DRS Technologies receives US army contract to provide second-generation thermal-imaging systems
SEPTEMBER 26--DRS Technologies Inc. (Parsippany, NJ; www.drs.com) has been awarded a contract from the US Army to provide second-generation forward-looking-infrared (SG FLIR) thermal-imaging systems (TISs) for the gunner's sighting system on the Abrams M1A2 System Enhancement Package (SEP). The $3.8 million award was received by DRS from the Army's Communications-Electronics Command (Fort Monmouth, NJ) sensor systems unit.
The TIS provided by DRS significantly increases the sighting systems' imaging resolution, targeting range, detection capability, and reliability. The same advanced DRS product technology has been incorporated in the sighting systems on the Army's M2A3 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles and the High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs). Product deliveries are scheduled to commence in November of this year and conclude in September 2002.
"Our SG FLIR systems play a critical role in information dominance, power projection, and troop survivability in ground-combat missions," said Mark S. Newman, DRS Technologies chairman, president, and chief executive officer. "Supporting the Horizontal Technology Integration program, these systems promote commonality among various force elements for a strategic and tactical advantage.
The SG FLIR thermal-imaging systems incorporate advanced, high-resolution, day/night vision technology, enhancing the surveillance ranges for the identification of threats, increasing target acquisitions, and significantly reducing fratricide. The TIS provides high-resolution imagery to detect threats at greater distances under a full range of harsh battlefield conditions, enhancing the platform's effectiveness and survivability. Designed to reduce life-cycle costs by leveraging commonality and promoting interoperability across military platforms, it uses the same SG FLIR found in the M1 Commander's Independent Viewer, the Bradley M2A3 Improved Bradley Acquisition Subsystem, and the HMMWV Long Range Advanced Scout Surveillance Systems.