| For the first time I saw the TRAP (Telepresent
Rapid Aiming Platform), model T-2, which was publicly demonstrated at the Bradley
Mechanized Infantry Range (Red Cloud Range), operated by the 1st Battalion 29th Infantry,
the Bradley Battalion, at Fort Benning, Georgia, U.S.A. Demonstration firings were done in
the afternoon on Wednesday of June 17, 1998 by Precision Remotes, Incorporated of Point
Richmond, California, as a part of the annual conference of the National Defense
Industrial Association (U.S.A.).
The unusual system, now available for military, law enforcement and Government agencies, is a remotely operated firearms platform that holds a sniper rifle and is monitored by means of a computerized portable center via several interfaces, including a display with a capability of holding the target within a sighted range of fire and what appears to be a J-stick and pushbutton that functions as a trigger. The main idea of such a weapon is to keep a sniper out of the
line of suppressive fire, while maintaining his own superior accuracy on one target or
several targets. Once in the field and set for operation, the T-2 Gun System is activated by the operator via the T-2 Control Unit. By shifting the Aim, the operator scans the ground through Surveillance Camera installed right on the Remote Platform. The construction of the TRAP sniping system is intended to reduce human errors under the stress situation. It can be concealed in places considered too small or risky for humans and provide continuous electronic intelligence gathering, resistance to adverse environmental factors (such as fatigue, cold, precipitation, heat, etc.). The T-2 is adaptable to automatic correction of range or windage. The system allows one operator to control several installations located along the perimeter, around sensitive facilities or bases. The defensive position can be manned from sealed bunkers or from behind the defoliad. The camera makes it possible to operate the system both in the
day and night time. As soon as the target is located and the weapon aimed, the remote will
automatically lock and hold position.
As it often happens with complex gear, the first
demonstrations of TRAP were somewhat spoiled - the feed mechanism would not function the
way operator wanted: every second round got jammed, probably as a result of incorrect
installation on the platform. I heard a few pessimistic remarks among those who were
present in the range. However, on the second day of demo firings, given a better
adjustment, all TRAP's functions were acceptable. In my brief conversation with the
operator, I learned that TRAP is capable of hitting a 1-inch diameter at 100 meters,
firing 3 shots with an interval of one second between each shot. |
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