Army orders Improved EMTAS computerized mortar fire-control systems from Mistral Inc.
PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J., 12 March 2013. U.S. Army indirect fire experts are looking to fire-control systems designers at Mistral Inc. in Bethesda, Md., to deliver a computerized munitions-aiming system that renders the standard Army 120-millimeter mortar round accurate at ranges as far as four miles.
Officials of the Army Contracting Command at Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., awarded Mistral a $14 million contract Friday for the Improved Enhanced Mortar Targeting System (Improved EMTAS).
The Improved EMTAS fire-control system can attack targets with standard Army 120-millimeter mortar rounds at ranges as far as four miles in any direction over 360 degrees in less than 30 seconds, Army officials say.
The system has automated elevation and traverse adjustments to attack several different target locations rapidly in any direction from one firing position without relocating.
The Improved EMTAS maintains commonality with previously qualified systems such as the RMS6L mortar launcher in the M1129 Stryker armored combat vehicle, has an integrated tactical computer, can operate in a rugged environment at temperatures from -20 to 60 degrees Celsius. The system can withstand the influence of extensive dust, sand, snow and wind.
In addition, the mortar launcher can be powered from a power supply unit with NSN standard batteries and or a HMMWV power slave cable.
Mistral will do the work in Bethesda, Md., and should be finished by November 2014. Mistral -- is a member of the Mistral Group -- has expertise in survivability systems; transparent armor; active protection systems; indirect fire systems and ammunition; C4ISR and robotic systems; signature management systems; remote weapon stations; water generation and treatment; life support systems and power units; communication shelter systems; and component parts for tactical and combat vehicles.
For more information contact Mistral online at www.mistralinc.com, or the Army's Picatinny Arsenal at www.pica.army.mil.
John Keller | Editor
John Keller is editor-in-chief of Military & Aerospace Electronics magazine, which provides extensive coverage and analysis of enabling electronic and optoelectronic technologies in military, space, and commercial aviation applications. A member of the Military & Aerospace Electronics staff since the magazine's founding in 1989, Mr. Keller took over as chief editor in 1995.
