Chess Dynamics has been chosen by the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) to provide a Category 1 Target Location Error (TLE) vehicle-mounted surveillance system for its Observation Targeting and Surveillance Systems (OTAS) project.
The project entails a mast-mounted observation and surveillance system that is installed on the Norwegian CV90 reconnaissance vehicle, delivering highly precise battlefield information to the end user, including timely and accurate targeting data, persistent surveillance, wide area situational awareness, and radar detection and tracking.
In order to fulfil these requirements, Chess has developed the Hawkeye Modular Mission Pod (MMP), which comprises a thermal imaging camera, a high-powered daylight camera, a laser range finder (LRF) with a range exceeding 30km, and a laser pointer.
Through the utilization of Chess’ advanced geo data algorithms, the system attains a Category 1 TLE rating, the highest level of accuracy, enabling it to observe, target, and comprehend the battlespace at ranges of up to 20km.
The system is integrated into a wide area Battlefield Information System (BIS), or in the absence of a BIS, into a local Combat Management System (CMS) developed by Chess. When combined with Chess’ state-of-the-art AI target classification and tracking tools, the system provides the end user with unparalleled situational awareness.
Rupert Grinling, Land Sales Manager at Chess, stated: “As battlefields become more complex and adversaries take advantage of ever more advanced technologies, persistent surveillance is becoming increasingly important. Our Hawkeye MMP delivers the highest fidelity surveillance and targeting accuracy levels with the added flexibility of operating from a vehicle.”
The MMP, which is mounted on combat vehicles that operate in extreme climates and traverse challenging terrains, has undergone electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) verification and environmental testing.
These tests have confirmed its ability to withstand temperatures ranging from -30 to +40 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, the system can be installed on a Chess Modular Integrated Pod System (MIPS), allowing it to be used with various vehicles equipped with a flatbed. This enables both mounted operation and, through a fast dismount capability, dismounted remote operation.
The Hawkeye MMP is part of a modular product family that can function independently or as an integrated system. Other modular components in this family include a ‘target designation pod’ and a jammer pod, which provide counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capability.