BAE to provide imaging tech for CROWS II

LEXINGTON, Mass., May 20 (UPI) -- Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace has subcontracted BAE Systems for thermal imaging modules under the U.S. Army Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station II program.

The $60 million, five-year contract is for BAE to provide 6,500 TIM1500 uncooled thermal sights to Kongsberg for installation with their Protector remote weapon stations on CROWS II-equipped Army vehicles.

Kongsberg officials say the thermal imaging modules will be installed on mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles and on the M1114 up-armored High Mobility Multi-Wheeled Vehicle.

"TIM1500 is the longest-range uncooled image (technology) in service on remote weapon stations," Michael Mawn, BAE Systems deputy program director for platform imaging programs at the company's Lexington, Mass., operations, said in a statement. "It allows soldiers to detect and identify targets while remaining protected inside their vehicles."