Jenoptik Defense Inc. is set to develop a new day/night observation and target acquisition system to the specific requirements of the US Marine Corps under a contract valued at $1.3 million, the US Div. of the Jenoptik Group announced earlier this week. The system will be developed to fulfill a critical need of the US armed forces: the Common Laser Range Finder Integrated Capability (CLRF IC). The CLRF IC needs to integrate several elements of currently fielded equipment into a single lightweight system. Three other companies have also been chosen to compete in developing a CLRF IC; Jenoptik’s goal is to design a system over a 19-month period of development and testing. The baseline for this most recent development contract is the company’s optronic reconnaissance system Nyxus Bird, which was launched last year and already combines many of the required parameters. The Nyxus Bird is a lightweight multifunctional day and night observation device that combines the company’s traditional glass optics, a thermal imaging device, a rangefinder, GPS and a digital compass. Besides a direct-view channel with 7× magnification, an infrared channel for nighttime observation is available. “This development contract is an important step in the internationalization of our Defense & Civil Systems division,” said Jenoptik CEO Dr. Michael Mertin. “It confirms that our innovative solutions have gained considerable attention in the American military market.” With the globalization of its business activities, the Jenoptik Group is focusing primarily on North America and Asia. Jenoptik Defense Inc. was established in Florida in 2011 to further develop business in the Defense & Civil Systems Div. For more information, visit: www.jenoptik.com