A Raytheon sensor that uses a full-motion video camera to sharpen the vision of unmanned surveillance aircraft is among five winners of C4ISR Journal awards for 2008. A six-member committee picked winners from 25 finalists nominated by the magazine staff in five categories: sensors, platforms, network systems, innovations, and agencies and organizations.

The magazine recognized the Raytheon sensor for meeting a constantly increasing demand for video to help intelligence analysts, soldiers and commanders in the field make critical operating decisions.

"The [Raytheon] pod provides critical bird's-eye views in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere for uniformed intelligence analysts and commanders," the magazine said in its citation.

"When U.S. officials talk about a shortage of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment, oftentimes they are referring to these video systems."

The selection committee consisted of retired Air Force Brig. Gen. John Douglass, defense analyst Loren Thompson of the Lexington Institute, and senior editors of Army Times Publishing Co., which owns the magazine.

The sensor, which Raytheon calls the Multi-Spectral Targeting System turreted Forward-Looking Infrared, equips Predator and Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles. An electro-optical and infrared full-motion video camera system permits long-range surveillance and high-altitude acquisition, tracking and laser designation.

"Our Predator full-motion video has been in great demand in Iraq and Afghanistan and has proven to be one of the most valuable ISR systems available to U.S., British and other allied forces," said Bill Toti, deputy vice president for Raytheon's Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Systems group, in accepting the award.

"While we appreciate this kind of demand for our product, all of us at Raytheon are extremely aware of the seriousness of our mission. We keep our fighting men and women in the forefront of our thoughts in everything we do."