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Thales launches advanced Naval Electro-Optic sensors

25 October 2006

Unlike traditional IRSTs (Infra-Red Search & Track), which mechanically scan through 360°,the new Thales EO family utilises multiple static sensor heads incorporating large IR focalplane arrays, an advanced optical design and dedicated processing algorithms on COTS processing hardware to provide enhanced ship self-protection, particularly in the littoral environment. The use of staring cameras increases the update rate of detections and reduces both on-board and ashore maintenance effort. The fully passive infrared surveillance systemsare not susceptible to jamming, give improved situational awareness and the capability to automatically detect and track fast, agile and stealthy air threats simultaneously with surfaceasymmetric threats. Through the distributed, static sensor heads design ARTEMIS and GATEKEEPER provide operational, platform integration and support benefits and complement a balanced sensor suite along with radar and electronic warfare.

ARTEMIS uses MWIR cameras and is dedicated to detecting small air targets at extendedranges, while retaining an impressive surface detection capability. GATEKEEPER uses a combination of LWIR cameras and high resolution colour TV cameras, making it an ideal sensor for the detection and classification of asymmetric, close range, surface threats in atense security environment.

Thales has been awarded a contract by Armaris for the development and manufacture of ARTEMIS for the French Navy's multi-role frigate (FREMM). The contract is for the design, manufacture, trials, acceptance and initial support of IRST systems for up to 17 French Navy FREMM frigates and is the first ARTEMIS contract awarded to Thales. Pierre-Yves Chaltiel

Thales Senior Vice-President Communication and Optronics said, "This contract represents a significant breakthrough for our Naval business and we expect that a number of other navies will now follow France in adopting ARTEMIS to enhance self-protection of their surface fleets".