Pretoria, South Africa, 11 July 2023 – HENSOLDT, a leading provider of high-performance sensors, including electro-optical systems, proudly joined the Belgian Federal Police Air Support Unit as it celebrated its 30th anniversary. Additionally, we took great pride in acknowledging the two-decade-long utilisation of HENSOLDT's exceptional products on the Unit's helicopters. At the event, spectators were treated to spectacular displays showcasing the diverse capabilities of the Belgian Federal Police Air Support Unit’s helicopters, including the utilisation of HENSOLDT's cutting-edge Optronics products.
Since 2005, HENSOLDT’s high-performance electro-optical systems have been integrated into the Belgian Federal Police's fleet of MD902 and MD520 helicopters for airborne observation, bolstering their ability to carry out various police missions, such as security operations, crime prevention, search and rescue, firefighting and VIP escort and protection. Four generations of HENSOLDT's airborne observation systems have been in use by the Belgian Federal Police, with continuous product support from HENSOLDT over this time. The most recent upgrade, the ARGOS-II, further enhances the Unit’s operational effectiveness.
The ARGOS-II airborne electro-optical system is designed for installation on helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), ideal for military, border and maritime patrols, as well as law enforcement missions. This high-performance, stabilised system combines multiple sensors and electronics into a single interchangeable unit. Its features include a high-definition (HD) MWIR thermal imaging camera with continuous optical zoom, a unique HD, multispectral zoom TV-camera and either an HD multispectral spotter camera, or a short-wave infrared (SWIR) spotter camera for enhanced capabilities in challenging conditions with low visibility. Advanced image processing functions, such as picture-in-picture display, edge enhancement, haze penetration, pseudo colours and day/thermal image-fusion, ensure optimised image-performance across diverse operational conditions.
Chris Haines, Head of Sales for Optronics in South Africa, highlights one of the system's notable features, stating, "Of particular interest is the system's continuous optical zoom capabilities that provides optimal information from the scene of interest, which enhances situational awareness and operational efficiency without losing a single video frame. That, while the system's on-board processing capabilities provide unprecedented real-time image enhancements."
HENSOLDT's electro-optical systems have gained recognition worldwide for their suitability in police missions, with various law enforcement agencies incorporating them into their operations. In addition to the Belgian Federal Police, the Thuringia State Police and the German Federal Police have also chosen HENSOLDT's ARGOS-II for their helicopter fleets. HENSOLDT's Airborne Service Centres ensure operational availability and the long-term and sustainable maintenance of these systems for its customers.
“We congratulate the Belgian Federal Police Air Support Unit on their remarkable 30th anniversary – their unwavering dedication and remarkable achievements serve as an inspiration. We express our gratitude for their loyalty and trust in HENSOLDT's products, which have played a vital role in their crucial missions,” says Deon Olivier, Chief Executive for HENSOLDT South Africa Optronics.
About HENSOLDT South Africa
HENSOLDT South Africa is a pioneer of technology and innovation in defence and security electronics. The company offers a comprehensive range of products, systems and services across defence and civil markets, from electronic warfare and optronics, spectrum monitoring and security solutions, to radar, IFF and datalinks. With more than 700 South African employees across five sites in South Africa, it is the HENSOLDT Group’s largest industrial base outside of Europe and one of the largest defence and security electronics companies in South Africa.
www.hensoldt.co.za
About HENSOLDT
HENSOLDT is a leading company in the European defence industry with global reach. Based in Taufkirchen near Munich, the company develops complete sensor solutions for defence and security applications. As a technology leader, HENSOLDT drives the development of defence electronics and optronics and is continuously expanding its portfolio based on innovative approaches to data management, robotics and cyber security. With more than 6,500 employees, HENSOLDT achieved a turnover of 1.7 billion euros in 2022. HENSOLDT is listed in the MDAX of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
www.hensoldt.net
