Electro-optic, optical, and optoelectronic components are an important part of military and aerospace platforms and systems, and are essential to controlling the battlefields of tomorrow, which is why governments are investing more and more in these technologies each year.
Analysts at Forecast International project that countries worldwide will spend more than $35 billion on 33 different airborne and space-based electro-optical (EO) programs over the next 10 years.
The majority of research and development funding is headed toward massive programs such as the Missile Defense Agency’s Airborne Laser program and to other battlefield lasers in development. However, warfighters in the field are reaping the benefits of optoelectronic technologies to improve the capabilities of sensors, speed the throughput of communications links, and field effective laser targeting devices.
Electro-Optics for Defense, a supplement to the January 2006 edition of Military & Aerospace Electronics magazine, features news, features, and analysis on the hottest electro-optic, optical, and optoelectronic trends in military and aerospace applications.
Our senior editor, Courtney Howard, explores the latest trends in infrared technology with analysis and offerings from industry leaders. After that, I provide an overview of recent developments in laser weapons technology.
Also, be sure to check out our Electro-Optics for Defense Product section, where the latest electronic products for electro-optics applications from top vendors are showcased.
This supplement, Electro-Optics for Defense, from PennWell, publishers of Military & Aerospace Electronics, is a guideline to important electro-optic components and subsystems that are helping warfighters gain an edge on the battlefield and enabling scientists to see farther into space and in greater detail.
John McHale
Executive Editor
