General Dynamics Canada and Colt Canada are jointly working on the Android-networked Colt’s Sniper (Soldier) Weapon & Observer Reconnaissance Devices (SWORD) system, which would be offered as an alternative to radio-centric individual soldier systems.
Incorporating a weapon-mounted surveillance together with smartphone-like technology, the new Android-networked rifle-centric soldier system is aimed at offering warriors with vital situational-awareness information through their weapon.
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Colt Canada general manager Jeff MacLeod said SWORD makes sense as an integrated soldier system.
MacLeod said, "By combining modern smartphone technology with weapon-mounted scopes and laser rangefinders, soldiers have all the information they need, literally at their fingertips.
"SWORD is not about simply delivering a computer or a display to soldiers; it delivers an entirely new capability centered on the rifle."
Capable of hosting battle management applications using modern smartphone technology, these smart rifles would assist soldiers in executing missions safely and successfully by offering the required précised information.
The SWORD system incorporates power, data and navigation infrastructure within the weapon, including GPS and inertial navigation for GPS-denied situations.
General Dynamics C4 Systems International vice president David Ibbetson said that cooperation between Colt and General Dynamics Canada builds on the strengths of both companies.
"Colt has worldwide expertise in developing and delivering rifles, while General Dynamics has the networking experience needed to connect individual soldiers," Ibbetson said.
"The combined solution gives soldiers the smartphone capability they have been asking for in the form of an Android-networked rifle."
