FLIR secures Army vehicle contract

The U.S. Army has awarded a $26 million contract modification to FLIR Systems, Inc. to support the Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle Sensor Suite Upgrade (NBCRV SSU).

“Our ability to build and integrate manned and unmanned sensing solutions across a wide threat space is where FLIR differentiates itself,” said FLIR Vice President and General Manager of the Unmanned Systems & Integrated Solutions Roger Wells said. “Incorporating UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) and UGV (unmanned ground vehicle) platforms into NBCRV aligns with our efforts to develop full sensing capabilities that can act as force multipliers and boost mission success for our troops.”

Wells said FLIR is positioned in the defense industry with deep expertise in intelligent sensor and autonomous systems technology that keeps warfighters safe – whether through air- or ground-based detection systems.

Earlier this year, FLIR Systems delivered initial prototypes of the NBCRV SSU system for a focused assessment at Fort Bliss, Texas, adding personnel employed the FLIR prototype in realistic battlefield scenarios to sense and rapidly avoid CBRN hazards.

The NBCRV Sensor Suite will feature capabilities of the FLIR R80D SkyRaider drone integrated with a specialized version of the FLIR IBAC bio-detection sensor, officials said, noting the next phase would pair the NBCRV with a ground robotic vehicle to expand the system’s use with manned-unmanned teams.