Rear-view camera contract

will integrate and test a rear-view camera system for US Army combat vehicles. The Driver’s Rear View Camera (DRVC) system will use thermal imaging to let vehicle operators and crews see behind them while inside the armour protection of their vehicle.

The system, part of the US Army’s Abrams Tank Urban Survivability Kit, fits into taillight housings common to more than 200,000 military vehicles.

Under a $950,000 contract awarded by General Dynamics Land Systems, BAE Systems will integrate and test the system in preparation for an expected initial production contract for 505 systems.

The DRVC system is derived from BAE Systems’ Check-6 infrared situational awareness capability. The camera is contained completely within the taillight housing and can be readily installed on most current and future US Army vehicles with no drilling or welding.

The army is targeting the system initially for the M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank. DRVC will fit other vehicle types within the Army’s Heavy Brigade Combat Team, including the Bradley Combat Systems, the M113, M88, and M109.