DARPA has awarded initial research contracts to develop advanced technology for dismounted infantry squads.
DARPA awarded Phase I research contracts to nine10 companies for the Squad X Core Technologies (SXCT) program. The winners are Helios Remote Sensing, Kitware, Leidos, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Raytheon, Scientific Systems Company, Inc., Six3 Systems, SoarTech and SRI, according to a DARPA news release.
SXCT is pursuing research in four areas:
- Sensing threats to a squad out to 1,000 meters, including autonomous threat detection.
- The capability for squad members to identify their own and their squadmates locations with an accuracy of less than 20 feet, even when GPS isn't available.
- Precision engagement out to 1,000 meters, with capabilities such as distributed, non-line-of-sight targeting and guided munitions.
- Disrupting enemy command and communications links and use of unmanned assets at squad pace.
The U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps have expressed interest in future SXCT capabilities.
