Thales Optronics selected by Giat Industries to supply the gunner's sight for the new VBCI infantry fighting vehicle
18 June 2002
After a competition lasting several months, THALES Optronique has been selected by GIAT Industries to supply the gunner's sight fitted to the new VBCI infantry fighting vehicle, one of the French infantry'' main modernisation projects (550 vehicles by 2011).
The VBCI gunner's sight will consist of a multi-sensor optronic sight (including thermal, laser range finder, direct day optical and video channels) used for gunnery and observation as well as a remote viewing capability for the vehicle commander providing permanently enhanced tactical situational awarness.
The solution proposed is based on the sight selected for the British MRAV vehicle, and both programmes use a sight assembly consisting of :
* An innovative new generation CATHERINE-QW thermal camera (MPQ detector) manufactured by THALES Optronique in France
* A periscopic sight sub-assembly and a laser range finder manufactured by THALES Optronics in Great Britain.
"Complementing contracts already signed with the British Army for BGTI (Battle Group Thermal Imaging) and MRAV (Multi-Role Armoured Vehicle), and with the Dutch Army for the PWV (Pantser Wiel Vaserting), this new contract for VBCI positions THALES as European leader in optronics for light armoured vehicles and opens export possibilities worldwide" said Bernard Rocquemont Senior Vice President of THALES
Note :
THALES Optronique is one of the optronics companies in the Defence Business Area of THALES, specialising in optronic equipment and systems for observation reconnaissance, land and airborne targeting. In 2001, THALES Optronic activities reached a consolidated turnover of 620 million euro.
Press contacts:
Matt Pothecary - Tel:+ 33 (0) 1 53 77 86 26
Dominique Desbrugères - Tel: + 33 (0) 1 30 96 72 35
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