NIOA installs ballistics data measurement technology

Australian owned munitions manufacturer NIOA has installed cutting edge ballistics data acquisition technology capable of measuring real-time projectile velocity and location at the company’s Brisbane range facility.

NIOA Australia’s General Manager – Engineering Rudi Bekker said the technology was a gamechanger in weapon and ammunition performance testing, taking accuracy diagnostics to the next level.

Bekker said: “This is a game changer to our stronghold arsenal of NIOA Test & Evaluation expertise capability.

“The ballistic instrumentation records highly accurate data with an integrated software system, providing acoustic and optical target system outputs that are precise, and a cost and time effective way of measuring weapon and ammunition accuracy.

“The equipment is versatile and can be used within the NIOA 100 metre in-door range, as well as being deployable to external ranges operating in any weather conditions.”

The MS Instruments Projectile Velocity Measuring System (PVMS) is the latest addition of specialist equipment at NIOA’s world-class weapons, firearms and munitions testing complex.

The fully instrumented range, which opened in 2014, is the only indoor 100m range in Australia rated for the firing and data acquisition of small arms through to medium calibre cannons up to 40mm.

It has had an intensive workout during NIOA’s delivery of the LAND 159 Tranche 1 Lethality Systems Program which includes the latest sniper and close combat weapon systems for use by the Australian Defence Force.

NIOA Australia and New Zealand CEO Ben James said: “This technology is another example of NIOA’s investment in domestic capability to ensure we stay at the forefront of innovation.

“By embracing the most advanced technology we are enhancing Australia’s sovereign capability which ultimately supports national security in an increasingly complex threat landscape.”

Picture: NIOA’s weapons experts and engineers set up the new ballistics testing equipment