Officials at the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) sought to put next-generation, lightweight, high-performance thermal imagers in the hands of U.S. military personnel in the field. To this end, they turned to engineers at FLIR Systems Inc. in Portland, Ore., issuing the company a $3.2 million order for its new thermal imaging system.

FLIR Systems’s new thermal imaging system, developed with input from customers, is designed to offer the latest in long range, man-portable thermal imaging system capability. The new solution weighs less than 5 pounds, incorporates high-magnification optics, and is powered by commercially available batteries.

It represents the first delivery order under a newly awarded $27 million indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract. The units delivered under this order will be used by the U.S. military for reconnaissance and surveillance missions.

Work will be at FLIR’s facilities in North Billerica, Mass. Deliveries began at the end of last year, and will extend into 2010. For additional information, visit FLIR Systems online at www.flir.com.