BAE Awarded Thermal Imaging Contract

NASHUA, N.H., July 26 -- BAE Systems has been selected by Kongsberg Protech of Norway to supply the upgraded thermal imaging module (TIM 1500) for the remote weapon station (RWS) on the US Army's tank automotive and armaments command (TACOM) Stryker vehicle. The contract is estimated at $28 million.

The Stryker is an eight-wheeled armored vehicle that provides infantry protection in open terrain and quick transport to critical battlefield positions. The TIM program will provide Stryker with an advanced, uncooled thermal imaging camera that identifies targets in the battlefield in all weather and obscurant conditions.

Developed and produced at BAE Systems infrared imaging facility in Lexington, Mass., the TIM uses MicroIR microbolometer-based technology. This thermal engine technology is being developed by the Program Executive Office's thermal weapons sight program. The Stryker TIM and the heavy thermal weapons sight will share this common thermal engine, which also forms the basis for cameras serving homeland security and public safety business segments.

The base contract will fund the development and qualification of the TIM1500.

The Lexington facility is part of BAE Systems Information & Electronic Warfare Systems Inc., based in Nashua, N.H. Kongsberg is the RWS supplier to TACOM's prime contractor, General Dynamics Land System's California Technology Center in Goleta, Calif.

For more information, visit: www.baesystems.com