BAE Systems,
AUSTIN, Texas: BAE Systems will equip U.S. Army Stryker combat vehicles and M-1 Abrams tanks with thermal cameras so combat crews can “see” outside the vehicles while remaining inside. The company received a $45 million contract from General Dynamics to produce the camera systems.
The BAE Systems Check-6 system, derived from the company’s work in thermal weapon sights, features an infrared camera installed inside the vehicles’ taillight housings. The system provides day, night, and all-weather visibility.
“Without the Check-6 system, the driver and crew cannot see what’s behind them without leaving the protective cover of the vehicle,” said Manette Fisher, program manager for BAE Systems in Austin, Texas. “Check-6 is a low-cost solution that gives soldiers much-needed rearward situational awareness while reducing their exposure to deadly threats. Reliable visibility also increases vehicle safety and can save lives.”
Integrated in the existing vehicle taillight with no drilling or welding, the Check-6 system can easily be installed on more than 300,000 current and planned U.S. Army vehicles.
Deliveries are set to begin in April. BAE Systems expects to deliver more than 12,000 Check-6 systems over the next decade.
BAE Systems is the premier global defense and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 100,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15.7 billion (US $31.4 billion) in 2007.
