Leonardo DRS has received a contract worth $39.5 million from the U.S. Army to provide advanced forward looking infrared (FLIR) sensors for the next-generation sighting systems.
The sensors will replace the current Horizontal Technology Integration (HTI), 2nd Generation Sensors for high-value platforms across the U.S. Army fleet, including the Abrams Main Battle Tank, and the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle.
Under the contract, DRS will develop and produce Low-Rate Initial Production of the 3GEN Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) Dewar Cooler Bench (DCB) long-range sensor. The DCB converts infrared radiation into video images and is the key enabler for the next generation of FLIR sights, providing improved situational awareness with significant improvements in range and resolution under a full spectrum of degraded weather and battlefield conditions. According to Leonardo, the US Army chose DRS as the only provider for this technology capability.
Jerry Hathaway, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the DRS Electro-Optical and Infrared Systems business, said: “We are proud to be the only company chosen to provide this next-generation technology that will help ensure our war fighters are using the most advanced lifesaving technology available today. For the last 20 years, we have successfully provided our customer with the HTI, the previous generation of this sensor, and this award positions DRS for multiple decades of sustained production while setting the stage to extend its position as the U.S. Army’s premier supplier of ground combat vehicle sensors and sights.”
Production of the sensors will take place at the company’s Electro-Optical and Infrared Systems facility Melbourne, Florida.
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