Thales UK has been awarded a J6.4M contract by Raytheon for the provision of 416 Eye Safe Laser Day Elbow's (ESLDE) Laser Rangefinders for the United States Marine Corps (USMC) Improved Thermal Sighting System (ITSS) programme.

The ITSS programme is part of the USMC Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) Life Extension Programme, which comprises of a second generation thermal infrared sensor, laser rangefinder and computerised fire control system and will provide the USMC with extended far target location and an improved identification capability.

The Thales ESLDE Laser Rangefinder has an integrated direct view optical channel and optional video channel that has been specifically designed for use as part of the LAV periscopic sighting system. A version of this is already in service with the UK MoD for the Battle Group Thermal Imaging programme and has also been selected by General Dynamics for the Australian and New Zealand Light Armoured Vehicle Programmes

Karen Oddey, Managing Director of Thales UK's land and joint systems business said, "This order builds on the now worldwide success of this product and represents another major opportunity for Thales in the United States."

Thales UK
01.02.2006