Sniper alert: sensors tag shooters in less than a second.

• Author: Williams, Robert H.
• Position: TECH TALK: A TIP-SHEET ON THE LATEST GADGETS

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A wearable, 6.4 ounce sensor has proven its worth in quickly detecting the location of snipers. The devices--developed by QinetiQ North America of McLean, Va., have been used in combat in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The Ears Sniper Detection System audibly cues soldiers on the direction and distance of hostile fire within a tenth of a second of the first shot, says a spokesman. Ears in a vehicle...