News

2024-07-03

ARGOS Takes ISTAR Missions to Next Level

In the ever-evolving world of defence, conquering the skies with superior intelligence is key. For over 35 years, Hensoldt has dominated the field with its ARGOS series, a testament to cutting-edge electro-optical solutions. This battle-proven technology offers unmatched capabilities for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions, empowering forces to “detect and protect” against complex threats.

Winged Surveillance

Hensoldt is the driving force behind the ARGOS series, a lineup of airborne electro-optical sensors and systems tailored for integration into aircraft, unmanned air vehicles (UAVs), and helicopters.

These sophisticated solutions facilitate effective surveillance, identification, intelligence gathering, and targeting from the vantage point of an airborne platform. With various class sizes catering to different levels of surveillance across different platforms, the ARGOS series emerges as a versatile and adaptable choice for modern missions.

At the forefront of this series stands the ARGOS-II, a 15-inch class electro-optical system engineered for medium- to long-range missions. Trusted in diverse operational environments worldwide, its field-proven capabilities underscore its reliability and effectiveness.

Building upon this success, Hensoldt has recently unveiled the ARGOS-8, an eight-inch electro-optical system specifically designed for smaller tactical UAV systems, further expanding the series’ utility and impact.

Eyes of the Eagle

A stalwart in the industry, the ARGOS-II electro-optical system has flown missions in over 22 countries across more than 25 platforms. Its robust 15-inch design delivers unparalleled situational awareness for medium- to long-range missions. Fixed-wing or helicopter, ARGOS-II provides persistent surveillance, high-resolution imaging, and precise target tracking – the ultimate tool for critical long-range missions.

The ARGOS-II HD airborne electro-optical system is designed for installation on helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and 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, including picture-in-picture display, edge enhancement, haze penetration, pseudo colours, and day/thermal image fusion, optimise image performance across diverse operational conditions.

The ARGOS-II HDT provides targeting capability with a precision laser designator or rangefinder, featuring a dual-wavelength system for selectable eye-safe ranging. Laser pointers and illuminators enhance operational effectiveness. With a four-axis stabilised gimbal design and high-performance sensors, the ARGOS-II HD and ARGOS-II HDT are tailored for advanced operational requirements.

Agile ARGOS-8

Balancing size, weight and capability, the ARGOS-8 offers vibrant imaging for mid-range surveillance and targeting missions. Designed for smaller tactical UAV systems, this eight-inch system is perfect for border patrol, search and rescue, and environmental monitoring. It delivers a compact and lightweight solution for a variety of platforms.

With its optimal SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) ratio, the ARGOS-8 emerges as the top choice for agile and adaptable missions. Weighing just six kg, it delivers clear imaging, making it the preferred option for missions requiring versatility and agility.

The mechanically stabilised Electro-Optical System (EOS) integrates three sensors, enabling day and night observation, target range finding, and designation via a semi-active laser designator.

Standard features include video auto-tracking, scene tracking, and accurate geo-location information from the integral Inertial Navigation System (INS).

The STANAG compliant metadata-inclusive video facilitates seamless integration with mapping and command control software, or with the optional supplied mapping and mission software suite. Digital video stabilisation is also available in ISR mode.

UAV Target Designation

The requirement to accurately designate an object from a small UAV platform can be fulfilled with ARGOS-8, which is designed as an effective EOS for smaller tactical UAV systems, enhancing and expanding the capabilities of these platforms. Supported by fire planning and correction software, the system is ideal for an artillery-forward observer application.

Hensoldt serves authorities worldwide, meeting their surveillance needs with reliable systems. Its electro-optical solutions are trusted for military and police missions alike. ARGOS, developed with South African intellectual property, is export control-free.

The company’s teams offer technical support, training, maintenance, and repairs, ensuring optimal system performance. Their Airborne Service Centre in Germany provides timely assistance to European clients, maximising operational efficiency.

It 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, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) and datalinks.

With more than 800 employees across four sites in South Africa, it is the Group’s largest industrial base outside of Europe.

Comments () Views (3177 ) Print

Send To Friend