MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, VA. —
As the Marine Corps presses towards modernization to meet the demands of the strategic environment, Marine Corps Systems Command will showcase some of its latest gear at the 53rd annual Sea Air Space Exposition April 9-11 at the Gaylord Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.
“This year’s exhibit demonstrates a slice of what our Command is doing to equip our Marines,” said command spokesperson Barb Hamby. “The future maritime environment and threat landscape requires the latest advances in technology to outperform our competitors in lethality, speed, maneuverability, and fires.”
The following systems and equipment will be showcased in the MARCORSYSCOM booth #2705:
Target Handoff System Version 2
The Target Handoff System Version 2, or THS V.2, is a portable system designed for use by dismounted Marines to locate targets, pinpoint global positioning coordinates and call for close air, artillery and naval fire support using secure digital communications. Marine Corps Systems Command will feature the THS V.2 along with other equipment at the Sea Air Space Exposition April 9-11. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Joe Laws)
The Target Handoff System Version 2 is a portable system that uses commercial off-the-shelf smart phones designed for use by dismounted Marines to locate targets, pinpoint global positioning coordinates and call for close air, artillery and naval fire support using secure digital communications. The upgraded system includes a laser range finder, video down link receiver and a combat net radio.
An upgrade to the current system, THS V.2 reduces the system’s total weight by half and includes more intuitive software.
Additive Manufacturing
In the last few years, the Marine Corps has continued its exploration of additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, to quickly repair and replace parts for weapons, vehicles and equipment.
The Corps uses additive manufacturing to reduce maintenance costs, increase equipment readiness and improve combat effectiveness. Additionally, it offers Marines opportunities to solve day-to-day and low-risk challenges, such as those encountered on aircraft, weapons, vehicles and communications equipment, by offering the capability to repair and replace individual parts onsite.
Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer III
The Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer III has three added weapons, 3-D imagery, and enhanced training modes, giving Marines a better, more realistic training experience as they prepare for the complexities of modern warfare.
ISMT III ups the ante by providing wireless connectivity to the M9 service pistol, M4 carbine and adding three new wireless weapons—the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle, M32A1 Multi-Shot Grenade Launcher and M72 Light Anti-Tank Weapons. ISMT helps to build fundamentals of muscle memory for Marines so that when they hit the range, they are ready to respond to real-life scenarios.
Away from the exhibit floor, Brig. Gen. Joseph Shrader, commander, MCSC will participate in the “Accelerated Acquisition” panel April 11, to discuss Marine Corps initiatives to speed delivery of systems and equipment to the fleet.
As the systems command of the Marine Corps, MCSC equips Marine forces with ground weapon and information technology systems to accomplish their warfighting mission.
By Kaitlin Kelly, MCSC Office of Public Affairs and Communication | Marine Corps Systems Command