RTX wins $118M award for ground combat vehicle targeting sensor systems

The Army has awarded RTX a $117.5 million contract for low-rate initial production of the third generation forward looking infrared B-Kit (3GEN FLIR), the company announced Wednesday.

This targeting sensor system will replace an older version on the Abrams tank and possibly will also be used on the Army’s replacement for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle -- the XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle.

The Army considers 3GEN FLIR to be “the next generation of reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition sights to restore sensor overmatch” by improving range and resolution. The system will use high definition dual-band Mid-Wave and Long-Wave infrared sensing technologies.

According to RTX, 3GEN FLIR is “platform agnostic” and has a common operating picture for future combat ground vehicles. The system provides “significant standoff for target detection, recognition and identification.”

RTX, formerly known as Raytheon Technologies, has delivered more than 25,000 second-generation FLIR sensors in the last 20 years, the company said in its announcement Wednesday.

Under the contract, RTX will deliver the sensor systems to the Army’s combat platforms, including the advanced Abrams Main Battle Tanks, according to the company. It also includes an option for delivering the systems to the XM30, of which the first unit equipped is scheduled to enter service in fiscal year 2029.