L-3 Integrated Optical Systems
announced that it has been selected by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) for the next phase of the Ultra Wide Field of View Wide Area Airborne Surveillance Sensor (WAASS) development programme.
This surveillance system research and development programme will continue to demonstrate a wide area persistent imaging surveillance sensor that provides situational awareness of regions of interest for airborne platforms, such as the Marine Corps’ RQ-7 Shadow 200 Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).
The Ultra Wide Sensor allows a single UAS platform to monitor an area that normally would require multiple UAS platforms with standard electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) payloads. It uses an advanced staring focal plane array and provides two significant capabilities to the warfighter: tactical situational awareness, by supplying soldiers with an overhead view of their local area, and forensic video data that enables analysts to assess enemy networks of activity.
“Our compact sensor provides high-resolution tactical images that give warfighters a better understanding of the battlefield so that they can safely identify and react to threats,” said Dan Desmond, president of L-3 Integrated Optical Systems. “The U.S. Navy’s dedication to the WAASS program will enable advances in global situational awareness for the entire Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance community, and we are very pleased to be part of this effort.”
L-3 Integrated Optical Systems offers broad electro-optical products for space, air, sea and ground needs. The company’s product portfolio includes a full range of stabilized platforms, beam directors and laser communications terminals, fire control solutions, precision optics, large diameter telescopes, integrated optical sights, space-based and airborne optical systems, and ground test equipment.
Headquartered in New York City, L-3 employs approximately 61,000 people worldwide and is a prime contractor in C3ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems, aircraft modernization and maintenance, and government services. L-3 is also a leading provider of a broad range of electronic systems used on military and commercial platforms. The company reported 2011 sales of $15.2 billion.
Source: Press Release