Defence electronic systems supplier DRS Technologies and Raytheon have secured a contract to develop the third-generation forward-looking infrared (3rd Gen FLIR) B-Kit for the US Army.
Under the terms of the agreement, the companies will jointly engineer, manufacture and develop the 3rd Gen FLIR, which is essentially upgraded night vision equipment.
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The contract will see the companies develop B-Kit systems for platform system integration and testing. It includes provision for a two-year option to build additional systems for more comprehensive testing.
The new system is expected to enable ground troops to distinguish between friend or foe at twice the distance of systems currently being used in the services.
It will also offer ground troops four fields of view, dual-band infrared imaging and improved stabilisation.
Raytheon Land Warfare Systems vice-president Duane Gooden said: "After decades of experience delivering high-performance night vision to the US Army, our team is uniquely qualified to help maintain combat overmatch for our ground troops.
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By GlobalData"Third Gen FLIR will dramatically increase the range of ground combat vehicle sensors under all conditions, allowing our forces to acquire and stop the enemy."
The next-generation B-Kit is a form / fit upgrade that will enhance 17,000 fielded second-generation ground FLIR systems.
Since 2006, Raytheon has delivered more than 20,000 second-generation FLIR sensors to the US Army, Navy, Marine Corps and foreign military sales (FMS) customers.
