Tel Aviv. Elbit Systems announced June 02 that following competitive technical evaluations it was awarded an approximately $80 million contract by a country in Asia-Pacific to supply SPECTROTM XR multi-spectral electro-optic (“EO”) systems for maritime forces. The contract will be performed over a period of four years.
Under the contract, Elbit Systems will supply SPECTRO XR EO systems that will be integrated on-board a variety of maritime platforms. SPECTRO XR is a multi-spectral long-range EO system that provides naval, air and land forces with enhanced intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (“ISTAR”) capabilities, in both day and night and under low visibility conditions, such as fog, humidity, smoke, haze and dust. Using Artificial Intelligence, SPECTRO XR applies multi-target video tracking, Moving Target Indication and Video Motion Detection to continuously scan for targets, extract operational insights and reduce human error.
Elbit Systems SPECTROTM XR (Extra Range), is the latest and most advanced electro-optic payload developed by Elbit Systems for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions.
SPECTRO XR is an ultra-long range, day/night, multi-spectral electro-optical ISTAR system that provides 20” payload performance in a 15” payload. The heart of the system is a large multi-spectral imaging system that combines multiple cameras into one, allowing to significantly improve performance without increasing size and weight. SPECTRO XR implements up to 9 advanced and fully digital sensors (Medium Wavelength Infrared – MWIR, Visible and Near Infrared – VNIR and Shortwave Infrared – SWIR) and lasers with a very high level of stabilization, providing users with high performance in adverse weather conditions. The modular design enables users to select the configuration best suited their needs, both in performance and cost.
The system can be installed on a variety of platforms including: rotary and fixed wing airborne platforms, aerostats, naval vessels and land applications. A wide variety of command and control interfaces enable simple integration of the SPECTRO XR with various systems on-board the platform, such as mission computers, radar, data-links and helmet-mounted tracking systems. Inherent in the SPECTRO XR system are additional features such as GPS, DVR and moving map that can provide a cost effective avionics upgrade with minimal space, weight and integration efforts.
SPECTRO XR implements Image fusion (SWIR, VNIR and MWIR), auto image enhancement, augmented reality, multi layered pictures and geo-location as a working method to reduce operator workload. This unique combination of characteristics, along with advanced mission capabilities, make it ideal for missions such as surveillance, targeting and fire control as well as search and rescue.
Oren Sabag, Co-General Manager, Elbit Systems ISTAR and EW, commented: “We see a growing demand for the SPECTRO XR system as Naval and Air Forces increasingly seek advanced ISTAR solutions with the unique capacity to maintain superior terrain dominance even in challenging visibility conditions.”
-The writer is an International Roving Correspondent of the publication.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
