Compact EO/IR pods from FLIR to go on Army MEDEVAC helicopters

FLIR Systems has seen success in the last week with a pair of contracts worth $163 million for its Talon forward looking infrared system. The Talon electro optical/infrared system is a lightweight, gyro-stabilized 9-inch turret that contains up to six payloads simultaneously, and operates from fixed and rotary wing aircraft, ships, small boats and land vehicles.

The first contract supports the Army’s MEDEVAC program, and is worth $81 million. The two-year blanket purchase agreement is for the MEDEVAC Mission Sensor (MMS) configuration of FLIR’s commercially developed, military qualified Talon product. The Talon MMS will be installed on the Army’s new MEDEVAC Blackhawk helicopters. An initial delivery order of $19 million was received.

FLIR will build the pods at its facility in Billerica, MA, with shipments under the initial delivery order expected to be completed by 2014.

The second contract was awarded by the Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., and is worth $82 million.