Raytheon: half-million night vision units by ’06

Raytheon Systems Co. is prepared to produce at least 20,000 of its innovative “night vision” systems this year for the General Motors Corp. Cadillac DeVille, says Stuart H. Klapper, director of automotive programs. Raytheon is now producing 60 units per day and says it could be annually supplying as many as 500,000 units in five years.

The 2001-model night vision units have two improvements: a grille has been placed as a guard in front of the infrared camera's window to prevent road-debris breakage. The leading problem with initial night vision applications was breakage of this window. Also, with the use of better electronics in the camera, Raytheon engineers have improved the clarity of the image in the head up display (HUD).