Cubic to Provide Laser Data Link for DARPA Sniper System

Cubic Defense has received a contract to provide an optical data link system for a new small-calibre guided weapon system being developed for the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

The extreme accuracy tasked ordnance (EXACTO) system will produce a guided, actively controlled 50-calibre sniper rifle system with improved range and accuracy over current systems.

Cubic advanced programmes for defence vice-president Steve Sampson said the system will enable troops to operate under difficult environmental conditions with high long-range precision capabilities.

The optical link will be a critical piece of this new guided system.

The company has in the past created a new two-way optical combat identification system designed to reduce the incidence of fratricide.