FAIRFIELD, N.J., Oct. 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy is to use infra-red cameras as part of a new, experimental counter-missile system.
A statement last week from Cedip Infrared Systems announced that the Navy's experimental weapons outfit NAVAIR, based at China Lake, Calif., was buying seven of its Emerald infra-red cameras.
NAVAIR will arrange the cameras in a circle, creating an advanced experimental system to counter shoulder-fired ground-to-air missiles, known as MANPADs, and other forms of anti-aircraft fire.
The cameras will be combined with software to produce a 360-degree field of view designed to detect the infrared heat signature of a launching MANPAD. The software will then immediately upload data about the launch to any aircraft, which can then take countermeasures.
