The US Army has awarded a contract to Northrop Grumman to supply handheld precision targeting devices (HHPTDs).

The HHPTD is an advanced targeting system weighing less than 5.5 pounds and providing a greater degree of precision than previous systems. To supply the accurate information needed on the modern battlefield, the device incorporates a celestial navigation module. Devices such as the HHPTD allow forces on the ground to relay accurate targeting data to aircraft and command centres. Under the terms of the $9.2-million contract, Northrop Grumman will supply the systems over a three-year period.

“With the HHPTD, we have used the experience we gained from the production of the lightweight laser designator rangefinder IIH to create a smaller, more lightweight targeting system,” said Gordon Stewart, Vice President and General Manager of the laser systems business unit. “The HHPTD puts the targeting accuracy needed for today’s precision GPS munitions in the hands of the warfighter.”

Northrop Grumman has delivered more than 25,000 electro-optic laser systems. Currently deployed and in-production systems include man-portable products such as the lightweight laser designator rangefinder IIH and the Mark VII and Mark VIIE laser target locators; ground vehicle products such as the M1 Abrams eye-safe laser rangefinder and the sight integrated rangefinder for Stryker vehicles; and airborne products such as the target acquisition designation sight for the AH-64 Apache and lasers for unmanned aerial vehicles and helicopters; and Viper countermeasure lasers for the AN/AAQ-24(V) directional infrared countermeasures system used to protect soldiers from the threat of infrared-guided missiles.