The US Navy has awarded defense contractor Raytheon Co. a single-source, indefinite-delivery and -quantity contract worth up to $180 million. Raytheon is to procure, deliver, maintain and provide logistical support to the Medium Range Thermal Bi-Ocular (MRTB) program through 2014.
The MRTB is a stand-alone, lightweight, observation and targeting device used by Marines in all lighting conditions, including total darkness and at times when vision is obstructed by smoke, fog or sandstorms. MRTB can be used to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance or to direct small-arms fire.
“Our system includes upgrades in the latest Raytheon Vision Systems microbolometer detector technology, which provide double the resolution of earlier models,” said Mike Allgeier, Raytheon vice president of Operations and Precision Components. “This allows Marines to see at a greater distance with better identification capability and gives our troops a decided advantage on the battlefield.”
The MRTB provides thermal imaging capability to the Marine rifle and machine gun squads and other Marine Corps units. It features low-power, compact, uncooled thermal technology and can recognize a man-size moving target from up to one mile away.
“The system includes video recording with high-quality infrared and visible optics that provide extended range,” Allgeier said. “It is ideal not just for military operations but for border security, surveillance and targeting applications.”
For more information, visit: www.raytheon.com