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New NBC warning concept by Thales: the mobile standoff gaz detection system

17 June 2002

At this year's Eurosatory exhibition, Thales is presenting a "Standoff chemical detection LAV demonstrator". Thales is the first company to present such a system, fully integrated into the NBC warning & C4I chain. This demonstrator is the outcome of a partnership between Bertin Technologies, Panhard & Levassor and Thales Industrial Services, belonging to the Thales Group.

This LAV, fitted with traditional nuclear and chemical detectors, is also fitted with a system for the standoff detection of a toxic cloud and with a central processing, display and communication system.

This system is designed for Nuclear and Chemical monitoring and warning: it is a mandatory segment completing the NBC Reconnaissance segment, used for appropriately implementing the NBC protection of the forces, simplifying the early-warning procedure, improving the preservation of the operating conditions, and reducing the response time in the case of an accident or of a deliberate offensive.

The standoff gaz detection system, by Bertin Technologies, was adopted: the system, is based on the "Tacit" process, developed in partnership with the "Centre d'Etudes du Bouchet" and MoD/DGA funded, which compares the IR images obtained through various barrel-mounted filters in front of the lens of a standard thermal camera.

Using a screen installed in the front, the commander of a vehicle can control the turret rotation, IR image panoramic display and the selection of the filters for the standoff detection of a toxic gas. Processing these images will provide parameters for deciding on the warning level to be released and on the display of the virtual image of the toxic gas related to its effective surface.

Visitors to the Thales stand will be able to appreciate the presentation of field tests carried out with this system and shown in various sequences for the sake of demonstration. The cloud can be "seen" moving on an IR image background. These tests proved the efficiency of the "Tacit" process. This process will help the NBC battalion reduce the period of time necessary for warning, without increasing the false alarm rate and with no fear for contamination.

Thales Industrial Services decided to fit the LAV with its new N&C warning system. This light armoured vehicle meets the mission tactical requirements, taking position on the battlefield a few kilometres away from a point of impact. This warning system uses the latest technological developments for processing and displaying data and onboard equipment controls.

Thales is a European leader and global front-runner in professional electronics in three key markets : Aerospace, Defence and Information Technology & Services. The Group employs 65,000 people world-wide of whom 50% are based outside of France. Present in nearly 50 countries, Thales generated revenues of over €10 billion in 2001, 75% of which came from international sales.

Press contact:
Matt Pothecary - Tel:+ 33 (0) 1 53 77 88 27
Marie-Agnès Commeau - Tel: + 33 (0) 1 41 48 44 35