Cubic to deliver combat trainers to Army

Cubic Corp. has received $20 million in orders to provide the Army with the latest version of its laser-equipped combat training systems.

Cubic’s Defense Applications unit will deliver the multiple integrated laser engagement simulators individual weapon system (MILES IWS) equipment to the Army through an existing contract with the Army’s Program Executive Office for Simulation and Training Instrumentation, company officials said today.

The MILES IWS package is used to provide real-time feedback during weapons training exercises. The training instruments enables soldiers to train on different small arms systems and provides an electronic record of their performance for after-action reviews.

During training exercises, soldiers fire laser “bullets” at opponents. A laser transmitter is attached to the weapon the soldiers use, and laser detectors worn on helmets or lightweight harnesses record whether they are hit during exercises. The instrumentation allows soldiers to practice with the M4 and M16 rifles, M2 and M40 machine guns, and the M249 squad automatic weapon.

The systems, which the company will begin delivering in August, will go to Fort Riley, Kan.; Fort Campbell, Ky.; Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Bragg, N.C.; and Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, company officials said.

Cubic, of San Diego, ranks No. 80 on Washington Technology’s 2008 Top 100 list of the largest federal government contractors.