SPARCS (which is an acronym for “Soldier Parachute Aerial Reconnaissance Camera System”) – a disposable reconnaissance miniature Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in form of grenade, developed by Singapore Technologies Kinetics Ltd (ST Kinetics), that is subsidiary of Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering, an integrated engineering group with headquarters in Singapore).[1]

SPARCS (S407 round) can be fired from the low velocity 40mm grenade launchers. Being over the target area, this UAV begins the descent by parachute and acquires the series of images with help of on-board miniature camera. Obtained aerial images of the target field are sent wirelessly to the Receiving Station in real time. Then, software of the Receiving Station assembles together these images and sends the result combined image to the stated handheld devices of servicemen.

Any computing device connected with a wireless receiver can be used as Receiving Station for SPARCS. Software of this Receiving Station is compatible to most operating systems. Optionally, receiving device can be placed to the special vest with a Head-Mounted Display (HMD).[2]



Technical Specifications: [2]

Length, mm 136 Weight, g 220 Muzzle Velocity, m/s 76 Maximum Range (Altitude), m 150 Payload CMOS Camera Operating Temperature, Celsius degree from -10 to +63 Weapon Compatibility CIS 40 GL;

Heckler & Koch HK69A1;

M203;

M79;

Heckler & Koch AG36

SPARCS is designed to be fired from any existing grenade launchers that are in using by most military divisions, law enforcement units and civil disaster management agencies. It has low cost and does not require maintenance or logistic support. The using of SPARCS can significantly improve a situational awareness for ground commanders and personnel during conducting of various operations.[2]

References:

1. 40mm Soldier Parachute Aerial Reconnaissance Camera System (SPARCS). – Mode of access: http://www.stengg.com/products-solutions/products/40mm-soldier-parachute-aerial-reconnaissance-camera-system-%28sparcs%29.

2. 40mm SPARCS. – Mode of access: http://www.stengg.com/download/pdf/11181uccemlnuy6djz1k.pdf.

3. Singapore Technologies Kinetics – 40mm Payload Solutions [480p]. – Mode of access: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDVGAjvmcfk.

4. ST Kinetics. – Mode of access: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ST_Kinetics.

5. Singapore Technologies Kinetics Ltd (ST Kinetics). – Mode of access: http://www.stengg.com/about-us/companies/land-systems/st-kinetics.

6. ST Engineering. – Mode of access: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ST_Engineering.

7. Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd. – Mode of access: http://www.stengg.com/.

8. ST Kinetics // 40mm Ammunition. – Mode of access: http://www.armedforces-int.com/suppliers/40mm-ammunition.html.

9. Снаряды-шпионы // Военное обозрение. – Mode of access: http://topwar.ru/40261-snaryady-shpioni.html.

10. Launchable camera grenades provide aerial and ground surveillance imaging. – Mode of access: http://www.vision-systems.com/articles/2014/02/launchable-camera-grenades-provide-aerial-and-ground-surveillance-imaging.html.

11. Mortar Fired Cameras Give Soldiers an Eye in the Sky. – Mode of access: http://www.engineering.com/Library/ArticlesPage/tabid/85/ArticleID/7183/Mortar-Fired-Cameras-Give-Soldiers-an-Eye-in-the-Sky.aspx.

12. SPARCS mortar rounds blast 360-degree surveillance into the sky. – Mode of access: http://www.slashgear.com/sparcs-mortar-rounds-blast-360-degree-surveillance-into-the-sky-18317330/.

13. Camera-toting mortars are the latest battlefield spies. – Mode of access: http://www.dvice.com/2014-2-18/camera-toting-mortars-are-latest-battlefield-spies.