QinetiQ North America's gunshot location technologytested

QinetiQ North America, a developer of technology solutions for national defense, hasannounced positive results from operational field testing of its miniature Ears Sniper Detection System, which was deployed to multiple fire bases in Afghanistan in August and September of 2007, with deployment to Iraq scheduled to begin early this year.

During field testing conducted as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom, the unique single sensor solution allowed military personnel to immediately and accurately respond to sniper fire, the second leading cause of fatalities in Iraq.

Ears' miniature low-profile acoustic sensor, coupled with operator interfaces for individual soldiers, vehicles and fixed locations, audibly cues US forces with direction and distance in less than a tenth of a second from the first gunshot without being confused by surrounding sounds. The single, palm-sised, 6.4-ounce sensor, which is used across the Ears sniper detection product family, needs only one gunshot to accurately locate snipers in a 360 degree view using shockwave and muzzle blast signatures, even when in use on a vehicle moving at speeds over 50mph.

Ears' advantages in rapid deployment in all situations, including the only single soldier-wearable sniper detection system, make it much more effective and versatile than large and heavy boom-mounted systems. In fact, on full-day vehicle missions, the lightweight Ears vehicle system saves up to 200 pounds of cargo weight.

"The recent field test by Special Forces provided an opportunity for military leaders to view the latest in gunshot location technology," said Don Steinman, Director, Transition Programmes, QinetiQ North America. "We're happy that Ears is able to provide for the safety and security of vehicle mounted troops, bases and now foot patrols -- something that no one else can do."

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