Raytheon Night Vision Increases Safety, Security for Drivers of New Volvo Sport Utility Vehicle

    DETROIT--Jan. 8, 2002--Night Vision, developed by Raytheon Commercial Infrared, will be available in the all-new Volvo XC90 Sport Utility Vehicle unveiled today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
    Volvo is the first European manufacturer to incorporate Night Vision into its design and highlights the system's expanding market appeal.
    Night Vision is an automotive thermal imaging system that allows drivers to see several times farther than standard low-beam headlights, thus giving them an edge in avoiding collisions at night or in foggy conditions.
    The Volvo Night Vision system has a 50-percent wider field of view and a unique "Deployed Combiner Mirror" Head Up Display (HUD) that folds flush into the dashboard above the instrument cluster when not in use. Raytheon engineers were brought into the XC90's early design stages to integrate the system into the car's overall packaging requirements.
    "Volvo is the recognized leader in prioritizing safety in vehicle design and Night Vision is proud to help to enhance that position," said Stuart Klapper, Raytheon director of automotive applications. "Volvo customers are traditionally value oriented, with a keen interest in safety. Night Vision will provide improved nighttime visibility, giving Volvo owners that additional level of security," he added.
    Night Vision utilizes an infrared thermal imager located directly above the car's front bumper to detect the small differences of temperature emitted by all objects. It then converts these differences into a real-time video image displayed in front of the driver. Warm objects such as people, animals or recently driven cars stand out white against cooler surroundings. Because Night Vision is sensitive only to infrared, ambient light and oncoming headlights do not affect the system and will not add unnecessary glare.
    Raytheon Commercial Infrared, based in Dallas, TX, is the highest-volume, lowest-cost producer of infrared thermal imaging cameras and technology for industrial, security, fire fighting, law enforcement, and automotive applications. For more information on Raytheon Night Vision visit our web site at www.raytheoninfrared.com.