Funding campaign is launched to support Ukrainian forces

Teters, a certified Latvian supplier of military weapons and equipment, and Lightspace, an augmented reality technology company, launched a donation campaign to finance the supply of augmented reality (AR) assisted defense systems for Ukraine’s armed forces. The two Latvian companies are partnering up with views of supplying 50 units worth a total of more than €3 million.

The move is an answer to calls of the Ukrainian army for support for their territorial defense, including high-tech and augmented reality enhanced weapons. In response to the calls, Teters will supply the Ukrainian army with remote-controlled weapon stations for ‌defensive, delay, ambush, vehicle-mobile, and unmanned platform operations. The weapon, called Remote Weapon System (RWS), is a defensive sustainability multiplier that reduces the risk of casualties. Lightspace was chosen as its technology partner to power the weapon’s AR capabilities.

The AR-enabled RWS consists of a tripod vehicle, hard-point mounted turret with two precision drives, weapon mount points, and a targeting module. It is controlled from a command module that consists of a communications unit with backup controls, an AR headset, and a control joystick, and has a wired connection to the turret with the option of up to 10 km optical cable. The use of analog video ensures minimal delay, key for real-time application.

“Our developed AR-enhanced remote weapon station will serve as an advanced military mechanism, allowing Ukrainian forces to act with a higher capacity, enhanced survivability, and reduced risks due to the separation of the fire application point from the actual position of military personnel. The RWS allows for a range of advanced tactics already proven in the field. The use of AR glasses is a novelty which will further reduce limitations of this remote weapon, considering its use in highly dynamic scenarios,” said Andrejs Andrejevs, CTO of Teters.

“We’re honored to make our AR headsets available to Ukrainian armed forces in defense of their country. The headsets will provide high-resolution 3D data visualization with sub-millimeter precision, eye comfort, and, being almost completely hands-free, a high degree of mobility. Ukrainian troops will be able to accurately operate the RWS units remotely, allowing them to better defend key infrastructure while minimizing exposure to enemy fire,” said Madara Kalnina-Kalnmale, CEO at Lightspace.

Armament options for turret include one light machine gun on a recoil damping carriage (such as MG-3, PKT, M240), and up to two unguided or self-guided RPG launchers (such as Panzerfaust, RPG-26, AT4). Targeting options include up to three different sights or cameras, allowing for daylight, night, and thermal vision.

Teters and Lightspace will work closely together with the Ukrainian military in order to alter or improve the units’ functions as requested. Each RWS unit has a production cost of around €60 thousand. Teters and Lightspace estimate the first units should be arriving in Ukraine as early as the end of April.

The funding campaign is live on https://fundly.com/defende-ukraine 

Source: labsoflatvia.com