Raytheon, a business unit of RTX (NYSE: RTX), demonstrated an event-based mid-wave infrared camera that tracks high-speed objects in real time while reducing processing and power requirements. The technology differs from conventional cameras by tracking only pixel-level motion rather than capturing full frames.

During a demonstration in Northern California, the camera tracked multiple targets including ground vehicles, aircraft and live fires. The system captures rapid motion by reporting only changes in movement rather than recording complete image frames.

"This technology represents a new way of sensing the world in mid-wave infrared," said Colin Whelan, president of Advanced Technology at Raytheon. "By focusing only on motion instead of recording every frame and analyzing after the fact, we gain the ability to track very fast objects with far less data and processing."

The camera was developed under the DARPA-funded Fast Event-based Neuromorphic Camera and Electronics program. The technology was built as a new sensing architecture from the ground up, according to the company.

Potential applications include battlefield awareness, base protection, missile guidance and surveillance from aircraft and unmanned systems. The technology addresses challenges in environments with high-speed targets and large volumes of data.

With the initial contract complete, Raytheon's Advanced Technology team plans to explore additional demonstrations and data collection across different mission scenarios and target types.

RTX reported 2025 sales of more than $88 billion and employs over 180,000 people globally. The company is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.