BAA II: Mission improved in Afghanistan

June 5, 2012 defpro.com

Carl Zeiss Optronics is presenting the latest version of its observation and reconnaissance system (BAA II) at EUROSATORY 2012

The work of the observation and reconnaissance units is getting easier: thanks to the new sensor head made by Carl Zeiss Optronics, the troops no longer have to watch the monitor continuously, which often led to fatigue in the past. The new automated motion detection system supports users during longer observation stops and informs them when a vehicle or a potential threat is approaching. Furthermore, the image fusion facilitates the merging of data from the thermal imager and the day vision camera. These optimized images make details that were initially undetectable visible to the human eye. The 15” screen and an easy-to-handle operating unit considerably simplifies use of the system.

The head of the Land Business Unit, Till von Westerman, explained with great pride, “Based on the experience gained during deployment and the intensive dialog with the users, BAA II underwent substantial further optimization and offers outstanding high-performance technologies for observation and reconnaissance assignments.”

BAA II is a complex system equipped with state-of-the-art high-performance sensors, including a third-generation thermal imager, a high-resolution CCD camera, a laser rangefinder, and, as the latest feature, a laser target illuminator. A large elevation angle in mountainous terrain is a crucial advantage for observing persons and vehicles moving around in valleys. Targets can be marked, illuminated and assigned via the high-precision laser target designator.

Via a quick-release device, users can transform the system very quickly from a mast to a tripod system. The BAA II can then be operated from the vehicle via remote control. Because all of the sensors are integrated in a single housing, BAA II can be deployed remotely in bad weather without having to readjust them!

Thanks to the connection to vehicle navigation systems and the precise results delivered by the sensors, the BAA II target localization and rangefinding can be integrated directly in the firing system of the relevant vehicle or in other systems.

The German armed forces have already successfully integrated BAA II in their FENNEK, WIESEL and BV 206 vehicles. The modular design of the BAA II enables the system to be easily integrated in an existing intelligence and command system and expanded at any time.