What IEC Infrared Systems does

IEC Infrared Systems, LLC designs, manufactures, and integrates electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) surveillance, counter-UAS, and remotely operated weapon system (ROWS) platforms for the U.S. Department of Defense, federal government agencies, and owners of the 16 U.S. critical infrastructure sectors. Founded in 1999 as a NASA Spinoff by two microgravity combustion researchers and headquartered in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, the company is a privately held subsidiary of Blackwing Holdings LLC (acquired 2013) with 11–50 employees. Its product portfolio spans long-range surveillance (WereWolf, detecting human-sized targets at 20 km), medium- and short-range systems (Raptor radar-fused, Wolf, NightStalkIR, man-portable Recon), the AirStalkIR fixed-wing ISR drone, the Lycan multi-sensor counter-UAS, the Banshee non-lethal acoustic/laser dazzler, the T360 lightweight ROWS, and the Sentry armored ROWS — all built on a modular Line Replaceable Unit architecture with tool-free field-swappable payloads under one minute.

The technical core combines multi-spectral imaging (LWIR uncooled, MWIR cooled, SWIR, NIR, visible) with proprietary image fusion (Lanczos digital zoom up to 12×, thermal-visible alpha blending), a heuristic C-UAS classifier (>90% clutter mitigation), and two in-house command-and-control software platforms — IntrudIR Alert (sensor orchestration with FLIR/Bosch/Pelco/Sony/radar/RF/ground/CBRNE integration) and BattleStation (networked ROWS control with separation of duties and safety interlocks). IEC's overarching Detect-Decide-Deter-Defend philosophy and pan/tilt positioner family (WereWolf, Wolf, NightStalkIR, Recon) provide the unifying mechanical/electrical/optical backbone.

IEC generates revenue primarily through custom-quoted, project-driven defense and security hardware sales under multi-year procurement contracts; BattleStation and IntrudIR Alert are sold as bundled licenses or standalone middleware without subscription fees. Aftermarket support (one-year warranty, repair/replacement, MWIR cooler replacement at 10,000–20,000-hour intervals) is a secondary revenue stream. Distribution is exclusively direct to licensed government and critical-infrastructure buyers under ITAR (22 CFR Parts 120-130), with no public pricing. Marketing leans on AUSA trade-show presence, technical white papers (8+), defense-editorial placements, virtual demos, and downloadable gated data sheets. The combined company traces to the 2013 union with Precision Remotes LLC (consolidated into IEC by 2018); the founder, Dr. Rick Pettegrew, remains as General Manager.

Name

IEC Infrared Systems

Legal name

Blackwing Holdings LLC

Website

https://iecinfrared.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

IEC Infrared Systems designs and manufactures electro-optical/infrared surveillance systems, counter-UAS platforms, and lightweight remotely operated weapon stations for the U.S. Department of Defense, federal agencies, and critical infrastructure operators.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Defense Surveillance and Engagement Systems

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Ordnance & Accessories, (No Vehicles/Guided Missiles) (3480), Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827)

akta.pro primary industry

Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Sensors & Targeting Systems (IMABAGAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Counter-UAS Detection Sensors & Integrated Sensor Suites (IMABAGAK), Military Power Supplies, RF/Microwave Components & Ruggedized Electronics (IMABAGAJ)

Keywords

• Thermal imaging systems
• Infrared cameras
• Counter-UAS systems
• Remotely operated weapons
• Surveillance systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Middleburg

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Defense and Security Hardware Systems: IEC generates revenue from the sale of integrated EO/IR surveillance systems, counter-UAS platforms, remotely operated weapon stations, and ISR drones. These are custom-configured, high-value hardware systems sold to government defense agencies, military branches, and critical infrastructure operators. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. Revenue is likely project/contract-driven with multi-year support and spare parts as secondary streams.
2. Software and Command-and-Control Middleware: IntrudIR Alert and BattleStation C2 software are sold as integrated components of hardware systems or as separate licenses. BattleStation controls networks of ROWS installations. No subscription fee model is explicitly mentioned for IntrudIR Alert.
3. Aftermarket Support, Maintenance, and Spare Parts: Standard warranty is one year from delivery, with IEC offering repair or replacement of defective items. Customers are responsible for dismounting and shipping defective systems. Cooled MWIR detectors require periodic cooler replacement (every 10,000-20,000 hours), representing a lifecycle service revenue opportunity.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

IEC Infrared Systems designs and manufactures electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) imaging systems, counter-UAS platforms, and remotely operated weapon stations (ROWS) for defense, homeland security, and critical infrastructure applications. The company integrates thermal imaging, visible cameras, radar, and command-and-control middleware into modular Detect-Decide-Deter-Defend surveillance and defense solutions. Products include long-range EO/IR cameras, man-portable systems, ISR drones, counter-drone systems, non-lethal deterrence, and lightweight remote weapon stations.

Product overview

IEC Infrared Systems offers a comprehensive suite of integrated surveillance and defense solutions organized around three core pillars: EO/IR surveillance systems (NightStalkIR, WereWolf, Raptor, Wolf, Recon), Counter-UAS and threat deterrence (Lycan, Banshee), and Remotely Operated Weapon Systems (T360, Sentry). The portfolio includes the AirStalkIR ISR drone for aerial reconnaissance. Central to the offering are the IntrudIR Alert and BattleStation Command and Control middleware platforms, which integrate and orchestrate all sensors, effectors, and weapons. The systems share a modular LRU (Line Replaceable Unit) architecture, allowing field-swappable sensors and payloads across different platform tiers from man-portable (Recon) to vehicle-mounted to fixed installations. The company designs and manufactures all components in-house, with products ranging from short-range (NightStalkIR, 2km human detection) to very long-range (WereWolf, 20km human detection) surveillance systems.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• T360: The lightest, fully capable Remote Weapon Station (RWS) made in the U.S., designed for various military and security applications.
• NightStalkIR
• IntrudIR Alert
• BattleStation

Products and services

• NightStalkIR Short-range EO/IR surveillance system that detects human presence up to 2 km away, designed for vehicle-mounted, trailer, building, or tripod deployment.
• WereWolf Long-range surveillance system detecting human-sized objects up to 20 km away with thermal and visual imaging, featuring 600-pound capacity pan/tilt positioner with precision targeting.
• Raptor Long-range radar-guided ground surveillance combining advanced radar technology with EO/IR sensors for perimeter defense, border security, and critical infrastructure protection with up to 32 km vehicle detection.
• Wolf Lightweight surveillance system utilizing thermal and visual imaging for human and vehicle detection, designed for mobile and fixed operations with low SWaP requirements.
• Recon Man-portable surveillance system weighing under 38 lbs including backpack and batteries, deployable by a single operator within 10 minutes for day or night surveillance.
• Lycan Multi-layered Counter-UAS system for finding, tracking, and defeating unmanned aerial systems using integrated radar, EO/IR tracking, and RF jamming capabilities.
• Banshee Non-lethal active deterrence system combining acoustic deterrence (LRAD), visual disorientation with spotlight, and laser dazzler for threat deterrence at critical infrastructure.
• T360 ROWS Lightest fully capable Remotely Operated Weapon System in the US at 81 lbs (excluding weapon and ammunition), supporting M240 7.62mm or LWMMG .338 machine guns with precision fire control.
• Sentry Armored Remotely Operated Weapon System providing force multiplication for critical security sites with hardened turret protection and multi-layered safety interlocks.
• AirStalkIR Fixed-wing ISR drone with extended flight times up to 2.5 hours, carrying EO/IR payloads for aerial surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
• IntrudIR Alert Command and Control middleware application for controlling IEC surveillance systems with integration for sensors, effectors, automated alarms, camera slewing, and target tracking.
• BattleStation Command and Control software and hardware combination for secure control of networked Remotely Operated Weapon Systems with separation of duties between supervisor and operator.
• Pan & Tilt Positioners Series of pan and tilt positioners (WereWolf, Wolf, NightStalkIR, Recon) designed for reliable and durable operation in difficult environments, supporting visual, infrared, radar, and night vision payloads.

Quantifiable outcome

• WereWolf can detect human-sized objects up to 20 km (12.4 miles), recognize at 10.5 km, and identify at 7.1 km; Raptor detects humans at 12 km, vehicles at 20-32 km, and covers 450+ km² per system.
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration10 records

AI capability16 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Precision Remotes LLC (PRL)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2013In 2013, IEC Infrared Systems combined with Precision Remotes LLC (PRL), a designer and manufacturer of ultra-lightweight remotely operated weapon stations (ROWS) protecting nuclear power plants and USAF bases. PRL's engineering and manufacturing were consolidated into IEC by early 2018. This combination merged IEC's thermal imaging systems with PRL's ROWS technology, creating a unified product portfolio spanning surveillance through weapon engagement.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Teledyne FLIR: Teledyne FLIR is the dominant U.S. supplier of thermal imaging cores and EO/IR cameras integrated into defense, security, and industrial platforms. It is the most direct competitor to IEC in cooled/uncooled LWIR/MWIR thermal cameras for long-range surveillance and C-UAS applications, and IEC's IntrudIR Alert middleware explicitly integrates with FLIR imagers.
• Kongsberg Gruppen: Kongsberg's defense business supplies the PROTECTOR remote weapon station family and integrated surveillance systems used by NATO militaries. It is one of the closest direct comparables to IEC's T360/Sentry ROWS franchise, competing on weight, SWaP, and networkable C2 integration.
• Rafael Advanced Defense Systems: Rafael produces the Trophy active protection system, Spike missiles, and the Samson remote weapon station family. Its Samson RWS is a direct ROWS competitor to T360, and its broader EO/IR and C-UAS portfolio overlaps significantly with IEC's surveillance and effector products.
• Leonardo DRS: Leonardo DRS manufactures electro-optic/infrared systems, advanced sensors, and integrated mission equipment for U.S. and allied militaries. It directly overlaps with IEC's EO/IR surveillance, C-UAS, and ruggedized defense electronics offerings, particularly around vehicle-mounted and fixed-site surveillance.

Emerging players

• AeroVironment: AeroVironment is a leading U.S. tactical drone and counter-UAS supplier (Switchblade, Puma, Raven), with growing ISR drone and C-UAS franchises that overlap with IEC's AirStalkIR ISR drone and Lycan C-UAS products. Both companies serve DoD with small-unmanned-system and counter-drone capabilities.
• Anduril Industries: Anduril is a high-growth, well-capitalized U.S. defense-tech company building software-defined autonomous systems, counter-UAS (Roadrunner, Lattice), and long-range EO/IR surveillance (Ghost Shark, Sentry tower). It is an emerging competitor to IEC in AI-driven perimeter security and C-UAS at the U.S. DoD and DHS.
• Moog Inc. Moog's Space and Defense segment produces precision pan-and-tilt positioners, gimbals, and integrated motion control systems used in EO/IR and weapon station applications. It is a partial peer to IEC's WereWolf/Wolf/Recon positioner franchise for defense and surveillance customers.

Broad incumbents

• L3Harris Technologies: L3Harris is a major U.S. defense prime with broad EO/IR, C-UAS, and integrated surveillance portfolios (e.g., WESCAM MX-series, DroneShield partnerships). It is a broad incumbent competing for the same DoD EO/IR and remote-sensing program dollars that IEC pursues with WereWolf and Raptor.
• Thales Group: Thales is a global defense and security prime with extensive EO/IR optronics (Sophie, Catherine), maritime surveillance, and C-UAS offerings. It is a broad incumbent competitor to IEC in coastal/maritime surveillance (MWIR cooled systems) and integrated security solutions for critical infrastructure.
• Elbit Systems: Elbit Systems is a global defense electronics company with major EO/IR, C-UAS (ReDrone), and remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS) product lines. It is a broad incumbent competitor to IEC across the thermal imaging, counter-drone, and ROWS markets, with strong international reach IEC cannot easily match under ITAR.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/IEC-Infrared-Systems-LLC
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/iecinfrared

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about IEC Infrared Systems