Quantum Imaging to provide infrared electro-optics for multispectral targeting systems
CRANE, Ind., 5 Oct. 2016. U.S. Navy electro-optics sensors experts needed shortwave infrared (SWIR) cameras for the Navy Raytheon Multispectral Targeting System (MTS) They found their solution from Quantum Imaging Inc. in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Officials of the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division in Crane, Ind., announced an $8.2 million contract to Quantum Imaging on Monday for SWIR and visible-light camera work for the MTS.
The work will involve SWIR camera assemblies; visible and near-infrared cameras; low-light scientific complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) camera; repairs; and spare parts for the MTS.
The SWIR, visible and near-infrared, and low-light CMOS cameras are for maintaining and sustaining the MTS aboard Navy, Army, and Air Force manned and unmanned aircraft.
Related: Raytheon moves toward full production of upgraded multispectral avionics targeting sensor
The Raytheon MTS is an airborne, electro-optic, forward-looking infra-red, turreted sensor package that provides long-range surveillance, high altitude target acquisition, tracking, range-finding, and laser designation, and for all tri-service and NATO laser guided munitions.
The system is a turreted forward-looking pod combining several visible-light and infrared video cameras for long-range surveillance and high-altitude target acquisition, tracking and laser designation.
Multispectral sensors captures image data at specific frequencies, and separates the wavelengths to extract information the human eye fails to capture with its receptors for red, green and blue. It can detect things like disturbed dirt, and can be effective in finding targets hidden in camouflage.
The Raytheon MTS can be fitted to the C-130 fixed-wing aircraft, the MH-60 helicopter, and the medium-altitude long-endurance MQ-9 Reaper hunter-killer unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
The MTS offers a combination of sensors that include multiple-wavelength sensors; near-infrared and color daylight TV cameras; illuminators; eyesafe rangefinders; image merging; spot trackers; and similar other avionics, Raytheon officials say.
The system offers surveillance, target acquisition, tracking, rangefinding, and laser designation for the Hellfire missile and for all tri-service and NATO laser-guided munitions such as the Paveway laser guided bomb.
The advanced targeting forward looking infrared (ATFLIR) pod also is used with used with Paveway, JSOW, and HARM bombs and missiles. The MTS sensors carry the military designations of AAS-52, AAS-53, ASQ-228, DAS-1, and DAS-2.
On this contract Quantum Imaging will do the work in Colorado Springs, Colo., and should be finished by September 2021. For more information contact quantum Imaging online at www.quantumimaging.com.
Learn more: search the Aerospace & Defense Buyer's Guide for companies, new products, press releases, and videos
John Keller | Editor
John Keller is editor-in-chief of Military & Aerospace Electronics magazine, which provides extensive coverage and analysis of enabling electronic and optoelectronic technologies in military, space, and commercial aviation applications. A member of the Military & Aerospace Electronics staff since the magazine's founding in 1989, Mr. Keller took over as chief editor in 1995.
