Raytheon delivers ‘third-generation’ FLIR system to US Army

Raytheon has delivered a ‘third-generation’ forward-looking infrared (FLIR) system capable of seeing through smoke, rain, snow and fog under a contract with the US Army signed in 2016.

Raytheon says the new FLIR system gives personnel four fields of view—wide, medium, narrow and ultra-narrow— and the ability to ‘see across long- and mid-wave IR bands simultaneously with a stabilised line of sight.’

Raytheon Land Warfare Systems vice president Sam Deneke said: “Making the leap from second- to third-generation FLIR is like moving from a standard tube television to high-definition 8K.

“This breakthrough technology enables US and allied troops to own the night with more detail and precision than ever before.”

The new systems are set to replace earlier FLIR sensors. Raytheon says its third-generation FLIR is future-proofed to be compatible with future US Army interfaces and create a common FLIR platform.

The company says that the new system offers greater clarity than earlier FLIR sensors, and allows personnel to see ‘through’ different weather conditions.

Raytheon’s third-generation FLIR line-up includes the eLRAS3 a long-range scout surveillance system and a condensed lighter refresh of the in-service LRAS3; elRAS3 is 55% smaller and lighter than the LRAS3.

The newer FLIR systems are designed to improve soldiers’ situational awareness boosting awareness in low-visibility situations and reduce the load on personnel through weight reductions.