Saab has selected Queensland-based company Laserdyne Technologies as a key supplier for Army's Land 400 program, and for export opportunities worldwide.
Laserdyne Technologies will supply its laser transceiver as a key subsystem within the Saab Universal Sight and Fire-Control System (UTAAS) offered with the AMV35 vehicle, currently considered for Land 400 Phase 2 (Armoured reconnaissance vehicle capability).
“Engagement with Australian industry is a key part of Saab’s longterm commitment to Australia and the selection of Laserdyne as a key supplier for UTAAS is the first of a number of opportunities for Australian businesses that we are exploring within the Saab global supply chain,” managing director Saab Australia Andy Keough said.
CEO Laserdyne Technologies Tom White said the selection gives Laserdyne the opportunity to supply Australian-designed, developed and manufactured technology product into export markets.
“We look forward to working with Saab and providing our unique, advanced digital range-finding technology into such current programmes as Land 400.”
Saab’s UTAAS is a versatile sight and fire-control system for tanks and combat vehicles. According to the company website, its modular design gives the user a variety of performance options and upgrading possibilities:
- The beam-paths for all channels go through the same aperture, giving good system stability and no need for realignment. The system can be customised for various weapon systems and integrated with Command and Control systems.
- It also has an interface to a smart ammunition programming unit.
- An independent line‑of‑sight principle enables the operator to retain the target in the centre of the reticle during the entire aiming and laser range-finding sequence, with no re‑aiming required.
- Gun laying is automatically controlled by the Fire Control Computer.
- The design of the top module allows large deflection angles in both azimuth and elevation to be achieved. These are essential for effective combating of fast aircraft.
- The low-hazard laser rangefinder has a variable repetition frequency which can be configured for various operational requirements. Various methods of anti-laser eye protection can be employed in the sight. For night and all-weather operation the system can be equipped with a range of third generation thermal imagers. In most applications an extra monitor is provided enabling the commander to fire.
Today the UTAAS is in service in Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Finland, the Netherlands, Estonia and Denmark, all with the BAE Systems’ Combat Vehicle 90 (CV90).