At this year’s DSEI exhibition in London,
Cassidian Optronics GmbH, previously
known as Carl Zeiss Optronics, presents its new OMS 200 low-profile
optronic mast. Using newly developed passive sensors the system improves
reconnaissance capabilities, especially when visibility is bad. At the
same time, the optronic mast features optimized stealth characteristics
resulting from its highly integrated, compact design. Thus the OMS 200
is able, as a single system, to carry out the attack and reconnaissance
tasks previously assigned to separate systems. The OMS 200 can be
installed into all types of submarines, not just in newly built units,
but also into existing submarines, as part of upgrade programmes.
The optronic mast system comprises the latest generation of
high-resolution sensors, which can be combined in a modular way. All of
the sensors are bundled behind a single viewing window. A camera
operating in the short-wave infrared range (SWIR), a high-resolution
daylight camera and an eye-safe laser rangefinder are combined here in
an extremely small space. The resulting compactness offers the smallest
possible radar signature, making detection more difficult, especially in
offensive roles.
Moreover, the combination with a mid-wave infrared system (MWIR) allows
additional data to be gathered, which adds to the high image quality and
resolution achieved by the integrated SWIR camera. This optional
solution allows the optronic mast system to be used for intelligence and
reconnaissance missions, evenunder difficult visual conditions.
Particularly in mist and haze which frequently occurs during twilight at
sea, the system can still meet the high requirements for submarines.
The universal aerial interface enables the sensor equipment to interact
with a variety of aerials, such as ESM-EW/GPS aerials (ESM = electronic
support measures; EW = electronic warfare; GPS = global positioning
system). The digital data supplied can be exchanged directly with naval
and ground forces. The role of submarines is thus strengthened in an
all-encompassing defence strategy.
The compact design of the OMS 200 also means that it can be installed
and integrated into all types of submarines, whether for new builds or
for a modernization programme. In addition, its modular design permits
new sensors to be quickly installed over the entire life cycle of the
product, without having to change the configuration of the mast. This
results in a sustained reduction of maintenance and logistics costs.
Since 1903, both as Carl Zeiss and as Cassidian, the company has
manufactured and delivered more than 3,000 periscopes. The current
systems are in use by 19 leading naval forces around the world.
Employing about 800 staff at the German locations of Oberkochen and
Wetzlar, and at Irene in South Africa, Cassidian Optronics GmbH develops
and manufactures optical and optronic products which are used in
military ground, sea and air systems, in border surveillance and
security systems, in non-military high-tech systems and in the aerospace
sector. Cassidian Optronics combines the optical and optronic precision
technology from Carl Zeiss Optronics with Cassidian’s know-how as a
global market leader in defence and security technology.
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