In response, scientists and engineers at
NVESD rapidly developed key elements of the Base Expeditionary Targeting and Surveillance Systems--Combined or "BETSS-C" a family of sensor systems managed by the Army's Project Manager, Terrestrial Sensors (PM TS) and intended to provide base defense and security capabilities.
CERDEC
NVESD conducts research and development of advanced night vision and other sensor technologies, such as infrared weapon sights, and long-range surveillance and target acquisition systems, which enhance the US Armed Forces' operational advantage in daytime, nighttime and limited visibility conditions.
Fenner Milton, the US Army
NVESD's Director noted, "
NVESD is interested in approaches to low light level imaging that have the potential for leveraging silicon technology to reduce costs."
Among other
NVESD initiatives is the "very significant" uncooled infrared technology--"a new modality in cryogenics," according to Dr.
In February 2005, PM FLIR, in concert with Raytheon Co.,
NVESD, PM Light Tactical Vehicles, and O'Gara-Hess/Armor Holdings Co., successfully conducted critical LRAS3 installation training on an M1114 Up-Armored HMMWV in rapid response to operational requirements from combat units in Iraq.
Laboratory tests were performed primarily at the
NVESD and Aberdeen Proving Grounds and included radar, thermal, color and spectral reflectivity properties, as well as material tests such as breaking strength, tear strength and water absorption.
In addition to the suites being developed by
NVESD, each command turns to its own research and development center (RDEC) for integrating the EW suites onto various platforms.
More sophisticated techniques are now under study, but as yet have not been proven practical, said a source from CECOM's Night Vision Electronic Sensors Directorate (
NVESD).