RTX rebranded from Raytheon, has been awarded a $117.5m contract by the US Army to produce advanced targeting sensor systems.
The contract focuses on developing and delivering 3rd Generation Forward Looking Infrared (3GEN FLIR) B-Kit sensors, which will provide combat overmatch and support the US Army’s modernisation efforts, benefiting Abrams main battle tanks and future optionally manned fighting vehicles.
The contract will enhance the lethality, survivability, and situational awareness of the Army’s ground combat platforms.
According to GlobalData’s “The Global Military Land Vehicles Market 2023-2033” report, the Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) platform was renamed the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) by the US Army, and the NGCV program was expanded to incorporate new RCV platforms to help mechanised units.
The US Army bought 300 Stryker DVHA1 armoured fighting vehicles last month in an order valued at $712.3m, and on 7 July, they also purchased 26 additional M10 Booker fighting vehicles for $258m.
“This technology supports the US Army’s modernisation effort to ensure the force is ready to address near-peer competitors,” stated Torrey Cady, Vice President of Electro-Optical (EO) & Infrared (IR) Solutions at Raytheon, a subsidiary of RTX.
The platform-agnostic nature of the 3GEN FLIR B-Kit ensures a common operating picture for the Army’s ground vehicles, providing standoff capabilities for target detection, recognition, and identification. This sensor system enables the delivery of high-resolution imagery to decision-makers in any environment, supporting informed and effective mission planning and execution.
RTX’s dual-band infrared system is designed to provide military commanders with high-resolution images in adverse weather or low-light environments. With the ability to operate at distances, the 3GEN FLIR sensors enhance situational awareness and improve mission outcomes.
The commonality of the 3GEN FLIR B-Kit across the battlefield supports the US Army’s affordability and sustainability goals. Cost savings and improved efficiency have been prioritised through a collaborative effort between the government and industry.
The primary work location for this contract will be McKinney, Texas, where RTX will focus on the production and integration of advanced targeting sensor systems. With this contract, RTX reaffirms its commitment to providing defence technologies to support the United States Army’s modernisation initiatives.
