The U.S. Army recently awarded a LRIP contract to Raytheon Technologies Corporation for production of the 3rd Generation Forward Looking Infrared (3GEN FLIR) B-Kit. The contract is valued at $117.5M if all options are exercised with a period of performance that ends June 2027.

The 3GEN FLIR B-Kit will be horizontally integrated into combat sights (beginning with the Abrams tank), thereby providing the U.S. Army with overmatch in the detection, recognition, and identification of enemy activity and targets. The 3GEN FLIR B-Kit provides common components that enable the sight operator to detect, recognize, and identify enemy targets with increased clarity and at significantly increased ranges. These common components include the High-Definition, Dual-Band (Mid-Wave Infrared/Long-Wave Infrared) Focal Plane Array (FPA), Dewar Cooler Bench (DCB), optics, and electronics required to convert thermal radiation into video images. The 3GEN FLIR B-Kit will provide the requisite imagery for the Army to develop robust machine learning to drive algorithm development and enable semi-autonomous sensors. No other sensor to date can provide this caliber of imagery.

Ultimately, the 3GEN FLIR will replace its highly successful and effective predecessor – – the Second Generation FLIR (2GF). For decades, the 2GF was a game-changer on the battlefield, enabling operators to see farther and with more clarity than the enemy. The program also served as an exemplar of the application of horizontal technology integration, or “HTI”, into existing combat platforms, such as the Abrams tank and Bradley Fighting Vehicle. The Army also benefitted from economies of scale and standardization as the 2GF was the common sensor for several combat vehicle platforms.

“The 3GEN FLIR will play an integral role in ensuring overmatch for detection, recognition, and identification of enemy activity and threats beyond the enemy’s detection capabilities.  We are very excited to be entering LRIP and to culminate many years of research and development on what is an extremely complex, cutting-edge technology,” said Lareina Adams, Project Manager, Terrestrial Sensors.