Lockheed Martin delivered its first Digital Range Training System to the U.S. Army for live fire gunnery qualifications by armored vehicle crews and has begun development on a third range under a $13.8 million contract award.

The Digital Range Training System provides a realistic combat environment for Abrams, Bradley and Stryker crews. The initial range is now operational at Fort Bliss, Texas. A second range is on schedule for delivery to the Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, in early 2013.

The Army also awarded Lockheed Martin a contract for a third range in September 2012 for delivery to Fort Bliss by the end of 2013.

"The quality of feedback a soldier and platoon receive about their decisions can make the difference for survivability and mission success in the field," said Jim Weitzel, vice president of training solutions for Lockheed Martin's Global Training and Logistics business.

"The Digital Range Training System is designed to capture imagery and audio inside and outside vehicles from multiple angles, providing commanders and soldiers with actionable data."

Lockheed Martin won the five-year Digital Range Training System contract in 2011 to modernize training ranges with digital instrumentation, including cameras, targetry systems with audiovisual effects, scenario development technology and range control centers.

During individual and crew qualification exercises and platoon-level collective training, the system integrates live fire with threat, neutral and friendly simulations.