German company Hensoldt proposes Argos 8 intelligence and reconnaissance system in Malaysia.

At the DSA 2024 exhibition in Malaysia, the German company Hensoldt showcased the Argos 8 airborne electro-optical system, the latest iteration of the Argos family, which has been a key part of its product lineup for over 35 years. Used by more than 22 countries on over 25 platforms, these systems support surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence missions, including operations conducted by the Belgian and German Federal Polices.
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Building on the success of the Argos-II, Hensoldt recently introduced the Argos-8, an 8-inch class airborne electro-optical system suited for smaller systems, such as group-2 and group-3 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) (Picture source: Hensoldt)

Hensoldt, recognized for its radar, optoelectronics, and avionics solutions, offers advanced radar systems for surveillance, air traffic control, and air defense, utilized on platforms such as the Eurofighter, German Navy’s F125 frigates, and the US Navy’s littoral combat ships (LCS). Additionally, the company manufactures optical and optronic devices such as daylight cameras, thermal imagers, and laser rangefinders for military and civil security operations across air, land, sea, and space missions.

Moreover, Hensoldt has expanded its activities to include electronic warfare, developing systems such as the Kalaetron for jamming and intelligence gathering. The company also provides avionics solutions such as the Sferion Pilot Assistance system and air traffic control radars for military applications. To complement its product range, Hensoldt also provides services like simulation, training, and maintenance, enhancing both operational effectiveness and product longevity. For instance, since 2005, systems like the Argos-II have been key components in the Belgian Federal Police Air Support Unit's helicopters and are employed by various German law enforcement agencies, including the Thuringia State Police and the German Federal Police.

The Argos-II stands as a widely utilized aerial 15-inch-class electro-optical surveillance system with a notable deployment in over 22 countries and on more than 25 platforms, establishing itself as a reliable option. Compatible with fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, it proves useful in critical long-range missions where heightened awareness is essential. Tailored for medium- to long-range missions and available in two variants, the Argos-II offers persistent surveillance, high-resolution imaging, and advanced stabilization, ensuring effective situational awareness.

The Argos-II HD turret, weighing less than 52 kg when fully equipped, is suitable for installation on helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), serving military, border, maritime patrols, and law enforcement missions. This system, equipped with a laser rangefinder with a range of up to 20 km, integrates multiple sensors and electronics into a single interchangeable unit. It features an HD MWIR thermal imaging camera offering a resolution of 1280 × 1024 pixels, a unique HD multispectral zoom TV camera with a resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels, and optional HD multispectral spotter or SWIR spotter cameras, enhancing capabilities in challenging conditions with low visibility. Advanced image processing functions ensure optimized performance across diverse operational environments. Additionally, the system offers various control and video interfaces, enhanced image processing capabilities, and an optional handgrip controller for ease of operation.

Systems like the Argos-II have been key components in the Belgian Federal Police Air Support Unit's helicopters and are employed by various German law enforcement agencies, including the Thuringia State Police and the German Federal Police. (Picture source: Hensoldt)

For targeting capabilities, the Argos-II HDT variant offers a precision laser designator or rangefinder, featuring a dual-wavelength system with selectable eye-safe ranging modes. Its payload specifications include a MWIR thermal imaging camera with a resolution of 1280 × 1024 pixels, a continuous zoom, and a field of view from 1.2° to 19.5°. Additionally, it features an HDTV-Zoom Camera with Color, NIR & Low Light functions, offering a resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels and a field of view ranging from 1° to 20°. The system's specifications include a stabilized turret weighing less than 53.5 kg when fully equipped, which offers 2-axis inner, and 2-axis outer active control for stabilization and steering, with an elevation coverage from +20° to -120°. Additional features encompass enhanced image processing capabilities, onboard IMU and GPS for geo-functions, and continuous autofocus, all contributing to its functionality in the field of airborne surveillance and targeting.

Building on the success of the Argos-II, Hensoldt recently introduced the Argos-8, an 8-inch class airborne electro-optical system suited for smaller tactical UAV systems, and intended for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) and ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance) applications. It is designed for use on typical group-2 and group-3 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), featuring a mechanically stabilized Electro-Optical System (EOS) with three sensors for day and night operations. Target range-finding and designation are supported by a semi-active laser designator, enhancing accuracy across various operational scenarios. The system also includes a video auto-tracker with correlation and scene tracking, powered by an integral Inertial Navigation System (INS) providing precise geo-location data for targets with a resolution of up to 2 meters and accuracy of ±5 meters.

In terms of real-time capabilities, the Argos-8 offers a SWaP-optimized (Size, Weight, and Power) targeting solution suitable for dynamic combat environments. It provides enhanced imaging options with day/night capabilities, a laser range finder detecting targets up to 12.5 km away under extended target conditions, and a target laser designation system with a reach of up to 8 km for NATO targets. Additionally, it supports moving target engagement with an advanced auto-tracker and features video with STANAG-compliant metadata and picture-in-picture display capabilities for comprehensive situational awareness.

Designed for easy integration into existing military frameworks, the Argos-8 comes equipped with comprehensive mission planning, operational, and debrief software. It supports enhanced operational planning and analysis through its suite of tools, including mission software enabling video overlay on detailed maps, target sizing, and collaborative tools such as POI sharing and text/audio chat. Weighing less than 6.2 kg and with dimensions optimized for UAV compatibility (285 mm height and 220 mm diameter), the Argos-8 represents a modern solution in warfare and surveillance technology, providing comprehensive capabilities in a compact, efficient package.

Used by more than 22 countries on over 25 platforms, the Argos systems support surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence missions for more than 35 years. (Picture source: Hensoldt)