The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has awarded a contract to DRS Technologies to update the company’s ultra-small pixel infrared focal plane arrays under DARPA’s Lambda Scale program.
The FPAs work to support the functions of cooled infrared sensors to address pilot situational awareness and visibility concerns, DRS said Monday.
The company uses thin-film deposition technology and a high-density capacitance process to manufacture the FPAs.
Shawn Black, DRS vice president and infrared sensors and systems general manager, said the company works to develop new designs to increase the pixel count on infrared imaging systems.
DARPA’s Lambda Scale program looks to reduce the size, weight and footprint of infrared sensor systems, the company said.
DRS is a subsidiary of Leonardo-Finmeccanica.