TI builds enhanced IR gear for combat vehicles

Engineers at Texas Instruments Defense Systems & Electronics in Dallas are producing second-generation infrared imaging upgrade kits to boost the performance of U.S. Army combat vehicles. TI is working under a $98.3 million contract from Army Communications-Electronics Command at Fort Monmouth, N.J. The improved sensors increase target acquisition ranges by 1.5 times and double target identification ranges with TV-quality imagery. The first vehicles to receive the new IR equipment will be Army M1A2 main battle tanks, followed by Bradley Fighting Vehicles. - J.K.