Army to Acquire New Generation of Sights for Armor

The U.S. Army recently awarded a low rate initial production contract to Raytheon Technologies for production of the third-generation forward looking infrared combat sights, beginning with the Abrams tank, providing the U.S. Army with enhanced detection, recognition and identification of enemy activity and targets. These sights provide common components that enable the sight operator to detect, recognize and identify enemy targets with increased clarity and ranges. These common components include the high-definition, dual-band (mid-wave infrared/long-wave infrared) focal plane array, dewar cooler bench, optics and electronics required to convert thermal radiation into video images. This will provide timagery for the Army to develop machine learning to drive algorithm development and enable semi-autonomous sensors. 

 “The [third generation forward looking infrared combat sights] will play an integral role in ensuring overmatch for detection, recognition and identification of enemy activity and threats beyond the enemy’s detection capabilities. We are very excited to be entering low rate initial production contract and to culminate many years of research and development on what is an extremely complex, cutting-edge technology,” said Lareina Adams, project manager, terrestrial sensors, Program Executive Office Intelligece, Electronic Warfare and Sensors.

The contract is valued at $117.5 million if all options are exercised with a period of performance that ends June 2027.

The program also served as an application of horizontal technology integration into existing combat platforms, such as the Abrams tank and the Bradley Fighting Vehicle.