Litton Makes First Delivery of Generation IV Image Intensifier Tubes To U. S. Army
ARLINGTON, VA, October 11, 1999 … Litton Industries (NYSE: LIT) announced today its Electro-Optical Systems Division, with operations in Garland, Texas and Tempe, Arizona, delivered the first production quantities of Generation (Gen) IV Image Intensifier Tubes to the U. S. Army Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD).
Gen IV Image Intensifier Tubes have resulted from Litton Electro-Optical Systems (LEOS) Division's intense efforts to expand tube performance levels by taking advantage of new technology developments, and by re-thinking traditional tube design concepts. These investigations allow Litton to produce image intensifier tubes with no ion barrier film. This barrier, in conventional Gen III tubes, prevents damage to the photocathode coating by shielding it from ions backscattered from the microchannel plate (MCP). The unfilmed tube breakthrough is significant enough that PM-NV has designated unfilmed tubes, Gen IV. Gen IV tubes used in night vision goggles have demonstrated substantial increases in target detection range and resolution, particularly at extremely low light levels.
Mr. Steve Lambert, President of Litton Electro-Optical Systems Division, said, "through dedicated research and advanced image tube development, Litton has elevated image tube technology to a higher level of performance in several key areas. The end result of this effort is to provide our customer -- the soldier, sailor, or airman -- with dramatic new capabilities to ensure mission success. We are excited about the advantages our developments provide the U. S. Forces in the field".
Gen IV Image Intensifier Tubes represent LEOS' latest efforts in advancing the state of the art in image intensifier tube technology. The Gen IV, MX-10130E/UV tube will be used in the US Special Operations Command's (USSOCOM) Improved Night/Day Fire Control & Observation Device (INOD) weapon sight, which is currently undergoing Initial Production Testing.
Under its Omnibus V contract with the U. S. Army Communications, Electronics Command, Ft. Monmouth, NJ, LEOS is also producing MX-11620/UV Gen III Image Intensifier Tubes, AN/PVS-7D Infantry Night Vision Goggles, AN/PVS-14 Monocular Night Vision Systems, and AN/AVS-6 Aviator Night Vision Systems. Spare parts for several night vision devices are also being provided.
Litton Electro-Optical Systems produces image intensified systems for the U. S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Special Operations, and many international customers, in addition to producing infrared detectors for thermal imaging systems, optical components, thin film optical coatings, and laser protection devices.
Litton is a leader in worldwide technology markets for advanced electronic, defense, and information systems, and designs, builds and overhauls surface ships for military and commercial customers.
