Defence & Security

Leonardo's Southampton site produces infrared detectors which are used for a wide range of defence and security applications, including high performance thermal imaging systems on a variety of platforms in all domains, covering MWIR, LWIR, SWIR and DWIR wavebands.  Some examples include aircraft protection and warning systems, missile seekers, border protection, long-range surveillance, Critical infrastructure protection and Counter Uncrewed Air Systems.

Leonardo supplies infrared detectors into major military programmes around the world, working in partnership with global defence companies to provide superior performance detector solutions

Wavebands

The SWIR 0.8µm-2.5µm focal plane arrays Leonardo manufactures are extremely sensitive and widely used for scientific applications. They incorporate our proprietary Avalanche Photodiode (APD) technology to enhance sensitivity in low flux applications.

Leonardo offers MWIR Detectors, which are the most popular choice of waveband, offering 24/7 passive imaging capability including for hotter temperature targets in compact and HD formats.

Leonardo's longwave (8-9.4µm) detectors can give advantages for some applications such as imaging through atmospheric aberrations including smoke and turbulence.

Leonardo offers dual wave band detectors incorporating both MWIR and LWIR technology, enabling optimal thermal imaging in a wide range of conditions and applications.

Leonardo’s Avalanche Photodiode (APD) Arrays were originally developed for the SWIR 0.8µm-2.5µm detectors we manufacture, which are extremely sensitive and widely used for scientific applications.


For further information, please download and complete the Detectors Enquiry Form below, before emailing it to ir.detectors@leonardo.com.