Star SAFIRE 380-HD successfully tested on Firebird
FLIR Systems, Inc. announced today that the Star SAFIRE 380-HD electro-optical/infrared sensor completed successful flight operations on the Northrop Grumman Firebird, an intelligence gathering air system, which can be flown as a manned or unmanned aircraft.
The Star SAFIRE 380-HD is a 15" durable turret, gyrostabilized, multi-spectral, digital high-definition optical sensor designed for use on UAS, helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. The system, weighing less than 100 lbs, boasts the capability to run eight payloads simultaneously, including both SWIR and a laser designator.
During the recent Empire Challenge, sponsored by Joint Force Command (JFCOM), three systems were installed on Firebird and operated continuously to meet the flight duration requirements.
"Through reliance, performance and easy integration, we are confident the latest gimbals in the Star SAFIRE HD family will continue set the standards for the future of EO/IR airborne solutions," said Bill Sundermeier, president of FLIR Government Systems. "We are proud that the Star SAFIRE 380-HD has proven to be incredibly complementary to the universal interface on the Northrop Grumman Firebird."
"Northrop Grumman completed a detailed assessment for multi-spectral EO/IR sensors suitable for multiple missions," said Rick Crooks, director of special projects and Firebird program manager for Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. "We selected the Star SAFIRE 380-HD for its performance, capability and ease of integration. FLIR has provided outstanding support to the Firebird program and the key full motion video assets used during Empire Challenge."
In the twelve year history of the Star SAFIRE family of products, FLIR has delivered more than 3000 systems.
Source: FLIR
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
Shaping the future of defence: What 2025 holds for the global drone market
The UAV market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with innovations in technology and battlefield applications driving demand across military sectors. From the battlefields of Ukraine to NATO exercises and beyond, drones are transforming how wars are fought and supported.
-
Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system
Launched at AUSA in October, the company’s multi-stream video codec is attempting to bring a new lease of life to drone technology through its AI accelerator.
-
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
-
US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS
The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
-
AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024
AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.