DRS to Upgrade Marine Corps Tank Imaging System

By Gail Repsher Emery, Staff Writer


SEPT. 11 ? DRS Technologies Inc. was awarded a $2.2 million contract from the Marine Corps to build and integrate prototypes of an improved infrared thermal imaging system for the gunner's sighting system on the Marine Corps' Abrams Main Battle Tank.


"This award positions DRS as a prime contractor and systems integrator for a significant weapons systems upgrade on a major military platform. This program is central to the Marine Corps' armor modernization strategy," said Mark Newman, chairman, president and chief executive officer of the Parsippany, N.J., company.


DRS' task is to increase the imaging resolution, targeting range, detection capability and reliability of the M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank. Successful completion of this first phase of the upgrade could lead to a final integration contract award and a production contract for more than 400 systems, DRS said.


The contract was awarded by the Marine Corps Systems Command in Quantico, Va. Work will be done by DRS' Sensor Systems unit in Torrance, Calif. Prototypes will be delivered in summer 2001.


DRS, which specializes in defense electronics, develops and manufactures a range of mission-critical products, from computers and peripherals to systems and components in communications, data storage, digital imaging, electro-optics, flight safety and space.