DRS Technologies signs agreement to provide high-speed digital cameras

SEPTEMBER 6--DRS Technologies Inc. (Parsippany, NJ; www.drs.com) has signed an agreement to produce high-speed digital cameras for industrial applications. The award represents the company's launch of its military digital-imaging-systems technology into the commercial sector.

The agreement, with initial funding of $3.5 million, was signed by DRS and a major domestic industrial market leadder and international supplier of high-speed digital cameras. This contract provides DRS with the opportunity to leverage the technology developed for the Airborne Separation Video System (ASVS), a line of multicamera high-speed digital imaging systems currently deployed on-board military aircraft during test flights for the evaluation of weapons release. ASVS is the military's only high-speed digital imaging system specifically designed and qualified to replace film cameras for airborne weapons separation events.

The camera provides 1280 x 1024-pixel images at a maximum rate of 500 frames/s. Speed can be increased with image-resolution reduction. The camera can be used with C- or F-mount lenses, providing compatibility with existing systems. The base system can store more than 1600 full frames with options for expansion.

Product deliveries are expected to commence in September.