BAE Systems Receives Rear-view Camera Contract for US Army Vehicles

Released on Tuesday, March 06, 2007

AUSTIN, Texas � BAE Systems will integrate and test a rear-view camera system for U.S. 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 armor protection of their vehicle.

The system, part of the U.S 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 provides affordable situational awareness essential in today's combat environments," said Billy Billimoria, director of business development for BAE Systems in Austin, Texas. "The system will give warfighters rearward visibility in daylight, darkness, or obscured-visibility conditions." 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 U.S. Army vehicles with no drilling or welding.

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

Work on the contract will be performed in Austin and in Lexington, Massachusetts.