With the creation of its Global Imaging Technologies division, General Dynamics [GD] continues to increase its focus on long-range infrared and high definition imaging systems, according to a top company official.
The acquisition of Axsys Technologies in 2009 added high-performance electro-optical infrared (EO/IR) camera systems, precision optical components and motion control products to General Dynamics’ portfolio and helped the company vertically integrate itself to provide imaging solutions to the military, law enforcement and the civilian world. The creation of the off-shoot organization was to take all the new technology and fit it under one umbrella, Bob McGill, vice president and general manager of General Dynamics Global Imaging Technologies, said in an interview.
“Both the vertical integration and the vibrant market for these products were the reasons why General Dynamics acquired Axsys in the first place,” McGill said. “Changing our name and integrating ourselves into the General Dynamics family was to leverage all the other capabilities that were resident elsewhere in General Dynamics.”
With expected defense budget cuts on the horizon, McGill said General Dynamics expects more growth in certain subsectors of the defense market like intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, especially airborne ISR. McGill expects the market for his company to be about 80 percent military and law enforcement.
“Countries in the Middle East require constant border surveillance and there is a vibrant surveillance market here,” McGill said. “Another area that won’t go away is persistent airborne ISR. Persistent ISR in the air is, no matter where the conflict takes us, will be an essential component.”
In addition to the focus on ISR, McGill said the company is active in ground vehicle and man portable sections such as the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Systems (CROWS), which is a remotely-operated weapon mounted to an armored vehicle or Humvee.
The increased reliance by the military on remotely-operated combat was another big reason for the 2009 acquisition and the creation of General Dynamics’ newest organization, McGill said.
“(Surveillance) on a UAV or a manned vehicle from a safe distance is a mission requirement that is growing and won’t disappear and is an area where we have a special capability,” McGill said.