Leonardo DRS STAG-5 supported target designation from a PDW C100 drone during the Iron Sting event in the United States, in engagements exceeding the standard maximum range of a 120 mm smoothbore mortar. During the event, which evaluated next-generation precision mortar munitions, repeated engagements demonstrated the system’s consistent and reliable performance.
The event was hosted by the Capability Development & Innovation (CD&I) office in support of U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) at the White Sage Mortar Range in Dugway, Utah. The safety, accuracy and extended-range performance of the munitions were evaluated, while operators also gained hands-on experience with emerging technologies in realistic scenarios. Leonardo DRS announced that its STAG-5 EO/IR Gimbal with Laser Target Designator (LTD), used in cooperation with Performance Drone Works (PDW), supported precision fires during the Iron Sting Precision Mortar Validation Event.
Long-Range Target Designation with STAG-5
During the event, a PDW C100 drone equipped with the DRS STAG-5 EO/IR Gimbal and Laser Target Designator supported target designation during mortar engagements beyond the standard maximum range of a 120 mm smoothbore mortar. Repeated successful engagements demonstrated the system’s consistent and reliable performance.
Leonardo DRS Senior Vice President and General Manager of Electro-Optical Infrared Systems Jerry Hathaway stated that STAG-5 was developed to provide ISR and targeting capabilities across different operational environments. Hathaway added that the system improves targeting accuracy and enables operators to conduct missions from safer standoff distances.
Designed to support precise target designation during integrated fires operations, STAG-5 can contribute to target acquisition, designation, mission observation and strike confirmation from safer standoff distances when paired with advanced electro-optical and infrared sensors. The company continues to work with customers, operators and industry partners to develop precision strike solutions. Through field events such as Iron Sting, DRS aims to demonstrate the contribution of scalable and mission-ready technologies to precision, survivability and operational flexibility in contested environments.
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Source: C4Defence – Leonardo DRS
