OIP Sensor Systems is a Belgian defence and space company.

OIP Sensor Systems
FormerlyOptronic Instruments and Products (OIP)
Optiques et Instruments de Précision (OIP)
Company typeN.V./S.A.
IndustryDefense and Space
Founded1919 (1919)
Headquarters,
Number of employees
~100
ParentElbit Systems
Websitewww.oip.be

History edit

The company was founded in Ghent in 1919 (1919) as Optique et Instruments de Précision (Precision Optics and Instruments), as an effort of Belgium to develop its own optical industry for its army.[1]

From its foundation until the 1950s, OIP developed military lenses and objectives, medical and scientific microscopes, as well as cameras and photocopy machines for the industry. From the 1960s on, it was one of the first European companies to enter the emerging electro-optical market, with innovations such as one of the first heads-up display for the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter and fire control systems for the Leopard 1 battle tanks in Belgium, Canada and Australia together with SABCA. The company also manufactures holographic night vision googles, and participates in space projects.[1]

On 1 July 2003, the company was acquired from Delft Instruments (nl) by Elbit Systems.[2]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b "History". OIP Sensor Systems. OIP Sensor Systems. Retrieved 11 June 2018.
  2. ^ "Elbit Systems Acquires OIP from Delft Instruments". Photonics. Photonics Media. 2003-07-07. Retrieved 11 June 2018. Elbit Systems Ltd. announced today it has acquired Optronics Instruments & Products NV (OIP), based in Oudenaarde, Belgium, from Delft Instruments N.V. of the Netherlands, through Elbit's subsidiary, electro-optic systems developer Elop Electro-Optics Industries Ltd.

External links edit