[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” padding_bottom=”25″ z_index=””][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”977″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” onclick=”link_image” qode_css_animation=”” qode_hover_animation=”zoom_in”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_column_text]FT BELVOIR, VA – The U.S. Army Project Manager for Terrestrial Sensors (PM TS) awarded contracts on March 15, 2016 to Raytheon Company and DRS Technologies for the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) Phase of the Third Generation Forward Looking Infrared (3GEN FLIR).

The 3GEN FLIR will provide common components (the B-Kit) that will be integrated into combat vehicle sights for reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition and will permit the sensor operator to detect, recognize, and identify enemy targets with increased clarity and at significantly longer ranges. Common components include High Definition dual band (Mid-Wave Infrared / Long-Wave Infrared) Focal Plane Array, Dewar Cooler Bench, optics, and electronics needed to convert thermal radiation into video images. 3GEN FLIR will replace Second Generation FLIR components, starting with those in the Abrams Tank and the Bradley Fighting Vehicle and may expand to include a 3GEN FLIR upgrade to the Long Range Advanced Scout Surveillance System (LRAS3) and other current or future ground or aviation sensor systems.

The EMD contract provides for 96 B-Kits if all options are exercised with a total contract value of $154,373,942 for all contracts awarded.

“3GEN FLIR will increase the Soldier’s level of situational awareness and will increase the Soldier’s ability to identify and ultimately engage targets at greater range,” said Col. Anthony Sanchez, PM TS.

“These contract awards for 3GEN FLIR are the result of a strong team effort and synchronization with the combat vehicle program offices to nest within their vehicle modernization schedules. We are excited about moving the program forward with our industry partners and ultimately adding this critical capability into the Army inventory,” said Lt. Col. Scott Madore, Product Manager Ground Sensors.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]