Electro-Optical Infrared (EOIR) Systems
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Sensor specialist HENSOLDT is supplying its state-of-the-art optical vision systems for the PUMA infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), produced and distributed by system houses KNDS and Rheinmetall through the jointly founded PSM GmbH.
The multi-million pound order includes the vision systems for the turrets of the IFVs, as well as the equipment for twelve turret trainers for training vehicle crews. With this delivery, HENSOLDT is set to improve the PUMA on the K-Stand S1.
The order consists of the delivery of the PERI-RTWL turret-independent stabilized main optics for the commander, and the WAO turret-bound stabilized fire control optronics for the gunner.
Three high-performance sensors are integrated in each of the two sighting systems:
- A third-generation ATTICA thermal imaging device
- An eye-safe laser rangefinder with a long range
- WAO: A highly sensitive day vision camera
- PERI: A scanning camera, which films the high-performance glass-optical channel
The PERI-RTWL
The PERI-RTWL is the commander’s 360-degree vision system. Functionally, it largely corresponds to the WAO and, like the WAO, has a separate monitor for displaying the sensor views.
The vision system has a fibre-optic channel in an unmanned turret, combining the advantages of direct vision with those of optronic vision in one system. The PERI also has a swiveling eyepiece. This means that the glass-optical direct vision can also be used by the gunner.
The WAO
The WAO was developed for the gunner as a purely optronic vision system. The ATTICA thermal imaging camera provides the soldier with detailed and clear observation around the clock and in poor weather conditions.
The laser rangefinder supplies range data directly to the fire control system and the command information system. The WAO therefore enables the gunner to detect and engage targets at great distances with the utmost precision.
Jan Erbe, Head of the Ground-based Systems business unit at HENSOLDT, commented; “In the variant for S1, new color camera views and displays have been installed for the PERI and WAO, significantly improving reconnaissance on the battlefield for the commander and gunner. With the improved optics, the PUMA has a significantly increased combat value.”
