LRAD has been awarded a contract for the delivery of its 500X and 100X long-range acoustic device (LRAD) systems to the US Army Reserves.
Under the terms of the new $1.9m contract, the company will supply an undisclosed number of LRAD units, along with support equipment, such as vehicle mounts and wireless kits, for installation on the army’s mine resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicles and high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWVs).
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LRAD Corporation president and CEO Tom Brown said that the company’s long range communication technology would protect soldiers inside their armoured vehicles by providing clear warnings and commands; in addition, it also helps prevent civilian casualties by creating large standoff zones during conflicts.
"After extensive testing and rigorous deployments in theatres of operation, LRAD systems continue to be the US Army Reserves AHD of choice for vehicle mounted solutions," Brown said.
The LRAD 100X and LRAD 500X are lightweight and power efficient sonic weapons, designed to relay focused, multi-language voice commands and deterrent tones, which can be clearly heard and understood in any type of terrain and weather conditions, at distances of up to 1.5m.
Self contained and hand portable, the LRAD 100X generates messages and commands 20-30dB louder than most megaphones, to ensure they can be heard over the background noise of vehicles, vessels, sirens and crowds.
The LRAD 500X provides military personnel with a highly directional audio communication capability that is capable of achieving maximum sound projection and penetration beyond 2,000m.
Currently, the system serves as acoustic hailing device (AHD) for the army and navy’s small vessels and vehicles.
Using vehicle mounts and wireless kits, the army will be able to field LRAD systems in a wide range of applications.
Deliveries under the contract are scheduled to take place in late 2012.
Image: An LRAD system installed aboard the USS Typhoon, stationed at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, US. Photo: courtesy of TheKMan.
