Raytheon Company and Safran Optics 1 have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the next generation of combat vehicle sighting systems.
Using Safran HRG inertial measurement unit breakthrough and their collective EO technology and combat vehicle integration experience, the three companies plan to collaborate to engineer, manufacture, and deliver a new generation of Advanced Forward Looking Infrared sights providing multi-band operation, advanced line-of-sight stabilization improvements, embedded target geolocation, and significantly improved range performance providing a critical edge to the warfighter on the future battlefield.
Raytheon will combine its electro-optical technology with Safran’s inertial measurement unit technology to engineer, manufacture and deliver the latest Forward-Looking Infrared, or FLIR, sights. The new systems will allow soldiers to see across long- and mid-wave bands simultaneously and at very long ranges with a stabilized line of sight.
“This advanced sighting system technology will offer our military and allies a critical edge on the future battlefield. It will give them the ability to see first and shoot first, which is essential to surviving in combat,” said Kim Ernzen, Raytheon Land Warfare Systems Vice President.
Under the cooperative agreement, next-generation FLIR B-Kits will be integrated with Safran vision sights onto armored vehicles, as approved by the U.S. and French governments.
“This Memorandum of Understanding between Safran and Raytheon sets a strong collaboration that will deliver next-generation equipment to regional allies and provide overmatch against their adversaries,” said Laurent Deur, Safran Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Land Vehicles.
Raytheon Company, with 2017 sales of $25 billion and 64,000 employees, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity solutions.
With a history of innovation spanning 96 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration, C5I™ products and services, sensing, effects, and mission support for customers in more than 80 countries. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, USA.
Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aircraft propulsion and equipment, space and defense markets. Safran has a global presence, with more than 58,000 employees and sales of 16.5 billion Euros in 2017. Safran is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange, and is part of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices.
Safran Electronics & Defense is a world leader in optronics, avionics, electronics and critical software for both civil and defense applications. The company's products are deployed worldwide on more than 1000 ships, 25,000 land vehicles and 10,000 aircraft.
Optics 1 is a leader in the design, development, and manufacturing of integrated electro-optical systems and subsystems for defense and law enforcement agencies. Leveraging core competencies in electro-optics, day and night imaging, laser range finding, and digital magnetic compass technology, Optics 1 is able to provide exceptional electro-optical systems for warfighter and law enforcement missions. Optics 1 is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Safran Electronics & Defense.
