Energy Focus to develop LED infrared flare
Ohio-based Energy Focus was awarded a phase I small business innovative research deal from the Defense Department for the development of a solid-state light-emitting diode, or LED, infrared flare.
Officials say the development contract is part of an effort to replace the M-278 Flare that the U.S. Army uses with its Hydra Rocket system.
"The technical challenges presented by the Army are tremendous, but at the end we will have made breakthroughs that should unlock the next-generation of LED lighting," Laszlo Takacs, Energy Focus director of research and development, said in a statement.
"The operational benefits of the LED Infrared flare include higher ignition reliability, little or no visible light output, and no risk of fires started on the ground or at the parachute components."
Related News

Wind generates more than half of Summerside's electricity in May
SUMMERSIDE - During the month of May, 61 per cent of the electricity Summerside's homes, businesses and industries used came from wind power.
25 per cent was purchased from the West Cape Wind Farm in West Point, P.E.I. — the city has had a contract with it since 2007. The other 36 per cent came from the city's own wind farm, which was built in 2009.
"One of the strategic goals that was planned for by the city back in 2005 was to try to become a 100 per cent green city," said Greg Gaudet, Summerside's director of municipal services.
"The city started…