IR cameras set for delivery to space agency

Cedip's miniaturised thermal IR cameras will help the European Aeronautic Defence and Space company to improve the reconnaissance capabilities of its Tracker UAV system.

Cedip Infrared Systems has announced that the first consignment of miniaturised thermal IR cameras to the European Aeronautic Defence and Space company (EADS) for incorporation into its new Tracker UAV system, will be delivered during 2007.

The design of the Tracker UAV system (known in France under the name DRAC) is expected to significantly improve reconnaissance capabilities for civil and military authorities.

The user-friendly system, which can be prepared for operation in a matter of minutes, offers excellent flight characteristics and robustness even under extreme operational conditions.

Tracker is a tactical drone with hand launchability for missions at close range.

The system meets the highest performance requirements even under complex operational conditions.

The Tracker UAV system, developed by EADS, delivers state of the art over-the-hill reconnaissance and surveillance, close range attack success analysis and remote location, identification, classification and tracking of targets.

Each system comprises two airborne vehicles, TV-operated from the ground, one of them carrying a novel miniaturised thermal IR camera developed by Cedip.

Pierre Potet, President of Cedip Infrared Systems, commented "This contract marks the culmination of three years work during which we developed an advanced miniaturised thermal IR camera and achieved the necessary qualifications for its sale and use in the military environment".

"Going through this process has enabled Cedip Infrared Systems to firmly establish itself in the premier league of international suppliers of thermal IR technology to the military, security and surveillance communities".

He added "Our technological advances have already captured the attention of several major suppliers of tactical UAV systems".

Cedip Infrared Systems develops, designs, manufactures and markets high-performance infra-red cameras and systems for industrial, research, surveillance and security organisations.

The group offers a complete range of infra-red cameras and systems focused in three areas: instrumentation and industrial control, civil and military surveillance and security and airborne imaging systems.

Thanks to a combination of technological know-how in electronics, optics, precision mechanics and software, Cedip's teams of engineers and highly qualified technicians, backed by a world network of informed distributors, support a growing customer base in more than 50 countries.

European Aeronautic Defence and Space company (EADS) is Europe's largest aerospace firm.

EADS principal activities are the manufacture and distribution of aircraft, missiles and defence systems to the aerospace and defence industries.

The group operates through the following divisions: Airbus (commercial aircraft); Defence and Civil Systems (missiles and missile systems, defence electronics, telecommunications and services); Eurocopter (civil and military helicopters and maintenance services); Space (satellites, orbital infrastructures and launchers, optronics and laser technology) and Military Transport Aircraft (light and medium military transport).

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