The Logic Behind the Deal
The Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) - a highly effective kit that upgrades “dumb” bombs into precision guided bombs - is about to get smarter with the addition of an uncooled infrared terminal seeker.
QinetiQ is developing an ultra-low-cost uncooled microbolometer.
AEG Infrarot-Module, AIM, is expanding from its traditional role as supplier of infrared FPAs and detector dewar assemblies to making complete portable infrared systems. The move was partly spurred by Germany’s Federal Office of Defense Technology and Procurement (BWB) which wanted higher performance imagers for use by German soldiers.
In the same way that the U.S. is developing its Land Warrior/OFW systems for future infantrymen, several European countries are developing analogous systems.
FedEx Express is planning to install Kollsman infrared Enhanced Vision Systems (EVS) on all of its large Air Transport aircraft.