EOS Defense Systems USA Inc, the U.S defence subsidiary of Electro Optic Systems (EOS), has been selected to provide the EOS AS-65 gimbal as the positioning component for the L3Harris Vehicle Agnostic Modular Palletized ISR Rocket Equipment (VAMPIRE).
The VAMPIRE system is a rapid weapon deployment solution that gives ground forces the ability to quickly and accurately engage targets. L3Harris received a contract from the U.S Department of Defense to deliver 14 of their VAMPIRE multi-purpose weapons systems to strengthen Ukrainian security defence efforts and allow Ukraine ground forces to target enemy drones and defend against adversary ground threats.
The EOS AS-65 gimbal was initially developed for the R150 remote weapon system (RWS), and in June Canberra-based EOS officially opened a new production line for the R150 RWS in response to growing international demand for lightweight systems that can be fitted to a wide range of protected and utility vehicles.
EOS has experienced an increase in global sales this year. In April, they announced two conditional contracts with Ukraine, totalling up to $181 million, to provide up to 150 RWS units and related components. In June, they secured another $51 million contract to supply RWS units, including spares, training, and related services, to a Western European government.
The EOS AS-65 gimbal joins more than 40 EOS R400 remote weapon systems, fitted to Bushmaster armoured vehicles delivered to Ukraine, as part of the Australian Government’s ongoing commitment to the defence of Ukraine.
For the VAMPIRE system, the EOS AS-65 is coupled with the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) in a 4-pack launcher configuration, providing long-range accuracy to destroy up to Group 3 UAS threats at a variety of speeds, ranges and altitudes. The 70 mm diameter laser guided rocket is effective at tracking targets using advanced seeker optics and four guidance wings that are deployed after firing.
EOS will perform integration and support operations for the VAMPIRE system from its U.S facility in Huntsville, Alabama.