Overview

The Countersniper System provides timely warning of rifle fire, rapid verification of its source and accurate counterfire guidance capability. The system has a detection range that exceeds the effective range of sniper rifles and does not need to be near the path of the sniper’s bullet. Because optical detection methods are used a muzzle flash detection is declared before a sniper's supersonic bullet has traveled fifty yards.

System Description and Operation

The system consists of a sensor camera, processor, control display, rifle attachment, electronic binoculars (optional), and power supply. It is designed to be operated by a two person countersniper team, consisting of an observer and shooter. The observer operates the system and guides the shooter onto the sniper’s location. The only incursion the system makes into the shooter’s environment is a small rifle attachment that determines the rifle aim point. The observer controls the system through the control display and/or electronic binoculars.

The system uses a focal plane array midwave infrared camera to stare at a 32 degree wide by 24 degree high field of view. The video signal is fed to the processor where detection algorithms are used to detect the muzzle flash signature. The system detects rifle fire within seventy milliseconds of its occurrence. During this time a supersonic bullet would travel less than fifty yards.

The rifle attachment is a magnetometer / inclinometer unit which is connected to the control display and transmits information about the aim point of the rifle. A similar device is built into the observer's binoculars to determine its line of sight.

The control display shows an image of the scene on which targeting symbology is overlaid. The basic symbology consists of the location of the detected sniper, designated by a diamond; and the instantaneous aim point of the counterfire rifle, designated by a crosshair. In the simplest mode of operation the observer would bring the shooter on to target by guiding him so as to align the crosshair onto the diamond. The shooter would then use his scope to verify the target.

In addition, the observer may use electronic binoculars for visual target verification and counterfire guidance. Two pushkeys on the binoculars allows the observer to control most system functions while looking through the binoculars. The binoculars have an internal display which is used to guide the observer left, right, up or down onto the target location. The same display is used to show the difference between the current rifle aim point and the binocular line of sight. Thus the observer can move his binoculars onto the target and then guide the shooter without taking his eyes off the target.

The binoculars also have a built in laser rangefinder which the observer may use while the system is in operation. Range information is displayed internally and can be passed on to the shooter for more accurate counterfire.

The control display has a keypad which the observer uses to setup the system and control its operation. The observer can use this keypad for all system functions. A vibrating silent alarm is attached to the control display. The observer wears this on his body so that when a detection occurs there is no audible alarm.

When used in the field the system draws power from a power belt containing standard inventory lithium batteries. For a fixed site installation a power adapter with rechargeable battery backup is provided.

This system significantly increases the effectiveness of a two person countersniper team by alerting the team and declaring the sniper's location prior to the bullet reaching its target.

For additional info please contact  Dr. M. C. Ertem Maryland Advanced Development Laboratory  (301) 345 8664