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MPRS
spies around corners
Brian M Walters
A powerful force multiplier is being showcased by IMI,
adding intelligence gathering to the capabilities of the
multi-purpose rifle system (MPRS). Developed as a result of
intensive co-operation with the Israel Defence Force, this
incorporates first-hand experience gained in urban warfare.
Due to be released this summer, MPRS has been designed for
assault rifles such as the M4, SA80, FAMAS, the IDF's Tavor and
others, which can serve as part of integrated soldier systems.
One of two new capabilities resulting from this development is
the quite remarkable intelligence air burst ammunition, which
meets some demands of the digital battlefield. It supports
information gathering from 'over-the-hill' scenarios taking
place in non-line-of-sight (NLOS) areas, providing real-time
intelligence without the need to endanger life or engage UAVs.
Based on the original air burst ammunition configuration, the
intelligent round replaces the lethal payload with a digital
camera and wireless configurations. The soldier's fire is
controlled by the sight, which focuses on suspicious areas,
while the camera begins to photograph immediately after firing.
A hand-held computer manually receives images and the soldier
can view real-time intelligence, fast-forwarding or reversing
the film as required. Firing data provide target co-ordinates.
The non-lethal air burst ammunition for MPRS is more
conventional but no less useful to infantry soldiers tasked with
responding to mass demonstrations, riots and other
hard-to-control situations. Until now only rubber bullets and
other close-range solutions have been available but with a range
of 300m, IMI's new non-lethal solution replaces a warhead with
tear gas or whatever non-lethal substance is selected to
disperse a riotous crowd.
IMI's MPRS provides soldiers with a 'see around
corners' capability using an assault
rifle fitted with a sight
that allows firing with both eyes open in day or night
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