USAF funds SWIR targeting and tracking camera
Princeton Infrared Technologies is able to develop the detector needed for any application. (Image: Princeton Infrared Technologies)
US Air Force Armament Directorate has awarded Princeton Infrared Technologies a $1 million contract to develop a 640x512 uncooled short-wave infrared (SWIR) camera for low-cost targeting and tracking applications.
The contract has a time span of one year and the final product must be integrated with BAE System’s open seeker architecture for advanced precision targeting.
Princeton Infrared Technologies will modify the camera form factor to fit on a glide munition and will conduct tower and captive carry tests to demonstrate its advanced capabilities.
Martin H. Ettenberg, president of Princeton Infrared Technologies, commented that the SWIR camera will ‘allow targeting of stationary and moving targets in GPS denied areas for various types of munitions’.
The company bring their experience specialising InGaAs imaging technology, SWIR linescan cameras, visible-SWIR science cameras and 1- and 2-D imaging arrays.
The contract was delivered following the Air Force Weapons Pitch Day where over 60 small businesses competed for the one-year contracts.
BAE Systems first developed its open seeker architecture for advanced precision targeting as part of a $13.1 million contract from DARPA in 2018.
More from Defence Notes
-
UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost
The UK’s National Security Strategy brings together the recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Strategic Security Review, AUKUS Review and Industrial and Trade Strategies. At the same time, the UK made a commitment to reach defence spending of 5% of GDP by 2035 and Germany committed to 3.5% by 2029.
-
Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
-
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.