateside demonstrations. The results, he says, meet the Army's requirement and give soldiers an important tool to help keep them safe. The Ears(R) systems purchased by the REF will include next-generation sensors and rugged features that further address the environment in which the gunshot localization systems will be deployed.

"The soldiers gave us feedback and we acted on it," said Steinman. "The result is a powerful, rugged, and lightweight gunshot localization system that helps the individual warfighter rapidly respond to dangerous situations."

The mission of the REF is to equip operational commanders with off-the-shelf solutions, insert future force technology required by engaged and deployed forces, and assess capabilities, thus enabling U.S. forces to rapidly confront an adaptive enemy.

QinetiQ North America developed the Ears(R) Gunshot Localization System to allow military personnel to immediately and accurately respond to sniper fire. The Ears(R) low-profile acoustic sensor, coupled with operator interfaces designed for individual warfighters, vehicles and fixed locations, audibly cues soldiers with direction and distance in just a fraction of a second from the first gunshot, without being confused by surrounding sounds. The palm-sized, 6.4-ounce core sensor needs only one gunshot to accurately locate snipers in a 360-degree view, even when in use in a moving vehicle. To learn more about Ears(R), please visit www.QinetiQ-NA.com/ears.

About QinetiQ North America

QinetiQ (pronounced "kinetic") North America provides world-class technology and responsive solutions to U.S. government customers. With more than 6,000 engineers, scientists and professionals working in partnership with customers, QinetiQ North America develops innovative technology solutions to meet the challenges of national defense, homeland security and information access. QinetiQ North America is part of QinetiQ Group plc, one of the world's leading defense and security technology companies. For more information, please visit www.QinetiQ-NA.com.

About Technology Solutions Group

QinetiQ North America's Technology Solutions Group includes the businesses of Foster-Miller, Inc. and its subsidiaries Planning Systems Incorporated -- PSI, Automatika, Applied Perception, Spectro, Inc., plus the research and development activities of Apogen Technologies, Inc. It is a technology and product development business with an international reputation for delivering innovative products and systems that perform under the most demanding conditions.

For more information: Cindy Black QinetiQ North America, Technology Solutions Group 781-684-4093 [email protected] Melissa Templeton, Boscobel (for QinetiQ North America) 301-588-2900 [email protected]

SOURCE QinetiQ North America

Copyright © 2008 PR Newswire Association LLC. All Rights Reserved.