By: Arie Egozi, Autonomy Global Ambassador – Israel
Israeli infrared specialist SCD has secured a strategic contract to supply hundreds of High-Definition Mid-Wave Infrared (HD MWIR) detectors to a long-standing customer in Asia for integration into advanced Remote Weapon Systems deployed at multiple global sites. The milestone order, built on years of collaboration around earlier MWIR generations, underscores growing demand for high-performance electro-optical infrared (EOIR) solutions that combine superior image quality, endurance, and digital integration for modern battlefield environments.
SCD is aligning this contract with a broader roadmap that embeds AI-ready processing across its detector portfolio to position its sensors as core building blocks for autonomous and semi-autonomous defense platforms on land, at sea and in the air.
HD MWIR and BlackBird 1280 advantages
The transition by this Asian customer to SCD’s HD MWIR detector family, including the company’s BlackBird 1280, represents a technology leap for armored and ground vehicle EOIR systems. These HD detectors deliver higher resolution, enhanced detection, recognition and identification (DRI) performance, improved reliability and extended operational endurance. Compared with legacy Video Graphics Array (VGA)-class sensors they enable longer-range target engagement and 24/7 situational awareness.
Thanks to 10 μm pixel pitch and HD resolution, SCD’s MWIR line offers a wider field of view without sacrificing resolution, better target detection and overall system accuracy, and optional optical zoom with minimal redesign of existing optics. This translates into meaningful upgrade cost savings and longer lifecycle support for system integrators.
SWIFT‑EI and Sparrow HD for AI
At the shortwave end of the spectrum, SCD’s SWIFT‑EI SWIR detector supports event-based, high-frame-rate imaging designed for next-generation AI systems performing automatic target detection, classification, hostile fire indication and machine vision in applications such as drones and weapon sights. By delivering rich, time-resolved data streams, these SWIR detectors help AI algorithms process complex scenes efficiently in challenging visibility conditions.
SCD’s engineered the Sparrow HD MWIR sensor module for seamless integration with Edge AI processors, combining a miniaturized pixel architecture with flexible interfaces such as Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI) Camera Serial Interface (CSI) to support automated target recognition across unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) payloads, aerial gimbals, remote weapon stations and multifunction handheld imagers. This design supports cost-effective, large-scale deployment of AI-enabled EOIR sensing across fleets and platforms.
AI-Ready BlackBird Family for Persistent ISR
Within the HD MWIR portfolio, the BlackBird 1280 family leverages High Operating Temperature (HOT) technology and advanced cooling to deliver high-definition imaging with long-range detection and extended operational lifetime. The detectors integrate smoothly into both new-build and retrofit systems to support armored vehicles, naval platforms, border surveillance, and persistent 24/7 intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
By combining HOT MWIR performance with proximity electronics that support video engine and image-processing functions, the latest BlackBird variants enable edge-processed imagery suitable for AI-enabled situational awareness and threat analytics with optimized size, weight, and power (SWaP).
Global Footprint and Defense Applications
SCD supplies thousands of MWIR detectors annually to defense and homeland security integrators worldwide in support of applications ranging from remote weapon stations and loitering munitions to long-range surveillance, border security and coastal defense. The company’s portfolio spans cooled and uncooled infrared detectors, SWIR and MWIR modules, video engines, and laser diodes tailored for missile seekers, fire control systems, airborne payloads, night-driving systems and persistent ISR.
Leadership at SCD emphasizes that the latest HD MWIR contract highlights long-term customer trust and validates the company’s strategy of combining advanced infrared sensing with AI-ready digital architectures to deliver mission-proven, field-ready solutions for defense forces worldwide.