Raytheon demoes event-based MWIR camera, based on DARPA’s FENCE program...

Raytheon, an RTX business, has demonstrated a “first of its kind” event-based mid-wave infrared (MWIR) camera that tracks high speed objects in real time while siginificantly reducing processing and power demands. Unlike traditional cameras that capture full frames and rely on software to detect changes, event-based cameras track only pixel-level motion, producing a continuous stream of events.

During a recent demonstration in Northern California, the camera tracked multiple targets, including ground vehicles, aircraft, and live fires, by capturing rapid motion not achievable with conventional frame-based infrared cameras, claimed RTX. By reporting only changes in motion rather than full image frames, the camera was able to deliver a near-instantaneous view of activity.

“This technology represents a new way of sensing the world in mid-wave infrared,” said Colin Whelan, president of Advanced Technology at Raytheon. “By focusing only on motion instead of recording every frame and analyzing after the fact, we gain the ability to track very fast objects with far less data and processing, enabling much quicker threat detection and response time.”

The developer stated that this capability opens the door to a range of defense and security applications, particularly in environments where speed, clutter, and high volumes of data challenge existing sensors and processors. This includes enhanced battlefield awareness and base protection, smarter missile guidance, and more effective surveillance from aircraft and unmanned systems.

Developed under the DARPA-funded Fast Event-based Neuromorphic Camera and Electronics (FENCE) program, the camera was built from the ground up as a new sensing architecture. With the initial contract complete, Raytheon’s Advanced Technology team is now exploring follow on demonstrations and data collection that would showcase the sensor across a broader set of mission scenarios and target types.

Lynred to launch compact infrared detector for drones at SPIE Defense & Security

Lynred is to introduce the ARGO SL military system, described as “a new generation compact infrared detector for drones” at the forthcoming SPIE Defense & Security conference and exhibition, taking place 26 - 30 April 2026 in National Harbor, Maryland, US.

Describing the need and typical environment for the development, Lyred stated, “In contemporary conflicts, tactical advantage is measured in minutes, meters and milliwatts. Drones must fly longer, see farther and operate in degraded environments where fog, smoke or total darkness render conventional vision ineffective. At the same time, operators demand lighter platforms, extended autonomy and faster deployment cycles.”

To address these challenges, the ARGO SL is a turnkey MWIR module offering VGA resolution, specifically engineered for size, weight and power (SWaP)-constrained applications. Designed for surveillance and defense system integrators, particularly those developing drone based platforms, ARGO SL is specified to deliver full mid wave infrared performance.

The market context reinforces the urgency, added the Lynred announcement. According to the Military UAS Sector Study released by Teal Group, the unmanned aircraft systems market is projected to grow from $ 13 billion in 2026 to $ 30 billion by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate close to 10%.

ARGO SL is said to “reconcile full band MWIR performance with a compact SWaP high operating temperature (HOT) architecture. The module integrates a type II superlattice (T2SL) focal plane array (FPA) operating at 130 kelvin (K) and covering the full MWIR band from 3.7 to 4.8 µm.”

ARGO SL also delivers VGA resolution at 640 by 512 pixels with a 15 µm pixel pitch, while maintaining power consumption at 4 watts (Wdc). Its compact format is compatible with sub 6-inch gimbals for tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and can also be deployed in handheld or soldier worn systems. The result, says Lynred, “is extended mission duration without increasing battery size and greater flexibility in platform design.”