Leonardo DRS Expands Commercial Infrared Business with Assignment of U.S. Master Distributor

ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Leonardo DRS, Inc. announced today that it has signed an agreement with Sierra Olympic Technologies, Inc. (SOTI) to become its U.S. master distributor of commercial uncooled thermal cores.  The agreement will allow Leonardo DRS to put more focus on research and development of uncooled thermal technologies.

Under the agreement, SOTI will assume sales and distribution responsibilities for U.S.-based original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers who integrate the popular Leonardo DRS Tamarisk^® line of uncooled infrared camera cores for a variety of dual-use applications. The arrangement balances DRS's continued commitment to cutting-edge infrared sensor development, while SOTI focuses on supporting commercial customers by introducing new product offerings and providing highly responsive customer service.

"This agreement ensures that our U.S. commercial customer base continues to receive superior service from a trusted industry partner and allows Leonardo DRS to focus on product innovation and international market expansion," said Shawn Black, Vice President and General Manager, Electro-Optical & Infrared Systems Division of Leonardo DRS.  "We see tremendous opportunity in growing our existing strategic international arrangements with OEMs spanning the security and surveillance, personal vision, and consumer automotive markets," Black said.

SOTI founders started the company in 1995 with a focus on commercial infrared business involving cooled and uncooled infrared cameras.  In 2003, SOTI began offering early models of DRS's uncooled cores, which later evolved into the Tamarisk® line of OEM thermal cores.  Leveraging decades of experience with advanced focal plane array technologies and specialized design capabilities, SOTI is uniquely situated to support Leonardo DRS' existing U.S. commercial customers while expanding to new vertical markets.

"We're excited to embark on this extended role with Leonardo DRS and feel that our industry sales expertise and effective commercial business model is an ideal match for their class-leading infrared product line," Chris Johnston, President of SOTI, remarked.

Leonardo DRS will continue to sell its uncooled thermal sensors and camera cores directly to defense prime contractors, U.S. military and allied forces while supporting new and existing programs. Leonardo DRS will also continue to engage directly with research laboratories as the company continues to focus on technology development efforts supporting the U.S. troops.  Additionally, Leonardo DRS will continue to service on-going and emerging international business opportunities spanning both military and commercial applications.

Please visit www.SierraOlympic.com/LeonardoDRS for more information.

ABOUT SIERRA OLYMPIC TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

Sierra-Olympic Technologies, Inc. (www.sierraolympic.com Hood River, Oregon), experts in thermal imaging technology, provides cameras, components, and systems solutions for infrared camera users and integrators. Sierra-Olympic partners with industry-leading manufacturers to offer complete solutions for SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR imaging applications. The company has a complete product line and a stocked offering for immediate shipment. Products include LWIR imaging cores, cooled cameras for OEM customers, turnkey cameras for science and industry including calibrated thermographic systems, PTZ surveillance systems, and the highest resolution LWIR camera available on market.

About Leonardo DRS

Leonardo DRS is a prime contractor, leading technology innovator and supplier of integrated products, services and support to military forces, intelligence agencies and defense contractors worldwide. The company specializes in naval and maritime systems, ground combat mission command and network computing, global satellite communications and network infrastructure, avionics systems, and intelligence and security solutions. Additionally, the company builds power systems and electro-optical/infrared systems for a wide range of commercial customers. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, Leonardo DRS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Leonardo S.p.A., which employs more than 45,000 people worldwide. See the full range of capabilities at www.drs.com and on Twitter @drstechnologies.

For additional information please contact:

Michael Mount 
Senior Director, Public Affairs  
571-447-4624 
[email protected] 
Twitter: @drstechnologies

SOURCE Leonardo DRS, Inc.

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