The growing  demand for infrared Missile Warning Systems (MWS) and Directional InfraRed Counter Measure (DIRCM) systems led to  the development of cryocooler  derivatives that are  capable of withstanding high vibration profiles along with temperature extremes from -54°C up to >100°C ambient.

In order to withstand harsh environmental conditions, the cryocooler structure was ruggedized to improve clamping and interfacing accuracy with the system as well as managing efficient heat sinking methods. The cold finger and outer Dewar structure were also ruggedized to increase the natural frequency.

The electronic controller design is ruggedized with a  special clamping method such as “Calmarks” and efficient heat sinking to achieve a safety margin from the electronic component’s junction temperature when  exposed to an  extreme high ambient. 

Ricor’s Cryocoolers models such as the K549 derivative, the K527 derivative and the K544 1W rotary have been qualified and are under production in a few MWS and DIRCAM projects.