STRATEGY:
Our strategy is to design, develop, and produce unique, high technology proprietary products which satisfy requirements found within the mechanical-optical and electro-optical markets. To support this strategy with maximum cost and time effectiveness Graflex makes extensive use of highly qualified consultants and specialized subcontractors; this strategy allows Graflex to develop sophisticated products in short time frames with high effective use of capital resources. We have the expertise to customize basic optical, mechanical, and electronic designs to satisfy customer requirements.
PRODUCTS:
Graflex manufactures products within three specialized groups as described below.
Muzzle Boresights: A mechanical-optical device used to find the centerline axis of a gun tube thus allowing the user to then align the gunners sights for the most accurate collimated point. These devices offer collimation accuracy to ± .02 mils and are used on Main Battle Tanks, Light Armored Vehicles, missile systems, etc., and include, but are not limited to, standard configurations of 7.62mm thru 155mm.
Video Products: Refractive and catadioptric, focus-tracking zoom lenses MIL ruggedized, for general sighting and medium thru extreme long range surveillance. The zoom lenses offered can be used as integrated components or as primary systems. The INTENSICON* dual channel (night/day) intensified camera is very unique and integrated to a choice of several zoom lenses. Graflex also offers real-time video processing modules.
Sensor Positioning Systems: Pan & Tilt systems which are full MIL specification for extreme environments. These units offer resolution to ± 100 µrad, velocities to 60°/sec, and optional gyro stabilization.
* Patent Pending
HISTORY:
In 1994 Graflex received initial R&D funding from a foreign Ministry of Defense for the development of a high performance 10X 24.0-240.0mm CCTV zoom lens. Following a development period a prototype was submitted for customer evaluation/ATP testing and upon these successful results a production contract was submitted. In 2001, this exact lens is still an integral component of the original system and has been subsequently employed by this customer in various other projects including UAV's, armored vehicles, and naval gun turrets.
Following the success of the original Graflex zoom lens, further development of characteristically unique zoom lenses was placed as a priority, and still is today. The recent introduction of the worlds first focus tracking catadioptric zoom lens is only a single testament of our commitment and ability to offer state-of-the-art and cutting-edge technology. Graflex has also recently introduced the INTENSICON, a dual channel (night/day) image intensified camera which is offered as an integrated zoom lens/camera system. Finally, and related to our video system products, Graflex finalized the development of several unique, real-time electronic video processing modules in the fall of 1999.
In 1995, the founding father of Graflex initiated an internally funded effort to develop a full line of precision muzzle boresight devices. Of course, with muzzle boresight market awareness, product development, and manufacturing expertise, dating some forty years the project was very successful. Graflex is proud to manufacture what is certainly considered the most accurate, well designed, and cost effective line of muzzle boresight devices offered on the world market today. The company has received several, long term production contracts from the US government, as well, many foreign governments.
Following in our path of excellence, Graflex has recently developed and will begin the production manufacture of several configurations of Sensor Positioning Systems. The Graflex Sensor Positioning Systems offer uncompromised detail to performance and value in a MIL ruggedized design.
FACILITY/TEST EQUIPMENT:
In June of 2001 we purchased a new facility custom tailored for the manufacture of our products. The facility amenities include an optical clean room, optical testing laboratory and secured storage areas.
In addition to a full compliment of dedicated tooling, fixtures, and general test instruments, our equipment also includes the following:
- Laminar Flow Benches
- Nitrogen Purging Bench
- Computerized MTF Test Equipment
- Gaertner Optical Bench - for testing short to medium focal length lenses with apertures to 5".
- Davidson Optical Bench - for testing medium to long focal length lenses with apertures to 16".
- Nikon Autocollimator
- Photometer/Monochrometer - for visible/near IR optical transmission testing.
