Jenoptik l Defense & Civil Systems: Protection and Efficiency for Defense Personnel and Armoured
For decades Jenoptik has been setting milestones with its technologies in markets such as turret and weapon stabilization, electrical drives and laser technology. Tradition, know-how and innovative
Date: Issue 26 - January 2011
Stabilization Systems
A key element of modern combat vehicles is the ability to react quickly to threats from hostile surroundings. Fastest target sighting, acquisition, tracing and proper aiming of the main armament are necessary to obtain a first-round hit. To achieve this, the sights, targeting devices and weapon systems must be decoupled from the vehicle?s movements ? they must be stabilized.
Jenoptik is among the leading suppliers of such essential systems for MBT and IFV Programs in Germany. It is the supplier for the MBT Leopard 2 weapon stabilization system not only in Germany but also for many other countries worldwide. Furthermore Jenoptik is the supplier of the Gun Turret Drive System GTdrive® for the infantry fighting vehicle Puma of the German Army. This vehicle is presently commencing it series production phase.
Based on the most modern control technology this GTdrive® forms the basis for a highly precise digital weapon stabilization, enabling target strikes first time.
The range of Jenoptik?s stabilization and drive systems comprises of small-sized systems for weapon stations, mid-sized systems for turrets having 30mm weapons and heavy-ranged systems for 120mm weapons and larger.
The GTdrive® product family of electrical systems for aiming, stabilising and slaving of weapons covers various mechanical technologies from spindle gear to spur gear and a range of power and stabilization electronics to meet the different mechanical and electrical interfaces of customers? needs. The high reliability, associated with optimized life-cycle costs of these systems, gives them the leading edge customers appreciate.
Technical Data
The Gun Turret Drive System GTdrive® consists of an Elevation Drive, an Azimuth Drive and a Stabilization and Power Electronics. The Elevation Drive aligns the weapon in vertical direction and the Azimuth Drive aligns the turret in horizontal direction according to the signal of the Stabilization and Power Electronics.
Jenoptik provides a wide range of stabilization and power electronics for the use from 28 VDC up to High Voltage of 610 VDC. The maximum speed of the system goes up to 60°/sec in azimuth and elevation, the minimum speed is less than 0,2mrad/sec.
Sensor Systems for Reconnaissance, Target Localization and Training
The Sensor Systems business unit of JENOPTIK I Defense & Civil Systems develops and manufactures high-end optronic systems and components for application in reconnaissance and observation, fire control and laser-based live combat simulation & training.
Reconnaissance Systems ? revealing what should not / cannot be seen
Most exact information about an enemy?s position during day and night is not only vital for self-protection on the battlefield, but also for most efficient deployment of forces to successfully fight the enemy. The optronic observation equipment from Jenoptik enables optimum reconnaissance and target localization.
The night vision capability of our systems achieved by thermal imagers that ? in contrast to image intensifiers ? deliver significant image information also in absolute darkness. State-of-the-art high resolution infrared detectors are the basis for the excellent detection abilities of Jenoptik?s observation equipment and thermal imagers.
The NYXUS observation platform combines laser rangefinder, GPS, digital magnetic compass, goniometer and gyroscope to a powerful observation and target localization system for modern military forces. The platform is ideally suited for and typically used by artillery, infantry, forward air controllers, forward observers in on-foot missions and special forces. NYXUS is currently well-established in service with the German Armed Forces (?Bundeswehr?).
For missions requiring high mobility, for example military operations in urban terrain, Jenoptik also offers uncooled thermal imaging solutions. In contrast to cooled systems, these uncooled imagers are very compact, lightweight, operate noiseless and provide a long autonomous operation time with attractive life-cycle costs. The VarioVIEW® thermal imagers feature high-resolution, infra-red detectors and differing optics, permitting long-range detection and recognition either for long distance or for wide field surveillance and observation. The binocular thermal imagers are ideally suited for border guards or search and rescue services, for example.
Rangefinder for Reconnaissance and Fire Control Systems ? small, lightweight and powerful
Jenoptik?s expertise in development and production of laser rangefinders builds on more than 30 years of experience. Today we provide a range of most compact - and at the same time powerful - rangefinder solutions for a broad scope of applications. The rangefinders are configured as modules for system integration, mainly into mobile or stationary fire control systems or multi-sensor-platforms. They operate perfectly eye-safe (according to laser class 1 or 1M respectively) at an invisible wavelength of approx. 1.5 µm.
The ELEM series of solid state Er:glass laser rangefinders measure distances to multiple targets of typically more than 10 kilometers for NATO standard targets. Their measuring accuracy in the meter range and measuring rates up to 20 Hz recommend the powerful rangefinder module for integration into fire control systems, target acquisition and tracking systems or optronic observation platforms.
In contrast to the powerful ELEM models, the DLEM diode laser rangefinder modules are designed for integration into handheld or highly mobile optronic instruments. The DLEM rangefinders are extremely lightweight and compact, yet they are able to measure distances of typically up to 4 kilometers with an accuracy better than one meter and a repetition rate of 2 Hz. For example, weighing only approx. 40 grams (the complete sensor!) whilst at the same time covering a measuring range of typically 600 meters, the DLEM 0.6k sensor is one the smallest rangefinders within its class worldwide. It is predestined for integration into sighting and target ranging equipment mounted on small arms.
Simulation & Training Systems ? laser-based and most realistic live training & combat preparation
The AGDUS combat simulation and laser training system is used for realistic operational training by the German Army. Basically, the system consists of laser transmitters, optically simulating the effect of small arms, light or heavy guns, and laser receivers worn by the soldier, or mounted on vehicles or buildings, which recognize detection ?hits? from the laser transmitters. These so-called ?player? units are wirelessly connected with a central control unit, which evaluates ?hits? according to complex model algorithms to determine the level of the wound inflicted. The control center collects data about player position, health status and more. The complete system allows for real-time simulation of the most realistic combat situations and procedures, including military operations in urban terrain. AGDUS is comparable to the MILES multiple integrated laser engagement system used by the US army but offers some additional advantages.
Jenoptik?s major contribution to the AGDUS system are the laser transmitters optically simulating the effects of projectiles or explosives. The laser transmitters operate absolutely eye-safe and - in contrast to the MILES system - require no eye protection glasses that might impede the soldier?s actions. Different kinds of transmitters are available for a broad range of standard NATO arms, including firearms, hand grenades, grenade launchers and MBT cannons. Most challenging is the accurate effect simulation for a specific gun type. In order to reproduce the sphere of effect for a gun at short and long range, special optics are required for laser pulse shaping. For long range arms, for example sniper rifles, the weapon?s ballistics must also be considered. Hereby a laser rangefinder, inherent to the transmitters, measures the target distance and matches the direction of the straight laser path to the required deflection of the gun.
Conclusion
Jenoptik?s success is anchored in the use of the latest but proven and reliable technology and customized mission equipment. That?s why customers world-wide rely on products made in Germany ? made by JENOPTIK I Defense & Civil Systems.