Sofradir, an advanced infrared detector manufacturer for military, space and industrial applications, has appointed David Billon-Lanfrey as vice president of R&D, technology and products. He replaces Philippe Tribolet. Billon-Lanfrey will oversee a team of 100, including engineers in metallurgy, semiconductor materials, microelectronics, optoelectronics, micromechanics, cryogenics and other specialty areas in physics and chemistry, all of which are necessary for the development of infrared detectors that cover the spectrum from visible to very long wavelength infrared. Previously, he headed the R&D optronics characterization team at the company for five years, and before that, served as product manager for R&D and product development for 12 years. Sofradir provides defense equipment manufacturers with advanced performance IR products for thermal imagers, missile seekers and other surveillance, targeting and homing IR equipment. It also develops high-grade IR detectors used in equipment to observe the Earth and deep space, to monitor the environment and climate change, and to provide imaging data for weather satellites. For more information, visit: www.sofradir.com