By Mike Pechar

A new palm-size acoustic device designed by the British company Qinetiq calculates the exact position of rifle fire and an electronic voice alerts the soldier on bearing and range.

Called EARS for Early Attack Reaction System, the device allows the soldier to jump to safety and return fire. Welcome news, I think.

The device, which costs around £2,500, works by isolating the crack of the sniper rifle thanks to four microphones, a GPS system and a powerful microprocessor.

It takes less than a tenth of a second and provides the results in audio and visual formats. It can even send a grid reference via radio to supporting artillery and aircraft.

The system, which weighs less than 6oz, is so sensitive it can tell the difference between outgoing friendly fire and incoming enemy fire and can distinguish a sniper even in a gun battle.

It also works when the soldier is travelling at up to 50 mph on a vehicle.

The device has already been road tested in Iraq and Afghanistan to claims of great success.

The full range and accuracy of the gunshot localization system are understandably kept secret. Expect the device to be on the battlefield starting in January.