DRS Technologies providing new soldier vision system

ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 21 (UPI) -- DRS Technologies Inc. is to provide the U.S. Army with a new technology that integrates night vision goggles with thermal weapon sights.

Work on the next-generation system will be performed under an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract worth as much as $367 million, DRS said.

"DRS has a long history of providing the U.S. military with leading thermal weapon sight and night vision technology and we look forward to providing this important future capability to ensure our warfighters remain the best equipped in the world," said Shawn Black, vice president and general manager of Infrared Sensors and Systems at DRS Technologies.

"These devices are a result of years of DRS-led innovation and development through U.S. Army and DRS investment. The result is a device that affordably and significantly improves the ability of troops to see and engage targets more rapidly in degraded combat conditions."

The new system is based on the company's Enhanced Night Vision Goggle III and Family of Weapon Sight (Individual) programs. Connected through a wireless system, the weapon-mounted thermal sight is designed to transmit imagery to the night vision goggle, allowing troops to stay protected while raising their weapon over an obstacle or around a corner, without exposing themselves to enemy fire.