Sagem and L3 Communications to Develop New Air-Land Targeting System

Released on Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Sagem Défense Sécurité (SAFRAN Group) and L3 Communications (Communication Systems-West) have signed a deal to develop a new networked tactical information system for air-land targeting, designed RT-SAATS (Real Time � Situational Awareness Airborne Targeting System).

RT-SAATS complies with NATO interoperability standards, linking ground soldiers and aircraft in inter-allied and inter-service operations.

A forward observer will supply with RT-SAATS aircraft or the command with real-time images of the situation or targets, with precise coordinates. This new system contributes to short-notice operational decision making by providing forces with enhanced efficiency. It covers a wide range of missions: special operations, intelligence, evacuation of nationals, close air support, precision strikes, etc.

The system uses proven and available equipment, with a ground station for the advanced observer and an airborne station.

The ground station contains the following: A JIM LR (Long Range) day/night multifunction imager connected to a tactical terminal, both developed by Sagem Défense Sécurité; A Rover/Mini Tactical Common Data Link, developed by L3 Communications, to transmit data, images and video from the JIM LR

The airborne station is developed jointly by both companies. It consists of a unit for receiving and viewing data, which enables the target coordinates to be entered in the aircraft's navigation and attack system.

A dynamic demo of the new system will be held at the two companies' stands at Eurosatory 2008.

The new system integrates feedback from recent military operations � especially in urban environments. It is designed to meet the growing tactical information needs of militaries, namely with respect to asymmetric threats. Its development draws on the two companies' know-how in battlefield digitization programs.