Raytheon Unveils Real-Time Event-Based Mid-Wave Infrared Camera Tracking Fast Threats
Raytheon successfully demonstrated a first-of-its-kind event-based mid-wave infrared camera that tracks high-speed threats in real time while reducing processing and power demands by reporting only pixel-level motion. Developed under DARPA’s FENCE program, the sensor tracked ground vehicles, aircraft and live fires during a Northern California exercise.
1. Breakthrough Event-Based Infrared Sensing
Raytheon’s new mid-wave infrared camera uses event-based pixel-level motion detection to deliver real-time tracking of high-speed objects while cutting processing and power demands compared to conventional frame-based sensors.
2. Demonstration Exercise Highlights
During a Northern California test, the system tracked multiple targets—including ground vehicles, aircraft and live fires—by capturing rapid motion changes instead of full image frames, achieving near-instantaneous threat visualization.
3. Defense Applications and Next Steps
Built under DARPA’s FENCE program, the sensor offers enhanced battlefield awareness, smarter missile guidance and improved unmanned surveillance, with Raytheon planning follow-on demonstrations and broader mission scenario testing.