Thales launches ARTEMIS and GATEKEEPER
25 October 2006
Unlike traditional IRSTs (Infra-Red Search & Track), which mechanically scan through 360°, the new Thales electro-optic family utilises multiple static sensor heads incorporating large IR focal plane 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 systems are not exposed to jamming, provide improved situational awareness and the capability to automatically detect and track fast, agile and stealthy air threats simultaneously with surface asymmetric 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 extended ranges, 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 a tense 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); it is the first ARTEMIS contract awarded to Thales. The contract includes the design, manufacture, trials, acceptance and initial support of IRST systems for up to 17 French Navy FREMM frigates.
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".
About Thales
Thales is a leading international electronics and systems group, serving defence, aerospace and security markets worldwide. The group's civil and military technology businesses develop in parallel to serve a single objective: the security of people, property and nations. Thales employs 60,000 people across 50 countries and generated revenues of € 10.3 billion in 2005, out of which 2 billion in the naval domain.
Thales designs, manufactures and supports a range of Naval products, including Combat Management Systems, radars, periscopes and optronic masts for submarines, reconnaissance pods for Naval aircraft and surveillance systems, thermal cameras and lasers for surface vessels. Thales has a long track record in naval IRSTs, notably IRSCAN and SIRIUS.
Contact information
Fabienne Issot Sergent
Tel: +33 (0)1 41 30 48 20
Lars Wormgoor
Tel. : +31(0)7 42 482 164
Markus Leutert
Tel: +33 (0)1 57 77 87 26
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