Panoramic thermal-imaging driving system for military vehicles introduced by Senso Optics

YOKNEAM, Israel, 11 March 2014. Senso Optics in Yokneam, Israel, is introducing the Senso Drive panoramic night-vision system for military vehicles, armored personnel carriers, and main battle tanks with night driving capability in the harsh conditions of military operations.

The Senso Drive has a thermal imaging camera for night vision, and comes in two versions: one with the thermal camera on the top of the vehicle, and one called the SensoDrive-P with a periscopic thermal driver vision system for under-armor driving capability.

Today, most of the existing electro-optical solutions for night driving are night-vision goggles, which the driver sticks to his helmet with clips, company officials say. This solution limits the driver, as well as the night-vision goggles cannot detect hot bodies like a thermal vision camera can.

Related: DRS to develop enabling technologies for special-ops multispectral night-vision goggles

The Senso Drive enables driving in complete darkness, and could cope with all weather conditions. The SensoDrive provides a clear picture within a few seconds from turn-on. It could be mounted on any vehicle, officials say.

The Senso-Drive- P is a panoramic night-driving system designed to fit small spaces of armored vehicles. The system enables combat driving through hostile environments, and gives the driver a wide angle of view with a realistic perspective of the route and objects.

SensoDrive-P enabling covert entrance into a danger zone, even in total darkness and enables protected passage through fog, smoke and dust.

Related: Army considers upgrading night-vision sensors with mid- and long-wave IR imaging components

SensoDrive-P comprises a military grade thermal (IR) camera fit into a small periscope with a wide field of view that helps the driver maintain situational awareness without being exposed to threats.

SensoDrive-P complies with Mil-Std-810, is nitrogen-filled and sealed, and maintains image clarity under harsh operational conditions. It has real-time image-processing algorithms that prevent glare by fire or heat radiant sources.

SensoDrive-P enables the driver to navigate between burning objects at night, and has a micro bolometer 25-micron, 384-by-288-pixel resolution uncooled sensor, with 57-by-43-degree field of view and folded 7-inch TFT liquid crystal display with 800-by-480-pixel resolution. The system weighs five pounds.

For more information contact Senso Optics online at www.senso-optics.com.