KWESST Micro Systems Inc (CVE:KWE) confirmed Thursday the formalization of US patent-pending status of an invention which improves the accuracy of military weapons systems, utilizing a novel micro-optical and computer vision technology branded Polaris.
Polaris works with digital aiming systems for military weapons including the KWESST’s flagship Tactical And Situational Control System (TASCS) and its Integrated Fires Module (IFM) to achieve the kind of accuracy normally only obtainable with expensive smart weapons systems.
TASCS IFM and its Polaris enhancement are comprised of an app and simple snap-on device that turns traditional dumb weapons into smart weapons, without any modification to the weapons or ammunition, the company said.
READ: KWESST successfully completes first phase of contract supporting US military customer with its signature TASCS technology
“Polaris is an important enhancement to KWESST’s TASCS and IFM system, which we believe will make this whole technology set even more compelling for military customers as they seek to improve the precision and utility of existing weapons systems,” said CEO Jeff MacLeod.
“While developed to work with our TASCS IFM module, Polaris could be implemented on non-competing fire control systems sold by other manufacturers.”
The Ottawa-based company noted that Polaris and TASCS IFM also enhance safety since weapon system commanders receive an accurate visual indication of the point of impact, allowing them to monitor projected impact points and quickly adjust aiming for greater precision.
The TASCS and Polaris suite integrate seamlessly into Battlefield Management Applications (BMA), the software systems used by NATO and NATO allies’ militaries to disseminate information, plan operations, and provide general operational awareness.
Current military digital aiming systems for weapons can suffer from inaccuracy due to fluctuations in inertial navigation, GPS, and digital magnetic compass bearings, particularly when weapons are stationary for long periods of time. Polaris overcomes these inherent inaccuracies through digital aiming that is not affected by magnetic fields, shock or recoil, or “drift” in location bearings over time.
The key benefits of Polaris for military users include:
- Faster time on target
- Improved first-round effects and accuracy
- Reduction in the number of rounds required to neutralize a target
- Improved accuracy and first-round effects also mean a reduction in potential collateral damage
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