The last thing U.S. Special Forces want is a “fair fight,” said Maj. Gen. Thomas Csnrko, commanding general of U.S. Army Special Forces Command Airborne to an audience of defense suppliers and Special Forces personnel as the keynote speaker of Special Ops East 2007 in Fayetteville, N.C.
During his talk, he identified tops his technological wish list for the future. Csnrko said he wants more visibility on the battlefield other than direct observation. Designers of improved optics sensors and infrared technology, especially in unmanned platforms, are looking to make his wish come true.
Electro-optic, optical, and optoelectronic components are an important part of military and aerospace platforms and systems, especially for special operations forces.
Procurement dollars are being directed toward equipment that can aid warfighters on the field today. Electro-optics products such as laser sights, infrared equipment, displays, etc., are essential to giving U.S. warfighters every advantage in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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.
Mission-Critical Electro-Optics, a supplement to the January 2008 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 E. Howard, explores the latest trends in infrared and laser weapons technology with analysis and offerings from industry leaders.
Also, be sure to check out our Mission Critical Electro-Optics Product section, where the latest electronic products for electro-optics applications from top vendors are showcased.
John McHale
Executive Editor