Lockheed Martin has received a $7.8 million contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory to design, produce and test its Real-time Active Imaging in 3-D at Extended Range (RAIDER) multi-sensor system. This is an extended-range version of the Polarimetric Imaging Laser Radar (PILAR) system.

RAIDER includes an enhanced Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) system, TV camera and upgraded Laser Detection and Ranging (LADAR) capability. The system provides unique high-resolution, three-dimensional target imaging for military and civil applications. It is a product of Lockheed Martin's extensive LADAR portfolio.

The improved LADAR in RAIDER allows the system to see over twice as far as the original PILAR, and fly at higher altitudes while mapping terrain. RAIDER offers vastly enhanced image quality and improves the speed at which the imagery is processed and transmitted. Additionally, the sensor is able to cover significantly wider search areas on the ground than previously possible.

"We are improving upon PILAR with RAIDER to give the warfighter improved and more accurate data collection capabilities at a further and safer distance from the target," said Gil Metzger, director of Research and Technology at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "PILAR has already been proven through independent testing to provide outstanding situational awareness data. We're confident that the leading-edge, multi-sensor technology in both PILAR and RAIDER will enhance the Warfighter's ability to gather and interpret data in combat, disaster recovery and homeland security situations."

The existing PILAR sensor packages the FLIR, TV and LADAR sensors neatly into a single 15-inch turret. The system is designed to conduct wide-area searches and identify actual or potential threats, including targets partially obscured by camouflage or foliage. RAIDER provides more than twice the capability in a slightly larger, 20-inch turret.

Both systems can be operated in various modes, ranging from long-range search, detection and identification modes to high-resolution terrain mapping mode. The sensor systems can be packaged to make them suitable for integration aboard manned or unmanned aerial vehicles for use in both tactical and strategic applications. They will provide reliable performance under a wide variety of conditions.

Lockheed Martin has a family of proven LADAR sensors that range from very short-range navigation systems to missile seekers to long-range reconnaissance assets. Lockheed Martin is a world leader in systems integration and the development of innovative technologies that protect the Warfighter.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 135,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin