Growing demand for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) driving demand for electro-optical and infrared sensors

June 18, 2019
L-3 Wescam sees demand for infrared turrets used in UAVs and airships, like an order from Poland for dozens of MX-8 electro-optical systems for UAVs.

PARIS – Wescam, the Canadian subsidiary of defense contractor L3 Technologies, says that orders for its electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) systems are at an all-time high, thanks in large part to demand for drone applications. Optics.org reports. Continue reading original article

The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:

18 June 2019 -- After chalking up more than $500 million in orders in 2018, that momentum has continued through the start of this year; Wescam reported orders worth another $120 million for its various electro-optic product lines in the opening quarter.

Speaking at the start of the Paris Air Show this week, L-3 CEO Christopher Kubasik said there has been particular demand for infrared turrets used in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and airships.

Another recent deal worth more than $450 million came from the U.S. Army, for the larger MX-10D sensors on its Shadow UAV, while in March Wescam established a service center in Korea to serve local customers and those in the surrounding region.

Related: Demand picking up for electro-optical sensors for unmanned aerial vehicle applications, FLIR says

Related: Global demand for military electro-optical and infrared systems to reach $16.35 Billion by 2020

Related: Global demand for military electro-optics and infrared sensors to grow by 40 percent over six years

John Keller, chief editor
Military & Aerospace Electronics

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