Lockheed Awarded $7.8M Multisensor Contract

Defense contractor Lockheed Martin has received a $7.8 million contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory to design, produce and test its real-time active imaging in 3-D at extended range (RAIDER) multisensor system, an extended-range version of the polarimetric imaging laser radar (PILAR) system.

RAIDER includes an enhanced forward-looking infrared (FLIR) system, TV camera and upgraded laser detection and ranging (LADAR) capability in a 20-in. turret. The system provides high-resolution, 3-D target imaging for military and civil applications.

The improved LADAR in RAIDER allows the system to see over twice as far as the original PILAR, and fly at higher altitudes while mapping terrain. PILAR and RAIDER are designed to conduct wide-area searches and identify actual or potential threats, including targets partially obscured by camouflage or foliage. RAIDER offers better image quality and improves the speed at which the imagery is processed and transmitted over PILAR, Lockheed said. Also, the sensor is able to cover wider search areas on the ground than previously possible,and can be used in manned and unmanned aerial vehicles.

For more information, visit: www.lockheedmartin.com