L3Harris Technologies will provide an advanced infrared sensor that will enhance the Javelin Weapon System’s Command Launch Unit, which is broadly used in U.S. and foreign military operations, by helping to reduce the time needed to engage targets.

The CLU, developed by Raytheon Missiles & Defense, is a shoulder-held launcher that provides situational awareness, surveillance and target identification and initial guidance capability for the Javelin missile. The new infrared sensor technology is lighter, higher performing and more cost effective than existing solutions and meets or exceeds the engineered system requirements.

The L3Harris sensor updates the weapon system’s command launch unit with long-range, high-definition midwave infrared technology. The midwave infrared technologies were developed as part of the Vital Infrared Sensor Technology Acceleration program sponsored by the U.S. Army, Air Force and Navy.

“The midwave infrared technology provides distinct advantages to the longwave detectors that have been in use for decades,” said Kristin Houston, President, Electro Optical, L3Harris.

“Ultimately, this technology increases soldier survivability by improving engagement timelines,” she added.

The L3Harris camera cores are key components in a U.S. Army Javelin Command Launch Unit upgrade led by the Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin Joint Venture, makers of the Javelin weapon system.

L3Harris plans to begin production in the fourth quarter of 2022. The production award resulted from the company’s work under VISTA and is scheduled to continue through 2036.

L3Harris Technologies is an agile global aerospace and defense technology innovator, delivering end-to-end solutions that meet customers’ mission-critical needs. The company provides advanced defense and commercial technologies across space, air, land, sea and cyber domains.

L3Harris has more than $17 billion in annual revenue and 47,000 employees, with customers in more than 100 countries.