SCD, a global leader in defense technology, has secured a major North American contract for approximately 1,000 Sparrow cooled infrared detectors. These Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) detectors are destined for integration into advanced airborne payloads, supporting critical tactical and homeland security missions.
The Sparrow detector family is renowned for its Low Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C) design. Since its 2020 introduction, over 8,000 units have been sold, demonstrating strong global adoption. A key advantage is its High Operating Temperature (HOT) XBn technology, a third-generation innovation that SCD has mass-produced for over 15 years. This maturity provides exceptional reliability and a high Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), making it a field-proven solution.
SCD’s Vice President, Shay Fishbein, emphasized that while competitors work with first-generation prototypes, SCD delivers thousands of mature HOT detectors annually. This new order reflects the customer’s confidence in SCD’s vertically controlled fabrication line and the detector’s operational readiness.
Building on this success, SCD developed the Sparrow-HD, which incorporates a pioneering 5μm pixel pitch for superior detection and identification ranges. Both Sparrow models offer maximum integration flexibility, available in HOT XBn and HFM formats, and can be oriented vertically or horizontally. This enables rapid deployment in diverse platforms, including tactical UAVs, loitering munitions, gimbals, and remote weapon stations. The compact architecture allows integration into applications previously limited by older sensor technologies. Additional benefits include a fast time-to-image and a simple Camera Link / MIPI interface.
According to Mark Fydenkevez, CEO of SCD USA, this order highlights the accelerating demand for high-performance IR detectors. The Sparrow series provides customers with rapid integration cycles and the operational flexibility needed for next-generation mission profiles.
