DRS Receives $49 M Infrared Sighting Systems Order

(Parsippany, N.J., July 2) -- DRS Technologies, Inc. announced today that it has received a $49 Million follow-on order for Second Generation Forward Looking Infrared (SGF) sighting systems and components from the Raytheon Company's Network Centric Systems business in McKinney, Texas.

The products will be used to provide critical thermal-imaging technology to warfighters aboard U.S. Army combat and tactical-wheeled vehicles, including Abrams Main Battle Tanks, Bradley Fighting Vehicles and High Mobility Multipurpose-Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV).

Under the terms of this order, DRS will manufacture and provide systems and components that support the U.S. Army's SGF initiatives. Included are Block 1 B-Kit components for Abrams Thermal Receiver Units (TRUs) and circuit-card assembly sets for the Commander's Independent Thermal Viewer (CITV). The company will also provide B-Kits for the Improved Bradley Acquisition System (IBAS) and the Long Range Advanced Scout Surveillance System (LRAS3).

The work for this contract will be conducted by the Palm Bay and Melbourne, Florida operations of the DRS Reconnaissance, Surveillance & Target Acquisition business group. Deliveries will run through January 2011.

Soldiers in ground vehicles use DRS' advanced high-resolution Second Generation Forward Looking Infrared sighting systems to detect, identify and engage tactical enemy targets at any time during day or night, even in zero visibility conditions. The technology also provides them with digital battlefield imagery that promotes interoperability among military platforms, therefore contributing to their goal of having information dominance.

"In modern warfare, superior power is often trumped by superior situational awareness, battlefield visibility and networked intelligence," said RSTA president Terry Murphy. "Our leading-edge SGF systems give warfighters a distinct advantage in each of these areas. We're proud of the role we're playing in equipping them with these lifesaving capabilities."

Source : DRS Technologies Inc., A Finmeccanica Company (Milan: FNC.MI)