Counter-Sniper Program (C-Sniper)
Program Manager: Dr. Deepak Varshneya
The Counter-Sniper (C-Sniper) program's goal is to detect and neutralize enemy snipers before they can engage U.S. Forces. An objective of the program is to deliver a field testable prototype system suitable for operational experimentation as an integrated part of the DARPA Crosshairs system, already under development. The purpose of the Crosshairs system is to detect enemy bullets, RPGs, and mortars fired at U.S. military vehicles and to prevent them from striking the vehicle. The C-Sniper system will enhance this capability by identifying threats before they can fire.
Enemy snipers may be operating both with, and without telescopic sights, and other optical aids in highly cluttered urban environments. The C-Sniper system will operate day and night from a moving military vehicle and provide the operator with sufficient information to make a timely engagement decision. Once the decision is made, the C-Sniper system will provide data and control to point and track the on-board weapon (provided in DARPA's Crosshairs system) on the selected target. The final decision to fire the weapon will be left to the operator as required per the rules of engagement.
