The history of Photonis Defense, Inc. dates back to 1942, when plant construction began in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Plant Construction in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
The history of Photonis Defense, Inc. began in 1942 with the construction of a manufacturing facility in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. During World War II, RCA operated the Navy-built facility producing radio and microwave tubes. Following the war, RCA acquired the site and expanded operations, establishing Lancaster as a major manufacturing center for television picture tubes, camera tubes, closed-circuit video equipment (CCVE), and motion-sensing light control systems.
1942
New Products Division (NPD) Foundation
RCA Corporation established the New Products Division (NPD) in 1983 to drive innovation and develop advanced technologies for future growth. Following General Electric’s acquisition of RCA in 1986, strategic restructuring led to the divestiture of the Lancaster facility.
1983
Burle Industries Foundation
On July 14, 1987, the NPD management team, led by Dr. Erich Burlefinger, acquired the division and formed Burle Industries. The company focused on leadership in electronic security equipment and systems while maintaining a strong reputation for quality and service in electron tube manufacturing.
1987
Electronic Security Equipment and Systems Business Sold
On April 28, 1995, Burle sold its Electronic Security Equipment and Systems business to focus on expanding its photomultiplier, imaging, and power tube technologies.
1995
Acquisition of Galileo Division
Expanding its expertise in photo-optics, Burle acquired the Scientific Detector and Spectroscopy Products business of Galileo Corporation in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
1999
Burle Joins Photonis Group
In July 2005, Photonis Group acquired Burle through a stock purchase, strengthening its position as a global leader in photo-detection technologies. Following the acquisition, Photonis USA, Pennsylvania, was established, and the Galileo business was renamed Photonis USA (Sturbridge).
2005
Acquisition of Triton ETD
Photonis USA, Pennsylvania, acquired Triton ETD, expanding its electron tube portfolio to include Traveling Wave Tubes (TWT), TWT amplifiers, and Microwave Power Modules.
2015
Ruggedized PVS-14 18mm Monocular Mount
Photonis Defense developed a ruggedized PVS-14 18mm monocular mount engineered to address limitations commonly found in traditional MILSPEC goggle systems.
2017
First Photonis-Branded NVG Line
Photonis Defense introduced its first branded night-vision goggle family, the PD-PRO series. The lineup included the PD-PRO-16M monocular, PD-PRO-16B binocular, and the hybrid 18mm PD-PRO-Q, designed for special mission applications.
2020
200W Continuous Wave MP Module
Photonis Defense developed a 200W Continuous Wave Microwave Power Module designed to deliver high-power amplification for airborne and ground-based jamming systems.
2021
Photonis Defense VYPER NVG
Photonis Defense introduced the VYPER, an 18mm lightweight, cost-effective binocular night-vision goggle platform engineered for professional operational use.
2022
50° Field of View Objective Lens
Photonis Defense developed a 50-degree field-of-view objective lens designed to provide expanded situational awareness while maintaining backward compatibility with PVS-14 night-vision goggle systems.
2023
Photonis Defense VYPER PRO NVG
Photonis Defense introduced the VYPER PRO, an 18mm lightweight binocular night-vision goggle platform. Distinguished from the standard VYPER, the VYPER PRO features integrated IR illumination and manual gain control for enhanced operational performance in low-light environments.
2025
Photonis Defense Strategic Split
In January 2026, Photonis Defense completed a strategic restructuring, divesting its Microwave & Power division to focus exclusively on advanced imaging and night-vision technologies, reinforcing its commitment to high-performance imaging solutions.
2026
