Navy Selects Advanced Thermal Imaging System From FLIR Sytems For Use on P3
Aircraft.

FLIR Receives Additional Government Contracts in Q1

PORTLAND, Ore., April 8 /PRNewswire/ FLIR Systems Inc. (FSI) (Nasdaq:
FLIR) announced today it has received two additional government contracts,
totaling $4.5 million, in the first quarter. In a $2.7 million order, FSI
has supplied the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command with AN/AAQ22 SAFIRE thermal
imaging systems for use on selected P3 maritime patrol aircraft, FSI also
announced it will enhance the thermal imaging capability of existing systems
in the U.S. Army National Guard's airborne drug interdiction program in a
$1.8 million contract.

The Naval Air Systems Command contract will replace priorgeneration
equipment that was installed in the 1970s with the AN/AAQ22 thermal imaging
system on selected P3 Orion maritime reconnaissance and surveillance
aircraft, SAFIRE's highresolution digital imaging system is flightqualified
for the full P3 operational envelope, including airspeeds of up to 405
knots.

"Today's order represents the Navy's continuing confidence in the AN/AAQ22,
its night vision capabilities and system reliability," said Robert P. Daltry,
FSI chairman and CEO. "We are pleased to again be working with the Navy,
this time as it fields the SAFIRE for maritime patrol and reconnaissance."

Several foreign countries already use the AN/AAQ22 on P3 Orion aircraft for
maritime patrols, including the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. The P3 is
the most commonly used maritime patrol platform today. Fourteen nations
field approximately 500 of the planes around the globe.

Before ordering the AN/AAQ22, the Navy flew it on multiple missions,
including support for United Nations implementation Forces in Bosnia and
international counterdrug efforts. Delivery of the systems was completed at
the end of March.

National Guard Order Improves Magnification on Drug Interdiction Flights

In a separate contract with the U.S. Army National Guard, FSI will provide
modifications that will increase the magnification capabilities of its Series
2000F thermal imaging systems for greater "stand off" range while conducting
surveillance operations.

Eighty Series 2000 systems are presently employed by the Reconnaissance and
Interdiction Detachments (RAID) of the counterdrug program. The RAID program
makes the advanced surveillance capabilities of the National Guard's OH58
Kiowa helicopters, outfitted with the Series 2000 thermal imaging system,
available to local law enforcement agencies in states where drug trafficking
is highest. The Guard assists with airborne evidence gathering activities,
such as locating and identifying probable marijuana growing operations.
Actual law enforcement is handled by local agencies.

The increased magnification is the first in a series of modifications to
enhance the National Guard's capability to support local law enforcement
agencies.

FLIR Systems Inc., designs, manufactures and markets imaging systems
worldwide for a variety of applications. FSI night vision products are used
in such diverse applications as public safety, defense, navigation and
environmental protection. Commercial product applications include broadcast
imaging, predictive maintenance, nondestructive testing, research and
development, and manufacturing process control. Founded in 1978, FSI is
headquartered in Portland, Ore.

SOURCE FLIR Systems Inc.

CO: FLIR Systems Inc.

ST: Oregon

IN: CPR

SU: CON

04/08/97 08:32 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com