Brisbane-based start-up GAARD Tech Targets has launched a new range of fixed and mobile targets designed to improve training for ground and air gunnery.

The company, run by former Army tank troop leader Steen Bisgaard and former RAAF member Stefan Rossetto, is offering 2D and 3D fixed and mobile full-sized vehicle targets complete with realistic thermal and electromagnetic signatures. The thermal signatures are produced by the company’s patented active thermal cells, while the electronic warfare elements can emulate 4G, 3G, GSM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, VHF, UHF, and passive radar signatures to provide high-fidelity targets for live fire training.

“GAARD Tech was designed to solve a training problem I identified when I was a tank troop leader,” said Bisgaard. “I found targets sets and live enemy forces were not able to replicate what we were being told we were likely to encounter.

“From there we created the 2D range which is designed for your basic direct fire targetry training. You can have a bespoke vehicle designed for any enemy force you anticipate coming up against, and that enable AFV identification, active thermal signature, it’s easy to set up on the range, and it has a movement system that allows it to do turret drills behind a hill.

“The next line is the 3D,” he added. “3D comes in full-size static vehicles, and full-size robotic vehicles. Static is great for when you’re trying to achieve live-fire battle runs where you’re looking at what you’re actually going to be seeing, formational outlays, how they’re laid out, and what assets are key to strike.”

“The next level being robotic is when you have a live enemy force which is commanded by someone who knows what an enemy force is going to do, and they can manoeuvre against you and create problems you wouldn’t anticipate.”

Bisgaard says there has already been considerable interest in the targets from local and overseas operators, and that they have submitted a number of quotes already. The company is also a finalist for the LAND FORCES 2018 Innovation Awards.