The UK MoD has launched the next phase of Albion, its Third Generation Thermal Imaging program, by awarding an £8.1 million (ca. $14 million) two-year contract to a team led by SELEX Sensors & Airborne Systems. Other team members include SELEX S&AS, which will carry out the detector material development work, QinetiQ and Thales UK.
Max-Viz’ has obtained the first FAA certification for a pilot’s Enhanced Vision System on a full-size transport aircraft. The EVS-2500 dual-band system has been certified for use on Boeing 767 -200, -300, -300 Freighter and -400ER series aircraft.
World military infrared markets took are changing dramatically with several major uncooled procurement programs in place.
Cedip Infrared Systems has acquired PolyTech AB - a manufacturer of gyro-stabilized airborne systems. The acquisition provides Cedip with a product line that is highly complimentary to the French company’s infrared cameras and systems.
FLIR Systems has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Scientific Materials, a supplier of lasers, laser components and laser materials for $13 million in cash. The company’s products fit well with both FLIR Systems’ commercial and military product lines.
CMC Electronics has received certification for two models of its aircraft Enhanced Vision Systems (EVS). The Bombardier EVS (BEVS) - which contains the CMC SureSight® I-Series™ cooled sensor and a Thales Head-Up Flight Display System - has been certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for use on the Bombardier Global Express family of business jets.
Multispectral Imaging, Inc., MII has obtained a $4.65 million venture capital investment to continue development of its uncooled microcantilever infrared FPAs, produce prototypes for customer evaluation and support pilot production.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is preparing to receive applications for Phase II of the Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP) - under which smaller jurisdictions and eligible metropolitan areas are awarded equipment directly instead of through grants or funding.