DRS Technologies announced that its reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition (RSTA) group has been awarded a $68.2 million contract by the US Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM) to provide advanced thermal weapon sights (TWS).

As a result of this follow-on order, totals have now reached over $460 million against a five-year indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract awarded to DRS Technologies in July 2007.

The order of the infrared-detecting devices—which enable soldiers to conduct surveillance and target acquisition, day or night—includes light, medium and heavy TWS from the DRS (TWS) II family of systems. Since 2004, RSTA has manufactured and delivered over 50,000 TWS. This new award will further expand the military deployment of technology from DRS.

The TWS employ 25-micron uncooled vanadium oxide detectors which enable troops to view the battlefield and pinpoint targets clearly through smoke, dust, haze, light fog and total darkness. Regardless of lighting conditions, the DRS detects infrared (heat) waves from people and objects in their field of view and display sharp images from hundreds of metres away.

“We are pleased that the Army has continued to call on DRS Technologies for thermal weapon sights to enable its soldiers to engage even more effectively in combat situations,” said RSTA President Terry Murphy.

“As the largest producer of uncooled focal plane arrays in the world, RSTA has set the pace for the development of military infrared technology applications. We are privileged to offer our latest thermal technology to help maximise the capabilities and impact of troops.”