Overwatch threat detection and localization system is under development by the U.S. Army Space and Missile Command as an advanced concept technology program (ACTD). The system integrates two types of sensors, a staring thermal sensor covering wide area, and a telescopic, narrow-field of view thermal sensor, used for target identification and localization. Target information and imagery is disseminated via radio data communications, enabling immediate display of firing incidents on distributed FBCB2 situational pictures. Overwatch will be able to provide ground forces with actionable information of hostile fire events, including direct fire weapons, rocket propelled grenades (RPG) and mortars, in real-time to counter attack. The system also collects video evidence for follow-on operations. Overwatch was scheduled to be ready for initial operational capability in 2006.
