Sofradir, Onera Team Up For New Thermal-Imaging Technology

Sofradir has teamed up with France’s Onera research organization to develop new thermal imaging technologies under a five-year partnership deal.

The deal, known as a partner research innovation (PRI) agreement, will see the two concerns develop thermal imaging technologies for next-generation infrared detectors.

A key part of the arrangement is aimed at accelerating the transfer of know-how from the state-owned aerospace and defense research organization into the marketplace through the link with Sofradir -- a jointly owned by France’s Thales and Sagem groups.

The two sides have collaborated previously, but this is the first time they have signed a PRI agreement, a new type of French public-private contract that enables Onera to transfer technology and expertise to industry.

Philippe Bensussan, the chairmen and CEO of Sofradir, was quoted as saying by Defense News that the collaboration would “break down the technological barriers in infrared by exploring new possibilities in optical integration and other techniques.”

Potential innovations likely to be pursued include more compact multipurpose thermal imaging products with simplified or no external optics, as well as new thermal capabilities, such as high-resolution and hyperspectral imagery.