12 Feb 2008 | Ref. 046/2008
LEXINGTON, Massachusetts — BAE Systems has won a $15 million contract to develop advanced infrared focal-plane arrays (FPAs) for U.S. Air Force missile defense surveillance satellites. The contract is part of the Air Force Research Laboratory’s High Stare program, a five-year effort to develop high-performance, large-format, shortwave infrared FPAs for Air Force missile-warning satellites.
“This order will enable our semiconductor foundry to produce larger, more sensitive, and more efficient focal-plane arrays that address critical military needs in the areas of missile defense and battlespace characterization," said Paul LoVecchio, director of advanced FPA products for BAE Systems. “These advanced FPAs will help reduce the complexity, weight, and power — and ultimately, cost — of future missile defense satellites.”
BAE Systems supplied FPAs for the current generation of Air Force Space-Based Infrared System satellites that recently began deployment and operation. The arrays developed under this program will push up the FPA performance level and serve as the eyes for future missile warning satellites. The FPAs will absorb infrared radiation and convert it into electrons to form an image. Large-format arrays will enable future missile defense systems to instantaneously see a larger portion of the earth using a less complex system than the current one.
About BAE Systems
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 96,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded $27 billion in 2006*.
*On a pro forma basis, assuming BAE Systems had owned Armor Holdings Inc for the whole of 2006
For further information, please contact:
Karen Spiller, BAE Systems
Tel: +1 603 885 2818 Mobile: +1 603 566 2090
karen.spiller@baesystems.com
Susan Lenover, BAE Systems
Tel: +1 703 907 8259 Mobile: +1 703 850 1621
susan.lenover@baesystems.com
