Infrared cameras for tracking and surveillance applications

This paper covers the development of 2 new major cameras in the defence product line, the JADE LR and the RUBY. Test Flight centres nowadays require 24h/day capability to in tracking fast and/or far targets such as fight aircraft, missiles or battle ships. Furthermore, radiometric measurements might be requested by the customer, requiring ability to sort out and process digital images. The JADE LR will be described in the first section of this paper. Based on uncooled technology, the RUBY light handheld infrared imager has been designed with in mind to enhance all weather capabilities for police and paramilitary task forces. Performances and innovative architecture will be discussed in section 2.