Northrop Grumman Corporation has been selected by the U.S. Army to continue development of the Passive Infrared Cueing System (PICS), an automatic threat warning system designed for ground systems will utilize a two-color uncooled, mid-wave infrared (MWIR), lead selenide passive sensor, capable of locating, cueing, and classifying potential threats from tank fire, rocket-propelled grenades and anti-tank guided missiles. The system will be designed to alert army commanders in a matter of milliseconds of the location of a potential ground-based threat launch to enable defensive systems to effectively neutralize the threat. “With its combination of fast and accurate detection, PICS will fill a key capability for the U.S. military,” said Steve McCoy, Advanced Programs director.”
Under the 20 month, $6 million contract for the second phase of the program, the company will demonstrate 360-degree sensor coverage while on the move at the Army’s Yuma Proving Ground in Yuma, Ariz. The goal is to complete the PICS program with a Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL-6) system prototype. Northrop Grumman demonstrated a similar capability from a stationary location in a previous phase. The Army has the option to exercise an additional three-year contract valued at $17 million to continue development.
