BAE Systems opens sensor lab for military products

BAE Systems Inc., a global defense and aerospace company, has opened an electro-optics and infrared sensor technology design center in Lexington, Mass. The 33,000 square-foot facility will expand the company's ability to produce EO/IR sensor products for the Defense Department.

The EO/IR Design Center will be the source of innovation for the company's infrared imaging business, said Steve Jamison, vice president and general manager at BAE Systems in Lexington.

For example, the lab will design and test BAE Systems' new enhanced night vision digital goggles. The company has an Army contract to develop the helmet-mounted goggles, which convert infrared energy ? heat radiated by people, vehicles and other sources ? to video images.

The technology enables soldiers to see through darkness, smoke and other obscurants, the company said.

BAE Systems of Rockville, Md., ranks No. 15 on Washington Technology's 2007 Top 100 list of the largest federal government prime contractors.