Contract keeps enemy in sight

Raytheon will begin supplying improved AN/PAS-13 thermal weapon sights in December 2007, as part of the US Army's Thermal Weapon Sight II Bridge program.

The 60-month contract is with the US Army's Research, Development and Engineering Command Acquisition Center and covers thermal weapon sights for the army and other services.

Initially, Raytheon Network Centric Systems will supply approximately 5,000 systems valued at more than $60m. The indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity program is potentially worth $2.6bn and could result in the delivery of up to 150,000 improved AN/PAS-13 thermal weapon sights during the five-year, firm-fixed-price contract.

The army's thermal weapon sight program consists of a family of advanced thermal imaging sensors that perform surveillance and targeting while improving combat effectiveness during day or night, in zero illumination, or in fog, smoke, dust and sand.

According to Raytheon, the latest sights will feature technology improvements that result in lower power requirements, reduced size and weight, and improved commonality making mission support more efficient and economical during the life of the equipment.