Star SAFIRE 380-HD successfully tested on Firebird
FLIR Systems, Inc. announced today that the Star SAFIRE 380-HD electro-optical/infrared sensor completed successful flight operations on the Northrop Grumman Firebird, an intelligence gathering air system, which can be flown as a manned or unmanned aircraft.
The Star SAFIRE 380-HD is a 15" durable turret, gyrostabilized, multi-spectral, digital high-definition optical sensor designed for use on UAS, helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. The system, weighing less than 100 lbs, boasts the capability to run eight payloads simultaneously, including both SWIR and a laser designator.
During the recent Empire Challenge, sponsored by Joint Force Command (JFCOM), three systems were installed on Firebird and operated continuously to meet the flight duration requirements.
"Through reliance, performance and easy integration, we are confident the latest gimbals in the Star SAFIRE HD family will continue set the standards for the future of EO/IR airborne solutions," said Bill Sundermeier, president of FLIR Government Systems. "We are proud that the Star SAFIRE 380-HD has proven to be incredibly complementary to the universal interface on the Northrop Grumman Firebird."
"Northrop Grumman completed a detailed assessment for multi-spectral EO/IR sensors suitable for multiple missions," said Rick Crooks, director of special projects and Firebird program manager for Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. "We selected the Star SAFIRE 380-HD for its performance, capability and ease of integration. FLIR has provided outstanding support to the Firebird program and the key full motion video assets used during Empire Challenge."
In the twelve year history of the Star SAFIRE family of products, FLIR has delivered more than 3000 systems.
Source: FLIR
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Cummings Aerospace showcases Hellhound loitering munition designed for US Army’s LASSO programme (video)]()
Cummings Aerospace showcases Hellhound loitering munition designed for US Army’s LASSO programme (video)
Cummings Aerospace presented its turbojet-powered Hellhound loitering munition at SOF Week 2025, offering a man-portable solution aligned with the US Army’s LASSO requirements.
-
![SOF Week 2025: PDW unveils attritable FPV drone for SOF operations at scale]()
SOF Week 2025: PDW unveils attritable FPV drone for SOF operations at scale
PDW has revealed its Attritable Multirotor First Person View drone at SOF Week 2025, offering special operations forces a low-cost, rapidly deployable platform for strike and ISR missions, inspired by battlefield lessons from Ukraine.
-
![SOF Week 2025: Teledyne FLIR white paper provides guidance on reusable loitering munitions]()
SOF Week 2025: Teledyne FLIR white paper provides guidance on reusable loitering munitions
Teledyne FLIR is highlighting the emerging requirements for 'recoverable and re-usable' loitering munitions across the contemporary operating environment during this week’s SOF Week conference in Tampa, Florida.
-
![SOF Week 2025: Kraken Technology group debuts K3 Scout USV in North America]()
SOF Week 2025: Kraken Technology group debuts K3 Scout USV in North America
High-performance maritime industry player Kraken Technology Group, based in the UK, has used the SOF Week conference in Tampa, Florida this week to debut its K3 Scout uncrewed surface vessel (USV) to the North American market.
-
![Palladyne AI and Red Cat to demonstrate capabilities for autonomous drone swarms to the US military]()
Palladyne AI and Red Cat to demonstrate capabilities for autonomous drone swarms to the US military
Red Cat and Palladyne AI recently conducted a cross-platform collaborative flight involving three diverse heterogeneous drones.
-
![Jammer resistant drone designs spark search for countermeasures]()
Jammer resistant drone designs spark search for countermeasures
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has driven another stage of evolution for drones and the counter measures to defend against them.
