Combat vehicle vision system with infrared, TV, and laser rangefinder sensors to be built by DRS

CYPRESS, Calif., 9 March 2011.Military electro-optics experts at the DRS Technologies Inc. Sensors & Target Systems unit in Cypress, Calif., will build as many as 106 integrated vision systems for the U.S. Army Assault Breacher Vehicle under terms of a $32.5 million contract from U.S. Army Tank Automotive Command (TACOM) in Warren, Mich.The integrated vision systems enable Assault Breacher crew members to see outside the vehicle while remaining under protection of the vehicle's armor. The DRS integrated vision system for the Breacher has a two-axis stabilized gimbal sensor that provides 360-degree vision with image-intensified television, infrared sensor, and laser range finder.The Assault Breacher Vehicle is designed to clear pathways for infantry soldiers and military vehicles through dangerous obstacles like mine fields, improvised explosive devices, and other roadside bombs. The vehicle, based on the M1A1 main battle tank chassis, weighs 72-tons, is 40 feet long, and has a 1,500 horsepower engine.

The vehicle has a plow that is 15 feet long, supported by metal skis that glide on the dirt. The vehicle carries about 7,000 pounds of explosives, including M58 rockets with C-4 explosives designed to detonate hidden explosives as far ahead of the vehicle as 150 yards to let soldiers troops and vehicles pass by safely.