Optronics

Our stabilised airborne electro-optical systems incorporate multi-spectral sensors and lasers for effective surveillance, identification, intelligence gathering and targeting under all operational conditions.  The systems are developed for integration onto fixed and rotary wing aircraft platforms, including unmanned aerial vehicles. Applications include multi-mission surveillance aircraft, paramilitary and combat helicopters as well as tactical and MALE UAV platforms.  

Offering best-in-class stabilisation, these airborne EO systems provide multi-spectral observation in daylight, lowlight, near-infrared, thermal and SWIR wavelengths.  Laser options include eyesafe laser rangefinder, high-power laser designator, laser pointer and laser illuminator. These high-performance systems are in operational service and combat proven in various countries throughout the world.

We develop and manufacture electro-optical solutions for land applications for integration on vehicles and static installations. Solutions can be offered for long range observation during all weather conditions integrated with additional sensors such as radars and other early warning systems.  The EO systems incorporate a HD Medium Wave Infra Red (MWIR) thermal imager, Day camera, and Short Wave Infra Red (SWIR) and Laser Range Finder to enable surveillance, target identification and target positioning capabilities.

Sensor suites for border surveillance, critical infra-structure protection and special mobile surveillance operations are available.  Integrated solutions combining long range optical performance with our Target Laser Designator portfolio offers unique solutions for both target surveillance as well as targeting capabilities.

Commonality with our airborne systems ensure long term support supporting reduced lifecycle cost due to common maintenance and repair facilities.

We develop and manufacture special electro-optical solutions for  integration on maritime vessels. Solutions can be offered for long range observation during all weather conditions integrated with additional sensors such as radars and other early warning systems.

The sensor suites are fully integrated with FMCW Optronics Radar Tracking Systems (FORT) which form part of a maritime patrol vessel’s defence suite. High-definition Medium Wave Infra-Red (MWIR), day camera and Short Wave Infra Red (SWIR) combined with a laser range finder offers surveillance, target identification and positioning capabilities.

Integrated solutions combining long range optical performance with our target laser designator portfolio offers unique solutions for both target surveillance as well as targeting capabilities. Commonality with our airborne systems ensure long-term support supporting reduced lifecycle cost due to common maintenance and repair facilities.

Hensoldt South Africa has a long history in the development and manufacturing of submarine periscopes and sub-systems. These activities commenced in 1990 with the upgrade of the SA Navy’s Daphne class submarine periscopes and the first export contract for the upgrade of U209 class submarines in 1997. We have since joined forces with Hensoldt Germany to develop and manufacture periscope systems and sub-systems for the international market, including the SERO 250 Periscope System. More than 60 periscope systems have been manufactured for delivery to our parent company in Germany, for supply to conventional submarines all over the world.

Hensoldt’s local submarine periscope capability enables us to support and maintain the South African Navy’s submarine optronics systems, thus strengthening the capacity of the South African Navy to protect the country's coastline against intruders and providing it with the assurance that a local company can deliver on one of the most vital parts of a modern submarine.

We develop and manufacture eyesafe laser rangefinders and laser designators for integration in reconnaissance and target acquisition systems for air, land and maritime applications. The laser rangefinder portfolio includes LRFs with a range finding capability of up to 20km.  These include compact, open frame modules to sealed products for harsh environmental conditions. Some LRF products are equipped with either boresight LED’s or cameras to facilitate integration.

The laser designator portfolio is matched to the demanding needs of compact to high altitude and long range observation systems. The designators also include an eyesafe rangefinding function. These high-performance modules are operational and combat proven with more than 5000 units sold worldwide.

We offer optimal solutions for in-house custom designed and manufactured optics for both the military and civilian environment. They are used in commercial and defence optronic sub-systems with wide ranging applications in the ground, sea and air domains.

We also offer helmet mounted optical tracking sub-systems that are deployed in advanced fighter aircraft worldwide.