BETTER SIGHT FOR MULTIPLE PLATFORMS
An MQ-1C Gray Eagle unmanned aerial system, equipped with 3rd Gen FLIR sensors and belonging to Company D, 10th Aviation Regiment, prepares to conduct a mission from Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, in September 2017. Third Gen FLIR sensors are used in current and future air- and ground-based systems, allowing the military to purchase a single sensor that can be used across multiple platforms and for a variety of missions, at significant cost savings. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Isolda Reyes, 29th Combat Aviation Brigade)
innovations and breakthroughs in areas such as substrate growth (the digital film that converts light into signals), dual- band focal plane arrays (digital film that can capture two different types of light at the same time), variable apertures (adjustable focus), modeling and simula- tion (automated computer optimization of imagery), and sensor miniaturization (portability).
Obtaining the support of industry and leveraging their internal research and development investments required the Army to build trust in the overall pro- gram through focused, appropriately timed acquisition activities
conducted
simultaneously across multiple fronts. By creating partnerships with others, such as
the U.S. Army Communications-
Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC) Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Director- ate (NVESD) and ManTech, 3rd Gen
FLIR was able to integrate multiple fund- ing sources to ensure a secure resource foundation.
CONCLUSION As the Army reorganizes to modernize its capabilities, it can look to the success of the 3rd Gen FLIR program as a pro- totype. Te program has demonstrated several key elements critical to the suc- cessful implementation of an innovative program, which illustrates the transition from good ideas into actual capabilities in the hands of warfighters.
It exemplifies how the military can benefit when Army communities work together to combine requirements with resources, technology innovation and cooperation. With all of the participants collaborating, from the requirements community to the acquisition and development communi- ties, the Army overcomes barriers and is able to create an environment where
innovation thrives, equipping its warriors with the best technology in the world.
For more information or to contact the authors, go to
www.cerdec.army.mil.
DR. RICHARD NABORS is associate director for strategic planning and deputy director of the Operations Division at NVESD at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He holds a doctor of management in organizational leadership from the University of Phoenix, an M.S. in management from the Florida Institute of Technology, and a B.A. in history from Old Dominion University. He is Level I certified in program management.
MR. NATHAN BURKHOLDER is a strategic analyst for KITEWIRE Inc. who supports NVESD. He holds a B.S. in engi- neering from Messiah College.
ASC.ARMY.MIL
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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY / DASA(R&T)
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