Jun 15 2010
KVH Industries, Inc. has revealed that it has been granted a $7.1 million order for fiber optic gyros (FOGs) from a key defense contractor to supply fiber optic gyros (FOGs). These FOGs will be used in remote weapon stations (RWS) that allow users to target and fire sitting in their respective vehicles. FOGs manufactured by KVH provide optimal weapon recoil control and accurate optical stabilization regardless of whether the vehicle is moving or static.
The U.S. army is the largest user of RWS in the world and has recently placed an order for over 10,000 systems for its combat vehicles in the Common Remotely Operated Weapons Station (CROWS) program. The CROWS guarantees engagement of first-burst target and moving target acquisition by virtue of its sensor suite and fire control software.. The sensors suite also encompasses a thermal camera, daytime video camera and laser rangefinder.
In 2005, KVH first delivered FOGs to Recon Optical for the CROWS program of the U.S. Army. A contract with Kongsberg was later secured by KVH for the CROWS II program. The U.S. army has recently revealed that it might require 19,000 more RWS for its CROWS III program, and KVH is currently developing low-cost FOGs that would be ideal for the program.
Jay Napoli, vice president of KVH for FOG sales division, said that FOGs produced by the company are ideally suited for RWS applications since they are very durable and possess very high bandwidth. He further stated that their manufacturing unit in Chicago, IL, is equipped to handle large production volumes and deliver high-quality FOGs at reasonable costs.
Source: http://www.kvh.com/