FLIR Systems awarded $7.8 million contract for Ultra 7500 airborne thermal imaging systems

DECEMBER 10--FLIR Systems Inc. (Portland, OR; www.FLIR.com) has been awarded two contracts totaling $7.8 million from the National Guard Bureau for the upgrade of thermal imaging systems currently being used on its Reconnaissance And Interdiction Detachment (RAID) program from the original Series 2000 systems to the new third-generation, multisensor lightweight Ultra 7500. These initial two contract options are for the upgrade of up to 43 systems. If the remaining contract options are fully exercised in the future, the total number of systems to be delivered will be 100, and the total value of the contract will be greater than $18 million. Deliveries under the current two contracts began in the fourth quarter of 2002 and will extend through the first half of 2003.

The Ultra 7500 is a "drop in" replacement for the FLIR Series 2000, the first commercial off-the-shelf system used in a fleet application. Under the RAID program, the Guard has purchased 83 Series 2000 systems and deployed them in 34 states in connection with counter-drug activities. "We are delighted to be able to provide to the National Guard the latest generation of our lightweight airborne system in furtherance of the RAID program and equally pleased that this current contract award extends an existing 10-year relationship between the National Guard Bureau and FLIR," commented Earl R. Lewis, FLIR Systems president and CEO.