Raytheon’s 3rd Generation FLIR system undergoes testing
Raytheon has demonstrated its 3rd Generation Forward Looking Infrared (3rd Gen FLIR) technology for the Improved Target Acquisition System (ITAS) in a series of laboratory and field tests. The tests saw the 3rd Gen FLIR achieve proof of concept, and preliminary evaluation of the impact of firing all versions of the TOW missile was also performed.
ITAS is a target acquisition and fire control system used by the US Army and US Marine Corps early entry forces as a highly mobile, adverse-weather, day/night capability to counter advanced threats. The system increases target detection, acquisition, recognition and engagement ranges; fires all versions of the TOW missile from both the M41 ground launcher (dismount mode) and the M1121 high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV) platform; and provides a growth path for future missiles.
This latest 3rd Gen ITAS maintains the same near-and-wide fields of view while adding ultra-narrow and ultra-wide fields of view; and Raytheon's 3rd Gen FLIR combines long-wave and mid-wave infrared and high-definition resolution.
During the test, conducted in the presence of programme office personnel from the US Army's Close Combat Weapons Systems and Army Aviation and Missile Research and Development Engineering Center, the 3rd Gen ITAS FLIR demonstrated improved sensor performance and enhanced situational awareness.
Jeff Miller, vice president of Combat and Sensing Systems for Raytheon Missile Systems, said: ‘Raytheon's FLIR improvement programme provides warfighters with better clarity at all ranges, allowing them to identify targets and differentiate between combatants and non-combatants at greater stand-off ranges.
‘Implementing 3rd Gen ITAS FLIR improvements will continue to give our warfighters in the field an unfair advantage in the fight.’
More from Land Warfare
-
![Denmark shuns US platform as it settles on SAMP/T air defence system]()
Denmark shuns US platform as it settles on SAMP/T air defence system
The acquisition, which is part of the country’s broader defence package worth DKK58 billion (US$9.2 billion), goes against the grain with many other European countries opting for the US’s popular Patriot platform.
-
![In depth: Competition for British Army vehicle programme heats up, despite more delays]()
In depth: Competition for British Army vehicle programme heats up, despite more delays
The UK’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP) seems set to be delayed once again but industry is jockeying for position to partner in what would be one of the biggest ever buys for the British Army.
-
![DSEI 2025: AM General has partner lined up for British Army vehicle programme]()
DSEI 2025: AM General has partner lined up for British Army vehicle programme
AM General’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) A2 is in low-rate initial production and the company is looking for export orders, notably the UK’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP), to add to a recent approval for Canada to buy vehicles.
-
![DSEI 2025: IDV sets eyes on British Army vehicle deal as MD calls for “acceleration” of efforts]()
DSEI 2025: IDV sets eyes on British Army vehicle deal as MD calls for “acceleration” of efforts
The UK’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP) to replace thousands of vehicles is in flux as the tender for the Light Mobility Vehicle segment planned for November is set to be missed. IDV Robotics’ Dr Geoff Davis is calling for the UK government to focus broadly on indigenous capability for procurement and to do it faster.
-
![DSEI 2025: Avon Protection provides first sight of new goggle and details on half mask]()
DSEI 2025: Avon Protection provides first sight of new goggle and details on half mask
Avon Protection has been growing and improving its integrated systems offerings. Last year the company released its Exoskin total protective suit system and earlier this year the MITR-M1 half mask.
-
![DSEI 2025: Elbit Systems set to field joint fires systems as it looks to large UK requirements]()
DSEI 2025: Elbit Systems set to field joint fires systems as it looks to large UK requirements
Elbit Systems UK was awarded the Dismounted Joint Fires Integrators (D-JFI) programme in January 2021, which will integrate with the UK’s army, marines and air force. The parent company has decades of heritage in the UK and is looking to compete for the Watchkeeper drone replacement.
