|
|
|
|
|
OPHIR Corporation performs research, development, and production of remote sensing instrumentation. The company specializes in laser radar (lidar) and radiometers for atmospheric applications. Critical technologies include: "stealthy" (low observable) laser radar; wind profiling lidar for the detection of aircraft flight hazards; tunable, high power, and specialized solid state laser systems and airborne temperature radiometers. DoD's SBIR funding has been critical to Ophir's technology advancements and commercial growth, and has offered the Department substantial returns as well: OPHIR Corporation is the sole-source supplier of the only lidar system installed on the B-2 Stealth Bomber, and is also providing contractor logistics support for fielded avionics systems. This highly sophisticated lidar system was developed for the DoD under an SBIR contract.
The DoD sought a system that would improve and monitor the stealth capabilities of the B-2. OPHIR developed the Pilot Alert System (PAS) to provide the crew with mission critical information when the aircraft is creating visible contrails during high altitude flight. This allows the crew to take immediate action to correct the problem. All existing B-2s are being retrofitted with this exceptional lidar system. Additionally, the company has established itself as a military/aerospace supplier of R&D services, design, and production capabilities for remote sensing technologies critical to DoD's mission.
DoD's acquisition of the PAS system has generated sales for OPHIR of $27.5 million since 1991, and has accounted for 72 percent of its total annual sales. The company is pursuing commercial applications for the lidar system in the medical, aircraft systems, environmental, and atmospheric visibility arenas. Other OPHIR successes that are direct outcomes of its SBIR activities include an Optical Hygrometer and an Air Temperature Radiometer which have seen approximately $1.4 million and $1.8 million in commercial sales, respectively. OPHIR anticipates growing sales as it increases its efforts to transition these various DoD technology developments into commercial markets.
Martin J. O'Brien
Tel. 303/933-2200
Fax. 303/933-1430
Email. info@ophir.com
Website. http://www.Ophir.com
