Report: Miniature EO/IR systems coming soon

A mission systems operator aboard an RC-26B aircraft from the Florida Air National Guard, 125th Fighter Wing, based out of Jacksonville, Fla., conducted preflight inspection of the optics in the sensor turret before a training mission off the coast of Jacksonville, Fla., Jan. 22. The RC-26B is equipped with imaging and communications equipment to assist law enforcement with reconnaissance and tracking of illegal drug traffickers and drug cultivation activity in addition to the ability to provide necessary support during natural disasters and national special security events. Photo by Sgt. Lalita Laksbergs, National Guard Counterdrug Public Affairs.

Miniaturized electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems are on the way, according to a report by consultancy firm Frost & Sullivan.

“Technology developers are focusing on designing miniaturized EO/IR systems allowing sufficient heat dissipation to meet industry standards, without compromising on performance,” according to the report.

Using new materials is allowing better performance. “Technology developers are working on improving the resolution and range of inexpensive IR microbolometers, while reducing the cost of high-performing cooled IR detectors,” the report said.

The U.S. will lead development of next-generation EO/IR systems, followed by the European Union. Asia-Pacific, on the other hand, will see the fastest adoption of these systems.