Overview
The RSTA (Reconnaissance Surveillance Targeting Acquisition) vehicle systems are playing an increasingly important role providing armed forces with adapted Reconnaissance & Surveillance solutions (based on sensors such as optronics, radars, acoustics,..) while offering high levels of mobility and survivability. customised with the C2 in operation in the country. Recently two contracts were awarded to Thales to design and implement such solutions tying together optronics sensor head and integrated C2:
-VBL (« Véhicule blindé léger ») SOURCE in France (200 vehicles)
-RECCE PANDUR in Belgium (45 vehicles)
Key features
-Based on the same solution which offers discretion, protection, survivability and rapid set-up thanks to
o An all weather & compact optronic head
o Associated with an innovative exclusive concept of telescopic mast (which can be retracted inside the vehicle).
-Optronic head integrates compact thermal camera (CATHERINE) which provides high day/night performance.
-Each reconnaissance system managed by operator post customisable with the C2 in operation in the country.
-Solution designed to be adaptable on other kind of platforms and to be progressively, integrated in a network made of others sensors, platforms, …
-The architecture may integrate already in-service products (cameras)
-Thales' extensive experience in vehicle systems ranging from equipment/mission packages provider, vehicle system architect & integrator to LSI
(Lead System Integrator) capabilities and its partnering approach together with platform manufacturers, local partners and its customer were key to these two successes.
-Based on these experience & approach, Thales could propose the best innovative, optimised & proven solution which provides the best trade-off between required performances, services and cost.
o Innovative solution thanks to the patented exclusive concept of telescopic mast
o Optimised solution in terms of performance thanks to the Thales RSTA mission approach
o Proven & cost-effective solution thanks to the use of off the shelf products, already in use in the army forces.
References
The major references in this field include:
-LEGAR,a battlefield surveillance radar system fitted on light Mercedes vehicles with a deployable radar (BOR-A) and integrated radios & conserver.
-HORS, for the Greek Army, a tactical recce system equipped with radar or optronics sets fitted on Hummer vehicles and easily interchangeable.
-MORS,for the UAE Army artillery, an artillery forward observation & battlefield surveillance system, with multi-sensor capabilities (radar & optronics) mounted on a mast and f
itted on M 113 vehicles.