FLIR Systems Dubai is keen to build on its recent contract wins in the region for its sensor technology. The company specialises in supplying border protection equipment from its three divisions - Thermography, Commercial Vision Systems (CVS) and Government Systems (GS).
Bob Coveney, FLIR Government Systems’ vice president for business development in the Middle East, says: ”Our primary customers in 2007 were Qatar, UAE Ministry of Defence and Police Services, Oman Royal Guards and Pakistan Ministry of Defence.
“As the VP responsible for this region, I can tell you that these customers are smart, they know the technologies available in the market space and they resoundingly buy from FLIR.
“Generally, the supply has been for airborne sensors for the purpose of critical infrastructure protection and anti-smuggling/anti-terror. We also see a burgeoning market in both ground sensors for border and force protection along with coastal and maritime surveillance for, both fixed and onboard ships.”
FLIR supports its products via a $2 million property located in the Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZ). “ DAFZ is unique - this means no customs or taxation hassles for regional customers,” says Coveney. “It is as though the repair is taking place in their own country.”
FLIR’s low-light sensor technology is finding homes in a variety of applications. “Generally, ‘bad guys come out at night’,” says Coveney. “We are honoured to have SeaFLIRs on board ships and our Star SAFIRE class airborne sensors onboard Boeing CH-47 Chinooks, Cessna Caravans and Eurocopter Super Pumas.
“We tend to lead with lightweight – rugged and environmentally-suited products. The TALON, for example, is a large format system with four payloads (laser range finder, laser pointer, day TV, IR camera and with an auto track and inertial measurement unit) in a nine-inch gimbal.”
An unnamed Gulf Arab country has also taken delivery of 19 sets of FLIR’s RECON III, which allows full GPS positioning. “The show is a great time for us to stop and say ‘thank you’ to many of our regional customers,” says Coveney. “We have world class products, at favourable prices and we support those products regionally.”
Back to the rest of Dubai 2007 show news, blogs, and pictures
Source: Flight Daily News
