TLDHS & StrikeLink Urgent as Excalibur Approaches
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Stauder Technologies’ portable Target Location, Designation and Hand-off Systems (TLDHS) are used by forward observers; Sauder’s StrikeLink software is part of TLDHS, and is compatible with a number of targeting systems. StrikeLink determines the operator’s exact location and their designated target’s location, then uses secure digital transmission to send all this information to nearby artillery, aircraft, et. al. for prompt action. This approach seems simple, but it represents a significant step forward because it provides instant targeting data without transcription time or transcription errors, as opposed the manual process in current use. The software was 6 years in development, and the Marine Corps Systems Command finalized their decision to field it on June 1, 2006. See also a recent NAVAIR release covering tests with F/A-18 and AV-8 aircraft.
TDLHS will be used as the targeting device for BAE Bofors’ new GPS-guided XM982 Excalibur shell, which has been late to field owing to glitches but recently completed final testing. Excalibur shells will be fired from the lightweight M777A2 155mm howitzer, and will be fielded in Q3 (summer) FY 2007.
Contracts
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Unless otherwise specified, The Marine Corps Systems Command, in Quantico, VA issues the contracts to Stauder Technologies in St. Peters, MO.
July 31/07: A not-to-exceed ceiling $9.6 million modification with undefinitized contract line items for not less than 230 units under previously awarded firm-fixed-price, undefinitized letter contract (M67854-07-C-2062) to support an increase in the approved acquisition objective to 1016 units of TLDHS.
Work will be performed in St. Peters, MO and is expected to be complete by August 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
April 10/07: A not-to-exceed $15 million ceiling modification, with undefinitized contract line items, under previously awarded contract M67854-07-C-2062, for the Urgent Universal Need Statement of 448 complete Target Location, Designation and Hand-off Systems (TLDHS). Work will be performed in St. Peters, MO, and is expected to be complete by April 2008. The Marine Corps Systems Command in Quantico, VA issued the contract.
