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JULY 18, 2002, 11:15EDT
PARSIPPANY, N.J.--DRS Technologies, Inc. has received new orders to provide Uncooled Infrared Focal Plane Array (UFPA) sensors for military and commercial applications. These sensors are incorporated into sighting systems to provide thermal images, regardless of light level, smoke, fog, dust or other obscurants.
DRS's UFPAs retain many of the advantages of advanced, cryogenically cooled infrared detectors, while eliminating the need for the cooler assembly and lowering system costs. Providing high reliability, spectral sensitivity and no audible noise, these leading edge uncooled sensors will be used to support new product development associated with military night vision sighting systems, reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition systems, and night driving aids for the U.S. Army's Thermal Omnibus, Brigade Combat Team and Future Combat Systems programs. For commercial applications, these sensors will be integrated into infrared cameras for fire fighting and industrial radiometers for analyzing manufacturing processes.
The contracts, with a combined value of approximately $5 million, were awarded to DRS by various domestic and international military and commercial customers. Work for these awards will be accomplished by the company's DRS Infrared Technologies unit in Dallas, Texas, with deliveries expected to be completed this year.
"DRS's uncooled infrared detectors incorporate highly reliable microbolometer technology and are revolutionizing the thermal imaging systems market, providing cost-effective solutions for a variety of military and commercial applications," said Mark S. Newman, DRS Technologies' chairman, president and chief executive officer. "As a leading supplier of advanced electro-optical systems, subsystems and components, DRS is recognized for technical superiority and innovation in the development of high-performance focal plane arrays incorporated in our own as well as others' products."
Requiring highly specialized and sophisticated development effort, detector arrays are considered critical components in thermal imaging systems and cameras, and frequently drive the design of the optical system. DRS's commercial customers are developing their products around DRS's UFPA technology.
For military applications, DRS offers a complete line of Thermal Weapon Sights incorporating its UFPAs in man-portable systems for reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition. These sights are capable of operating in the 8 to 12 micron spectral range to detect personnel and vehicles in total darkness. They feature a menu-based, push-button control system that operates functions ranging from reticle selection and adjustment to polarity and brightness. The systems offer reduced technological obsolescence and allow for inexpensive upgrades.
DRS's Driver Vision Enhancer (DVE) also incorporates the company's UFPAs, allowing combat system and tactical wheeled-vehicle operators to promote missions during the day or night, regardless of poor visual conditions. The DVE provides situational awareness, target and ambush detection, and vehicle tracking, aiding support units in keeping pace with other combat forces. The system easily accepts drop-in upgrades to reduce technical obsolescence. Supporting the Army's Horizontal Technology Integration (HTI) initiative, it adapts to a variety of combat and wheeled vehicles.
DRS Technologies provides leading edge products and services to government and commercial customers worldwide. Focused on defense electronics, the company develops and manufactures a broad range of mission critical systems and components in the areas of communications, combat systems, rugged computers, electro-optics, data storage, digital imaging, flight safety and space.
For more information, visit www.drs.com.
Military & Aerospace Electronics
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