GFAS/WeaponWatch to Protect US Apache Helicopters

Apaches head out(click for full view) May 25/11: Radiance Technologies, Inc. in Huntsville, AL receives an $8.8 million sole-source, firm-fixed-price contract from the US Army. They’ll produce the hardware needed to equip a full battalion of AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters with “the Ground Fire Acquisition System special mission kits.” Radiance seems to have a product that fits: “Employing a powerful infrared camera and high-speed 5th generation data processing technology, WeaponWatch recognizes and analyzes in real time the heat signatures of fired weapons. WeaponWatch’s speed and accuracy make it possible to detect and respond to enemy weapon fire – by alerting soldiers, by communicating the type and location of the weapon, even by returning fire – before the sound of the enemy weapon reaches the sensor.” That would certainly make it very dangerous to fire on equipped Apaches. Work will be performed in Huntsville, AL, with an estimated completion date of May 20/12. One bid was solicited by the U.S. Army in Fort Eustis, VA, with 1 bid received (W911W6-11-C-0043).