Airborne EO System for Surveillance in Harsh Conditions

HENSOLDT is delivering two ARGOS II observation systems to the helicopter squadron of the Thuringia State Police, the company announced on 12 January.

“We are offering a turnkey solution here and are assuming responsibility for the entire project until the return delivery of the helicopters with integrated and approved ARGOS II systems in November 2021,” explained Martin Kress, Head of Airborne Sensors & Missile Warning Systems at HENSOLDT Optronics.

ARGOS II is an airborne electro-optical system designed for helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft and UAVs for surveillance missions. The stabilised system consists of a number of sensors and electronics in a single interchangeable unit, including a high-definition medium-wave infrared (MWIR) thermal imaging camera with continuous zoom and a unique HD multispectral TV zoom camera. A short-wave infrared (SWIR) spotter camera provides additional multispectral capabilities, especially under harsh conditions with low visibility. The near-infrared (NIR) laser pointer improves the system’s operational efficiency. The ARGOS II system can also be equipped with a dual-wavelength, high-power, low-divergence laser designator/distance detector (LDR), which has selectable target designation and eye-safe range finding modes and also includes a training mode.

HENSOLDT has contracted Intercopter for the integration. Together with its subsidiary Advanced Aerospace Developments, Intercopter is conducting development of the supplementary type certificate (STC), production of the integration kit, helicopter integration, flight tests and certification of the ARGOS II on the customer’s two EC145 (BK117-C2) helicopters.

The German Federal Police service has also recently begun using the ARGOS II on its helicopters. HENSOLDT’s Airborne Service Center in Oberkochen takes care of the long-term and sustainable maintenance of the ARGOS for its customers.