RTX Raytheon to upgrade forward-looking infrared (FLIR) targeting sensors aboard armored combat vehicles
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. – Electro-optics experts at RTX Corp. helping the U.S Army upgrade forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensors for improved targeting and surveillance for armored combat vehicles.
Officials of the Army Contracting Command at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., announced an $86.7 million order last week to the RTX Raytheon segment in McKinney, Texas, for components related to Army third-generation FLIR sensor technology.
Raytheon will carry out low-rate initial production (LRIP) of Third Generation Forward Looking Infrared B-Kits for the Army's third-generation forward looking infrared program.
B-Kits consist of components that will be integrated into sights of ground vehicles for reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition. These B-Kit upgrades will help Army infrared sensors aboard armored combat vehicles provide a common picture across all host vehicles.
Common components include high-definition mid-wave infrared and long-wave infrared dual-band focal plane array, Dewar Cooler Bench (DCB), optics, and electronics to convert thermal radiation into video images to assist with targeting.
Third-generation FLIR technology is replacing second-generation FLIR sights, starting with those in the Abrams tank and the Bradley fighting vehicle.
On this order, Raytheon will do the work in McKinney, Texas, and should be finished by June 2029. For more information contact RTX Raytheon online at www.rtx.com/raytheon, or the Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground at https://acc.army.mil/contractingcenters/acc-apg/.
John Keller | Editor-in-Chief
John Keller is the Editor-in-Chief, Military & Aerospace Electronics Magazine--provides extensive coverage and analysis of enabling electronics and optoelectronic technologies in military, space and commercial aviation applications. John has been a member of the Military & Aerospace Electronics staff since 1989 and chief editor since 1995.
