Press Release
Contact: Andrew Dardine, Senior Aerospace & Defense
Analyst
Phone: (203) 426-0800
Fax: (203) 426-4262
Web site: www.forecast1.com
E-mail: andrew.dardine@forecast1.com
Forecast International, Inc.
22 Commerce Rd. Newtown, CT
06470 USA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Production for Combat Troops to Dominate Land &
Sea-Based EO Systems Market
NEWTOWN, Conn. [August 10, 2005] ― An estimated $6.4
billion will be spent on the research, development and production of key electro-optical
systems over the next 10 years, according to a new study by Forecast
International. “The Market for Land & Sea-Based EO Systems” estimates that
some 363,779 systems will be produced through 2014.
“Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, ITT, Thales and Kollmorgen are
pumping out large numbers of thermal weapon sights, night vision goggles,
combat vehicle surveillance systems, and naval fire control systems for a large
variety of applications,” said the report’s author, Andrew Dardine. “In some
cases these devices are being fielded to troops as fast as they can be produced.”
In terms of production, two of the biggest systems in the
coming years will be ITT’s PVS-7/14 series of night vision goggles and
Raytheon’s PAS-13 thermal weapon sight. Combined, an impressive total of some
253,950 of these systems are expected to be produced over the next 10 years,
having a value of some $1.5 billion. In the case of the PAS-13, the more than $165
million in contracts awarded in 2004 has doubled monthly production rates for
the system, to 1,000 units.
Naval EO sensor manufacturers are also expected to find
ample opportunity in the years ahead as the navies of many nations seek to
upgrade their fleets. In the case of the U.S. company Kollmorgen, a recent order
for its Non-Penetrating Periscope (NPP) illustrates that the systems will
probably be in demand as long as submarines are being built or modified. These
systems offer submariners a wide range of increased surveillance capabilities.
An estimated 15 NPPs are expected to be produced through 2014 for the U.S. Navy,
at a value of $55.5 million.
Meanwhile, work is also under way on a number of EO research
and development programs that will likely be the leaping off point for a whole
new generation of systems. This is most apparent in the development of a wide
array of directed energy (DE) systems and capabilities. “Although vastly
expensive DE programs like the Mobile Tactical High Energy Laser (MTHEL) system
have been hampered by deep funding cuts, more practical, relatively less
expensive DE systems are making steady advances toward possible production,”
Dardine said.
Forecast International, Inc., is a leading provider of market
intelligence and analysis in the areas of aerospace, defense, power systems and
military electronics. Based in Newtown, CT, USA, Forecast International
specializes in long-range industry forecasts and market assessments utilized by
strategic planners, marketing professionals, military organizations, and
governments worldwide. To arrange an interview with Forecast
International’s analysts, please contact Monty Nebinger (203-426-0800,
monty.nebinger@forecast1.com).
