Ball Aerospace begins pre-production for Phalanx ALMTV camera

Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. has begun assembly on three qualification test units for the Phalanx All-Light Marine TV (ALMTV) camera program.

Ball Aerospace will build three ALMTV camera systems in 10 months under contract to Raytheon Company, and qualify the design in anticipation of a full-rate camera production phase beginning in 2009.

The all-light-level camera includes a 18:1 visible/near IR zoom lens coupled to a low light Electron Multiplication Charge Coupled Device (EMCCD) sensor and interface control module housed in a ship compatible environmental housing. The ALMTV incorporates more than 35 years of successful implementation from previous naval camera programs including NATO SeaSparrow and MK-20 Gunfire Support Systems. Ball was awarded a $2.2M contract from Raytheon earlier this year to build the camera systems, complete full qualification tests, and develop tooling to support the 2009 production phase. There are currently 575 Phalanx systems fielded worldwide that could incorporate the ALMTV camera upgrade.

"The Phalanx ALMTV program is a perfect fit with Ball's capabilities to develop, produce and support the imaging needs of the Warfighter for the long term," said Jim Oschmann, director of Ball's antenna and video technologies group.

Phalanx is a rapid-fire, computer-controlled radar and gun system that provides ships with a "last line" defense against anti-ship missiles and other close-in-air and surface threats, including helicopters, surface mines, and terrorist aircraft that have penetrated other fleet defenses. Phalanx is currently installed on all classes of U.S. Navy surface combatant ships and on those of 23 allied nations.