Swiss company Vectronix and Safran-owned SAGEM have combined their knowledge to design MOSKITO TI, a new multifunctional, handheld device that can be used by military forces in the harshest combat environments. As told to MILITARY TECHNOLOGY in Paris, the device features a high level of robustness which is thanks to its casing made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). This provides the device with the required stiffness and low weight. The product launch of the device at EUROSATORY 2014 will considerably raise the level of expectation of the military customer when selecting a solution for portable observation, Vectronics representatives said in Paris. The performance-to-weight ratio of MOSKITO TI is said to be “outstanding”. The lightweight design incorporates eight essential functions in a “new all-in-one system”, Patrick Drach, Vectronics’ Director Marketing & Sales, explained. They include a wide field-of-view thermal imager; LLCMOS (Low Light Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) imager for day/night identification; direct view optics for maximum DRI performance; digital magnetic compass; inclinometer; global navigation satellite system (GNSS); low-divergence fibre laser rangefinder; and an optional eye-safe laser pointer. These functions are matched to each other and optimised for close- and medium-range day/night viewing, measuring, and geolocation up to 10,000m. The result is an ergonomic and robust device weighing less than 1.5kg. With MOSKITO TI, Special Operations Forces get a solution with digital and video processing capabilities (for observation and reconnaissance missions) that will be superior to earlier in-service systems. Additionally, the device’s optimised power concept and the intuitive and unobtrusive HMI (human-machine interface) provide the user with a tactical advantage in the field. Standard interfaces (RS-232/USB/Ethernet/USB) and protocols provide connectivity with higher-level C4I systems and command posts.
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| MOSKITO TI offers a significant improvement in both detection range and identification range over the basic MOSKITO system. (Photos: Vectronics) |
Stefan Nitschke