Electro Optic Systems Develops First Wireless Remote Weapon

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited (EOS) has released the first remotely operated weapon system that can be entirely operated and controlled by means of wireless network communications.

Remotely controlled weapon systems have been in development for almost 20 years, and have been used in combat operations for approximately 5 years. The key objectives of these systems have always been the improvement of weapon effectiveness, and the removal of the gunner to a safer position remote from the weapon itself.

A key limitation until now has been the need to locate the weapon system operator relatively close to the deployed weapon, because the weapon controls were connected by cables. Wireless controls have not been possible because of several safety and security issues:
1. A wireless system could be taken over by opposing forces and used against friendly forces unless very secure communications were employed.

2. The absence of a human operator results in deficiencies in the overall situation awareness at the weapon location, giving rise to safety and security concerns.

3. The need for clear identification of friendly forces to prevent fratricide.

4. Unpredictable time delays in very remote control links require certain functions of the weapon application be implemented robotically but without allowing robot control of the weapon itself.

All of these issues have been overcome by EOS, in cooperation with EOS's partner on remote weapons systems, Northrop Grumman with a generic device architecture that can be rapidly adapted to specific military digital environments.

EOS has obtained patent coverage in the US and other countries, for its implementation of this next generation of remote weapon system. The patents cover rules-based weapon controls to allow reliable and safe weapon operation over limited bandwidth and stressed communication systems.

Commenting at the recent Army USA Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington DC, EOS' Chief Executive Officer, Ben Greene, said: "The new technology we have developed allows weapon systems to be deployed with no physical connection to an operator. This means that for the first time weapon operators can be located as much as 500 to 800 meters away from the weapon. By coupling to existing secure communications, this can be further extended almost indefinitely."