QinetiQ North America’s Sniper Detector, SUGV Highlighted in ‘Guinness World Records 2010’
McLean, Va., March 29, 2010 – The Guinness book of world records is known around the globe for a collection of firsts and bests that covers everything from “Largest Violin Ensemble” to “First Legal Summons Served Online.” Among the gems in “Guinness World Records 2010” are two products from QinetiQ North America: Ears® SWATS™ sniper detection systems and Dragon Runner™ robots.
Ears SWATS (shoulder-worn acoustic targeting system) is listed on the “Engineering and Technology – Weapons” page as the “First Wearable Sniper Detector.” An Ears unit can detect and pinpoint hostile gunfire in a fraction of a second and audibly report the range and bearing of the shooter so the soldier or marine can hear it (e.g., “Shot, 400 meters, 3 o’clock”). As the situation continues to unfold, Ears keeps track of the shooter’s position relative to the changing location of the warfighter and continuously provides audible updates.
Ears SWATS units were first fielded in Afghanistan in 2009. The product also was awarded a “Best of What’s New” designation by “Popular Science” magazine last November.
Dragon Runner is listed on the “Engineering and Technology – Weapons” page as the “Most Durable Military Robot.” Originally designed for the U.S. Marine Corps, the rugged base unit Dragon Runner weighs less than 20 pounds and can be carried in a backpack.
Operators can take the Dragon Runner and add tracks for maximum mobility and a manipulator arm with rotating shoulder, wrist and grippers for dexterity, depending on the mission. In addition, day and night pan/tilt/zoom cameras, motion detectors and a listening capability allow Dragon Runner to further extend a combat team’s situational awareness.
Missions include disposing of IEDs, reconnaissance inside buildings, sewers, drainpipes, caves, culverts and courtyards; perimeter security using on-board motion and sound detectors; checkpoint security; in-vehicle and under-vehicle inspections; and hostage barricade reconnaissance and negotiation.
More than 100 Dragon Runners have been shipped for service in Afghanistan.
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