Cubic's MILES 2000 Utilized in Urban Warfare Tactics Experiments.

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SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 6, 2001

Early Delivery on U.S. Army Simulation, Training and Instrumentation Command (STRICOM) Contract Makes Experiments Possible

The MILES 2000 tactical engagement simulation system, developed by Cubic Defense Systems, a subsidiary of San Diego-based Cubic Corp. (AMEX:CUB), is being utilized by the U.S. Marine Corps to better evaluate new tactics for urban combat training.

"Recent operations utilizing MILES 2000 equipment will be critical in the development and verification of combined arms tactics, techniques and procedures for Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain (MOUT)," said Bob Hoffman, Cubic Defense Systems business development director.

MOUT experiments are designed to improve the operational effectiveness and reduce casualties of Marines operating in congested urban areas so that they are prepared to defend against terrorist threats, carry out peacekeeping assignments and perform raids, rescue missions and other military operations.

During Project Metropolis, held Feb. 7-8 in an abandoned military family housing complex at the former George Air Force Base, Marines from Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms spent a shivery night in tents and tanks following a high-desert snowfall. They also stretched the boundaries of their experience by testing new Techniques, Tactics and Procedures (TTPs) for urban warfare not previously used by the U. S. Marine Corps.

Cubic delivered a portion of Lot IV of MILES 2000 to the Marines ahead of schedule to ensure the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab of Quantico, Va., which sponsored Project Metropolis, had the equipment in time for the experiments.

During the February event, Cubic gear was placed on 10 Amphibious Assault Vehicles, three Landing Assault Vehicles, four M1 A1 tanks. Cubic also supplied SMAW and AT-4 anti-tank weapon simulators, 16 Independent Target System kits for a variety of vehicles, and about 670 Individual Weapon Systems.

"The MILES 2000 Lot IV production equipment performed as expected," Hoffman said. "It is proving to be far superior to the obsolete equipment it is replacing and any other Tactical Engagement Simulation Systems available today."

The Project Metropolis curriculum draws on lessons learned in Korea, Stalingrad, Chechnya and in non-military units such as police SWAT teams.

When the Marines rolled into action, they did so first with tanks, then humvees, AAVs, LAVs, and new, experimental John Deere "Gators," which are being used to carry supplies and transport wounded. Units of infantry dashed through the streets and whisked into position to attack the OPFOR stronghold. Machine guns rattled, tank guns boomed, and a few hours later the Marines had eliminated the OPFOR and secured the area.

During an hour long debriefing, Marine officers analyzed each day's experiments and discussed ways to improve certain elements such as battle formations and air support. They were joined in their analysis by military and civilian observer-controllers from Belgium, France, Israel, Sweden, Norway, United Kingdom, Australia and Canada who had observed the experiment as it was unfolding.

International interest in urban warfare training is growing as wars increasingly are fought in urban areas. During the period between 1975 and 1995, when U.S. was involved in 27 conflicts or peacekeeping situations, nearly one third took place on combined rural-urban terrain, and about another third happened entirely within urban boundaries.

MILES 2000 will be utilized in further urban warfare experiments later this year. Those experiments will simulate low-intensity conflicts with a focus on safely patrolling urban territory. Military units that have operated under these kinds of conditions include British forces on patrol in Northern Ireland, or Australian forces involved in peacekeeping operations in East Timor.

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